For the month of December, Meriden’s Hubbard Park sparkles with a magical holiday displays that spectators can either take a stroll in or drive through. This is known as the Festival of Silver Lights.
The display, which runs through January 2, features lights on the lake, as well as scattered throughout the park. For further details, you can check out their website here. Furthermore, admission to this display is completely free, so it doesn’t hurt the wallet to visit with the family, and it runs from dusk to dawn.
My fiancé and I took a walk on Sunday, and we were blown away by them. We only drove through last year, so I like it that we were able to get a chance to walk around this time around. Pro tip: bundle up. It was very cold.
The Parent Trap with a hint of baking and a little romance on the side is the best way that I can summarize The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox.
The Holiday Swap is about twins Cass and Charlie. Cass runs her family’s bakery in their small town, while Charlie is the host of a baking show in Los Angeles. When a concussion causes Charlie to lose her sense of taste and smell, she calls in her sister Cass to help her out. The two switch places. Throughout the course of the book, the two find romance and pull of the switch. Of course, it comes with some comical hitches as the sisters navigate life as the other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I have been on a kick of reading nothing but Christmas novels, and this is definitely one of my favorites that I have picked up so far this season. Of course, this novel is light and fluffy. But, when you are reading one of these novels, that’s what you already know what you’re in for. I loved the romances, I loved the sisterly bonds, and I loved the baking element of it. It was entertaining and held my interest from start to finish.
This book was my Book of the Month pick for the month of December, but I am going to be honest. Even if it wasn’t, I would have picked it up as well. So, if you’re trying to get one festive read in before 2022, I highly recommend this one.
Happy Friday everyone! It has been a long week, and I am so happy that it’s Friday. Luckily, my work week next week is short, as I will be taking some well deserved time off in the days leading up to Christmas. That said, I did want to take some time to share some of my favorites of the week with everyone.
ELF Lip Balm in Tough Cookie: I read about this on a blog, and I decided to check this out since it only cost $5. I love this lip balm. The color is subtle, but it adds a pop of color. This is great when you are not in the mood to put on a full face of makeup. It also helps to keep your lips moisturized as well. It’s perfect for those who want a new lip color for the holidays, but don’t want to drop a ton of money on it.
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox: I have been binge reading holiday romances, and this novel is my latest read. I love this book. It is about twin sisters Charlie and Cass, who switch places because Charlie, the star of her own baking show, has a concussion and loses her sense of smell and taste. Charlie enlists the help of her twin sister Cass, who runs their family bakery. However, the two end up finding love and themselves along the way. It’s definitely cheesy, but it’s something that I really enjoyed for a quick, light read.
Holiday Movies: On the nights I actually have been free, I have been binge watching holiday movies on Netflix and HBO Max such as ELF, A Christmas Story, New Years Eve and so much more.
Emlyn: I discovered her music on TikTok, and I am obsessed. Her vibe is alt pop, and I am all here for it. I love her lyrics, and her vocals are so on point as well. I highly recommend checking her out.
And Just Like That: Okay, I have been watching this and I do enjoy watching it. Do I like what happened in the first two episodes? No. However, I am still tuning in, and I will mention it as a favorite for the week.
Last week, I finished my first holiday read of the year — Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall.
The book is about childhood friends Nick Winters and Noel Carter. Their parents were best friends, and therefore, the two have become equally as close. Nick comes home after serving his country, and is back to their small town, where his longtime girlfriend has broken up with him. Noel has become a nurse, and is still nursing the hole in her heart after the loss of her parents. In addition to their history, the two of them also share an extensive love for music.
The two begin to fall for each other after one night of pretending that they are together. With their family and friends cheering for them in the background, they soon begin a love story of their own.
This was the first book that I have read in a while that I couldn’t put down. I am going to be honest here — it had all of the themes that Hallmark movies has — someone returns back to their small town, someone being closed off due to their past, and of course, some revilery. And, of course, this novel has the feel good effect that all of Hallmark movies have as well.
The one thing that I want to mention was how much I loved reading the characters’ relationships with each other. Yes, I love reading the story of Nick and Noel. But, I LOVED the relationship between Nick and his friends and his sisters, and Noel and Gabby. While they were a little bit on the cheesy side (hence the comparison to a Hallmark movie), I definitely enjoyed reading their interactions.
I don’t have much else to say about this novel, other than it was a simple love story and I really enjoyed reading it. I was looking for a feel good Christmas novel, and this definitely fit the bill. If you’re looking for a novel that makes you feel good and gets you into the Christmas mood, then this is your book.
Ever since my now-fiance and I have started to date, we’ve always made our way to the Downtown Milford Green for Christmas decorations. Every year, they decorate the Milford Green with sparkling lights to create a magical experience. Walking around it is a great activity that is also completely free, and all you need is just a hot drink. So, scroll down for some photos of my walk around the Milford Green from last week.
In her books, Rachel Cruze talks about two different kinds of people — spenders and savers. These are our natural tendencies, the things that we would do longer before money became more and more serious. And, this is not a bad thing. It’s just what comes naturally to us.
I am going to admit that I am a spender. I love to shop. I love finding deals. However, if I’m not careful, I can go overboard. And, I am not alone. I know so many spenders out there, and while that it is okay, it’s important to incorporate some of the saver side as well. So, I’ve drawn up this list of things that have helped this spender become a little more of a saver.
List Items on Poshmark/consignment stores: Poshmark is my BFF. And, as I have been decluttering items, I’ve been constantly at my local consignment store. Yes, I buy a lot of things from the website. Yet, I also use it as a great resource to get rid of clothes and accessories that I no longer use. This helps not only reduce clutter, but also add some extra money in my bank account.
Use the 24 hour rule: Wait 24 hours before making a purchase. Plain and simple. And, if you’re still wanting the item, then go for it.
Pay Yourself First: Whenever you get paid, make sure that you pay yourself first. I always try to put 15 percent of my paycheck into my savings account.
Stop Lifestyle Inflation: Whenever you get a raise, don’t raise your lifestyle’s expenses too. Instead, use it as a chance to increase your savings and your investments. For instance, if you are currently making $50,000 and you’re getting a raise for $10,000, then put that extra money into savings in addition to what you already do.
Plan Your Buy: This is easy. If you know a store is having a sale, plan out your purchases. For instance, when Pandora had their Black Friday sale, I decided to make a list of all of the items I wanted. I got to cross off some items on my wishlist, enjoyed the savings, and didn’t feel any of the guilt.
Save vs. Splurge: There are some items worth investing in, and it’s different for everyone. For me, it’s jewelry, shoes, cars and handbags. For others, it’s jeans, makeup, and technology. The point with this is as long as you have balance with what you spend vs what you save, then you’re good.
Stack Your Points — and Use Them Wisely: Everywhere nowadays has a rewards program. Nordstrom has Nordy Notes. Target has Target Circle. Kohl’s has Kohl’s Cash. By stacking rewards points for a treat or even for a huge purchase down the line, you definitely can get some serious savings.
Are you a saver or a spender? Let me know in the comments below.
Here on bag talk, we have been talking about handbags. However, today’s is going to be a little different, as we’re going to chat about the Stoney Clover Lane Mini Pouch.
If you don’t know about the Stoney Clover Lane brand, here’s some further information. Stoney Clover Lane is a brand that focuses on travel pouches, duffel bags and so much more. What is unique about them is that everything is completely customizable, and you can customize them to have or say whatever you want. I have some with patches and some without.
The pouch that I have had the longest and have used the most is the mini. I got my first mini off of Poshmark and it’s been in rotation every since. When Stoney Clover Lane had their Stoney Clover Saturday sale and their Apres Ski launch, I went a little crazy. Typically, I keep hand sanitizer, chap stick, lip products if I choose to use them, hand lotion, my vaccine card, air pods, and my chargers with room to spare. I organize my purses with pouches, so for me, it’s a must have.
And, the mini fits in nearly every handbag that I have. I can fit it in my totes (well obiviously), but I can also stick it in my Dooney and Bourke crossbody as well as my Madewell Transport Camera Bag.
It is truly the ultimate little purse junk drawer if you ask me.
While I use this as a purse organizer, I can honestly see using this as a travel piece to keep things organized. I haven’t tested the limits of this piece, but I can say that it can fit a lot. I haven’t done any travelling where I would need to pack, but if I do, I can honestly see myself using it to stick the small things that I wouldn’t want rolling around, such as jewelry, medicine, charger cables, and so much more.
And, yes, it is worth the money. The only bag that maybe might give this pouch a run for its money is my Louis Vuitton mini pochette. But, Stoney Clover is a fraction of the price and much more affordable. I’ve had the Longchamp pouches and the Vera Bradley ones, but honestly, I just love the Stoney Clover Lane ones so much more.
I am fairly new to the Stoney Clover Lane brand, but so far, I am really enjoying every one of my pieces and have nothing but good things to say about the brand. The quality is there, and every one of their pieces honestly just fills me with joy.
While it may be too late to order a customized piece for Christmas, I still recommend checking them out and picking up one. You’ll become addicted.
Pandora Sparkling Snowflake Collier Necklace and Earrings: I purchased these as a set last year when they were on super sale. I have been wearing the studs nearly every day in either my first or second hole, and the necklace most days this week. They both are perfect for the holiday season, even though I do wear them from time to time during the rest of the year. These make great gifts for anyone who loves the winter season, but also great Christmas jewelry that is not obiviously Christmas pieces.
Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist is such a good read! It is about life long friends Nick and Noel, who share a love of music and a not so secret love for each other. I have been reading this book for the first half of the week, and it’s such a cute read. This is the first book in a while that I literally have to force myself to put down. And, since I am behind on my reading goal, it’s just what the doctor ordered. There definitely will be a full review to come on the blog.
She and Him Christmas Music: She and Him, which is Zooey Deschanel’s band, has a huge selection of Christmas music. And, for the past week or so, it’s been on repeat to get me into the holiday spirit. They have a ton of albums, so I highly recommend checking them out.
Quest Protein Chips in Cool Ranch: These chips are soo good and they have 19 grams of protein, so they help me reach my protein goals. So far, the cool ranch is the only flavor that I’ve had and they are so good!
About a month ago, I posted my reasons why I chose to take a chance to join Ruf Fitness. Now, a month later, I’m coming back to you with my initial review.
The Ruf Fitness app is available if you go to the Ruf website. The app houses workouts, a trainer that you can chat with, and the Ruf Community. Thursdays are check-in day, where you take your measurements and weigh yourself. In addition, there is the Ruf Facebook group where you can chat with other members and have a support system.
When you first sign up, you get a few Zoom calls with a coach and then you have the option to join the accelerate program as well. The coach will set your macros, which is basically the breakdown of grams of protein, fats, and carbs.
Ruf also has a series of challenges, where you set a goal that you wish to meet. Currently, we are in our 30 day sprint from now until Christmas.
There are a few things that I like about Ruf over the other programs that I use, including Jillian Michaels and Sydney Cummings. First and foremost is the value that you get. I was considering going to a nutritionist for a while, but this seemed like a better value to me because you get both the nutrition aspect as well as the workouts for $29 a month. And, you can choose from five workouts to pick what’s best for you. No one size fits all here.
For me, I tend to go back and forth between Beginner WOD (beginner workout of the day) and Home WOD. No matter what I choose, the workouts are tough. They have a combination of strength and cardio. But, they challenge you, which is something that I really like. As mentioned earlier, I’ve done Jillian Michaels, and let me tell you, those workouts are no joke. These account for where you are today, but help you reach your goals in the future.
And, you do get a trainer to ask any question that you may have, whether it’s the amount of macros you’re eating, or if you’re struggling through the work out. I think that alone is a good value in of itself because personal trainers can be expensive. This allows those who are struggling with weight loss — someone like me who didn’t have a clue about anything — to have an expert come in. They have a trainer that is available 24/7, whether you are on the accelerate program or the regular.
Trainers check in with you on check-in days, which are typically Thursdays. But, you can message them at any point, which is really nice when you’re stuck. The trainer will then give you guidance, whether it’s to eat more protein or tips on how to thrive with your workouts. My trainer that I’ve spoken with has really pushed me to reach 150 grams of protein daily, and really encourages me to eat clean. And, thanks to them, I’m seeing results.
Secondly, I love Ruf because it instructs you to weigh yourself once a week. I like this better because I’ve heard from many people that you should weight yourself daily, which is something that I’ve done for over a year now, and was not the best for my mental health.
What I also love about Ruf is the community. There is a Facebook group and chat feature in the app. This, at least for me, has helped so much because I don’t feel like I am alone when I’m on this journey. We share our progress pictures on check-in day, and small victories. Roy, the CEO, goes on Facebook live once a week to discuss FAQs. The community is something that I really like, because being on a weight loss journey can be isolating. With Ruf, I know I have support.
The Results:
Left: before starting Ruf Right: latest progress photos
Okay, so now let’s get to the good part. The results. I have started to lose some weight and inches throughout my body. That said, I’ve shared my first check-in day photo with my most recent one. I notice that there is more muscle mass in my arms, and my stomach is flatter.
In terms of non scale victories, I’ve noticed that my clothes have fit better, my rings fit so much better, I can actually run a little bit, and my ability to lift a larger size of dumbbell. I feel stronger, and healthier.
This is only just the beginning for me. My current goal is to lose 165 pounds. I hope to eventually go down even further, but that’s the goal for now.
So, overall, I do recommend Ruf Fitness for those who want to prioritize their health and for those who want to prioritize their fitness.
When searching for ideas for Blogtober, I did a Q and A with my then boyfriend. Since it was such a post to write, I decided to do a Christmas version of it for Blogmas. Little did I know that he was not going to be doing it as my boyfriend, but as my fiance (more details to come). The holidays are a weird time of year, especially if you’re just starting out, so this post is here just in time.
Read on to read his answers, and follow him and I on Instagram!
1. What are your tips for couples who are experiencing their first Christmas together as a dating couple?
The best tip I can give for your first Christmas as a dating couple is to be generous, and not just in gifts. Yes, your significant other will remember the gifts, but they’ll more likely remember how you may have introduced them to your family if that’s your first holiday together, or the interactions with family members if it’s not.
It’s a holiday where you give gifts, I’m sure you have a favorite gift I gave you, and I’m sure it made your holiday. However, you’re more likely remember the moments that came on the holiday rather than that one gift.
2. What do you think of Christmas proposals?
They’re nice, I know my parents got engaged on Christmas, so of course I think it’s pretty cool (Note from Natalie: I told him that I did not want to get proposed to on Christmas). People love the holidays and honestly, it’s probably the second or third best holiday to commit your life to one other on (Valentine’s Day and New Years Day being the others).
I think that proposals during the season are slightly better though. The Christmas season is just so magical that you can find about ten different ideas and places to do it. From doing tree lightings (Note from Natalie: he actually did propose at a tree lighting) to arranging your own Christmas holidays to horse drawn carriage rides, there’s stuff you may not be able to do on the actual holiday.
3. What are your thoughts on balancing both sides of the holidays?
I think that it’s something that is good for a relationship, provided everyone is on good terms with one another. To be able connect with your significant others family members is something that can really go a long way in terms of connection.
It may not seem like too much, but showing you care to both sides, is something that is under appreciated. We recently did it for Thanksgiving, and you could see how much your cousin and his wife appreciated it.
4. What are your gift ideas for guys looking for gifts for their girlfriends, especially it being their first Christmas together?
If it’s a first Christmas together, jewelry is a safe bet, maybe some kind of knick knack. As time goes on and you learn more you can try stuff like pajamas and clothing but if you do it the first time, there’s a higher chance it may not go over well.
thenutmegmillennial.com 