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Currently

Currently #13

Hi everyone!! Happy Wednesday. The snow is falling, I have a warm cup of tea and a candle going. It’s the perfect mix of warm and cozy!!! 

It’s been a while since I have done a Currently. I have a lot to catch you up on, so let’s get to it!

What I’m up to: A new year always means a fresh start for me. I love creating new routines, setting new goals, and getting things fresh and clean. With the recent snowfall, I have been staying in more too! I have been doing lots of reading and binge watching too!

What I’m wearing: I have been loving all things warm and cozy on days off like hoodies, leggings, and cabin socks. But on days when I work, I am loving long sleeve dresses. I love the dress to look professional but when it keeps me warm is even better!  

What I’m reading: One of my goals for the new year is to read every day and even though we are only a month in, I have been doing very well. Here are some of the books I have read so far. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Fashion by Elizabeth Holmes. I found her Instagram account several months back and immediately fell in love! She covers royal fashion at home. She breaks down all the Royal Family members outfits down for their different appearances. Holms recently came out with a book that follows the fashion of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. I really loved seeing the incredible photos and beautiful fashion. I also loved learning and reading about the history and background of the fashion and the events. It was especially fun to read it while I was watching The Crown. If you are a fan of The Royals or fashion, or both, this is the book for you! I would give it an A. 

Such a good book!

Another book I read this past month was Drawing Home by Jamie Brenner. It’s your typical, light and easy summer read, but why not read it in the winter when you are needing a burst of sunshine! It tells the story of a young girl, Penny, and her mother, Emma, who live in a small town and how their summer unfolds after they inherit a house from a famous artist who dies. But why did he leave it to them? When his business partner, Bea, comes to town to claim the house, a battle between Emma and Bea begins. I finished this book in a week after reading a little bit after morning. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and a whole lot of smiles!!! Was it my favorite book? No. But was it still a fun and light read in the winter? Yes! I would give it a B. I save all my reads to my instagram account and you can follow along at elspethsdaybyday.

Another fun book for the summer or winter!

What I’m Watching: Besides reading, I have been doing a lot of binge-watching. After a year I finally finished 30 Rock! It was a good show, but I still love The Office or Parks and Rec more. It was definitely a relief to finish it! I have been watching some short series and documentaries. I watched The Social Dilemma, which was an interesting look at social media and how it influences our lives. I also hopped on the bandwagon and watched Bridgerton, it was soooooo good. I loved how it was Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girl. Such a fun concept and easy show to get through. I am currently making my way through The Queen’s Gambit which has me hooked. I also started Virgin River was has kept me busy too. Staying in during the winter means lots of reading and tv watching.

Finally Finished
Another great watch!
My latest binge

What I’m Loving:  I am loving everything warm and cozy! Whenever I am getting work done at home or watching or reading, I always have a blanket and a candle going. I also have been enjoying lots of outdoor walks too! I have been enjoying lots of warm drinks like cooc and tea. I’m also loving the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings for the new year.

How beautiful is this?!

What Inspires Me:  I’m inspired by a fresh and clean slate. Anyone else like to do a deep clean for the start of the year? I did a lot of cleaning earlier this month from organizing to cleaning and getting rid of stuff. It gets me refreshed for the new year. 

What I accomplished:  I felt a sense of accomplishment by wrapping things up for the old year and starting fresh for the new year, there was no better feeling than getting my planner set up for the new year. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Last month I got in the Christmas spirit with cooking, baking, Christmas gifts and movies. Even though I worked a lot, I was so happy I still got to enjoy the holidays when I could and be surrounded with family and friends. 

Goals for the New Month: I have added a few more things to my daily routines to make my days go smoother and I’m looking forward to seeing how they help my day to day life. I’m looking for new hobbies for the new year and one of them is to try new recipes. I’m also looking for other hobbies so if you have any ideas send them my way.

More time outside is also on my goal list!

That’s just a look into my life this past month. Lots of new goals and fresh starts and a clean slate for the new year. What are some things you have been up to this year??

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Let's Get Cooking

Let’s Get Cooking: Southwest Chicken Salad

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is off to a good start. As we embark on a new year, it’s time for some new and fresh content. Every year when I work on my blog, I always like to add new pieces and content. The closer I get to living on my own, the more I like to try out new foods and recipes. Get ready for some fun recipes that I plan on making and adapting. 

One of my favorite types of food or meals to make are ones with things I already have at home, not only is it resourceful since you aren’t wasting food but it’s also a creative outlet with cooking. 

This week’s recipe is Southwest Chicken Salad. This is so easy to make. I started with making some barbecue chicken. I just make regular chicken breasts and put barbecue sauce on top and cook them. Pretty simple, right?!

Southwest Chicken Salad

As far as the salad goes I start off with a simple garden salad. I added lettuce, celery, and onions. I then had little bowls for all the sides, but if you like them all you can just put it in the large salad. In smaller bowls I put black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and taco chips. I also had dressing like Ranch and French available for toppings. 

All the ingredients

For my meal I added salad with black beans, corn, chicken, chips, cheese and dressing. 

This meal was fast and easy to make. I had all the ingredients in my fridge and it was very filling and healthy. I  was even able to have leftovers for other meals. 

This meal will definitely be on rotation for my meal planning. I can’t wait to learn more meals and share them with you too. 

What are some of your favorite go-to meals?!

Categories
Fabulous living

One Year in News

Hello all! Happy Wednesday!

I hope your week and year is off to a great start! Now, that the holidays have calmed down, I wanted to reflect on my first year as a reporter. I did a recap in the summer about what I have learned 6 months in. You can read all about it here. In the past 6 months, I have learned even more. Every day I continue to grow and learn and get stronger in my skills as a reporter. I try to learn something new, I know not every day will be a slam dunk story, but I always try to take something away from it, whether it is a new editing skill, a better way to write something, or different way to be creative with my storytelling.

It’s always fun getting to share stories that are important to me

I have loved to tell people’s stories in my own hometown. From big to small stories, whether it was an event going on, like a toy distribution for Christmas, talking to local businesses about struggles of the past year, covering historic events like the first Covid-19 vaccines arriving in Erie, following the election, and everything in between. I have travelled to other states, neighboring counties or even just down the street to talk to people about their lives.

I also have got more opportunities at work too.  I have been able to fill in and anchor some of our shows. It’s something I have dream about doing for a long time and the fact I am anchoring them and producing them on my own is a huge accomplishment for me. I have covered for different shifts during the holidays, helped out to make sure things go smoothly and worked more on my craft through the year. I also love getting to work on our digital team and learn more about the art of producing and stacking shows, both skills that are helpful for anchoring.

Working the anchor desk on Christmas

When looking back on these past 12 months, I have learned a lot about the job, but some of my best memories are of conversations with co-workers or laughs when I was preparing for a story, from early more shifts, to late nights, working weekends or holidays when no one is there or when it’s all hands on deck. It has been a year of change and excitement. I have truly learned that it’s the people that make any job worthwhile. I am so lucky that I have such great and supportive co-workers and mentors to learn from every day. Especially working long days and hours, it helps to have co-workers that make the days go by fast.

In the middle of a live interview

I have worked long days and shifts, but I covered winter weather, tornado damage, breaking news, things reopening, things shutting down, back to school, new events and opportunities for the community, exciting and happy stories, and ones that break your heart. In the end, I love what I do. I love that I get to find stories and tell them, meet people and get their message out. It’s so special and surreal that I get the chance to give people the news.

Covering the presidential election

It’s also been too fun to have my family and friends watch me and send me pictures of it and supporting me. It’s such a humbling experience that I don’t take for granted.

Getting pictures from friends and family that watch me never gets old.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better first year in news, it truly was a monumental time to get, I can’t wait to learn more and grow and see where I am a year from now.

It’s been an incredible first year, let’s bring on year two!!!

Categories
Fabulous living

2021 Resolutions

Hello all!

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had enjoyable holiday seasons, from Christmas to New Year’s, I hope they were spent with loved ones, making memories, laughs, joy and love.

2020 was quite a year and now as we embark on a new year, I love to take the time and set up some goals or resolutions for myself as we embark on a new year. There are a lot of unknowns with the new year which makes it hard to plan for since there are so many things out of my control, but I know there are still goals that I can accomplish or continue to work on as we begin a new year. I like to keep my goals simple and realistic. 

This upcoming year, I want to continue to focus on my health, both mental and physical. I plan to continue working out five days a week, whether it’s at home or the gyms once they reopen. I also plan to continue to work on my mental health by journaling daily and putting things in perspective.

I found good routines that work for me when it comes to schedule for work and my days off to make sure I have a balance of getting things done while spending time with family and friends and taking care of myself too. 

Now, time for resolutions for 2021!!!

My word for the year is…Intentional. I want to be more intentional with my time, my friends, my family, my relationships, and myself.

My first goal is to be more intentional with my time, my family, and my friends and along with that, I want to be more present. For example, when I’m with my family watching a movie, I want to watch the movie and not be working on my computer or scrolling on my phone, but I want to really enjoy the movie. There were so many times this past year when I would be focused on two things at once and not being 100 percent there and I want to be 100 percent for everything. I started doing this towards the end of 2020, and I want to keep at it. 

My next goal is less screen time. Given the nature of my job, I have to be connected or on my phone or near it. But, I don’t have to scroll through my phone aimlessly, especially social media. I started to enable screen time and set limits for myself on my phone and it’s been a game changer, but I still want to be better. I want to be more present and that means putting the phone down more and focusing on where I am at and not what others are posting on Instagram or twitter. 

My last goal is to be more consistent with my friends. I have some friends who I have bi-weekly facetime chats with but with other close friends it could be months before we catch up. I want to be better about staying connected with friends and checking in on them especially with a year or uncertainity ahead.

I’m looking forward to everything that 2021 has to offer. I know it will be filled with hope, joy, and love. I want to continue to work on the goals and routines that work for me and work on my new goals. Overall, I don’t know what the year holds, but I know if I go into it with a clear mind, positive attitude and I’m willing to be flexible, it will all work out. 

What are some of your New Year’s Resolutions or Goals?!

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Fabulous living

2020 Recap

Hi everyone! I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and holiday weekend. Although, I spent more time at work during the past few days, I was very glad I got to spend time with my family before and after work. The holidays may have looked different this year, but I still love everything that comes with them from the prep, the gift giving, the baking, and the traditions.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for 2021, a lot of good things came from this past year, but I’m ready for a fresh start, new beginnings, and new goals. Check back in next week for my goals for 2021, I’m still working on them but I’m excited for what the new year. 

In years past, I would typically have a long post with lots of things I did, places I went and people I met, and many memories made, well, this year turned out very different than I planned, so my recap looks different. 

In the past year, it feels like it just started and at the same time, never happened, almost like a blur. I never thought my first year working in news would look like this, but it truly was a historical time to be reporting. I’ll have more on my first year in news in the coming weeks as well.

Back to looking back on 2020, the year started out by jumping straight into work. I learned a lot during my first weeks and I made some of my closests friends during my first month at work. 

I also bought my first car in January which was very exciting.

My first car!

In March, before the world halted, I was able to see some of my college friends which was fun and great to catch up. One week later, the world paused, as country by country closed their borders, states shut down, businesses closed their doors, students and adults all began working from home. It was definitely a weird time. Work kept me busy. I covered latest developments and cancellations, worked from a second location most of the time, handled daily news conferences and dealt with constant information while so many things got cancelled. 

Seeing friends one week before everything shutdown

The spring brought extra time with family as everyone worked at home, it was nice that even though I would be busy at work, I still got lots of family time, time that I may not have gotten without the pandemic. I got to work on my first week long series about businesses reopening which was so special to highlight businesses that I know and love. It also brought covering the morning after riots happened in our downtown.

The morning after riot coverage

The summer brought lots of time spent outside walking, running, swimming and eating outside to support local restaurants. After more things opened up, I was back in the gym 5 days a week which I loved for my physical and mental health. The summer reminded me to stop and enjoy the little moments in life.

Beach day and a day trip, lots to time spent outside

I got to see a few friends, masked and socially distanced and some family, again all masked and six feet apart. 

Seeing friends socially distant

The fall brought lots of stories about schools going back, including my own siblings. It also brought lots of the historic Election coverage, from visits to Erie and working on Election night, to seeing ow our next President would be. 

Covering President Trump coming to Erie.

The fall also brought the passing of our sweet pup, Hershey Kiss. 

My sweet Hershey Kiss

At work, I got to anchor my first show and I have filled in on the desk since then, a goal I have been working towards for months and I continue to grow and get better. 

Anchoring my first show

The winter brought getting ready for the holidays, making new traditions and memories, and seeing some of the first vaccines distributed here in Erie. 

All my gifts wrapped for Christmas

Throughout 2020, I worked on every single holiday, worked every shift, tried new roles, and got better at my previous roles. 

2020 brought lots of binge-watching, hello Tiger King, 30 Rock, Emily in Paris, Schitt’s Creek, The Crown, and more! 

It brought more family time, lots of facetimes with friends, making new friends and starting a new relationship. 2020 you weren’t so bad after all….2021, I am ready for you!

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Fabulous living

Peace and Joy this Christmas Season

Hi everyone! 

Can you believe Christmas is this week, heck even hours away?! 

Every year, I feel like Christmas always creeps up on me. I started my ordering before Thanksgiving, but I still feel like I got everything done just in time. This Christmas season certainly was different, but it was still special. I still got to do many Christmas traditions and make memories. From listening to Christmas music, enjoying hot coco, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies. 

My goal was to do all of my shopping by supporting small businesses, in the end I only got about half of my gifts from small businesses, although, I was happy to support what I could, there was certain things on my list that I couldn’t get locally. Although, I wasn’t able to get everything from small businesses, I was glad I could get a lot of my stuff from local spots.

All my gifts wrapped for Christmas

Some of my favorite memories this past month has been the little moments, driving around to see Christmas lights, wrapping presents while watching a Christmas movie, burning a Christmas candle while decorating my spaces for Christmas. I also loved spending extra time with my family and creating memories. I love gift giving too, I love to take time and pick out things I think my friends and family will like or enjoy. Plus, there is no better feeling than seeing someone open the gift you got them. 

Christmas flowers to brighten up the mood

Although, I will be working a lot over the holidays, I still will be able to see my family and celebrate with them, but it will be different. Even with different times, I think it’s so important to cherish family time, since I know there may be a time where I won’t be able to be home for the holidays. 

I will be back next week, to recap 2020, but until then, I hope you enjoy the holiday week, although, this year looks different, I know it will be still be memorable and enjoyable.

I hope you and yours has a very Merry Christmas! 

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Fabulous living Fun Ways to Organize

2020 Resolutions and Goal Recap

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Can you believe that we are almost to new year. I always like to take some time to reflect on the past year and my goals and accomplishments and do a little recap. A full 2020 recap will be coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned. But today, I wanted to break down my goals from 2020 and do a little check in to see how far I have come. To see my goals for this year. You can see them here.

My main goal this year was to learn and love. Since I started a new job a year ago, I wanted to learn as much as I could this first year, from the job itself, to learning from the people I work with, to learning about myself as a reporter, and learning about establishing new routines in my life. Overall, I’m very, very happy with how this year has gone.

Granted, 2020, has been quite a challenging and unpredictable year, but I personally have learned a lot and grown a lot too. I’ve worked hard to establish good routines, both on days I work and on my weekends. I’ve learned to give myself grace, find balance, put myself first and make sure my priorities are in order. I’ve learned how to be flexible and adapt to change. I’ve learned to make time for my family and friends, but also put myself first when it comes to my health and wellness. Having a sense of balance and purpose in my life helps so much when I have busy work days.

Also, I live by my planner, every appointment, story I do, to-do list, or note goes in there and that helps me stay in control and have a sense of order too. I love my simplified planner and I can’t wait to use it again next year, there is a space to write down your bucket list for the year, I jotted some ideas down and stood by them this year. 

Here is what was on my bucket list this year: 

  • See Old Friends (although, this year was far from normal, I was glad I could still see some of my friends from high school, safe and socially distant)
  • Stay Close with College friends (Again, I wish I could have seen more friends but I’m super thankful for maintaining college friendships despite not being able to see each other, plus, thank goodness for facetime!!!)
  • Travel some place new ( I wanted to travel more places, but hello pandemic!!!, my family and I did take a road trip which was fun and we created many family memories!)
  • Learn a lot at work (Yes, based on everything I’ve said above, I learned a lot at work and I’m still learning too!! That’s what I love about my job. I’m always, always learning)
  • Get involved with the community ( Thanks to my job, I am always learning about things going on around the community and I’m so lucky I get to really highlight my hometown with my job every day)
  • Make New Friends (I have made some of the best friends at my job and I learned from some incredible mentors too. It’s a wonderful feeling to be learning every day and love where you are doing it, is a wonderful feeling.)

2020, has been a year, but I’ve learned a lot from myself and I have grown a lot too. Here’s to new beginnings, goals, and bucket lists for 2021!!

Categories
Currently

Currently #12

Hi everyone! Happy December! It’s one of my favorite times of the year! I love the holiday season! December is a busy month to get all things Christmas in, so I decided to get a jump on things and do a Currently earlier in the month so I can fit in as much as I can. Can you believe we have been doing a year full of Currentlys?! This has been such a fun monthly update from what I’m reading and watching and what’s going on. So, let’s get to this months currently. 

What I’m up to: Helllllooooo Christmas time! We have our decorations up, Christmas card ordered, and I have some of my shopping done. Christmas music has been playing during my drives in the car. Plus, we got a big snowfall last week which really got me in the Christmas spirit even more. 

What I’m wearing: My wardrobe has been all about layering up while being professional. I always and wearing more warmer and richer colors, all the reds, greens, blues, purples, etc.   

Bringing in warmer colors in my wardrobe

What I’m reading: I just finished One Day in December, it was so fun to get in the Christmas spirit. It’s a cute romantic comedy about two people Laurie and Lack who keep meeting up over the course of 10 years. From meeting up accidently, to meeting through friends, being from being friends and then separating, dating other people, new jobs and moving. I finished it in 2 sittings. It was so fun and light-hearted and it took place in the United Kingdom gave me some Bridget Jones vibes too! I am working my way through a new book that I can’t wait to share with you.

Such a fun read

What I’m Watching: I have been watching lots of holiday movies! From the classics to new movies on Netflix, I watched both the Holidate and Midnight at the Magnolia, both were super cute and light-hearted. I also love watching the classics, like Frosty and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also finished watching season 4 of The Crown and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect mix of history and drama. I loved how realistic it was. Have you seen it? What was your take?

A fun holiday movies
Another cute Christmas movie

What I’m Loving: I’m doing the most of my time to get in the Christmas spirit when I’m not at work. I like to make the most of my time with family and friends and making memories whether they are little or big. Last week we went to a drive-thru light display  and although it was short, it was a great way in the holiday spirit. 

What Inspires Me: I really want to do my part this year when it comes to Christmas shopping and supporting small businesses too. Etsy has been my go-to this holiday season. I have been inspired by these small business and their creativity. I also love supporting local shops here and including them in my friend’s Christmas gifts too. 

This definitely gets me in the holiday spirit

What I accomplished: I have been helping my family do a lot of cleaning and organizing. It feels great to get rid of things and donate to others too especially this season. I also feel very accomplished with what I have gotten done so far in terms of gifts for others. Other than that, work has kept me pretty busy.  

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I know it wasn’t a full month but I’m looking to keep getting in the Christmas spirit and making memories and spending time with family and friends. I also managed to still celebrate Thanksgiving despite working too. 

Goals for the New Month: New year, new goals! I’m looking forward to recapping my goals from this past year in the upcoming weeks. I love to see how far I have come from year to year and I will be unveiling my 2021 goals in the new year. 

That’s just a look into life these past few weeks. What’s new in your lives?

Categories
Fabulous living

Countdown to Christmas

It’s officially December and the Christmas season! Cue all the Christmas lights, music, and gifts! Last week, my family and I decorated for Christmas but I’ve been listening to Christmas music for the past few weeks and I already have some gifts purchases but still have a ways to go!. But it really feels like the Christmas season, we have already gotten some fresh snow, my Christmas flannel sheets are on, and I already have Christmas candles burning. 

With, the Christmas season upon us, it’s time to highlight some things on my Christmas to-do list.

  • See Christmas lights (This is perfect for a nighttime drive with some hot coco and sweet treats)
  • Get a tree and decorate it (We always cut down our tree a few weeks before Christmas and its one of my favorite traditions)
  • Make cookies (I am a big baker so I can’t wait to bake some of my favorite cookies and holiday treats, and I love sharing them with others)
  • Christmas movies (This is super easy and obvious but I can’t wait to watch all the classics, from family movies to cartoons, nothing says the holidays then Christmas movies, family and friends and holiday snacks)
  • Hot cocoa and Christmas music (Again, so simple, but enjoying a warm drink while I’m working or watching tv or getting things done. Plus I love listening to Christmas music on my way to work, or when I’m doing things around the house. I like the mix of classic songs with a mix of new covers. It’s the little things that make the Christmas season so special)
  • Christmas cards ( We always send out Christmas cards, it’s so fun to see how we have grown and changed through the year)
  • Buy gifts and Support Local (I love gift giving, I always try to stay organized and get the best deals. This year, I am looking to only shop and support small businesses or local businesses. I have already gotten some gifts from Etsy as a way to support small businesses. I plan on shopping other local spots this year to help them during what has been an unprecedented year)

That’s just a starting block for my Christmas to do list. I love taking advantage of Christmas activities. Above all, the most important part of the holidays is to celebrate Jesus’ birth and spend time with family! What are some things on your Christmas to do list?

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Currently

Currently #11

Happy early Thanksgiving. I hope you are spending the holiday with you loved ones or at home and you are staying safe and healthy during these times! Even in the dark and uncertain times, it’s important to look around for all the good and blessings in our lives today. Let’s get to some updates about what’s currently going on. 

What I’m up to: I am in the full Christmas spirit, I don’t know if it’s the fact that it’s already snowing or the fact that we need some cheer this year, but I am ready for all things holidays. Although, I will be working tomorrow on the holidays, I am still very lucky that I will be able to be home with my family before and after work. Truly a special treat!

What I’m wearing: Give me all the layers and warm clothes. Some days I opt for dresses and tights, other days it’s boots and pants. I know the winter will be here to stay and I’m getting prepared for colder days ahead.  

What I’m reading: I am currently reading, One Day in December. It’s perfect for the holidays and it is the perfect romantic comedy in a book. I also am listening to an audio book about healthy habits to change your life. It’s great to listen to on walk or when I’m driving. But, be on the lookout for a review coming soon about One Day in December. 

What I’m Watching: I’ve been on the bandwagon binging The Crown. I am loving seeing the differences between real life and the series. I also just got a new book about Royal fashion and I can’t wait to dive into it. I am still watching Schitt’s Creek and loving it, it’s great for those days when you don’t have a whole lot of time to watch something but still need some downtime. 

What I’m Loving: I am in the Christmas and holiday spirit. Bring on the hot coco, candy canes, Christmas music and movie and all the traditions, even though this year will be different I’m really looking forward to it and all the holiday fun!

What Inspires Me:  I’m going to sound very cliché but I am very in the holiday spirit that even heading into stores or seeing commercials makes me excited for the holidays! I love getting ideas about gifts and decorating! 

What I accomplished: I’ve been really working on being present and more intentional. I was great at it in college especially towards the end but I want to make sure I am doing that when I am home and with family or friends or even work because I know these moments will be gone and it’s important to be present in them now. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month This past month was busy, but I tried my best to keep up with family and friends, even just a text to let them know you are thinking of them is so important! I also have been on top of getting end of the year things done such as appointments or check-ins! Super important this time of year!

Goals for the New Month: My goal for the next month is to enjoy as much of the holiday season as I can. From holiday movies to all the Christmas music, seeing Christmas lights, making cookies, and getting in all the fun traditions that my family has done for years!

That’s just a little look into life today, lots of holiday cheer and good tidings! I hope you and your families have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!