I hope everyone had a great week and has an even better Friday. Here’s to my five favorites of the week before conquering Friday and coming home to pizza, blankets, and sleep. π
One.I went on a tiny shopping spree and got this new blush at Sephora. I love it and it’s name, “paaarty”…
Two.…and thisΒ for your lips in the color, “birthday suit”. It is subtle but noticeable…
Friends are coming to town this weekend and I can’t wait! π
Five.Sundays have become one of my favorite times lately. I’ve been letting myself sleep in a little bit but then I still have a about two hours before we leave for church. I have been listening to music, sipping coffee, and making some food. It’s so nice. π I realized I haven’t made my homemade granola in a little while, so last Sunday that’s exactly what I made! xo
Here’s the thing guys. Whenever I make recipes on a whim, they either turn end up in a masterpiece where I feel like I can conquer the world, or they are just a flat-out disaster. Sometimes I laugh at the disasters and sometimes I feel like I could shed a few tears. Creating is a funny thing. BUT, when it works in your favor, it’s glorious! π
I think I stumbled upon one of my best creations yet with this smoothie. Thank goodness this recipe took the first (masterpiece scenario) and not the latter. It’s smooth. It’s decadent. It’s sweet. It’s refreshing. It screams winter. It can get on board with summer. It’s everything you want in one glass that only takes seconds to make, with ingredients you most likely already have! This drink is definitely one to save and serve to your kids, hubby, friends, and family. You can never go wrong with chocolate peanut butter friends. You will LOVE it! xoΒ
Ingredients:
1 cup organic whole milk
1 frozen banana
3-4 ice cubes
1 Tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp peanut butter
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a quality blender and blend until smooth. Easy!
On the busiest of weeks, Friday feels even more amazing. Although, I took off yesterday for some R & R and let me tell you…it was the best! I slept 11 hours (I know?!), went shopping, met Eric for lunch, and just relaxed. It was definitely a favorite of the week!
Two.
Ladies, this sweater is $30 from the loft and so functional. You can mix and match it for the holidays and even after.
Four.
I talked about this on WednesdayΒ but have definitely dug deeper into the study since then. It has been really eye-opening to do a study again to switch things up and I love her heart throughout each page!
Five.I made my pumpkin bread this week and it is just so dang good!
What I’m reminiscing about:I’ve found myself daydreaming about our trip to Italy (Capri, Tuscany, and Florence) a lot lately!
What I’m loving:
The people in my life, plain and simple. πΒ
What we’ve been up to:
Birthday celebrations!
What I’m dreading:
Nothing and I love that. π
What I’m working on:
Grading papers and finishing up Christmas shopping. You can view some of my ideas from last year, here. πΒ
What I’m excited about:
That time between Thanksgiving and Christmas when everything feels farm and cozy and it’s spent with a lot of family and friends. π
What I’m watching/reading:Our church is doing a women’s study called Finding I AMΒ by Lysa TerKeurst. None of the days or times that our church offered worked with my schedule, which I was SO bummed about because everyone kept raving how great the study is. I decided that nothing was holding me back from buying the book and doing the study on my own, so that’s exactly what I did. πΒ
I’ve been watching the videos online and completing the study book and so far, it’s been living up to the hype!
What I’m listening to:I used to work at the kids store for Polo Ralph Lauren. They always had the most soothing and relaxing soundtrack playing and I could never pinpoint what songs reminding of it until I tried Frank Sinatra’s Pandora station. I have been listening to it for the last few weeks. πΒ
What I’m wearing:
Nothing especially new. I need to go shopping! Any suggestions?
What I’m doing this weekend:
After every weekend being filled to the brim, having nothing on our agenda has me really, really excited!
What I’m looking forward to next month:
Is it too early to be excited about Thanksgiving break? (Didn’t think so! π )
What else is new:
The fact that my hairs getting longer probably doesn’t interest anyone, so nothing really! πΒ
Bonus Question:Β βWhatβs your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?βI love, love, love Katie Lee’s, “Late Summer Farro,Butternut Squash, and Arugula Salad,” from her Endless Summer Cookbook. It’s light and hearty with so many tastes that pair perfect with Thanksgiving food! I also am (understandably so) a big fan of My Grandma’s Sweet Potato Dish if you are looking for something a little more traditional and quick to whip up!
…and there goes October! So crazy! Praying November has some great things in store for everyone!
Today, we’re talking all about our favorite holidays. The most wonderful time of year, in my opinion is the time between Thanksgiving break and Christmas. I love the feeling in our home, the time with family and friends, and the food. All of it is just SO fun! That being said, Christmas takes the cake with being my absolute favorite holiday of all. From the lights, to the music, to the true meaning of Christmas it wins every single time.
Since Christmas is less than 10 weeks away, I thought I’d share some of my favorites from last year to help you get a jumpstart on shopping and ideas! π While you’re at it, turn on some Michael Buble’s holiday station on Pandora, and make yourself some ofΒ this to sip on. π
You can get your family excited to watch these movies……and make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for the upcoming season. Christmas is just the best all around! π