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Fabulous living

April Book Review

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing my April book review. I typically try to read more books in a month, but between quarantine and balancing work and other commitments, I only read one book this month. Iā€™m hoping once things begin to re-open, I can head to the library and check out some new books and series. Until then, I have a few more books at home that still need read. 

I, like many women across the world have followed the lives of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. From the series to the movies, I canā€™t resist a good Sex and the City marathon.

My sweet friend Madeline got me this book for a grad gift since we both have a love for SATC.Ā “We Should All Be Mirandas” is by Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni

I read a chapter or so a few times a week. The book is all through Mirandaā€™s point of view about life, work, friendships, and love. Each chapter is a different area of her life with plenty of SATC references, quotes, pictures, and comments. 

Another thing I like about this book is that itā€™s written by the creators of one of my favorite Instagram accounts. @Everyoutfitonsatc is an account that has many of the iconic looks from SATC broken down and has all the information on the outfit details. Both the account and the book, is well written and curated from not only a fan of the series but also someone who has done their research.Ā 

As much as a love a good serious series or an autobiography, thereā€™s something fun about picking up something light and fun and quick to read especially in these uncertain times. My next read is all about interior design, so another light read on deck. 

Just like many are turning to movies, tv shows, or books to escape for a while, I think changing up your genre can help a lot too.

What are you reading or watching this week?

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Fabulous living

Quarantine Activities

Hey everyone! Another week, closer to the summer and getting through the pandemic. Although, this past weekend was Easter and it was a little different, it was still nice to celebrate the holiday with family and a nice meal all together. These past few weeks have really showed me how important the little things in life are, like being together, going for a drive or spending time with people in our lives.

Now, I donā€™t know about you but there is only so much house work or projects you can do at home, which is why we have been getting creative with things at home. On my days off, I like to spend it with my brothers or parents, we have been watching movies, playing games, or even taking out some of our favorite childhood activites out to bring back childhood memories. 

So, of you are looking for some fun games/ ideas for the days at home with children, here you go!

  • Games

Break out your old favorite childhood games, play board games you havenā€™t played in a while, itā€™s something fun and it gets you away from screens for a while. 

Jenga games
  • Crafts

Bring out your creative side and get crafty, the other day my siblings and I found out favorite childhood crafts and we did something creative while always enjoying some childhood memories.

Throwback to childhood, shrink-a-dink crafts
  • Competitions

My siblings and I range from 21-13, so thereā€™s an age range, competitions are always fun with siblings whether itā€™s ping pong, foosball, or video games, itā€™s always good to bring out a friendly competition with siblings.

Ping Pong Competition
  • Cooking/Baking

One thing I found myself doing through this time home has been looking to try new recipes, Iā€™ve gone through old cookbooks to find new things to try and make, it changes up your meals and once again you are doing something creative with a good and tasty product. 

These are just a few ideas or helpful hints to help you pass the time while being at home. Netflix and reading are also up there with things to do. (Hello Tiger King!!!)

How are you coping with being at home? What things are you doing to pass the time? Stay strong and stay safe! Sending love and positive vibes!

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Fabulous living

Skipping into Spring

Hi guys!

Happy Wednesday.

I hope you have been staying safe and staying at home. I feel like we are all taking it one day at a time and thatā€™s the best we can do. We will get through this. One good thing to look forward to is that spring is here. The next few weeks will bring warmer weather, flowers blooming and warm sunshine. I love the time between spring and summer, in between work and staying at home, I have been getting into the spring season. Here are some ways that I have been gearing up for spring, who knows maybe they will give you some suggestions and you can share your suggestions for how you have been getting ready for spring too!

  • Get outside and take a walk. I have been trying to get outside every day, whether itā€™s for a walk, some fresh air, or just to sit. Itā€™s so good to get a change of scenery too.
  • Open the windows, not only does it air out your house but it also brings some fresh air and it brings some new light in your home or room.
  • Change out your wardrobe, say goodbye to the blacks and browns and say hello to the pinks, yellows, greens and blues. Although we canā€™t hit the stores for a while, it will be nice to bring some brighter colors into our wardrobe. I love pastels to welcome the new season.
  • Change out your scents, I love my essential oil diffuser, in the winter I love to use peppermint or pine, but in the spring, I love lemon and orange to bring breath of fresh air into my room.Ā 
  • Give yourself something to look forward toā€¦whether itā€™s a summer to do, or things you want to do with friends, thereā€™s nothing better than making some plans of things you want to do in the late spring or early summer.
The first sign of spring…new flowers blooming.

We may still be in a weird or limbo time, but think of all the small things in life that you can look forward to or make the most out of every day. There may be a lot of unknowns but focus on the few good things that can come out of every day. Positivity over negativity. 

Have a wonderful week. Keep smiling, the world needs your smile now more than ever!

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Fabulous living

The Walk Book Review

A few months back, I started the book, The Walk, by Richard Paul Evans, I started it in college, as a way to de-stress after a busy week of classes, papers, and job applications, I finished the five book series, a few months later, in those few months I finished school, graduated college, and am now working full time. Itā€™s amazing how much life can change or the world will be different but how many things can still be the same.Ā 

I used this same example last week, I was watching the season finale of This is Us, which was incredible. I realized when I started this current season, how much had changed and how much was different but at the same time so much stayed the same between the beginning and the end of the current season. I started the season in September as a college student, going to classes and applying for jobs, and I ended the season as a college graduate, with new friends, co-workers and people in my life. I got the same feeling while reading The Walk.Ā 

The Walk follows the story of a man, who goes on walk across the country after he loses everything. He hits rock bottom and the only thing that makes sense is to clear his mind and just walk. As he walks from Seattle to Palm Beach, he encounters people young and old that makes an impact on him, he learns a lot about himself and sees God in a variety of people.Ā Every book continues from the last and by the last one, the reader finds out if the protagonist, Alan, reaches his destination and finds what he is looking for when he started his walk many months earlier.

Without giving too much of it away, it reminds me a lot about life with all the twists and turns and never knowing what will come next. Especially in todayā€™s climate with all the unknowns going on, it shows that sometimes when we take away all the excess, we can still live the simple life and sometimes all we need is just a walk to realize what’s truly important in life and refocus.

Overall, I felt myself going along with Alan on his journey to find peace and happiness in his world. I love when books truly help me escape my world and transport me into a new place and this book did exactly that. If you are looking to truly escape for a few hours and maybe even learn about yourself too. 

I hope you are taking care of yourself, sending positive thoughts, and well wishes for anyone who needs it. Sending love to you all!

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Currently

Currently #3

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday, we are here for another currently, I am loving this series because it provides little updates on my life with whatā€™s going on. I hope you are all staying home and safe and healthy. Letā€™s get into a little currently update! 

What Iā€™m up to: Work has been pretty much the only thing on my mind. These past few weeks have been really busy with everything going on with Coronavirus. No one really knows when this will end but at work we are taking it day by day even hour by hour haha. Despite all the unknowns, Iā€™m still focusing on the good every day, whether itā€™s my good health, being with my family, or even the weather getting warmer. 

What Iā€™m wearing: We are finally in the spring season, so I am breaking out my greens, blues, and pinks.  Itā€™s been warming up to the 40ā€™s and 50ā€™s so I havenā€™t worn a winter jacket in a wile which is so nice. I also have been trying new hair styles and makeup for a the new season, I like changing it up for a new season. 

What Iā€™m reading: Iā€™m on the last book of the series, ā€œThe Walkā€, I wish I would have finished it sooner but Iā€™m so glad Iā€™m almost to the end, it was so good and eye opening. It definitely put things in perspective especially with everything going on during this uncertain time.  

What Iā€™m Watching: This week was the finale of This is Us and A Million Little Things, two shows which I love watching week to week. I started watching 30 Rock on my days off, itā€™s something light and funny and episodes are only 30 minutes so I can watch them fast and while Iā€™m doing other things.

What Iā€™m Loving: Despite all the craziness, I love having everyone in my family home together. Itā€™s been fun to be all together, have dinner together and enjoy each otherā€™s company too. Plus, itā€™s all about seeing the light in dark times 

What Inspires Me: I love different inspirational quotes, I saw this one on Instagram the other day about how different perspectives can affect our outlook on life. I thought it was interesting and it shows to focus on the good and not the bad.  

What I accomplished: This month brought a new work schedule for me, I had to get adjusted to working new times and hours. With a new work schedule led me to create a new routine for me. It took some getting used to, but Iā€™m happy with being flexible and getting into a new rhythm. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month: Iā€™m happy that despite all the changes I am still able to be in close contact with my friends. I made a trip to see them last month and I still talk to them frequently on the phone, through texting or facetime, itā€™s been so helpful to have these ways to stay connected when everyone is at home.   

Goals for the New Month: Honestly, taking it one day at time, Iā€™m focusing on my family and friends right now. Right now, work has been the main thing on my mind. Iā€™m hoping this gets better in time for spring and summer, I also want to get outside more and get fresh air whenever I can. 

Just something to add a smile to your day!

Thatā€™s a look into my life right now. Lots of work, getting some bonus family time, taking care of myself and getting used to a new normal. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Home.  

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Fabulous living

When the World Stood Still

Hi everyone, it has been a weekā€¦or weeksā€¦and we still have a while to go. This is not a post about coronavirus, I have been talking about for the last few weeks at work and I still will be talking about in the upcoming weeks. 

Iā€™m a positive person, thatā€™s just who I am. So, rather focus on the chaos, the unknown, or the frustration, letā€™s focus on the good. 

So, you are stuck at home for a few weeks, you are safe, you are putting your health first and you are with your family. 

Letā€™s focus on some things you can do while you are at home, work and taking care of family is the top priority. But, what about the extra time you have?

Here are some suggestions for things to do when you are stuck at home:

  • Catch up on your favorite series (either on tv or binge worthy)
  • Read, we always say we never have enough time to read, well here is some guaranteed time. (Iā€™m still working through the series, The Walk, book review coming soon)
  • Spring Cleaning and Organizing (Why not get a start on your spring cleaning and organizing? You can do some heavy duty cleaning or germs, bring our spring decorations, maybe even start some cleaning out of closets and donate items, you will feel productive and you will see an end result)
  • Catch up with friends (Yes, you may be stuck at home but you can still check in our your friends via phone call, text, or facetime. Check in on those you may need some extra love and support)
  • Finally attempt that hobby you have been putting off, whether itā€™s cooking, baking, sewing, working on a passion project, this is your time to try it. 
  • Lastly, donā€™t let this time of unrest put you on hold from your life. Keep your routines in place, get a home work out in, get some fresh air, keep up with your chores or to do list, keep life as normal as possible.

We are going through a different time, itā€™s challenging and uneasy, but donā€™t let that stop you from living a full and successful life. I challenge you in the coming weeks to find good one thing that going on in your life every day, no matter how big or small. Find the good in every day. 

Stay safe and healthy!

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Fabulous living

Finding the Good in Everyday

Hey hey! Happy Wednesday! New week, new goals, and new opportunities await for me. 

I always look to find the positive in every situation, whether itā€™s in work or at home, in good times and bad, I always look for the light in the darkness. 

I personally feel that in life we can get so caught up in the negativity that we forget how much good there is in the world. 

Here are a few ways that I always try to find the good in every day:

  1. Donā€™t let the little things bring you down. At the end of the day focus on the big picture and donā€™t worry about the little things. 
  2. When in doubt, be grateful, we can always focus on the things we donā€™t have or the things that donā€™t go our ways, but why not change that mentality and focus on the good. 
  3. Do things that bring joy in your day, whether itā€™s wearing your favorite outfit, getting Starbucks on your way to work, or taking time for yourself. 

Itā€™s amazing how much one small thing can change your outlook on life, even if itā€™s a simple smile or asking someone how their day is going, you never know how one small act of kindness can make a difference on someone else. When it doubt, choose kindness, choose positivity, and choose joy. Sorry, for the shorter post, life is busy, but I wanted to check in and spread some joy! Have a wonderful week ahead!

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Fabulous living

Spring Break in One Day

Hey friends! 

Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a wonderful week. Iā€™m really excited about todayā€™s post. A few weeks back, I did a post about the importance of keeping friendships alive even when you are doing the long-distance trek. 

This week would have been my college spring break, even though I didnā€™t get a full week off like I used to in college, I still wanted to do something fun on my day off work, so I decided to have a ā€œspring break dayā€ in Pittsburgh, I met up with friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner, It was so good to see some of my close college friends, catch up, just relax and not worry about work. It was the perfect day escape. Plus, it was so nice to see my friendā€™s hometowns. 

I got some shopping in, was able to have some face to face conversations with friends, and have a fun day. 

As I started working full time I realized that itā€™s important to take time for yourself on your days off, whether itā€™s catch up with friends, relaxing at home, seeing family, or taking up a new hobby. It was so good to have a very mini spring break in my favorite city with my favorite people. 

After this fun day and little getaway, I know that I will be making more trips to visit friends and do something for myself too. Facetime, phone calls, and texting is great but there is something special about seeing friends in person. Your friends are important, make sure you keep them close. 

Have a wonderful week!

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Currently

Currently #2

Another month is winding down which means itā€™s time for another currently, update. For those, just joining, once a month, I have a post about what Iā€™m currently up to, from what Iā€™m loving, what Iā€™m looking forward and whatā€™s new. I will have the same questions from month to month but besides that I will have a few new questions and will recap some old ones too. To see last monthā€™s post, you can click here. Now, letā€™s see whatā€™s new in February.Ā 

What Iā€™m up to: I finally am into a good routine and schedule with work. When Iā€™m at work, all my attention and mindset is related to work, but on my days off, itā€™s so nice to not have to worry about work or even school anymore. With that being said, Iā€™m still on the look for more hobbies or things to get me occupied on my days off. 

What Iā€™m wearing: Dare I say, spring is on its way?! Although, itā€™s still cold, we have had a mild winter so far, Iā€™ve been mixing up my outfits for work. Whenever, Iā€™m planning out my clothes for the week, I always keep in mind, wearing something that is comfortable, practical and professional. Every day is different for me, therefore, being flexible with my outfit choice is key. 

What Iā€™m reading: Iā€™m still reading the series, ā€œThe Walkā€ and Iā€™m halfway through, be on the lookout for the full recap coming in March. Itā€™s taken me a while but Iā€™m making my way through it. 

What Iā€™m Watching: I just finished season 3 of The Crown and it was so good. I canā€™t wait until the next season comes out. Also, the new season of Outlander is finally out. Itā€™s been over a year since it aired and Iā€™m so happy that itā€™s back and better than ever. I also started watching Evil on CBS, itā€™s definitely dark but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

What Iā€™m Loving: Iā€™m really loving my life right now. Yes, work can get stressful but I know itā€™s what Iā€™m meant to do and I love every day. Plus, coming home to my family and dogs every day and meeting new people from work and making new friends is great too. 

What Inspires Me: I saw this quote the other day and I loved it. It really shows how incredible life is, there may be good and bad moments, but they all contribute to who we are and our stories. I loved the quote so much that I made it the background on my phone. 

What I accomplished: Iā€™m so happy with my new routine that I have gotten in place, I finally have a good work and life balance that I have been looking for. Iā€™m making sure I have time for friends, family, work, and myself.  

Goals Accomplished from Last Month: I finally got back into a good gym routine. Iā€™m back at the gym 5 days a week, during my work week and days off. I feel better when I am working out and Iā€™ve made some changes with my workout routine which I have been seeing better results. 

Goals for the New Month: Iā€™m going to be seeing some of my college friends next week and I couldnā€™t be happier. Then I have more plans to see friends from college later this month. I keep in touch with some of my close friends in college daily, whether itā€™s through facetime or texting or phone calls, but it will be so good to see some of my best friends in person. I canā€™t wait! 

Thatā€™s a look into my life right now. Lots of work, some family time, a few visits with friends but overall, lots of happiness. 

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Fabulous living

Putting Friendships First

Hey gang! Happy Wednesday. Todayā€™s post is shorter but itā€™s something that I think is important especially to young adults, especially ones in the post-grad life, like me. 

Today, we are talking all about friendships and working with friendships long distance. Since moving back home, and I started a new job, Iā€™ve  met some amazing people that I am very lucky to call my co-workers and even friends. But, I am still very close with my college friends, they were a part of my life for so long and I make sure I stay in touch with them. Itā€™s hard going from seeing them every day, sometimes multiple times a day to not seeing them for weeks or months at a time. 

So, how do you stay in touch with friends when you have different schedules, and are in different places in your life? The answer, putting in the effort, which comes in many forms includingā€¦thank you technology!!

I easily text my friends daily whether itā€™s through iMessage or snap chat. Itā€™s a quick way to stay in touch but let others know you are thinking of them. I also am a big fan of sending things I see online to them, whether itā€™s an inside joke or something clever. I also facetime some of my close friends weekly, whether itā€™s an hour long conversation or a 5 minute conversation. The biggest thing I learned is that itā€™s all about putting the effort in time to keep the friendship alive, you donā€™t have to talk to someone every day for them to be a friend. Yes, life gets busy but itā€™s important to make the friendship a priority. Life gets harder when you arenā€™t living with all your friends all the time. But, if you make the effort you can make it work. I text, snap chat, or message my close friends every day, it could be something as simple as a sending a meme or an inside joke or it could be as big as giving them a life update. But, friendships are important and deserve to be made a priority. 

The moral of the story? Put effort into your friendships, if you love someone, tell them you love them, check in on your friends and let them know you are there for them.

Spread some love today!

XOXO