Sunday, June 29, 2025

Sunday Night Thought

 

Thursday, June 26, 2025

It's The Small Things

 Over the past five years it really seems like the world has been in chaos. I feel like it is so easy to get sucked into constantly checking the news and doom scrolling on social media. A few years ago, I came to the conclusion that it is a waste of time and energy to get worked up over things that you really don’t have any control over (unless you are in a position to do so). At the end of the day, the most you can ever do is express your opinion and say a prayer. 

I have always been a believer that if you look on the positive side of life, more positive things seem to happen, and it creates a happier lifestyle. Sometimes the happiest moments in the day really boiling down to small things that add up and can honestly turn one’s whole day around. So, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the recent small things in my life. 

A visit to a bookstore

The sight of fresh flowers

A baby’s laugh

Discovering a new favorite item at an old restaurant 

Fresh sheets

An unexpected compliment

Facetimes

The sound of rain falling right as you’re going to bed

Puppy snuggles

Finding a favorite dress you thought the cleaners may have lost

The smell of fresh cut grass

Having a really good hair day

Bringing a smile to another person’s face

Seeing old friends

The perfect sunny mornings right before it gets hot

Climbing into bed and turning the first page in a new book

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

May Reading List

 I am really trying to make reading a priority this year, even if it is just listening to an audio book, and in case you are wondering, yes, I am in the camp that listening to an audiobook still counts as reading. 

The past year has been crazy in that barely keeping your head above water feeling… I am really trying to make a point to carve out space for myself to do some of the things that spark joy. I am one of those people who feels more fulfilled when they exercise and take part in artistic things – it is like food for the soul. I love how with reading you can get completely lost in a storyline to the point where it feels like a little mental mini vacation. 

 

I usually read books that are currently trending, but this year I have decided to read the books that have been on my list of books to read, forever, as well as taking in trending books, guilty pleasure books, classics, etc. I love how they all have their own vibe and offer different points of views on things.

 

With out further delay, here is a list of the books I read in May! They were all fantastic reads, but Beach House Rules was my personal favorite.


One// The Wedding People, by Alison Espach

I have seen people rave about this book for the longest time… It honestly took me about a hundred pages to really get into it and at times I was holding my breath and praying for a certain outcome. This book is a page turner because it is so easy to become so invested in the lives of the characters (the leap off the pages!). In true transparency, this book is a very good read, but overhyped, 100%.


***Side Note: if you are experiencing depression or having harmful thoughts, I would not recommend this book for you***

 

Two// The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis

This book has been on my list of books to read since 2020, when it was first released. The cover alone is reason enough to invest in this book! If I am being honest, I really, really wanted to love this book, and it was still an excellent book, but another one that was overhyped. The story is so beautiful in a tragic way… this is a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and leave you with a new perspective on some things.

 

Three// Beach House Rules, by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I feel like Kristy Woodson Harvey books always signal the start of summer. Her books are the perfect beach read and are always filled with the most relatable characters and the juiciest storylines. I cannot recommend this book enough! Ife you haven’t read it yet, then you need to pick up a copy ASAP.

 

Friday, June 13, 2025

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Guide

 I know I say this every time I post ‘For Him’ gift guide of some sort, but men really are so hard to shop for, in my opinion. When it comes to women I feel like there is just an endless sea of gift options, but men… it just seems overall pretty basic and repetitive… I was most definitely the child who gave their father neckties multiple years in a row; in my defense, the 90s and early 2000s tie color scheme was on point, and Sharper Image was about as techy as things got. 

Now that I am grown-up, I love venturing to stores Williams-Sonoma for Father’s Day gifts. Barware is so fun to shop for! I tried to think of a few outside the box for this gift guide, and don’t worry, ties are not included in this guide! 

One// Williams Sonoma Classic BBQ Tool Set

What dad doesn’t love a good grilling set? This is such a great set that will last dad for years and years to come

Two//Breville Sear & Press Grill

These Grill presses are fantastic! They can be used for so many items! My personal favorite – would hands down be a panini sandwich

Three// American Flag Cotton Crewneck Sweater

Flag sweaters are such a summer staple. Love the classic navy background of this one and the timeless fit and style. Honestly feel like every family needs a classic flag sweater in their wardrobe and this one is such a great deal!

Four// iPad Air

Men and technology… it is always a win, 99% of the time. The iPad air comes in the perfect size and weight for travel or just for convince 

Five// Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skinny Grill 

I absolutely love this piece! It is so great to place over your burners to grill hamburgers, chicken, sandwiches, whatever you hear desires! Being able to grill burgers inside on a rainy night – that sounds like a dad win to me! 

Six// Ooni Koda 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven

Who doesn’t love pizza?! Honestly feel like this is a treat for everyone in the family. I can’t help but picture a fall night, the leaves gently rustling, and the smell of pizza wafting through the air.

Seven// Sony-Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless Camera with Interchangeable Lens

I know that phones take better quality pictures than a lot of cameras out there. However, I feel like it is important to have a really great camera, especially if you have children. Another gift that would be a treat for dad as well as the whole family!

Eight// Cloud 6 Coast Sneaker

Because every dad needs a really great pair of stylish dad shoes! 

Nine// GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker 

Honestly, this one just looks cool, and Sonic level ice available at anytime of day in the comfort of your own kitchen just sounds like a dream!

Ten// Billy Reid x Williams Sonoma 3-Piece Cocktail Shaker & Strainer Set

Cocktail shakers are always a must. I feel like this one is so perfect for the dad that loves to have a nightcap.

Eleven// Faherty Shirt

Faherty is such a great go-to for men’s casual shirts. Any of them would make a really great Father’s Day gift!