Happy Friday! Also, happy first day of March! Is it just me or did February fly by? January was slow and steady, but February happened in the blink of an eye, but it was filled with all good things, from family time, to soaking up the outdoors, and celebrating Valentine’s Day!
Now that we are in a new month, I’m feeling extra excited about the possibilities of spring, warmer weather and more sunshine!
As always, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s edition of Friday Favorites. Here’s some things that I have been loving.
Brown Sweater– I popped into T.J. Maxx last week for some browsing. I wasn’t planning on making any purchases, but I saw a few things that caught my attention and ending up purchasing. A new, long, brown sweater to wear at work was one of them. One of my most common phrases that you can hear me saying at work is “I’m cold or it’s cold.” I am always chilly no matter the weather. It could be 75 degrees outside, and I would still have a sweater on inside. Needless to say, I always have a sweater or light jacket at work, so they tend to get some wear and tear. I have gone through two work sweaters and this brown sweater is my third. I previously had white and tan sweaters. I like that this sweater and the ones I have worn in the past are comfortable, come in neutral colors, and professional looking enough that I can wear it around the office. I was in need of a new sweater and T.J. Maxx had the answer.
Pink Jacket– Speaking of T.J. Maxx, I also found this pink cropped jacket that can be dressed up or down. You can wear it with dress pants (think black, blue, or white), a skirt, or a solid dress in the office. You can also dress it down with leggings or jeans and boots to elevate your look. I love the color and the style and the versatility that it provides. You never know what you will find when you stop in T.J. Maxx.
American Royals– After hearing about this series over the past couple years, I am finally making my way through the American Royals series. The four-book series follows the tale if America had a monarchy. Think a mix of the Royal family in Great Britan meets America. I love all things about the Royal family, so this has been such a treat to read. Book one really sets up all the characters and the plots and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger that will make them want to start reading book two right away. I’m currently making my way through book two and can’t get enough of the relationship drama, family dynamics and “history”.
Buffalo Chicken Dip– I love all things appetizers, dips, and snacks. I would choose those over a big meal any day. One of my favorite dips/snacks is Buffalo Chicken Dip. You can enjoy it with chips, bread, crackers, but my favorite way to enjoy it is with some fresh veggies. We made it a few weeks back with this recipe and it was a hit. I enjoyed it with my family and ate some leftovers for lunch in the coming days with veggies.
American Nightmare-Have you seen the new Netflix documentary, American Nightmare? It’s all about a couple who gets attacked in their home and the girlfriend gets kidnapped. I finished it in three sessions, there’s only three episodes and they are only 45 minutes long. I could have finished it sooner if I had the time. There’s definitely some twists and unexpected turns that I wasn’t anticipating, but would definitely recommend it if you are a fan of true crime.
That wraps up this week’s Friday Favorites, short and sweet, some entertainment, some recipes and some clothes.
As we embark on a new month, what are some things you are looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Friday! I hope it has been a great week for you as we get ready for another weekend. I hope you are able to fill your cup with what matters most, whether it’s family time, some extra sleep, or a fun excursion. As we make our way through February I am getting set for another round of fun favorites from this past week. These are little things that have brought me joy and I hope you are finding things that have made you smile this past week too.
Let’s jump into this week’s Friday Favorites with Erika and Andrea.
Office Ladies and the Lazy Genius Collaboration– I love the Office and I love the podcast, The Lazy Genius. When I heard they were a part of the same network, I couldn’t wait to see what it would bring. Kendra joined the Office Ladies podcast for an episode and in return, the Office Ladies made an appearance on The Lazy Genius. I loved hearing about their collaboration and how Kendra helped both Angela and Jenna lazy genius different parts of their lives. If you are fans or both or either of these, give both of them a listen. You can find The Lazy Genius episode here and The Office Ladies episode here.
Coloring Books– I always loved to color as a child and got back into it in college. Once again, coloring has found its way in my life and I’m not complaining. I enjoy the calming activity if I’m watching a show in the background or if I’m sitting and just relaxing. I also enjoy coloring or doodling if sports are on and I’m only semi paying attention. Haha! I know studies have been done about the relaxing technique between coloring and I have found that it calms me down and is a soothing activity. It has definitely brought me joy on chilly winter days.
Thicker than Water– I finished Kerry Washington’s memoir “Thicker than Water” last week. I was captivated from start to finish as she talked about her upbringing, getting into acting and secrets about her childhood that she learned as an adult. It was a fast read as I finished it cover to cover in four days. Washington focused more on how she got to where she is today more than her career in tv and film. I really appreciated her candor about tackling different challenges as she grew up. Washington covered a lot of topics in an earlier interview she did this year with ABC back in September. I would recommend watching that as a companion to reading her book.
Sanditon- I heard about this PBS mini series from The Lazy Genius. In Kendra’s newsletter she talked about how she has been into all this Jane Austen, including this mini-series about one of Austen’s unfinished books. I am currently watching this series on Amazon Prime and have been loving it. The series follows a young woman who goes to live with a family who has plans to build up a town by the water. There’s romance, drama, dealing with the class system and of course a beautiful backdrop where it all takes place. If you enjoy old British shows or movies, give it a try!
Brownie Truffles– As we close out this edition of Friday Favorites, I wanted to share this sweet treat I made last week. I have always been intimidated by making truffles, but I found this recipe from Hershey’s (one of my favorite companies) and had to try it! The recipe was so easy to follow and they came out delicious! Super easy for any party or gathering and they were a hit with my family.
That wraps up today’s Friday Favorites! Some entertainment, recipes, and family fun!
Tell me: how are you filling your cup this weekend? I hope you make it a memorable one!
Happy Friday! I hope you have had a smooth and successful week and were able to celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day. We made it to Friday which means the weekend is just hours away! I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend.
Some sweet treats from Valentine’s day!
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for some of my favorite things this week for this week’s edition of Friday Favorites. This is a mix of some books, music, food and some recent refreshes.
Let’s dive right in!
New Chair Cover- I’ve had the same desk and chair in my room since the second grade (yes, I still live at home and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made). The desk and chair are in great condition, however, they have endured wear and tear over the years, so I’ve had to get the chair re-upholstered a few times. This chair covering has gone from pink, to checkered, and now patterned. After more rips and tears, I decided to get it cleaned up again, rather than buy new. I found some of this patterned Paris fabric from a local remanent store and brought it to an upholstery store to get it fixed up. I’ve had it on my to-do list to get fixed for months and I finally got accomplished it. I’m so happy I was able to keep what I had and spruce it up rather than buy new. If you are looking to update something in your home, here’s your sign to do it.
New Lock Screen- Speaking of refreshes, this may sound silly, but I updated my lock screen for my cell phone and it was such a good reminder that the little things truly make the biggest difference when it comes to bringing joy in my life. I found this picture on Pinterest and swapped out the colors for my clock. I had a winter/Christmas background and now this one of Paris reminds me of the month of love. It’s a small change, but it makes me smile especially as we make our way through a new month.
Little Italian Hotel– I finished “The Little Italian Hotel” on Libby this past week. I listened to it as an audiobook and loved my experience with it. I don’t often listen to audiobooks, but I decided to give it a try and was so happy I did. The story follows a talk show host who ends up taking her anniversary trip alone. Rather than go with her husband, she invites four strangers to accompany her. The five people bond over heartbreak and become friends as they create memories during their three-week trip abroad. I listened to the book in the car, while I was jogging, and while I was cleaning and doing things around the house. I like the narrator’s voice and she had me hooked the entire time.
Stir Fry- I have been enjoying easy meals this winter. I love easy soup and sandwich nights, a soup and salad for lunch or a stir fry. A hearty stir fry has been a go-to for lunches and dinners. I love this meal because it’s a great way to use what you have in your fridge and not waste food, it combines a lot of food groups, and it’s fast. This past week, I used leftover ground beef, rice and some frozen veggies to put together this meal in under 20 minutes. Major win! I also have made chicken stir frys, veggie frys and shrimp stir frys too….the possibilities are truly endless.
Billy Joel’s New Song– I know this is a few weeks old, but I have been listening to Billy Joel’s new song “Turn the Lights Back On”, non-stop. This is the first song he has released in 30 years and it’s so good. I love the message and the melody. I really appreciated his performance during the Grammy’s too. If you haven’t listened to it, give it a listen.
That’s a look at some of the things I have been loving this week.
Tell me, what are some of your favorite things from this past week?
Happy Friday! I hope you all are enjoying your week and have something fun planned for the weekend as we enjoy the first few days of a new month. I’m excited to dive into all things Valentine’s Day and love.
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites as I share some of my favorite things from this past week. Let’s dive right in!
Thermos– I got this Thermos for Christmas and really have been loving it. I sometimes take soup or pasta to work, but didn’t always have the proper container to keep it warm and insulated. After I started using the thermos, it truly solves my problems. It keeps my food warm and fresh when I have warmer dishes, but it also does a great job at keeping my salads cool too. It’s also a great size for portions. Although, I tend to have access to a microwave to heat things up, this has been a great tool when I am on the go.
The Senator’s Wife– I finished The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine and absolutely loved it. I checked it out through Libby, an app that you can check out E-Books or Audiobooks through your library. I really have been loving it, I’m currently listening to an audiobook now. The Senator’s Wife is a drama/thriller that involves a senator and his new wife and some of the challenges and drama they go through, especially when she starts to get very sick. The story is through four different perspectives as the events unfold. The middle and ending were so good that I kept looking for pockets of time to read more, that’s when you know it’s a good book.
Indoor Cycling– We have been getting lots of snow over the past few weeks which means I haven’t been able to get outdoors for running. I’ve done some running on the treadmill, but have also enjoyed indoor cycling to get my cardio in. Although I prefer running more, riding the bike has been a great alternative in the winter months. I often listen to a podcast or audiobook when I’m on the bike, or I’ll respond to emails. I like trying different forms of cardio when working out, just to work on different muscle groups. I may even lean more into outdoor cycling when in the spring and summer
Pinterest Recipes- A lot of recipes I have been trying recently have come from Pinterest. I have been using Pinterest almost as google when it comes to trying new dishes. I love finding different recipes and meals to put together on Pinterest and most of the time the directions are easy to follow. I have had success in the kitchen recently and plan to keep testing out new recipes, whether they be meals or a baked good (or both) every week. Tell me what are some of your favorite cozy recipes?
Air Fryer Recipes– From one meal related topic to another. My family got an Air Fryer for Christmas and have used it a handful of times but want to use it more. What are some of your favorite Air Fryer recipes? I’m looking for healthy food options. We have tried chicken tenders and enjoyed them and have also tried to heat up different foods like pizza, wings, etc. For any Air Fryer lovers out there, what are your favorite things to make and what should I try? Let me know in the comments below! I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you in advance!!!
That’s a look into life lately and what I’m loving. Tell me: what’s been catching your eye this week?
We made it through the first week of January! How was your first week of the New Year? Have you started chipping away at your New Year’s Resolutions or giving yourself some grace this first week of the year? I know I enjoyed getting back into a routine and doing some cleaning, we still have all our Christmas decorations up which makes our home feel extra cozy. Regardless of how you are spending this week, I hope it’s been a good one.
I saw this quote and thought it was so timely especially if you are embracing these next few months as a slower time.
Today I’m sharing some last of holiday fun and some new favorites from this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another roundup of favorites for the first week of the new year!
Books Beach and Beyond– I heard about this podcast, Books Beach and Beyond in the fall but didn’t have a chance to start listening to it until the Christmas holiday. If you are a book lover like me, then you will love this podcast. Author, Elin Hilderbrand hosts the podcast with Tim Ehrenberg, and they talk to different authors about their books, where they get their inspiration from and what projects they are working on. The two hosts have interviewed Taylor Jenkins Reid, Colleen Hoover, Ann Patchett and Kristin Hannah, just to name a few. This podcast is so informative, and it gives great insight into the literary world. I really have been enjoying this podcast and hope they bring it back for season two in the new year.
A new favorite podcast
Candy Cane Lane-We watched Candy Cane Lane for a family movie night over Christmas break. The movie stars Eddie Murphy and it’s all about a man who loves Christmas. He participates in a house decorating contest, but gets caught up in signing a deal in hopes of winning, which results in some magic getting out of hand. The movie follows the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song as each of the items comes to life. There are a lot of good one-liners and fun catch phrases in the movie too. This was the perfect family movie that held everyone’s attention in my house. If you are still in the Christmas spirit, you can watch it on Amazon Prime.
Such a cute movie!
Wordle party game– We got the Wordle party game for Christmas and it has been a huge hit in our home. A few of my siblings and I play Wordle every day, so this game takes it to the next level. Up to four people can play the game. One person chooses the five-letter word, and all the players have to guess the word using the same rules as the daily game on the New York Times. If you are a fan of Wordle, this game is definitely worth the buy, plus it forces you to really put your thinking cap on.
A great family game
Mighty Patch– As far as beauty products go, the Mighty Patch has been a new favorite for me. I tried using the Mighty Patches after I got them as a gift and have been impressed with how well they work. These clear patches go over any blemishes you may have for a faster clear-up of your face. You can get them for overnight wear or daily wear. I tried a sample pack of both and found that the overnight patches work better. This product won’t solve all your acnes issues, but it does help if you are looking for a quick fix here or there.
Chopped Pomegranate Salad– I love a good salad, but I’m not one to purchase bagged salads too often due to the expense, I would rather make a salad with vegetables I already have at home and on hand. However, we picked up a few chopped salads to go with some appetizer nights and they were a hit. I really enjoyed this pomegranate salad, it’s a perfect blend of flavors for fall and winter. We enjoyed this salad with some other snack bites, but it could also go great with a pizza night or with a protein like chicken or steak.
That’s a look into some of the things that I have been loving this week, from the last bit of holiday fun to games, beauty products and food, there was something for everyone. I hope you have a relaxing and cozy weekend as we begin a new month.
Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week. I can’t believe we are one week out from Halloween weekend! This month has flown by, but I have made the most of it between fall walks, apple picking, baking and fall fests!
Hello Fall!
It’s been a great month and it’s not over yet. Today’s roundup is all things fall as I link up with Erika and Andrea or a fun roundup of Friday Favorites!
Pinterest Boards– Kicking things off with all things fall, my Pinterest boards reflect how I feel about fall and they bring me so much JOY! Give me all the fall vibes, from nature photos to recipes I want to try, cozy scenes indoors and book and movie recommendations. I go through phases where I am always pinning things up for ideas or inspiration or I am not on the app at all. I’m currently pinning all the fall things, all the time. I love to go on Pinterest at the end of the day for inspiration and to unwind. Here’s my page to follow along, not just for fall but for recipes, fashion, home decor and organization.
SO much JOY!
New Room Scent– New season, new scent! Does this scent not scream fall..honeycrisp apple for fall?! I love apples and and the fresh and sweet scent they bring and I know this was the perfect scent for the next few months for fall! Whenever I have it on, I am drawn back into an apple orchard. Bath and Body Works is my go-to for all the sweet scents, they always get me with their deals for lotions, car scents, body spray and candles.
The perfect fall scent!
Near in the Night– Emily Ley’s latest book, Near in the Night just came out and I can’t wait to dive in. I’m still deciding if I want to start it now or wait until the new year to begin, stay tuned! This is a companion or part two to her first set of devotionals, Sure as the Sunrise. I loved starting my day with Sure as the Sunrise, after some journaling and quiet time and I was thrilled when she announced she had a set of 100 nighttime devotionals coming out. Ley is such a talented writer and I have loved all the different genres of books she’s penned and published. I’m looking forward to ending my day with some quiet time and devotional time and can’t wait to start Near in the Night.
Stuffed Butternut Squash-My boyfriend made Stuffed Butternut Squash for a date night in and it was delicious. The perfect fall recipe. I asked him to share the recipe if you are looking to try it!
A delicious fall meal!
Ingredients
2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1/2-3/4 pound ground sausage of your choice
½ teaspoon salt and pepper, more or less depending on seasoning of sausage
herbs and spices to taste, depending on which ones pair with the sausage of choice
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1.5 cups cooked rice, ideally cooled
1 diced bell pepper
½ diced onion
Directions
Combine all ingredients except breadcrumbs.
mix well and divide into squash halves.
Top with breadcrumbs and a melty cheese if desired, very lightly drizzle oil or spray tops of each
Place squashes into lightly oiled baking dish
5) Bake covered at 350 for one hour, then uncovered for 30 minutes
Sitting in Bars with Cake– If you are looking for a movie for girls’ night or a mother-daughter night in, I have you covered. I found the movie, Sitting in Bars with Cake on Amazon Prime and watched it with my mom, it looked so cute and fun. Two young best friends living together in LA head to bars with cake as a way to make new friends and guys while making memories along the way, what more could you ask for in a movie?! I loved the story of friendship, seeing them make all these unique cakes and creations, but the movie had a lot more depth than I realized. This was a tearjerker and really showed the power of friendship and how it endures all. Make sure you have tissues on hand when you watch you have something sweet to indulge in, because the movie will leave you hungry!
That’s a quick look into what I have been loving this week, lots of fall favorites, from scents to inspiration, recipes, and movies! Tell me, what have you enjoyed the most about the fall season? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Fall Friday!
Happy Wednesday! How has your week been going? Moving fast or dragging? I can’t believe we are halfway through October. I’ve been doing my best to enjoy the fall season as much as possible and that includes making my way through my fall bucket list.
Fall in full swing!
Something that I have been trying out over the past few months are audiobooks. I got a three-month free trial through Amazon and Audible over the summer and wanted to see if listening to audiobooks would be a new hobby I would enjoy. I LOVE to read, I typically go through a book a week. I strictly read “real” (sorry, I couldn’t think of a better adjective) books as opposed to digital books on a Kindle or tablet, simply because I like the feel of the paper and binding, hard cover or paperback and it’s nice to take a break from screens every once in a while. However, I know plenty of people who love a digital book.
Nothing better than a good book
When the opportunity came to try out Audible for a free trial, I jumped at the opportunity. Now that my free trial is up, it’s time for a review! This is no way sponsored, I’m just sharing my thoughts on the app and my experience.
I don’t often listen to a lot of content or media or music. I listen to Emily Ley’s Simplified podcast that comes out once a week. It’s short and sweet and often between 20-40 minutes long and leaves me with great advice or tips. I listen to that while I run.
On occasion, I will listen to another podcast if someone recommends it to me or if I have an interest in the topic, but besides that, I’m not a huge podcast or listening to content person. Mostly because I don’t have a lot of time where I can listen to media or content. My commute to work is 10 minutes and I often talk on the phone or drive in silence (mostly because I like the quiet moments during a busy day). If I’m going to listen to something like music or a podcast or audiobook, it’s often when I am running. I also I work in an office where I am always on the go and when I am at home, I try to be present with family or doing a hobby that requires my attention, so when I don’t get too much downtime to just listen to things as I go.
Sometimes I listen to the Lazy Genius
When I got Audible, I was intentional in making sure I was listening to the books I got. it wasn’t hard to do since I was interested in all the topics.
Over the course of three months, I listened to three books: Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Vuolvo, Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock, and Counting the Cost by Jill Dillard. These were all books I was interested in reading and the fact that two of them were memoirs and narrated by the authors got my attention. I enjoyed all three books, learned a lot and was happy I could listen to them while doing other things. I love to multi-task. I listened to all three books while I was out running for a workout, in the car, and traveling. But I had to almost remind myself to listen to the books and make sure I was taking full advantage of the subscription.
As far as book reviews go…
Becoming Free Indeed– Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Vuolo, I grew up watching Jinger Vuolo on 19 Kids and Counting and I have continued to follow her after the show ended. Through the book, she mostly focuses on her faith and how her relationship with God has changed through her life. She doesn’t focus too much about her family or the drama that has surrounded them in recent years. Overall, I thought it was interesting to hear her perspective about her faith and relationship with God and how it has evolved through the years. I chose to listen to it as opposed to read it to hear it in her voice and I was glad I did.
Kingdom of Prep– Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock follows the rise and history of J. Crew. I recently became a fan of J. Crew as I got older and started working full-time. I had a few pieces growing up but didn’t really wear a lot of the brand until I was an adult. Now I have several blazers, dresses, and blouses from J. Crew. After wearing their clothes, I was interested in their backstory. I really learned a lot about the history of the brand, where they got their ideas from and the different people who played a part in the company. It was interesting to see how the brand has evolved through the years. I enjoyed the audiobook, but it would have been nice to see some of the photos from the book.
Counting the Cost-Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Dillard focuses on Jill’s life, how she’s grown and evolved and her perspective about her family and a lot of the events that transpired in recent years. I really love that I could hear her telling her story through the audiobook. I feel that she really pulls back the curtain on a lot of big moments in her life which I appreciated. She was real and vulnerable throughout the whole book. I learned so much more about her and her family situation. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and finished it in less than a week.
Now, back to Audible. I really loved all the different book options available on Audible, it was hard to narrow it down to only three books to listen to! The app was very easy to navigate and every month I got an email saying I had a new credit available to get another book, this made it super easy to know when I could listen to another book. I liked how I could adjust the speed of the reading if I wanted. Audible has different options for memberships, so you can tailor how much you want to pay based on your interest level.
I was glad I was able to test out Audible for audiobooks, but after my free trial, I don’t think I’m going to renew it. I was happy with all my books and purchases and I was glad I got to listen to them. I had no issues with the app or products, but I don’t think I listen to audiobooks enough to justify the cost of paying for a subscription. I listened to the audiobooks I purchased, because of the free trial, however, if I didn’t have Audible, I still would have read the books. I genuinely enjoy the act of sitting down to read a book and missed that physical interaction with these books. Plus, I do believe I retain what I’m reading when I am looking at the words as opposed to listening to them. I think if you are someone who has a long commute to work, has a lot of quiet time or works best with background noise and likes to multi-task, then I definitely think Audible is worth it, not too expensive, hundreds of books to choose from and very easy to navigate. However, for me personally, listening to audiobooks isn’t a hobby I want to pursue at this time.
I’m not swearing off on audiobooks forever, but right now, I think I’m going to stick to my library books for now.
If you are an audiobook lover, what do you like about them? I’m always curious to hear people’s thoughts about different topics! To all the book lovers out there, happy reading or listening!
Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week! I’m in full on fall mode over here and am trying to pack in as many fall activities as possible.
Fall in a small town!
Last weekend, I made the most of the fall weather and conditions and took a fall drive to see the leaves changing and did a fall train ride too. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday and make the most of a fall day. We are halfway through October and if you have a fall bucket list, how is yours coming along? I am slowly but surely checking things off.
Beautiful day for a train ride
Nothing prettier than leaves on the ground!
Today I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s edition of Friday Favorites.
Here’s a few things I’m loving this week!
Lupin- One of my favorite shows to binge watch is back! Lupin is set in France and is French but is dubbed in English and has subtitles. Season three follows Assane Diop, a thief as he robs from the the wealthiest people. He is sneaky and savvy, always has a plan and a disguise. This season is all about reconnecting with lost family. My favorite thing about the episodes is when they show him pulling off the heist. Definitely a binge-worthy show to try if you are looking for something new on Netflix.
A great show to binge watch!
Love at First Sight– This was such a cute movie that popped up on my Netflix feed. My mom and I watched it one night and LOVED it! Love at First Sight is a cute rom com all about fate and being at the right place at the right time. When a young girl misses her flight in the U.K., she immediately books another, thanks to that flight she meets a fellow traveler and they hit it off. Turns out, the two are on the same flight and agree to swap numbers, however, due to a mix-up they never exchange numbers. Will the two reconnect and find each other in London or was it just a chance encounter on a flight? You will have to watch to find out!
The cutest rom-com!
Hello Beautiful– Remember that stack of books I got from the library a few weeks ago? I’m still making my way through it. I have been going back and forth between lighthearted books and some heavier ones. I have read about Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano on numerous blogs through the summer and couldn’t wait to read it for myself. It was definitely a heavier read and it took me longer to make it through compared to a chick flick, due to the depth, but it was so worth it. Without giving too much away, it’s a modern day take on Little Women. It follows four sisters and their lives from children to adults and how they grow close and apart, evolve and change. The book is told from four different perspectives and spans across decades. This book was so moving and really leaves you reflecting on the power of family and relationships. It was definitely worth all the hype.
Such a powerful story!
Counting the Cost-My free, three month trial of Audible is almost up, and I’ll have a whole review coming soon, but until then, I am currently listening to Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Dillard and wow, I can’t stop listening. As I mentioned before, when I listening to Jinger’s book, I followed the Duggar family growing up and like many others was fascinated by them. I continued to follow them as their family went through some ups and downs and was eager to read the books by Jinger and Jill. While Jinger’s book focuses more on her faith journey, Jill’s focuses more on her life, how she’s grown and evolved and her perspective about her family and a lot of the events that transpired in recent years. I really love that I’m listening to the audiobook version and can hear her telling her story. I feel that she really pulls back the curtain on a lot of big moments in her life which I appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and finished it in less than a week, whenever I was driving or running, I have it on. If you do plan on reading it, I recommend the audiobook version.
My current favorite thing to listen to.
The Crown Trailer-The new trailer for season 6 of The Crown dropped this week. You can watch it here. I can’t wait for it, even though it’s the final season and I don’t want it to end! It will be broken up until two installments starting with Diana’s death and ending with Will and Kate in University. Even though the teaser was short, it got me excited for what this new season will bring! November can’t come soon enough!
That’s a look into some of my favorite things from this week! Some books, a movie, new scents and all the fall fun! Tell me, how have you ben making the most of the fall season? What’s been your favorite fall activity? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello All! Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a great week so far and a great month. September was a weird month for me, we had some days in the 90’s that made me want summer to never end and then we had a handful of days in the low 50’s which had me craving fall. Mother Nature could not make up her mind.
I’m hoping October is a little more consistent, but I will always take the sunshine and warm temperatures for as long as I can.
I got a lot accomplished this month between work and fun, I also made headway on my fall bucket list, and I took some day trips too! Overall, it was a great month!
Here’s a bit of a recap:
What I’m Up To: The month started out with Labor Day and some final ice cream runs before some of my favorite spots closed for the season.
End of summer ice cream
I used some of the tomatoes from my garden for a peach caprese salad. I have been loving peaches this season and have been enjoying them every opportunity I can. I used Mix and Match Mama‘s recipe for the Peach Caprese salad, you can find it here.
A delicious Peach Caprese Salad
I tried to take advantage of the warm weather as much as I could, which included lots of walks to new and old places. I made a trip to Chargin Falls, Ohio. The falls are right in the center of town, but there are some great trails for hiking nearby!
Beautiful waterfalls!
I also made another trip to our local zoo which is always a fun afternoon activity.
Another zoo trip in the books!
I rounded out the month with my first trip to West Virginia for hiking. Here’s a few shots from my adventure.
A true fall walk.
Gorgeous views
And beautiful trails!
What I’m Wearing: These past few weeks have been so hard to dress for, some days you can get away with shorts and a T-shirt, but other days, it’s leggings and sneakers.
A go to walking outfit.
Some days it’s leggings and tee shirt weather for hiking.
The same goes for work clothes, most days I will walk into work with a coat, but by afternoon and evening, it’s way too hot for a coat.
A go-to work outfit.
This month is all about layers. I also can’t wait to start wearing some of my new fall shoes from DSW.
What I’m Reading: This month was such a good reading month for me. A lot of books that were on hold for me at the library came in, so I had plenty of books to read.
Some of my recent reads and to be reads.
This month I read:
Someone Else’s Shoes– Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes follows the story of two different women who accidently swap shoes at the gym. A silly mix-up leads to a lot of self-discoveries for these two women. A wealthy woman is forced to start over in hopes of getting some of her wealth back and a middle-class working woman gets a boost of confidence after finding and wearing designer shoes. I really liked following the storyline between the two women and I really loved what happened when they finally met. With most books I enjoy, there was a happy ending!
The Soulmate-The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth follows the story of a family who lives in a quiet seaside town. When a woman dies after falling from a popular cliff, questions arise about her death. Was she pushed? Did she fall? Did she take her own life? Secrets are uncovered between two families and connections are made that you won’t see coming. There’s a lot of mystery to this book and it’s a bit of a thriller, but not too much so that you won’t be able to sleep at night. After reading this book, I want to read more of Sally’s books! I really loved the mystery and intrigue this book offered.
Pineapple Street: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson follows the dynamics of a wealthy family in New York City. It’s told by two daughters and one daughter-in law. I loved how it was told from different perspectives and truly fell in love with the storylines and characters. I think it showed an interesting look into adult relationships especially between in-laws and spouses. I also appreciated the description of New York living, from the sights and sounds and the vibrant city life. It was worth the hype after hearing and reading it on different blogs this summer.
The Mother-in-Law– The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth. It only took me a few weeks, but I got my hands on another Hepworth book. I was looking for another book with some mystery and intrigue and this one delivered. When the matriarch of a well to do family dies by suicide, everyone in the family is stunned. However, not everything is what it seems, when she may not have died by suicide after all. Family members are questioned, secrets start to spill out, and it turns out there may have been different people who wanted her dead. I was taken back by the ending and I’m sure you will too. If you are looking for a good book with twists and turns, this is it!
Same Time Next Summer– Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan is all about a woman returning to her family’s beach house with her fiancé and runs into her first love. She’s changed a lot since she last laid eyes on her first boyfriend and when she sees him years later, all the memories come rushing back. It’s a story of first loves, remembering the best parts about growing up and doing what makes you happy. I loved Nora Goes Off Script and I couldn’t wait to read this book, it was definitely worth the wait.
I couldn’t wait to read this book.
I also finished two audio books this past month.
Becoming Free Indeed– Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Vuolo, I listened to this book at the end of August and start of September. I grew up watching Jinger Vuolo on 19 Kids and Counting and I have continued to follow her after the show ended. Through the book, she mostly focuses on her faith and how her relationship with God has changed through her life. She doesn’t focus too much about her family or the drama that has surrounded them in recent years. Overall, I thought it was interesting to hear her perspective about her faith and relationship with God and how it has evolved through the years. I chose to listen to it as opposed to read it to hear it in her voice and I was glad I did.
Kingdom of Prep– Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock follows the rise and history of J. Crew. I recently became a fan of J. Crew as I got older and started working full-time. I had a few pieces growing up but didn’t really wear a lot of the brand until I was an adult. Now I have several blazers, dresses, and blouses from J. Crew. After wearing their clothes, I was interested in their backstory. I really learned a lot about the history of the brand, where they got their ideas from and the different people who played apart in the company. It was interesting to see how the brand has evolved through the years. I enjoyed the audiobook, but it would have been nice to see some of the photos from the book.
I have a few more weeks of my free trial with Audible and I will have a full review on that coming soon!
What I’m Watching: Typically, I would be into all my fall shows right now, but due to the writer’s and actor’s strike, that’s not happening, but I have been enjoying my fair share of shows on streaming. A few reality/competitions show I watch have made their return. Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test returned for season two this past week, so I will be tuning in for that every Monday and then The Masked Singer is back tonight! I always enjoy trying to guess who’s under the mask, so this will be a fun season to watch. Here’s a few other shows I’ve been watching.
The Perfect Story– The Perfect Story can be found on Netflix, and it follows the story of a runaway bride and how she turns her life around when she meets someone totally unexpected. They are both recovering from heartache and the two start to spend time together to get back at each other’s ex’s. However, the more time they spend together, they more time they grow to like one another. It’s a light-hearted mini-series that’s only five episodes long, so it’s a fast watch. It is in another language, but it is dubbed in English so it’s easy to follow, especially with subtitles.
Virgin River– I made my way through the first half of season 5 this month and it was really good. I liked how it picked up right where it left off. One of my favorite things about this show is that it’s the perfect escape from reality. A cute, quaint, town with mostly feel-good storylines. It makes me want to escape to a small town in the woods for a vacation after watching it. There’s some drama, but it mostly gets resolved quickly. It’s not my favorite show of all time, but it’s great to put in ion the background as you work away.
What Inspires Me: I took a little hiatus from the kitchen over the summer, but I am back and doing all the baking and cooking once again. My goal is to try one new recipe a week and bake something once a week too. If I accomplish it, great, if not, then it’s not the end of the world. So far, I have made my Peach Caprese Salad, Blueberry Muffins and Banana Muffins.
I can’t wait to go apple picking and start making all the apple recipes. I have also been using my Kitchen Aid more by doing more baking and cooking which makes me happy and brings me so much JOY!
What I Accomplished: Last month, I officially said goodbye to summer and hello to fall! I have been making some headway on my fall bucket list by going on fall walks and doing some baking and cooking.
Hello fall walks!
Another fall walk!
However, the leaves haven’t changed quite yet, and we still haven’t experienced all the fall weather yet. I have a feeling I will be accomplishing a lot from my bucket list in the next month. Another personal goal I accomplished was upping my running to four miles!
Goals from Last Month: Last month was all about the changing of seasons. I did some fall cleaning, got a lot of doctor’s appointments checked off my list, I saw friends and spent a lot of time outdoors and with family. This was a busy month, but a successful one, nonetheless.
Getting my new Simplified planner made me very happy!
Goals for this Month: This next month will be all about enjoying all the fall fun! I have some fall day trips planned. We also have a handful of fall festivals happening, so I hope to make it to some of them. As the weather gets cooler, I want to make some hearty soup and enjoy all the cozy days indoors by watching movies or fall shows.
That’s a look into life for the month of September. Some changes and freshening up of things, but a great month. Tell me: how has your month been? What’s been some things that have brought you JOY? Let me know in the comments below!
Are you in fall mode yet? Are you savoring the pumpkin spice season or soaking up the final days of sunshine? Last week, we had temperatures near the 90’s, so I’m still soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the outdoors for as long as I can.
Final ice creams of the summer!
My summer was a busy one, so I made it a point to schedule a lot of my yearly appointments for September once the summer slowed down a bit and to be honest, I’m glad I did. It’s been nice to take care of appointments and checkups when children are back in school, and the calendar is a bit more open, and routines are back in place. Needless to say, my days off have been filled with ALL the appointments, but I did manage to sneak in some fun too!
It’s never a bad day for a walk!
As we gear up for the weekend, I’m sharing a few things I’m loving this week as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites.
Virgin River Back– The new season of Virgin River came out last week, but I didn’t have a chance to watch it until this past week. I have been loving this season so far. For those who watch, it picks up right where last season ends. I really like how each season flows right into the other. A few storylines get wrapped up in the premiere, but new characters and problems arise in the premiere too. I’m anxious to continue the first half of the season and I’m already looking forward to part two when it comes out in November.
Sally Hepworth’s The Soulmate– I have only read a few of Hepworth’s books but have devoured them all. Her latest book, The Soulmate came out in the spring, and I have been waiting to check it out at the library. Once I got my hands on it, I finished it in five days, some nights, even staying up late to read one more chapter. It follows the story of a family who lives in a quiet seaside town. When a woman dies after falling from a popular cliff, questions arise about her death. Was she pushed? Did she fall? Did she take her own life? Secrets are uncovered between two families and connections are made that you won’t see coming. There’s a lot of mystery to this book and it’s a bit of a thriller, but not too much so that you won’t be able to sleep at night. After reading this book, I want to read more of Sally’s books!
Cover Girl The Exhibitionist Mascara-I wear a lot of makeup for work and I’m always open to trying new products, especially when it comes to mascara. I have my staples that I use day in and day out, sometimes like to experiment with new styles. I have been a fan of Cover Girl and their products and one of my friends told me about their Exhibitionist Mascara. I have been using it for a few weeks and have really come to enjoy it. I typically use their lash blast mascara, so it took some getting used to using a thinner brush, but I have found that it makes my lashes look longer. It has great coverage and it’s long-lasting. I’m not sure if I will use this one forever, but it has been good to change it up over the past few weeks.
Black Mary Jane Shoes– I’m not in fall mode yet, but I have made a few recent purchases that is getting me there. My mom spotted these black Mary Jane ballet flats at Marshall’s and they were calling my name. I love how they are a sturdier shoe, there’s a strap on them and you can wear them with so many different outfits. I can see myself wearing them with dress pants, a skirt, even jeans in the fall. I love how they are versatile enough to be dressed up or down with them. I love to browse T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s just to see what things they have in stock.
Simplified Launch– This was one of my favorite weeks as it was Simplified Launch Day this past Wednesday! I am a weekly-yearly planner gal, so I got to pick out my goodies for 2024 and order them on Wednesday. Simplified also dropped some new products that I browsed. Each launch they always bring out so many fun and creative products, I have to reign myself in from buying them all. This was my planner pick for this year. I love the message behind it, the pattern and all the detailing. I can’t wait for my products to come in.
This was a busy week, I finished a big project at work, had some appointments, and work functions thrown in too, so I was more than ready for the weekend! I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend or you are enjoying a nice relaxing weekend in. Either way, I hope it’s a great one!
I’ll see you here back next Wednesday! Happy Weekend!
