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2022 Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! I am officially back from my blogging break, and ready to share some of my goals for 2022. Now, I want to preface this post by saying that I am not sharing all of my goals, because some of these are downright personal, such as my financial goals. That said, I want to share some of my goals (at least the ones that I feel comfortable sharing.

Stick to Bullet Journaling: I have been trying to get into bullet journaling since 2020. This year, I purchased one and some markers. I even took some time to research some ideas on YouTube. And, so far, I’ve been doing great. Granted, it’s only day three, but I hope to have created this habit so I can not only keep track of my progress, but also just have something to look back.

Write 2-3 Posts a Week: During the last quarter of the year, I reached blogger burnout. In 2022, I have a few big life things planned, such as beginning to figure out wedding planning as well as getting ready to move from my childhood home. I won’t beat myself up if I miss a week here or there, but I want to make sure I am posting regularly.

Drink More Water: I am working on my fitness a lot more this year, but I don’t think I drink enough water. Which isn’t a good thing. Therefore, my goal is to drink at least 80 to 100 ounces of liquid per day. What helps me is that I do drink 16 ounces of tea a night, but I really want to drink more water.

Read 100 Books: I have been going through on and off reading slumps at the end of 2021, so I want to try to get back into reading more. In 2019 and 2020, I read sooo much (thanks to the pandemic and just my life circumstances), so I want to try to get back into it again.

Have At Least 1-2 Social Events a Month (COVID-19 Pending): One of the things that I am trying to work on is have more social events with my friends. That said, the pandemic might have an effect on this, so we’ll see.

And, those are my goals (well some of them) for 2022! What are your resolutions for this year?

5 Highlights from 2021

Hey everyone! We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming (and my mini blogging break) to talk about 2021. It’s been a year folks. I’ve had a year of ups and downs, and as we head into 2022, I have so much to look forward to. But, before the clock strikes midnight tonight, I want to take a moment to honor some of my highlights of 2021:

I Got Engaged:

I think the biggest highlight in 2021 was the change in my relationship status — I got engaged! I haven’t talked about my engagement or wedding planning (or lack thereof) on this blog, but I got engaged on November 25 at a tree lighting, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year. It also was a great early Christmas present if you ask me.

I Bought a Car:

In February, I had hit a tree during a snow storm, which was one of the scariest moments of my life. After not having my car for several months, it died in my driveway. I will not post a picture of it, but I purchased a 2021 Subaru Legacy. Thankfully, my previous car was paid off, so I was able to have a huge downpayment.

I Asked My Maids of Honor (and they said yes):

I may not have a date or a venue, but I have two maids of honor. Last week, I asked my two best friends if they wanted to be my maids of honor, and they said yes.

I Reconnected With Some Old Friends and Expanded my Circle a Bit:

Over the past year, I began opening up my circle and reconnected with some old friends that I have lost touch with. I am the type of person who forgets to text her friends sometimes, so this has helped me stay more accountable with staying in touch and making plans so I’m not a hermit.

I Began To Put Myself First:

Last but not least, I began to put my health and myself first. I began Ruf Fitness and have been working out and eating better. I have been trying to set boundaries as well so I can do what I need to do to take care of what’s important to me. And, I am super proud of myself and the steps that I’ve been taking.

Book Review: Always, In December by Emily Stone

Every year, Josie is a Scrooge during the Christmas season. However, there is one tradition that she keeps up every single year — writing a letter to her deceased parents who died tragically when she was a young girl. Fresh off of a breakup and facing job loss, she nearly crashes her bike into Max, a stranger whose flight to New York was delayed. The two spend a few magical days during the Christmas season, only for Max to leave Josie on Boxing Day.

Throughout the course of a year, the two meet in unexpected places and ways — in both England and in New York City. However, something is always keeping them apart.

Okay, so I just finished this book this morning and I have some thoughts. First off, I really loved the character development of Josie. The reader started off by seeing Josie in this crossroads in all of the areas of her life. She was unhappy with her job and was newly single. She also never really took chances, and always opted of the safer option. However, over the course of the book (and thanks to Max), she begins to follow her dreams. She also leaves her small town life and actually explores the world. I loved watching her find herself, which I largely attribute to Max.

Next, let’s talk about Max and Josie’s relationship. I was both frustrated and wishing for a happy ending for the two of them. Something keeps the two from being together. Although it is revealed in the final chapters, there is something that keeps Max from committing to Josie. Throughout the novel, he was thinking about her, and it’s obvious that the two of them really loved each other. In the end, he comes to Josie when she needs him the most, which is something that I really thought would cause them to go into each other’s arms and end up happily ever after.

In some ways, I was right.

This leads me to my final point. I was mentioning that there was something that was keeping Max and Josie apart, and ultimately ended up doing just that. This was hinted at quite a few times, as many characters have asked Max if he told Josie or asked Josie if Max talked to her about something. That something (I won’t reveal what that is), resulted in the ending of the book. As a huge person who believes that honesty is the best policy, I think that he should have just told her in the first place so that it doesn’t come at her out of nowhere. However, despite my frustration, I understood why he did it the way he did.

That said, I really loved this book. I loved it so much that I read the novel in the span of 48 hours. Which has been a rarity these days. I loved the characters, even though I was frustrated with how Max handled the thing that he didn’t tell Josie, and the story was one that honestly brought me to tears when I reached the final pages. This was definitely one of the most beautiful stories that I read this holiday season, and I highly recommend checking this book out if you have the opportunity to. And, even though it is set with a holiday background, I do think that you can read it all year long.

My rating for this book is five out of five stars.

Taking A Walk Through The Festival of Silver Lights

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.

Check out my photos here:

Book Review: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

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.

Friday Faves: December 17, 2021

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.

Book Review: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall

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.

Walking Through Downtown Milford’s Christmas Display

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.

7 Tips For Spenders To Become Savers

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.

Bag Talk: Are the Stoney Clover Minis Worth It?

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.

I have a few of them including: the hazelnut cozy, the mini pouch with a sherpa outline, black, apple cider, and nude. And, I am obsessed.

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.