Hello all! Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week! I say this at the end of every month, but this month flew by. The next month will be packed with activities so I’m looking forward to a few more days of calmness before it gets crazy. I have been starting most mornings but taking a short walk to cut some flowers and it’s such a beautiful, but slow way to start the day, get some fresh air and bring some of nature indoors.
Here’s a look at some of the things I have been loving this week as I link up with with Erika and Andrea!
I Am Celine– I have enjoyed Celine Dion’s music and was sad to learn when she announced her illness last year. Her new documentary “I Am Celine” is now on Amazon Prime. I really loved getting a behind the scenes look at her life before and after her illness. I also loved hearing some of her iconic songs throughout the documentary. Definitely worth the watch if you are a Celine fan.
Summer Dress– I got this dress from Ann Taylor earlier this summer and wore it to both to work and for a wedding. It is such a perfect outfit for a summer wedding or shower. It’s bright and cheery and light and flowy too. Perfect for an afternoon or evening out. I wore it with wedges and hoops, but you can wear it with studs and stilettos.
Wow Volumizer Spray– I got sucked into an ad from Pinterest and saw this Wow volumizer spray online and decided to try it for myself. It works great and I have definitely seen a difference in my hair when I do it up for work. I typically just put a pumps in my hair right before I style it and it gives my hair volume for several hours.
One True Loves– I read One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid a few years ago and blogged about it here. I really loved the book and was excited to learn it would be made in a movie. I finally got around to watching it and really loved it. I think it stayed pretty true to the book. They did a great job with casting as well. Watching movies or tv shows based on books can be hit or miss, but I would consider this to be a hit. You can watch it on Hulu.
The Perfect Couple trailer– Speaking of books being made into series or movies, the trailer for The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand came out last week and I can’t wait for the series to come out on Netflix in the fall. I blogged about my thoughts on the book here. It’s all about a couple whose daughter is getting married but someone ends up murdered during the wedding weekend. I can’t wait to see how the book compares to the series. You can watch the trailer here.
That’s a look into what I’m loving this week. What are some things that are catching your attention this week? Have a great weekend!
Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a fulfilling and fun week. The weather has been gorgeous as of late and I have been taking full advantage of it at nights and on the weekends.
From fairs to festivals, I have been busy!
One of my favorite things to do year round, but especially in the summer is entertaining. I love hosting friends and family, whether it’s for a barbecue, dinner party, girl’s night, or just a cup of coffee.
I have learned everything I know about hosting from my mom. She makes it look easy and I have gotten my love of welcoming people in my home from her. We just finished hosting family and friends for the Fourth of July. While this is our big party of the year, we also enjoy having friends over for casual dinners and grilling nights. Whether you enjoy entertaining or are a novice, I have some advice for you to make your next event, no matter big or small, a success!
Make a List and Plan of Action– Whether its having another couple over or twenty people over, make a list of what you need and what you need to accomplish before the event. I like to write down all the dishes I need to make and do an inventory of what I already have, before I go shopping. Then I make a list of what things I need to do to prepare. This list includes everything from grocery shopping, to cleaning the house, making dishes, and buying any extra things to have on hand. This helps me stay organized and gives me a list to refer back to leading up to the day.
Stick with What You Know– When it comes to choosing what to make, stick with what you know and what are crowd pleasers. I love trying new recipes and dishes, but trying them for the first time when you are having company over is not the time for it, nor the place. Do you need the extra stress? No! No matter what you are preparing, make it a point to cook things you feel comfortable with and are easy dishes that others enjoy too. Don’t forget to ask your guests if there are any allergies you need to be aware of. When it comes to making the food, always make more than you think you will need. It’s better to have leftovers than not enough food.
You can never go wrong with crowd pleasers, like burgers, fruit and chips!
Accept the Help– If you are planning on having a lot of people over and people offer to bring an item, accept the help. You can easily assign them something to bring if they insist on bringing something, or if you are open to anything, let them choose what they want to make, but ask them what it is so you can prepare. There’s nothing worse than having all desserts and no sides. This makes people feel like they are helping and it helps make your meal easier.
Have Takeout Containers on Hand- Speaking of leftovers, if you are planning a big party with lots of people, buy takeout containers to send your guests home with leftovers if you have them. You can find inexpensive containers at the store and you are sending your guests home with good food and you aren’t wasting them. Plus, you doesn’t love some extra food the day after a party.
Buy Neutral Paper Products and Take Advantage of Sales– No matter the season, always have extra, neutral paper products on hand. I always like to have plastic silverware, paper plates, bowls and napkins on hand. I have a mix of white products and some colorful and seasonal products too. It’s always good to have some basic products for spontaneous entertainment and easy cleanup. Take advantage of sales after major holidays for deals on festive paper products to have on hand for when you are looking for something fun to pull out.
Always Have Boxed Mixes on Hand- I always like to keep a box (or two) or brownie mix on hand for spontaneous entertainment. The same goes for having extra trail mix, or crackers, or chips to serve people if they show up unexpectedly. If you have a neighbor, family member or friend drop by, it’s always good to have a little snack to graze on. Brownie and cookie mixes are affordable and easy things to have in the pantry if you need to make a quick dessert to either entertain or to bring someplace.
There you have it. Some of the best advice passed down from my mom to me. These are things that she has taught me and I have picked up on through hosting friends and family. If you enjoy hosting, what are some of your favorite hosting tips and tricks!? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Summer Hosting!
Happy Friday! I hope you are having a great week and have something fun planned for the weekend. The weather is gorgeous, the days are long and so many memories are being made.
A dinner and walk by the water is always a good idea in the summer.
This summer is going by too fast. I feel like we were just in June and kicking off summer and now July is half way done. I am doing my best to savor the summer days and nights, but my social calendar keeps filling up. It’s all good things and lots of fun activities, but it’s still busy, I’m hoping to create more space in my calendar for rest, we will see how that goes.
As we get ready for another weekend, I’m sharing some of my favorite things from the past week as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
This week’s edition of Friday Favorites is a mix of fashion, food, and summer fun! Let’s dive right in.
New Polka Dotted Shorts– I was browsing through Marshall’s recently and came across these polka-dotted shorts. I love a good pair or solid shorts ( I have the standard white, blue, black and red) and while these did have a bit of a print to them, I decided to try them out. They were a perfect fit, not too loose or tight and not too long or short. The polka dots are subtle and besides wearing them with a navy blue or white blouse or t-shirt, you can match any solid shirt with them. For the Fourth of July, I paired the blue and white shorts with a red shirt and white sandals. I felt patriotic and comfortable. I’m excited to pair these shorts with other tops through the summer.
Texas Caviar Recipe– I saw this recipe for Texas Caviar online and figured a big party like the Fourth of July would be the best place to try it. It went over pretty well. It’s essentially a variety of beans and veggies mixed together with a light dressing. It can be enjoyed by itself or with chips and over tacos too. It was healthy and filling and I know I will be making it again in the future. You can find the recipe here.
Blueberries- Cherries were a favorite a few weeks ago and blueberries are a favorite today. My boyfriend and I went blueberry picking and we got bushels of blueberries. I enjoy eating the berries on their own, with other fruits or in recipes. I have been on the hunt for some new recipes to try and Pinterest is always my go-to when I am looking for inspiration.
Summer Reading– This may seem juvenile, but as a reader and fan of the library, I am participating in our summer reading program. Through our system, you have to keep track of whenever you read 30 minutes and mark it off. You can read books, magazines, articles etc. Once you complete so many minutes, you can turn in your sheet and get a new one to be entered to win different prizes. I love the accountability aspect of it and it really shows how much reading you can do. I love to read in the morning and at night, but have found myself sneaking in more time to read through the day.
Just the Nicest Couple– I finished the book “Just the Nicest Couple” a few weeks ago. I read it on the Libby app through my phone which allows me to read library books wherever I am. I find myself wanting to pick up a book as opposed to scrolling on social media. Now onto the book, “Just the Nicest Couple” is all about a man who goes missing and one of the last people to see him alive is his wife’s best friend. Did she have something to do with it or is she being framed? These two couples who you think may be friends, may not be as close as they seem. There were some great twists, turns and plot points and I really got into the book, so much so I kept finding times to pull out my phone and read more. If you like a good mystery thriller that’s not too scary, this book is for you.
That’s a look into what I’m loving this week, some snacks, books, and clothes. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and life is good!
Happy Wednesday! I hope your days are filled with sunshine, summer snacks, and sunrises or sunsets. Summer is in full swing, I can’t believe we are halfway through July, time needs to slow down. I have been doing my best to savor the summer days as much as I can without rushing through life.
Soaking up summer fun like by mini golfing!
For the second year, I decided to grow a garden. Last summer, I started small with carrots, peas, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. I learned a lot about over and under watering plants, daily plant checks, and most of all, patience.
A perfect salad with all the veggies from last year!
The best part was enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of my labor and sharing them with others. I was satisfied with my experience last year, that I decided to do it again this year, with some changes.
Cucumbers growing.
My tomatoes!
I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I was eager to do it again this year.
I decided to spread out my garden to two different spots, one in the same section, and the other in planters since I decided to add more veggies this year.
For summer 2024, I decided to grow cucumbers, peppers, carrots, onions, peas, strawberries, squash, pumpkins, and tomatoes.
I planted the pumpkins, strawberries, squash and cucumbers in one spot.
Then I planted the carrots, peas, onions, tomatoes, and peppers in the raised beds. I did this method for this year to give more space for the vegetables to grow.
This year I also got a mix of seeds and some plants that were already growing. I decided to do a combination to see how the vegetables would fair. I have noticed that the plants have been growing faster than the seeds for obvious reasons, but I have enjoyed the process of seeing them both grow and mature.
Growing a garden has brought me a sense of peace and connecting with the earth. I always like to start or end my day by checking on and by watering my garden. It’s a few moments of peace before or after a busy day that brings me joy and contentment. I love getting the fresh air daily and I like seeing the hard work pay off, even if it takes a whole season.
I am eager to see how my veggies and fruits do, especially the new ones that I planted this year. I am by no means an expert gardener, but I have enjoyed this new hobby and was happy that I could do it again this summer. Plus, it gives me more time outside, which I will never complain about.
I really enjoyed year one of growing a garden and year two has been off to a great start as well.
Tell me: if you have a green thumb, what’s your advice for planting and growing?
Plus, if you started a new hobby, what have you enjoyed the most about it? Let me know in the comments below!
A happy Friday to you! I hope you are having a great week as we make our way through July! I am looking forward to a busier weekend between seeing some friends, a big picnic and hopefully some time outside. Let’s just hope the weather cooperates. Fingers crossed! It’s been a busy week, so I am looking forward to the weekend.
Everything is in full bloom and I am one happy gal!
It’s Friday which means it’s time for another Friday Favorites as I share some highlights from the past week with you as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
This is a mixed bag of food, sunshine and products! Let’s dive right in!
Family Walks– Family walks have been a favorite for myself and my family over the past few weeks. We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather and walking at different parks and trails throughout the area. Whether it’s a long walk in the woods or a short walk on pavement, it’s been a fun way to get in some exercise, spend time together and get outdoors. It’s also been fun to explore the area and different parks too.
One of the spots we have walked
Happy Place Series Announced– Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her books and one of my favorites is Happy Place. It was released last summer and it was announced a few weeks ago that there’s talks about making it into a series through Netflix with Jennifer Lopez at the helm. You can find the article here. I’m really excited to learn more about the project. Although only a few details have been released, I’m itching to see how it compares to the book. I have mixed feelings about making books into tv series or movies, but this one I’m very excited about!
Such a fun, summer read!
Brunch with Babs Cookbook– I am really proud by keeping up with my new year’s goal of trying to cook one new meal a week. I get ideas from Pinterest, Cookbooks and blogs. I have really been having success with Celebrate with Babs cookbook. It’s from the online account, Brunch with Babs, which is all about lifestyle and homemaking hacks.
Here are some of the recipes I have tried and had success with.
Apricot ham and broccoli salad
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken
New Car Scent– I did a recent car cleaning and decided it was time for a new car scent. I try to swap out scents every six to eight weeks. Since we are in full on summer mode here, I decided Tiki Beach was the perfect summer scent. It’s not too overwhelming or overpowering, but it does leave your car smelling fresher and like a pina colada. Yum! Thank you, Bath and Body Works!
Cocoa Oatmeal Treats– Another food related item for you this week. I am a big lover of Hershey’s and saw this recipe on their website for their cocoa oatmeal treats. They are super easy to make and would be perfect for a summer picnic. They are no-bake cookies and only contain a few ingredients like oats, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. I thoroughly enjoyed them for a “healthier” treat.
That’s a quick roundup of what I am loving this week. Some snacks, new releases, and products. How has your July been treating you? Any fun plans? Let me know if the comments below!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a week so far. It was a busy past few days, between the Fourth of July, a wedding over the weekend, plus work. I did sneak in a trip to do some blueberry picking. It was a huge success! Needless to say, I am looking forward to the weekend.
It’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika.
Here’s some of the prompts we have followed so far this year.
Today’s topic is current podcasts and tv shows we are currently binge-watching.
I was never much of a podcast person, but I got into them more in the last year, especially when I am running or when I am taking long car rides.
As far as tv shows go, I am always watching a show whether it’s week by week or nightly. However, in the summertime, I don’t watch a lot of shows since I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether it be in the morning, at night or on weekends. I also read a lot and sometimes prefer reading over watching tv. It all depends on the day and season.
There are some podcasts that I have listened to in the past, but have ended, so I’m just sharing my current favorite ones. Here’s a few of my favorite podcasts and shows at the moment, maybe you will be interested in them too!
The Lazy Genius Podcast– I found this podcast in 2023 after hearing about it for years. I love the practices that Kendra preaches, especially starting small. Her lazy genius principles are simple ways to bring calm into the chaos of your life. She comes out with weekly episodes, but I have been going through her library and listening to past episodes I am interested in. Episodes range from 20-40 minutes, they are perfect to listen to when you are in the car, folding laundry or on a walk. I have implemented so many of her practices in my life. She has a wonderful message and philosophy. I have also read or plan to read her books as well.
Screenshot
Books, Beach, and Beyond Podcast– I have talked about this podcast a lot recently. Books, Beach, and Beyond is from author, Elin Hilderbrand and Tim Ehrenberg. It’s currently in its second season. They talk about what books they are reading, Hilderbrand’s books, and they chat with authors, people in the book publishing industry and avid book readers. As a book lover myself, I learn so much when I listen to this podcast. Episodes are about an hour long and whenever I finish one, I always have list of books to add to my “To Be Read” list.
Screenshot
Now onto some of my current favorite shows this summer.
Bridgerton– Need I say more? I have been loving Bridgerton’s third season this summer. I like how they broke up this season into two parts, it made the season last longer especially since we won’t get another season until 2026. I really got to love Penelope this season and see her relationship with Colin change. My favorite parts about Bridgerton include the gorgeous sets, fabulous clothes and beautiful music. Truly a show you can watch to escape with. You can watch all the seasons and spin-offs on Netflix.
The Girls on the Bus– As we gear up for another election season and as a journalist myself, I really enjoyed watching The Girls on the Bus on HBO Max. It’s all about four different female journalists as they hit the campaign trail for election season. I love all the different personalities and perspectives the characters bring. I have found myself identifying with different characters at different times. I was sad to learn it got cancelled after one season, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it in its entirety.
Fixer Upper: The Lake House– I love a good home renovation show, especially Fixer Upper. Although it was a mini-series, I loved watching Fixer Upper: The Lake House over the course of a few weeks. Seeing Chip and Jo interact and work on a project together was so fun, I love their antics and their sweet moments. Seeing the house get transformed was my favorite part of the series. It also gets me excited to see what project the Gaines tackle next.
There you have it, a look at some of my favorite binge-watches and listens. Past podcasts I have enjoyed include the Simplified podcast and Credentialed podcast. As far as good binge-worthy shows, some of my top favorites include, This is Us, Grey’s Anatomy, Sex and the City, The Office, and Parks and Rec. I have watched a variety of other shows and mini-series, but these are some of my favorites.
I am always looking for recommendations. Tell me what are some of your favorite things to listen to or watch?
Happy Friday friends, and a happy belated Fourth of July! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating!
Here’s how I spent the holiday.
I started the day by doing my first 10K and setting a new PR!
Our spreadSnacks Some dessertsAnd a show!
I hope you had a fantastic first week of July and are doing something fun and maybe even patriotic this weekend. I have a fun list of favorites for you today as I link up with Erika and Andrea.
Photo Refresh– I got a new art print for my birthday, it’s a watercolor portrait of different places Pride and Prejudice. I loved the print and got it framed, but I was looking for a spot to add it to my room. I moved some photos around and did a photo refresh in my room. I love how it turned out and how it was a much needed refresh.
Anyone But You– I know it’s been a while since this movie came out, but I finally got around to watching it. Anyone But You is all about a couple who has an awkward one night stand and then run into each other years later at a wedding. They decide to fake a relationship for the wedding and end up getting past their differences, but will they get together? It was a really cute rom-com and I’m glad I finally watched it. You can find it on Netflix.
Funny Story– Emily Henry’s latest book, Funny Story is out and I devoured it. This follows a similar storyline to Anyone But You. It’s all about a girl who gets dumped by her fiance for his oldest friend. She ends up moving in with oldest friend’s ex, temporarily. They end up becoming friends as he shows her around the town and community before the wedding. They decide to face the music and go to their ex’s wedding together, how about that for a plot twist?! I really loved this story and I love Henry’s writing style. I can’t wait to see what she works on next.
Cherries– I have never been a fan of cherries, but I gave them a try again this year and have really been enjoying them. I love the sweetness and the taste. I have enjoyed them by themselves or in a fruit salad. Now I haven’t attempted them in a dessert yet, but that may be next for me. What are your favorite cherry recipes?
The Girls on the Bus– Have you seen The Girls on the Bus on HBO Max? It’s all about four different female journalists as they hit the campaign trail for election season. I have really been enjoying this series after I finished the latest season of Bridgerton. I love all the different personalities and perspectives the characters bring. I found myself identifying with different characters at different times. I was sad to learn it got canceled after one season, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it in its entirety.
There you have it, a look at life lately. What have you been up to? Did you have a good holiday? Let me know in the comments below! Have a fabulous weekend!
Can you believe that we are already seven months into the year? I feel like we were just celebrating the holidays and hunkering down for winter and now we are in full summer mode. This has been such a good summer so far, and in good news, we still have a lot more to enjoy. These past few weeks have been filled with walks, reading by the pool, grilling and family time.
Outdoor walks by the water have been a favorite of mine recently
Plus, tomorrow is the Fourth of July-one of my favorite summer traditions.
Since we are just passed the halfway point of the year, I figured it would be a good time to do a New Year’s Resolution check in to see how I’ve been doing so far with my goals for 2024.
Here’s a look at my post from the start of the year.
My top resolutions that I set for this year were:
-Donate Blood
-Do 8K or 10K
-Re-Learn Piano
-Learn How to Braid Hair
-Cook a New Recipe a Week
We are half way through and I’ve tackled a handful of these already.
Let’s get into it:
–Donate Blood– I donated blood for the first-time last month, although it took until June to do it, I accomplished it, and it was not as scary as I thought it would be. My boyfriend is an avid blood donor and has been encouraging me to do it for years. We made a date out of it, and it felt good to give back and save lives. I was most concerned about the pain and passing out afterwards, but thankfully, all went smoothly, no pain during or after and no passing out. Success! I will definitely be donating again when I am eligible. If you are ever on the fence about doing something out of your comfort zone, don’t like fear cause you to back out.
–Do an 8K or 10K- I will be accomplishing this tomorrow! Most races happen on the weekends when I work, but I found one that was happening on one of my days off. I will be running a 10K tomorrow for the Fourth of July. I have been upping my mileage over the past few months and I’m looking forward to seeing how I do timewise tomorrow. I have been focusing more on distance rather than speed, so I’m anxious to see how it goes. I’ll be back here on Friday to let you know the final results.
–Re-Learn Piano-This has been a hobby that I started at the beginning of the year and have been consistent about it over the past seven months. I aim to practice for ten minutes a day at least five times a week. Sometimes, I practice all seven days, other days, I only practice for five days. There are even some days when I do practices on my phone on the go, it just varies week to week. I have been using Simply Piano to teach myself. This hobby has been one of the more challenging hobbies I have attempted. Some days, I really love learning new music and playing well-known songs, other days, I get frustrated and want to throw in the towel, but I take a deep breath and keep practicing (even though it does annoy my dog and I’m sure my family at times.) This has been a learning experience unlike other hobbies I have attempted but I have been proud of the progress I have made so far.
-Learn How to Braid Hair– I have not attempted this yet and that’s due to the fact that I got a haircut and got layers which makes it harder to braid. I do have many how-to braid ideas saved on Pinterest and that has been giving me inspiration. I just need some longer hair to get there haha! However, this does give me something to work towards for the second half of the year.
– Cook a New Recipe A Week– This has been something I have been really proud of. I have been doing lots of cooking this year and once again have been consistent by cooking one new meal a week. I have been getting recipes from blogs, cookbooks and Pinterest. I have been loving getting more comfortable in the kitchen and trying new recipes and gadgets. These will be great skills to have when I am on my own soon. I have to give a huge shout out to my family for indulging me in all my new recipes. Some have been hits and others misses. I need to get better about making sure I make enough food for everyone. I’ve done super creative dishes and simple, one pot meals too. This has been such a fun passion and skill to improve on and I’m looking forward to trying even more recipes as the seasons change through the rest of the year.
Big meals
Soups
Salads
There you have it. My New Year’s Resolution Check-In! I’m proud with how many things I have accomplished so far and behind the scenes, I’m proud of the personal growth I have seen in myself over the past several months. Although, I have made a lot of strides in my New Year’s Resolutions, we still have five more months left in the year, plenty of time for more improvement and consistency.
Tell me: how are your new year’s resolutions coming so far?
I can’t believe this is my 100th Friday Favorites. I’ve shared a lot of favorites week over week and it’s been so fun to share what things I love and what things you might be interested in too! It’s been a fun 100 posts as I link up weekly with Erika and Andrea and I can’t wait for 100 more! By my count, I’ve shared over 500 favorites things with you over the past two years, in good news, I have a lot more favorites to share!
Let’s get to it!
Emily Henry article– I’m a huge fan of Emily Henry! I look forward to each of her books every year. I finished Funny Story and it’s been such a good summer read! More on that later, but if you are a fan of Henry or if you have never read her works, I highly recommend them. I came across this article which is a great primer about all her books with little synopsis of each. Definitely a great place to start if you are interested in Emily Henry!
New Candle Scent– It was time for a new candle scent and I’m loving this scent. I got it as a gift, so I’m not sure where it’s from but it’s lavender scented. It is such a soothing and calming scent. I love the floral holder it comes in. So feminine for my desk. I also love that it complements my lavender and linen wall flower when I use it from Bath and Body Works.
New Bracelet– I got this blue floral bangle for my birthday and have gotten so much use out of it already. I love the floral designs with the different shades of blue. I also love the gold accents. I wear a lot of blue in the summer and it’s the perfect accessory to wear at work with different dresses and jumpsuits. I got it from Rifle Paper Company if you are interested.
Fixer Upper: The Lake House– I have gotten hooked on Fixer Upper: The Lake House. I always love watching Fixer Upper and have really enjoyed some of their spin-off series like the Hotel and the Lake House. I always love seeing how they think outside of the box with their designs and decor. This has been such a fun show to watch at the end of the day and I love seeing the antics between Chip and Jo!
Solid t-Shirts– As summer sets in, I was on the hunt for some clothes/outfits that can be worn on days off or on the weekends. I love this tennis skort and the versatility of it. Plus, a cream can go with anything. Solid t-shirts have been my new favorite thing to grab to mix and match with outfits. I have them in pink, red, black, and white. As much as I love a graphic t-shirt, I do love the simplicity of a solid color too, plus they make pairing them with different outfits so much easier too. This outfit just screams summer to me.
That’s a look into some of my favorites over the past week. Thanks so much for stopping by and for being along for 100 weeks of Friday Favorites!
I can’t believe we are at the end of June. This summer is going by so fast and it’s making me sad. There are a lot of good things on the horizon, but also some major changes. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy where I am at. Since we are at the end of the month, it’s time for another Currently. Here’s a look into life lately.
What I’ve Been Up To:
Since I last caught you up on life at the end of May, a lot has happened.
I have been enjoying a lot of outside time. I have been to minor league and major league games, including a quick trip to Cleveland to see the Guardians play and win!
Beautiful night for baseball
Gorgeous afternoon for a Guards win!
I also celebrated my 26th birthday with dinner at home with my family and boyfriend and cake and presents. We had Jessie James Decker’s Can of Cola Cake with raspberries and it was delicious.
A fun day!
A sweet night!
I’ve spent some time at the local zoo and enjoyed a picnic too.
Perfect summer day!
I’ve been enjoying lots of outdoor meals!
I’ve also been sneaking in working from outside on days off.
Lots of ice cream runs on hot days!
And Morning walks and drinks!
What I’m Wearing:
I have been loving a mix of casual and work outfits including this skort and t-shirt combination for a casual look.
I also have been wearing bold and bright colors in the summer, like this new suit from J.Crew.
Some blue and white too!
What I’m Reading:
Expiration Dates– Expiration Dates was such a fun read by Rebecca Serle. I have really enjoyed her other books and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s all about a girl who always gets a note and date of when each of her relationships will end. This happens for years until she gets a note with no end date. Has she finally met her match or is it a trick with fate? There were some unexpected twists and turns that I didn’t see coming that really added to the plot. The ending was my favorite, definitely a summer read.
The Perfect Marriage– The Perfect Marriage was a mystery/ thriller that I didn’t know I needed to read, and it was one of my favorite books that I have read in months. From the outside, it looks like this couple has the perfect marriage, that is until the husband’s mistress ends up dead. The person who defends the husband? His wife, who is a top attorney. I loved the mystery of who killed the mistress and seeing how more people got caught into the web of the marriage. I stayed up late and woke up early to finish it.
The Heiress– The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins is all about a young man who returns to his family’s estate to collect his inheritance. Once he arrives, he learns there’s more to the family story than he realized and everyone has a secret and ulterior motive, including his own mother. The books goes back and forth between the present day and letters that are written talking about what happened. There are a lot of characters which can be hard to keep track. But overall, it was a good book with a really good and unexpected ending.
It Had to Be You– It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark was a page turner and thriller that had me staying up late to finish it. It’s all about twin brothers who are accused of murdering their parents. Years later, the case is reopened and new evidence is brought to light. It took a while for it to pick up, but once it did, I was hooked. Definitely recommend it!
How to End a Love Story- How to End a Love Story is by Yulin Kuang. This is a new to me author, but I really enjoyed this book. It’s all about a young woman whose book gets turned into a tv show, one of the writers is someone from her past. Will the two resolve their differences and work together or is the past too much to move forward together? I really loved the character development and the behind the scenes of the making of the show.
What I’m Watching:
Bridgerton is back, both installments of the new season dropped over the past month. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the character Penelope, she really grew on me this season and really matured too. I also loved the costumes, setting and modern music tied in.
What I’m Cooking:
This has been such a good month for cooking and it’s been filled with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and grilling.
Chinese Chicken Salad was a hit from Jessie James Decker’s cookbook.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Caprese Chicken– I grilled chicken and add fresh mozzarella, tomato and balsamic for my birthday dinner. We also as shrimp pineapple skewers for an appetizer and a Cesear salad which was delicious. We ended the night with Jessie James Decker’s Can of Cola cake with raspberries and ice cream. Yum!
Pineapple Shrimp Rice- I got this recipe from Mix and Match Mama. I love how easy it was to make and how light and fresh it was, while still being filling.
Bowls– I’ve been enjoying bowls for lunch with things I have in my fridge. On this day, I mixed black beans, corn, rice, pork and salsa for Tex Mex bowl-yum!
Citrus Salmon with Orzo and sides- This was a light and refreshing, but most importantly, healthy dinner. All wins in my book in the summer.
Apricot Ham and Broccoli Salad– Both of these recipes are from the cookbook, Brunch with Babes. I have been saving recipes to try and this month was perfect. I love the flavor of the ham and the crunch of the salad.
What Inspires Me:
I have been reading Savannah Guthrie’s book, Mostly What God Does, every night and I have been loving ending my day with something prayerful and to cal
m my mind. This quote really stood out to me.
My sweet friend Sarah got me a necklace for my birthday, and it came with this beautiful quote. So inspiring especially in the summer months.
Some inspiration from Simplified in June!
What I Accomplished:
I have been making my way through my summer bucket list and trying to soak up as much time as I can outside.
I’ve done that by enjoying ice cream or milkshake runs.
Reading by the pool
Planting Flowers
Planting my garden
Here we have strawberries, zuchinni, pumpkins, and squash
Here are carrots, onions, peas, tomatoes, and peppers
I also ran my furthest this month of 8 miles. I was very proud of that accomplishment.
Goals from Last Month: I really wanted to make a point to soak up summer and enjoy the mornings and nights when I could. I still have a ways to go on my summer bucket list, but I’m just hoping summer slows down. I’m not ready for it to end.
I checked Donuts and Sunrise off my Summer Bucket List
I also ventured to a new place for a morning hike.
I’ve gotten to enjoy dinner by the water.
Followed by ice cream runs!
A day trip to Deep Creek, Maryland happened this month, my first time for a day of hiking and hitting the beach and reading.
Goals from This Month: Next month will be busy between the Fourth of July and celebrations. I have a wedding to go to and I want to make plans to see friends while still enjoying summer and working too. It will be busy but oh so fun!
