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Blogtober Day 17: Local Small Businesses to Check Out This Holiday Season

Christmas time is almost here, even though things are going to be looking at lot differently this year than in years past. Many of us – myself included – are going to be using online shopping as a resource to get shopping done more than ever before. For many of us, we’ll be turning to Amazon or other larger for our shopping. I mean, how many of us have shopped Prime Day?

That said, I want to try to give some small businesses around the state a huge shout out. Luckily, many of these now have online options – or are online completely. So, without further a due, here are some great small businesses to check out this holiday season.

S.V. Decker Jewelry: This is my top store for both men and women for good reason. I am a huge fan of this brand, because of the quality of their jewelry is on point. I have so many pieces of hers, but I recommend that if you’re looking for gifts to get the year necklace, the gemstone necklaces or a pair of her statement hoops.

R.J. Julia Bookstore: Located in Madison, this is single handedly a booklover’s dream. Prior to COVID, this was my go-to place for book signings. However, this is the best place to get gifts for the book lover in your life or even kids. And, you can now purchase their books online, which is really amazing.

Shop, Luv Mimi: Shop Luv Mimi is an online boutique based in Milford, and I had the opportunity to feature her on a Women Who Work. They have the cutest pieces, which is perfect for if you’re shopping for your girlfriend, mom, daughter, bestie, etc. And, the best part? You’re getting quality clothing at a really good price. Definitely a win if you ask me.

Pennyweights: I love this jewelry store because it is so affordable. Many of their rings are $11. And, they are sterling silver. They have become my one stop shop for necklaces, bracelets, rings and even earrings. And, if you can’t make it to their New Canaan location, they are online at Etsy.

Inside Living Style: This is the perfect place to get any kind of home gifts – perfect for someone on your list who just moved out or recently purchased a house. They have so many unique items – from coasters to mugs to pet supplies, and they are fairly priced. I personally love their keychains, as they make great stocking stuffers.

Evan’s Toy Shoppe: Christmas is all about the toys, am I right? Well, Evan’s is your stop for all things toy related – no matter what age you’re shopping for. And, yes even when you’re an adult you’ll have fun there embracing your inner child.

Happily Ever Erica: This Connecticut-based Etsy shop is your one-stop shop for all of your stocking stuffers and gifts for your girlfriends. Happily Ever Erica has scrunchies, coasters, face mases, key chains and so much more! I interviewed Erica a little while ago, and I’ve become obsessed with all of her stuff. What is great is that many of her items are cute and affordable, which is amazing. Furthermore, her shipping is quick, and even comes with a handwritten note from Erica herself.

Toy Chest: Located in the center of West Hartford, Toy Chest is the perfect place for anyone who has a kid. What is different compared to Evan’s is that they also sell furniture as well as toys. This is perfect for the new parents on your list.

Merle’s Record Rack: With the rise of vinyl, this is heaven for music lovers. Merle’s has everything from CDs, cassettes, vinyls, and so much more. I bought a record player earlier this year, and I have been loving it. However, other than Urban Outfitters, there really isn’t a place to get vinyl. This has a lot more older vinyls, which is great if you’re looking for classics such as Goodbye Yellow Brick and Dark Side of the Moon.

Blogtober 18: Was Quarantine a Way to Press Pause?

I binge watched Emily in Paris recently and one quote from the show seemed to have stuck with me – “Americans live to work. French people work to live.”

The more I thought about it, the more that I thought that it’s true. It’s definitely true in my opinion that a part of American culture is the hustle culture. I see it within my own friend group. I know so many people who not only work a full time role, but have a part-time side gig as well.

For some people, it truly makes sense to have to work many jobs. Life and adulting is expensive and some people need it to pay for student loans, debt, etc. For others – myself included – it is a way to take a hobby and earn a little extra money on your own terms (which is why I am planning to open an Etsy shop in 2021). However, I can’t help but feel the pressure of getting a side job as well as my 9-5 one.

According to a report on Bankrate entitled The Average Side Hustler Earns Over $8K annually, 37 percent of Americans work a side job. Furthermore, the article says that 50 percent of millennials do the same as well. And, while some of these side hustles are truly a way to have a little fun, others are not. As many of us know, burnout culture is on the rise.

A little while ago, I saw a tweet that talked about the fact that quarantine is not a productivity contest nor everyone should have to come out of it with their next side hustle. However, I want everyone to think about quarantine – at least for those who had to work from home and stay home.

For me, it was a chance to indulge in the things that make me happy. Crocheting, watching addictive television shows, playing Animal Crossing, reading and blogging are all a few things that bring me joy in between working from home.

Since the pandemic began, I’ve seen so many of my friends do the things that bring them joy from baking to trying something new. Which I’m sure if the pandemic never happened, they never would have done. I think quarantine was this big pause button. And, I’m going to be honest here, I think we needed it.

This is why I am choosing to reject hustle culture. I am going to continue to work hard at my full time role. However, I am choosing to also fill my life with things that I enjoy. I am going to blog whenever I feel it is a good time for me to blog, and when it’s not, I am not going to. I am choosing to make time for rest, for making blankets, and reading every book I can. Balance and boundaries are essential in this life – including this one. For me, this is about only having one full-time position, and making time for my hobbies. For me, it’s actually using my vacation days. My work will get done, and I will remain productive. But, I will be sprinkling in some fun as well.

I think many people choose to hustle because they feel better about themselves whenever they are busy. And, there’s no shame in that. For those types of people, that works. But, I am going to challenge you. What was the last time you took a moment to enjoy your life? Or, to enjoy something that may not make you money, but puts a smile on your face? If you can’t think of it, then I want you to carve that in. Let’s use some of that time off to relax, take trips when things slow down, and just take a step back to for a cleansing breath.

At the end of the day, I think that it’s important to remember that while it’s important to work hard, but it’s important to enjoy life as well.

Blogtober Day 16: Eating My Way Around CT: Scratch Bakery

For years, I’ve always managed to end up at a bakery during the weekend. Whether it’s my mom wanting me to pick up bread for Sunday dinner, stocking up on treats to eat during the week, or even indulging in something over the weekend, I always make time to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Recently, my weekend bakery trips have been to Scratch Bakery in Milford, Connecticut. Scratch Bakery is located at 84 Broad Street, which is in the Downtown Milford area. What I really love about Scratch Bakery is that it has a variety of things. You have the usual bakery suspects – breads, cookies, cupcakes, etc. – but it goes beyond that. They serve coffee and lattes as well.

First, let’s talk breakfast. They serve a variety of breakfast foods, such as pastries, egg and cheese sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and bagels. Furthermore, they even have special items that you can get on certain days of the week, such as a breakfast pizza, which consists of a “variety of toppings.”

Additionally, they also serve lunch and have a wide selection of sandwiches and salads. They have something truly for everyone, from their Not Your Kid’s Grilled Cheese (the Ultimate Comfort food if you ask me), to their Hummus Sandwich on Ciabatta (which looks amazing to me). And, you can add bacon or grilled chicken to any sandwich as well, which is amazing if you want an extra dose of protein. According to their website, lunch is served on Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and not served on Sunday.

Now, let’s talk about my favorite part about Scratch’s menu – their bread and their dessert. I’ve been getting their bread a few months now for my avocado toast in the morning, and I am loving it. Their bread always tastes so fresh and delicious. They do have an extensive bread menu as well, and you can purchase a whole loaf for about $6.50. Their flavors include: honey flask, ciabatta, cranberry pecan rye, and so much more. Furthermore, what’s really cool is that they even offer stadium pretzels on Wednesdays as well.

Finally, I’ve saved the best for last – their dessert menu. And, boy are their desserts delicious. I’ve been getting desserts from there pretty much since I started dating my boyfriend because he would bring in treats to my job at the time. They have a variety of brownies, cookies, and cupcakes. Some of my personal favorites are their confetti cookie, their salted caramel brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and their cupcakes. Furthermore, you can also order a cake for a special occasion as well.

Overall, I highly recommend you check out this bakery whenever you are in the Downtown Milford area, whether you are looking for a cup of coffee, bread for the family or even just a little treat. I’ve honestly enjoyed every single thing that I’ve had there, and hope to try their lunch menu at some point. And, while Scratch is now officially open to customers to come inside, you can still order your goodies online as well – perfect if you’re like me and constantly on the go or just want to be in and out.

Blogtober Day 15: Popular Books That I Have Not Read (But May Want To)

As many of you know, I am an avid reader. I try to read at least one book a week, and mostly succeed. Like most bookworms, I do have a large TBR (to be read) list. On my Goodreads, this is over 500 books. Yup. I want to read a lot. That said, I wanted to share some of the bestselling books on that list that I have not read yet – but surely want to.

Now, please note that “popular” to me is defined as books that I see constantly on my Bookstagram feed, Booktube, and in the bookstore or book section at Target.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: I have had this on my bookshelf for almost three years, and it’s something that has always been on my mind to read but never got to. However, I have heard that this book is one that I must read. I’ve been getting more and more into historical fiction, and I think that I want to pick this book up next.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: I heard of this book, but never really wanted to pick it up until recently. I don’t know much about this book other than it is a dystopian that is set in a videogame. It sounds interesting, so I do want to give it a try.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: I’ve had this book on my Kindle for years, and yet I still haven’t read it yet. I also recently got a physical copy of the book for my birthday, which is a sure sign that I should move this up on my TBR. This novel is the first one in the Outlander series. It is about nurse Clare, who is on her second honeymoon in 1945 with her husband. Suddenly, she finds herself in 1743 and falling in love with another man. Clare suddenly finds herself between two different time periods – and two different men.

Okay, after reading the synopsis on Goodreads, I am very interested in picking this book up soon.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I am all here for that. I’ve been wanting to read this since I was in college, and I bought the series during COVID. I am hoping to get to one more fantasy series this year, and this one may be it since it has been on my TBR long enough.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: I recently added this one to my TBR, and it seems that since then, it’s been popping up everywhere. I do anticipate picking this book up sometime during the month of October though, since it has a lot of spooky touches that I have been craving. I’ve heard that it’s more of an adult version of Twilight, which I am really excited to learn more about since I was obsessing over Midnight Sun when it came out a few months ago.

What are some “popular” books on your TBR? Let me know in the comments below.

Blogtober Day 14: What I Love Wednesday 10/14

Happy Wednesday everyone! It is a good week for me because not only is it a short week for me, I also scored an amazing Prime Day deal on an item I’ve been eyeing for months. You’ll probably learn more about it as the month goes on in a post!

That said, I am so excited to share my favorites of the week. Most of them are pretty much clothing or accessories.

Madewell Large Transport Tote Camera Bag: I got this purse over a month ago when Madewell had their 25 percent off sale and I’ve been using it on my nonwork days ever since. What I love about it is that while it is a smaller crossbody, it still holds so much. In fact, it holds my Nook Glowlight Plus. It is the perfect bag for taking on the go, and I love the brown color as well. I use the regular brown strap with it, but I love the extra one to change up my look!

Pandora Rings: I went to the Woodbury Outlets and picked up some Pandora rings that are perfect for stacking. Unfortunately, many of them are discontinued so I can’t link them to the site, but you can find similar styles on their websites.

SV Decker Huggie Hoop Earrings: I finally could change the earrings in my second hole, and was disappointed to find that my huggies were a bit too large for it. I bought them and I am so happy I did. I love wearing the double hoop look or even a smaller hoop in my second hole and a larger pair in my first. If you have multiple piercings, I highly recommend you check these out.

Dr Scholl’s Madison Women’s Sneakers: These are so comfortable and I am the world’s pickiest when it comes to shoes. And, these are the most comfortable. I’ve been using these on heavier walking days, and have not had an issue.

I have the griege color and it goes with everything in my closet which I also love about them.

Blogtober Day 13: 5 Best Purchases of My 20s

It’s safe to say that as we grow, we do spend money and later regret it. That is part of the learning process when it comes to managing money. However, there’s a lot of things that absolutely you have zero regrets doing. And, it’s important to recognize the positive things in life instead of dwelling on the negative.

So, here’s some of the best purchases I made in my 20s:

1. Car: I no longer own this car due to circumstances, but the best purchase that I made was buying a new car. My first car was a 2001 Honda Civic. When I started to drive a longer distance for work, more things have started to go wrong with it. Since it wasn’t an AWD car, I wasn’t able to travel in snow. I ended up purchasing a 2017 Chevy Trax in August 2017 and had zero regrets. Sure, it sucked having to make a car payment, but the amount of security I felt honestly was worth it.

Now I no longer own that car because when my mom died, I ended up using her car. However, buying a car honestly was the best purchase I could have made because it’s not worth having a car you don’t trust. Especially when you drive a lot.

2. Brita Filter: Getting a Brita Filter honestly was the best thing I could have done because it saves me so much money, because I never buy bottled water unless it’s an emergency. Since then, my grocery bill has gone down dramatically. It’s $17.99 initially, and then $17.99 for a set of three filters, which you change every three months.

I recommend this to anyone who is living out on their own because it not only helps you save some money on the grocery bill, it helps me drink more water since I don’t have to worry about running out. Since it’s a health purchase and a money saver, I highly recommend it.

3. Nespresso: I drink a lot of coffee and lattes. During quarantine, I honestly missed my Starbucks run. So, I took the plunge and purchased it. And, I have zero regrets.

Since then, I have used this pretty much every day. What I like about this is that it saves me $100 a month and it is a lot healthier than a latte from Starbucks. I recommend it to those who love Starbucks and drink a lot of coffee.

4. My Apple Watch: I have purchased my Apple Watch the week after my mom died and I have zero regrets. Prior to having it, I actually went through a ton of FitBits and they would die at least a year or so in. I’ve worn my watch since March 2019 everyday and it’s still going strong.

What I love about my watch is that it does so much. It tracks my steps. It does an ECG, which was helpful with dealing with the anxiety of heart health. Furthermore, I also love it that it answers my calls and I can text on it. I also use it for GPS, changing the song on my phone, and so much more. I also use it as motivation to move every hour, and it’s helped me so much with my fitness goals.

5. My Nook Glowlight Plus: Last but not least, my favorite purchase from this year was my Nook Glowlight Plus. This is my third Nook and this is by far my favorite because I love the size of the screen and the quality of it. I do have a Kindle, but I just love my Nook so much more. I think it’s because I had a Nook since the beginning. I also love it that it has buttons, which the Kindle does not have those. What I love about an e-reader is that you can take your entire library everywhere you go, and it makes it easier for you to take books anywhere that you go. This helps you fit in reading time whenever you have a moment to read.

So what are your favorite purchases of your 20s? Or in general? Let me know in the comments below.

Blogtober Day 12: Monday Mantras You Need To Hear

Happy Monday! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a reminder or a mantra to help me power through.

So, we’re going to kick off the week with a little positivity with a list of mantras you need to hear to get your week on a high note.

1. I am enough. Because you are.

2. I am worthy of love. Whether you are in a relationship or single, you deserve to feel loved and be loved.

3. I deserve nice things. You work hard for your money. I personally believe that after putting a percentage of your money in savings, and paying your bills, you do deserve to treat yourself. And, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

4. It’s okay to slow down. If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that it’s okay to slow down. I truly reject hustle culture, because it teaches us to ignore the things around us that truly matter. Family. Friends. Making memories. Self Care. We often forget that, and I think that it’s okay to slow down and take the time to enjoy things.

5. I accept myself. I think that 2020 has thrown us for a loop. During quarantine, I have gained some weight. For a while, I have been way too hard on myself about it. However, I realized something. My body is healthy and strong. Therefore, I accept it for what it is. Or, try to. I may not be a size zero, and that’s perfectly fine. At the end of the day, I’m trying to get healthier, and that’s all that matters.

Blogtober 11: Blogger Q and A

I saw this idea on a blogger’s post, and I knew that I wanted to try it. A few days ago, I had asked in my Instagram’s stories (if you don’t already follow me on Instagram, seriously follow me! There is amazing content on there) for people to ask me anything. I got four questions, and wanted to compile them in a blog post to share.

What Is The Hardest Part of Doing and Maintaining A Blog?

Definitely maintaining a normal blog schedule. I work full time and sometimes I get overwhelmed with balancing stuff and so it’s harder for me to maintain consistency.

How do you decide what topics to write about?

I honestly just write about things that are important or that I love. For example, if it’s a place that I love to eat or shop at, I want to share it, or if it’s something I feel that’s important to share, I will.

Any good recent book recommendations?

If you love dogs, Fixing Freddie, but if you’re in the mood for something spooky, definitely House of Salt and Sorrow.

What would your dream holiday be?

Either Italy or LA.

Thank you to all who submitted questions! This was fun — hopefully I can get another one written soon.

Blogtober Day 10: Three Year Anniversary

Today marks three years since my boyfriend and I have become “official.” To me, three years ago honestly feels like a lifetime ago with everything that had happened in my life in the last three years, but it’s still amazing to think that we’ve made it this far.

Three years ago, my life was completely different. I had my mom and my beloved dog and I worked part-time at a local radio station. Back then, I knew next to nothing about real life relationships. You see, when your parents are divorced and you’re raised by a single mom, you go into any dating situation a little guarded.

My boyfriend and I met in June 2017. We both used to work events at our local radio station, and were actually paired up together to do one. We got stuck in traffic and ended up talking for a bit. It turned out that we had a lot in common from the music we listened to, and even went to the same college.

It’s safe to say to that it wasn’t love at first sight – I actually thought that he was a little weird and wasn’t sure what I felt about him. After the event, he added me on Facebook and after a week of liking every social media post that I had, I decided to message him. The rest was history.

We became official on October 10, 2017, after four months of talking and one month of dates. During that time, he had bought me cookies at work, and has been there for me during a low moment in my professional life.

Over the past three years, it’s safe to say that we’ve experienced our ups and downs – from fights to the unexpected death of both my mother and dog Maggie, who passed away the day of our first anniversary. Our ups? Well, if it weren’t for Eric, I probably wouldn’t have adopted Lucy, and now she’s our spoiled little girl.

I also think that in the past three years our relationship has morphed. In 2017, I was more into romance than I am now. You know, the romance that is defined by Nicholas Sparks and Christina Lauren. Now, I think that our relationship has turned more into partners. Eric has been always there for me, through good times and in bad. Nine times out of ten, he is the first person that I call whenever I need someone to talk to. We also communicate to each other how the other is feeling. Furthermore, we encourage each other to grow – personally and professionally. For instance, if I want to take a class to expand my knitting skills, Eric would encourage me to take it.

In the past three years, I not only gained a partner in life, but a best friend. It’s safe to say that we’ve come across many unexpected roads, but somehow we’ve managed to pick ourselves up and move forward.

I don’t know what’s next for us, to be honest. However, all I know is that I think we’re strong enough to handle all that is coming our way.

Blogtober Day 9: 5 Things I Must Do In The Fall

Happy fall everyone! Living in New England, fall is a pretty big deal around here. And, in my opinion, fall is the most beautiful time of year. I love the foliage, and I try to take walks whenever I can just to soak in its beauty as much as I can.

That said, there are a few things that I try to do every year during the fall season. That said, here are some things that I try to do every fall:

Go To An Orchard:

I live in Connecticut, so there are no shortage of these. I love going to an orchard at least once a year. While I typically don’t pick much since I live by myself, it is still a great time. It’s a great way to get outside, take pictures, and even go to their farm store for apple cider donuts. While there are so many in Connecticut that I have yet to try, my go-to place is Lyman Orchard in Middlefield. It’s beautiful there, and the Apple Cider Donuts are delicious.

Drink Pumpkin Spiced Lattes:

Pumpkin Spiced Lattes (AKA PSLS) are my go-to drink year-round. Therefore, I am so happy when it’s that time of year when they are on the Starbucks menu. This year, since I have a Nespresso, I’ve been enjoying making them from home for nearly a fraction of the price.

Go on a Fall Walk:

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to get outside more and more for a walk. For me, it’s been really relaxing, and I enjoy taking pictures of the foliage.

Watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (and Other Holiday Classics):

Is it really Halloween if you don’t watch It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? I thought so. I love watching this movie whenever this comes on. Additionally, I also love watching other classic movies such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus. I’m not a big fan of scary movies, so these definitely put me in the Halloween spirit.

Decorate:

I love decorating for fall. I don’t have much, other than some pumpkins, throw pillows, and some signs. However, they definitely put me in the fall spirit and in a better mood whenever I decorate my home with some fall decorations.

What are some things that you have to do every fall? Let me know in the comments below.