END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 12.19.25

The Christmas countdown is on! How are we doing, is everybody ready? I've been taking more of a laissez faire approach with the holidays this year. I haven't felt as pressured internally to shop shop shop and do all of the holiday things. I'm not feeling bah humbug, just more of a "it'll be what it'll be" vibe. It always ends up coming together in the end, no? We've just been going with the flow this year, ya'll, which has made a huge difference. I feel so much lighter, mentally, and just less stressed over all. Love that for me! ;) 

Obviously I love Christmas so I'm still excited for the upcoming week! I think the difference this year is we're just trying to keep it fun, ya know? I'm hoping to finish up all of my shopping this weekend and if I were smart, I would've started wrapping gifts weeks ago, lol. If push comes to shove, we always have gift bags!

Maybe I'll have a wrapping party and start my next Christmas movie. I finished watching Champagne Problems this week which was pretty cute- I like Minka Kelly. I also started this Christmas puzzle and made some Santa's Cookies tonight so we're staying festive. It's crazy how quickly the time has passed this season- every year it seems to go by a little bit faster. Here's to a few more festive days before the start of 2026! 

Wishing you all a fun and festive weekend! -- xx.

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 5.30.25

Happy Weekend and end of May, friends! We made it through the holiday week and on to what will hopefully be a relaxing weekend. Sometimes disrupting the status quo makes these holiday weeks a little wonky. This time (at least for me), it was all smooth sailing and the week flew right on by. I'm excited that we're also now on the brink of summer, however you would never guess with this crazy Tennessee weather. It's definitely giving April showers, lol. Rain, rain, and more raiiinnnn. One positive is that we've had cooler temps which I love. My only real issue with summer is she's just too d*mn hot and sticky. Having this easy, breezy weather all-year-round would be a dream.

In other unrelated news, it's been a hot minute since I've updated you on what I've been reading/watching. I resumed my Harry Potter re-read/re-watch marathon I started around this time last year. I've been re-reading every book and then watching the movie pair right after. I've had an absolute blast! I couldn't tell you how many times I've reread or watched the books/movies, however I've never done it like this before. I've also been taking my time with it and just enjoying everything as I go. I took a little break during the holiday but finally jumped back in and finished Order of the Phoenix last month. Now I'm just a few chapters away from finishing Half-Blood Prince. I'm hoping to knock the rest of it out tonight so I can watch the movie this weekend. 

I'm also now at a point where the end doom is setting in. I keep inching closer and closer to finishing the series which has always been bittersweet. It has to have something to do with growing up with the story as it was still coming out. It was and is such a special moment in time for me that despite knowing how it all wraps up, I always feel just a tinge of loss. I also think some of that has to do with the darker elements and loss of the last few books, too. 

Alongside of my Harry Potter journey, I've also been reading What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro. This book is about body language and non-verbal communication. I've always found this topic to be super interesting and so far, I'm really enjoying the book. Joe Navarro is an ex-FBI agent who specialized in reading people during interviews/interrogations. It's very cool to learn about how we all have pretty universal, primal body language habits as well as individualist cues. 

I also have Memorial Day week to blame for disrupting my fitness plan, haha. I've had one too many key lime bars this week so here's to a few last hurrahs over the weekend and then it's back to business on Monday!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!! -xx 

I love sharing my picks + hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS + A LITTLE WEEKEND GETAWAY | 2.16.24

Cheers to Friday, friends. I hope you’ve had a relaxing, fun filled Valentine’s week. This week focusing on new ways to relax and lower my stress levels has been on mind. I’ve always heard high cortisol can levels lead to an array of health issues over time which is definitely not what we want. It’s something that I try to be mindful of but in today’s world, can be challenging. 

A few things I’ve been focusing on lately to lower my overall stress and be more relaxed is prioritizing sleep, reading again and lowering my social media use. It’s been exciting to dive back into books and read during lunch breaks and before bed. This week I finished The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score which I had paused during the holidays. I also started King of Wrath by Ana Huang which is keeping my attention so far. Lighthearted romancey books always pull me out of a reading rut and has also been reducing my late night scrolling. 

The bf and I also took a little mini road-trip and this weekend to get away which has been so nice. We’ve spent the last 24 hours relaxing, eating yummy food + spending time together. We also went to the zoo which was so fun! Here’s your reminder to do a little getaway when you can- it’s so nice. Whether you go on a solo trip, with a significant other or friends, we all need a little time to recharge and deviate from the status quo.

It’s back to normal for us tomorrow but I’m wishing you the best weekend!

What are your plans this weekend?

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | THANKSGIVING

What a week it has been, you guys! I made it through the day and survived, lol. If you have no idea what I'm talking about- I work in retail which puts me right in the midst of Black Friday weekend. I talked a little bit about this last week but in retail world, the holidays are like a marathon. There is so much time, preparation and energy that goes into it all- especially this week. It's definitely both mentally and physically consuming at times, however I love the excitement. I finally had a moment tonight to sit back and reflect on the week and the holiday season we're in. 

Sometimes the hustle and bustle makes it hard to fully appreciate things. It seems like there is always so much to do and get done that we focus more on the end goal than the journey. We all have different circumstances happening in our life but I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend. I wanted to share with you that I'm grateful to have you here and always appreciate your support. I know life can feel discouraging at times and I have my days too, however I try to keep the attitude that I can always find something to be grateful for. Regardless of the outcome, that mentally keeps me in a better place than the alternative. We're gettin' a little cheesy here but the holidays always serve as a reminder for me of that. It's like a little alarm bell goes off to pay a little bit closer attention to the good things in my life. For this holiday that consisted of a little family time, traditions and good food. Naturally I ate WAY too much but is it really Thanksgiving if you don't? Just some food for thought from me to you. 😊

Now it's time for me to rest up and do it all over again, lol. Sending you lots of relaxation, rest + hopefully leftovers for the weekend. After tomorrow, hopefully I can join you! PS- have you done any shopping? Let me know what you're buying if so- I need ideas for Christmas gifts! 

How was your Thanksgiving?

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 11.17.23

What a week it has been! We're officially in the heart of what we call the "marathon" of working in retail during the holiday season. The weeks are busy, time is flying by and there's never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Being tired is an understatement and my patience is questionable, but we're surviving and thriving!! Despite the craziness, I love working during the holiday season. The anticipation of the holidays and the fast pace and are exciting. It's rewarding to work hard and see the season all come together. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes during this time of year to stay ready and get prepared, especially for the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday coming up. Are you planning on shopping next weekend? I can't believe it's already almost here! 

Ya'll know the extent of my Black Friday shopping is usually online + all the Cyber Monday sales. Because I'm working, I don't really have the time (or motivation tbh) to actually go out and shop. I'll leave that for you, haha. I am excited for several of the sales coming up though. I've only bought one Christmas gift so far so I need to get a jump on that + I have my eye on a few things. Stay tuned for my Black Friday sale post coming next week!

Right now I'm trying to make a mental note of what I'm looking to buy + what the sales are so that I have a game plan in advance. Thanksgiving week is always a whirlwind so I try to think ahead + plan out everything I need/want to get done. I'm also trying to strategize when to get all of my Orangetheory classes done this month too, lol. I haven't had a whole lot of motivation for much outside of work these days. By some miracle I did make it to two of my classes this week, wish me luck on the last five...

In the midst of the crazy, I'm still trying to enjoy as much of the season as I can. I was feeling festive this week so I watched a Christmas movie and made a quick and easy recipe for apple pie cookie cups. You bake sugar cookie dough in a muffin cups and then fill them with apple pie filling. I used pre-made cookie dough and just made the apple pie filling which was so easy and yummy. If you need something simple and quick for Thanksgiving, try it out! I used this recipe from Tasty Treat Pantry. Festive food is one of my favorite parts of holidays so I definitely make sure to indulge a little here and there. 

Now it's time to rest up + relax this weekend before all of the chaos! 

What are your weekend plans?

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 8.18.23

Yay for Friday, ya’ll. It feels like a good day to just chat it out + update you on life and all the random sh*t on my mind right now. Overall I'm feeling very productive + good about this week. Some weeks are the complete opposite so I always try to take advantage of recognizing the good things when they're happening, big or small. Here are a few positive moments about my week/month!

Let’s start with marathon month at Orangetheory- I’m getting *so* close to hitting my  goal. I signed up to run a half marathon which also pushed me to bump up my membership to an elite plan. I was only going four times a month before and can go eight now. I’m just so excited and proud about my progress— I currently have 10.91 miles out of the 13.1 completed AND I still have three classes left! Coming from power walking in class just four times a month, this is major progress for me!

If you need some encouragement— it feels really good to do something new and push yourself. Just do it! It can be hard to start sometimes but trying new things is sort of like a domino effect. It often leads to other positive outcomes or changes you weren't expecting. Signing up for the marathon not only pushed me to add in the extra classes but also to start running during class + even going at different times. It sounds a little silly but I never thought I'd find myself at the 7:30am class on a Saturday, ya'll. I struggle with being a morning person so that's a big W and I felt great afterwards.  

Today I went to the 5:45pm Friday class which was also new for me + then treated myself to a little solo date at Saladworks after. 💁‍♀️ Y’all know my obsession- it’s so good. I'm crossing my fingers they come out with a yummy fall salad soon-- I need gouda cheese back on the menu! 

Guess who also played BINGO this week and WON TWICE. My Chick-fil-a hosts is every once in awhile and it's SO fun, ya'll. Totally get the hype! I even had my Mom and Dad come and play with me too, hahahahahhaha.  It's giving Golden Girls Era but I'm here for it. 

Update on the Salt & Stone deodorant-- love it so far. Smells great and has been holding up really well so far even during my workouts. If you missed the unboxing post, here it is! 

I made some good progress decluttering this week too. I've been pushing it off for and finally just forced myself to go through and cleaned out the clothes in my dresser. I've been holding on to old stuff I never wear which has lead to zero room in my drawers + just chaos. I was also at the point where my drawers were so full, I could barely get them open. I ended up buying another jumbo storage tote for pieces I don't wear much + made a separate trash pile. For some reason clothes are hard to purge- I think there's a level of nostalgic attachment involved that makes us hold on to them. I'm nowhere near done but inch by inch, right? 

Is it sad that the highlight of my week is decluttering and playing bingo?? Lol. I know this week and post are super rando and all over the place. Real talk though-- I'm constantly reminded that the little things bring the most joy. Things like winning a bingo prize or eating a yummy salad. I hope you've also had some little bright spots in your week! Let me know what you've been up to + if you have any exciting weekend plans? I've been on a little bit of a Netflix rom com so I plan to relax and watch another movie!

What was the best part of your week?

WEEKEND PLANS | 7.21.23

Helloooooo, Friday. How has your week been going? I've been slowly getting back into my routines and back on my sh*t this week. I've been back in one of those down and out periods where I've just been feeling a little mentally and physically tapped. Now that things seem to be getting back to normal, I'm trying to play catch up on life, lol. I figured while I'm feeling good, I'd better tackle some of my to-do list. I still fully plan to relax and veg out this weekend but here are some errands + plans I have: 

+ORANGETHEORY - Since taking two weeks off from working out, I've gotten behind on my classes. My OTF cycle starts over next week so booking at least one class this weekend is a non-negotiable. Are you a weekday or weekend gym goer? Normally I stick to during the week but I actually don't mind Saturday AM classes. During the week I do the 2G circuit but I like adding in LIFT 45 on the weekend. 

+BIRTHDAY SHOP - My mom's birthday is coming up on Monday which means I have to get shopping. Nothing like the last minute, huh? I don't normally wait this long to start shopping but with everything going on, it's just snuck up on me. Keep your fingers crossed I find some good stuff! 

+NAILS & HAIR - I'm forcing myself to deal with both my nails + hair this weekend. I'm way overdue for both a haircut and a mani/pedi. Do you usually do your own nails or go get them done? Getting them done is a love/hate for me because I beat them up fast. On the flip side, when I do them they look worst AND get messed up even faster. Lol. I can paint them but I'd love to learn how to apply my own acrylics + make them last. Would love some tips/tricks if you have them!

+KAYAKING - JJ is finally starting to get a few days off again (anyone else's bf work all the time??) so I think we may go kayaking on Sunday. I'm definitely NOT the outdoor adventure girly but it could be fun? The only time I've ever been kayaking was on a camping trip in 7th grade... I almost got hit by a boat, ya'll. Pray for me! :p 

+FINISH BOOK - I've totally dropped the ball on reading again, too. I haven't really been in the mood to read lately but I am excited to get back into my book. I've been loving Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister and would love to finish it soon. Highly recommend checking it out if you like thrillers + suspense! 

What are you up to this weekend?

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 7.7.23

For a holiday week, it sure felt like a long one! Despite catching up on some much needed sleep, I've struggled getting up + have felt even more tired than usual this week. I'm happily welcoming the weekend with opened arms and ready to slow down and take it easy. It's also funny how once July hits, my brain starts jumping towards fall. I've never been a big summer gal so the sooner August starts approaching, the more ready I am. I'm already looking forward to cooler weather, the holidays + all the vibes. 

Speaking of holidays and this week, I hope you had a Happy 4th! Did you do anything special this year? I spent my day on a little solo roadtrip to Boone, NC which I love to visit. My family and I have been going for years- it's a great drive and the perfect afternoon getaway. One of my favorite lunch places has always been the Come Back Shack. It's an awesome local spot for American fare with delicious burgers, shakes, fries + more. I normally order the Local Burger or one of their chicken items (love the tenders!) but decided to treat myself this time with Porky Pulled Pork Fries and a Banana Pudding Shake! Both are part of their limited-time summer menu + were delicious. If you're ever in town, one of my top recommendations. They are always packed so you know it's good + it has a fun, relaxed vibe. 

I also had a great time strolling through the shops in downtown Boone. The Mast General Store is always a must whenever I go and because I surprisingly don't already own one, picked up a Boone sweatshirt. I'm telling ya'll, I'm willing fall to come my way! 

The rest of the week was back to biz as usual. Womp womp womp, lol. My weekend game plan IS to relax, however I always have a few things that I could or should get done. I think the only pressing thing on my list is a sheet change and ideally, squeezing in an OTF workout. It's 50/50 so we'll see. I've been giving myself a bit of a break with both my eating and workout routines over the last few weeks. I think it's a combination of losing Eddie (my kitty) and just feeling a little meh in general (also maybe still from Eddie?). Just another one of those down and out times. I know it's important to give yourself a break when you need to but I know getting back into the swing of things will make me feel better too. I also refuse to let me classes expire for the month so eventually I will have to make myself go, haha. Gotta love paying the price for that accountability! 

Also a random update-- I joined the Threads app today. I wasn't really planning on it and then figured why not? I'm always late to the game with social media trends so I just said f*ck it, lol. If you want to come chat with me, you can find me @TheKristenDiary (same as my IG!). ALSO I'm still reading Wrong Place Wrong Time and it's so good! I'm still at the beginning but so much has already happened and keeps unfolding. I love the narrative and this lots of twists are going to pop up. It feels good to read a thriller + so far, I highly recommend. Have you been reading anything new lately? I'm always curious!! Until next time, xx. 

Have a great weekend! 

I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

WHAT I’M GRATEFUL FOR THIS WEEK | 6.2.23

One of my lunches this week! Teriyaki Chicken with Garlic Green Beans. 

There’s something about a holiday week that always puts me in a good mood. Sometimes it’s the anticipation of what’s to come, sometimes it’s the after effect. While it’s always hard going back to work after a long weekend, I’ve been feeling GOOD this week. Positive, upbeat and motivated. It also might have a little something to do with TOM ending over the weekend too, LOL. Regardless of the reason, it has me paying a little extra attention to the good things that have happened this week.

I'll be the first to admit that I definitely don’t practice gratitude as much as I should. It is all too easy to get wrapped up in your daily life and to focus on what’s happening now. We’re also programmed to process negative thoughts a lot easier than we are positive. Talk about some BS, right? It's easy to recognize the big wins but dwell on the minor setbacks, inconveniences, irritations. Not the small wins or what we have going for us. I think the problem with that is there are less “big wins” in our life so it's essential to really count the small ones too. I’ve also found that for me, those little good things are where I tend to find the MOST joy and fulfillment. Something seemingly insignificant like a great meal or finishing a small task brings a ton of comfort and delight to my day. 

I’m not always the best at it and more often than not, I still find myself b*tching about the everyday annoyances too. Since this week has been a lot better mentally and I'm feeling great, I thought I'd share some of the little things I'm grateful for. Hopefully this will also help remind me later on to stay in gratitude.

+THE LONG WEEKEND - We can all agree that long weekends are always FTW! My work schedule is a little different in that I have Tuesdays and Sundays off which means I don't typically have a two-day weekend, let alone a three day. This year I got really lucky with Sunday, Monday & Tuesday off which was so nice. It rained for most of it but I really appreciated getting to relax, take it easy and have a mental break off from work. I also got to spend a lot of time with my family + JJ which was great. Also on the flip side, a short work week! Definitely a two-for-one special here that I'm very grateful for. These don't come around very often so it's nice to just have a little extra time + an easier work week. 

+DOUBLE WORKOUTS - I'm really pushing myself to focus on my health & fitness right now by eating more protein, working out + strength training. I've been going to one Orangetheory class a week for the last nine months or so but now I'm looking to add in more workouts at home. So far I've worked out twice this week + hope to get another in this weekend. 

+FINISHED MY BOOK - I finally finished reading Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey. You know I struggle to finish books these days so anytime I can get through one, it feels like a huge accomplishment. I've been pushing myself to read at least one page per day and I actually think it has helped! I usually end up reading a lot more than that + it has made me motivated to keep reading other books on my list.  

+HEALTHY EATING - On Wednesday, I shared another food haul with you of some groceries I picked up. Honestly scoring lots of BOGO deals at Publix was a big highlight (lol, adulting) BUT I've also kept myself pretty accountable with healthier eating this week too. I definitely struggle with this a lot + just wanting to eat out all the time. I'm hoping I can start getting into a consistent routine of eating clean, healthier meals at home. 

+NEW SHEETS - One thing that brings me so much happiness in life is having a fresh set of clean sheets on my bed. There is literally nothing better! Even more exciting this week, I opened a brand new set of these incredible bamboo sheets that feel amazing. It's crazy how much difference a good set of sheets can make to your overall sleep experience. 

I definitely have a million more things to be grateful for in life but these were some of my top highlights of this week!

Have an amazing weekend! xx. 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Happy Friday, friends! The blog post I had originally planned for today has been postponed due to technical difficulties (literally though— my computer basically died with that dreadful question mark folder.) The last time this happened to my old Mac I was in college and to say I had a nervous breakdown would be an understatement, lol. Several years later and no longer a college student reliant on a laptop, it’s not as catastrophic. I would say it’s a must have in terms of blogging, however luckily I can still commute from my phone 😉

I also have a new laptop I’ve been meaning to setup and while I’m a little ashamed it’s just been sitting in the box for several weeks, the universe is finally giving me a little kick in the butt. Sometimes we all need a little nudge in the right direction, no? I’ve been putting it off solely because of the Apple ID/five devices limit, lol. I’m pretty sure I’m either at or near five devices so I wasn’t sure whether to try and transfer my data from the old laptop or just start from scratch. It looks as if the latter has been decided, lol. Thankfully I don’t have anything too important on it that I need to keep! 

Also another positive is that I get to chat with you today instead ☺️ It’s been a pretty long week so I’m ready to relax. It’s also a holiday weekend so Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mamas out there. I don’t know how ya’ll do it- it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. I’m very grateful to have an amazing Mom to celebrate on Sunday but regardless of your situation, my thoughts are with you. Holidays can be tricky when it comes to family, relationships or if you’re missing loved ones. Sending you all my love this weekend and hoping you’ll take some time to relax and be extra kind to yourself.

Other than working tomorrow and spending time with my family, I don’t have too much planned this weekend. On a silly note, one thing I’ve been dying to do is rewatch The Longest Ride. Somebody posted a clip from the movie on Tik-Tok and it’s been on my mind ever since. I used to LOVE watching it and haven’t seen it in several years. I can’t handle a lot of the sadness that comes with Nicholas Sparks but this one is a goodie. Such a cute, heartfelt story. I’ll definitely be setting up my new computer too!! 🤣

Have a great weekend!

BIRTHDAY WEEK THOUGHTS: TURNING 29

Birthday cookies from my sissy 👭

My birthday week is officially coming to a close. To say I started twenty-nine off with a bang would definitely be an understatement. Not gonna lie-- in many ways I'm glad it's over. Lol. Ya'll know the birthdays are bittersweet for me-- I still hate the aging part but who doesn't love being celebrated? Lucky me also picked up a super fun, fever-clad bug over the weekend that rained all over the birthday parade. On one hand, it definitely gave me a little bit more appreciation for my birthday this year. I would have much rather spent my time out with family instead of dying at home in my bed. Isn't it a shame that the one time you get to stay in bed all day is ruined by feeling like crap? Definitely a missed line opportunity for Alanis in "Ironic!” 

Now that I'm on the mend and almost back to feeling normal, I've been reflecting on the week and what it means adding another year under my belt. I know it's only been a few days but I always like to reflect... I think we grow up with this idea of gaining wisdom as you get older. I'm starting to realize that instead, the older I become the less I feel I know or am sure about. Maybe there's a certain age that marks a turning point on that. If so, I hope it's older than 29? Or maybe the real wisdom is the part where you realize you don't know. When you're young, you just assume you'll figure it all out when you really have no f*cking clue. Life is so fun! 

I'm at an interesting crossroads where I'm urging for change and growth. I can feel it up ahead, like I'm reaching for it but it's outside of my grasp. I can see it way way in the distance. I also feel a little trepidation. It's like a game of hot hands. There's an excitement as you sit there waiting, hands jittering. It's mixed with that fearful anticipation of getting smacked and losing. But it's also fun? You know you need to keep walking but your feet aren't sure which path to take. Very philosophical stuff here, you guys.  

On a real note, it must be a growing pain or a quarter-life crisis. I think my goal for 29 is to just keep pushing forward towards the growth and change, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary. Everyone tells you to do that-- "get comfortable in the uncomfortable," but it doesn't make it any less easy. 

As always, I'll let you know when I get to the other side! 

What are you up to this weekend? 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVE

Happy Friday and Merry Christmas Eve Eve! We have some crazy winter weather going on here right now. I woke up last night around 3am to really strong winds & popping noises. There’s nothing like some cold weather to put you in the Christmas mood, huh? Our temperatures have been dropping in the 2-8 degree range which isn’t the norm here. It’s just a tad too cold for my liking but I can’t lie- I’m a little sad we didn’t get any snow with the storm. We had a few flurries here and there but I’d love to have a white Christmas!

If you’re also dealing with the crazy weather, I hope you’re staying safe and warm inside. Besides work, I plan on hibernating at home where I can wrap the rest of my presents, bake cookies & relax. I’ve also randomly been on a cocoa kit this week which is giving me all the Christmas and festive feels. It’s amazing how a cute mug and some sprinkles can turn your Swiss Miss into a cup of magic. I really do think it’s often the simplest moments that can bring the most joy. So yummy too!

Despite how stressful the holidays can be, I hope you have a moment to relax and just enjoy them. It’s always bittersweet how quickly they come and go. Wishing you a warm, relaxing & joyful weekend full of friends, family & food.

Merry Christmas!

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 11.4.22

The first week of November is already almost gone so it felt like a good Friday to share some end of the week thoughts. Life has been so busy lately that I haven't really caught up much with you. Now that Halloween is over, I'm starting to get the holiday fever bug. Like every year, working in retail right now is crazy which makes it tricky to really enjoy the holidays. I struggle between wanting to do all of the fun things and being exhausted (aka wanting to come home and do nothing). IYKYK, lol.

I also haven't felt super motivated to start doing my Christmas shopping. Most years I love to shop and pick out gifts but this year feels different. I'm sure once I start finding things I'll get more excited, but I just haven't been feeling it. As much fun as it is, I feel like sometimes I put too much emphasis or time into the shopping. At the end of the day, it's really not what's important. It's fun and can be special, but it can also be exhausting. What I have been feeling is all of the fun holiday decor + I'm excited about holiday baking. Maybe I should just gift snackies to everyone this year?? Hehe. 

On the topic of food, I've been breaking up some of my eating out by having more breakfast + lunch meals at home. Is this stupid to chat about?? I think so, haha. Ya'll know I'm a habitual-eat-outer and I just haven't been feeling a lot of my go-tos lately either. I think it's me, you guys. I've enjoyed making easy things and spending a little more time at home. Work is so busy, I guess I'm trying to hide at home as much as possible. Lol. Ya'll know I still splurged on my salad this week at SaladWorks which was SO good. Totally worth it. I went for a fall moment this week-- turkey, bacon, gouda, brussell sprouts, potatoes, red grapes. Up until a few months ago, I'd never tried brussell sprouts. I always just figured I wouldn't vibe with them but they're surprisingly really good. Definitely a unique flavor and different than I excepted. 

I took a little break from Gilmore Girls so I haven't been watching much, however I did restart reading After by Anna Todd. I read about half of it a few years ago and never finished. I randomly decided a few weeks ago to pick it back up and will hopefully finish it this time around. 

That's about all of the excitement in my book. Even though I haven't been as chatty, I've still been posting every Monday, Wednesday + Friday here on the blog. I've also tried to share a little more on IG stories too. Stay tuned for more holiday posts coming soon! Also remember to relax and take care of yourself. The holidays can be stressful on everyone and it's easy to lose patience or get upset. People can be taxing this time of the year if you let them. Protect your peace and take the high road ;) 

Happy weekend! 

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 6.17.22

Ya'll, I’m beginning to wonder whether emotional roller coasters are a normal part of adulthood? Here we go again on a fun period of up, down, up, down. Also I'm realizing that 99% of these end of the week thoughts are basically the same? Lol, ya girl needs to vent sometimes. I try to keep things upbeat but I feel like I can’t be the only one who feels this way?? I always say writing helps and if you also ever feel or have felt this way, hopefully this makes you feel less alone. 

I‘m starting to wonder if there’s a possible link to the feminine cycle or am I just going through a quarter life crisis?? LOL. Does anyone know? Please let a hoe know if so. On a serious note, I’ve been seeing a lot of information lately on the complexity of the female cycle so it has me curious. It's definitely on my list to explore and learn more about the different phases. 

One thing I've found to really help is paying extra attention to the little things and having more gratitude in your life. It can make a world of difference when you're feeling down or frustrated. I think a lot of the times we (definitely me— guilty of this a lot) focus on what we don’t have or things we want which can create feelings of discouragement. By the time you add in the stress and uncertainty of the world, it's all too easy to walk yourself right down a staircase of despair. Definitely not where we want to be!

Focusing on the present and the good things in your life (even the really small, basic things) almost always boosts your mood. I’m constantly reminded of this so I'm choosing to do that after the week it has been. If you need some inspo, here are a few of my bright spots from the week: 

+ OURA ring things. I finally bit the bullet last week and ordered an Oura ring. Now that I made the decision, I've been looking forward to start tracking my health and sleep habits. Before they ship you your ring, they send you a free sizing kit to find the right size which came in the mail this week. I've been testing out a few different sizes + can't wait to get the ring soon!

+ SALAD DRESSING. I know you're probably thinking WTF but hear me out. Salad dressing can make or break your salad, ya know? This is definitely relevant because my go-to salad place has been out of my go-to dressing for months now. I go almost every Friday-- it's my little end of the week treat. Guess what was FINALLY back today!! Honestly it really is the little things + a definite mood booster. 

+ SUNSETS. We've had some stunning sunsets this week which always reminds me just how beautiful our world is. Seeing them on my drives home have been cathartic and grounding way to end the days. 

Those are just a few of the small little joys of the week that I've been grateful and appreciative of. 

What are some bright spots from your week?

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 6.10.22

Has anyone else felt like it's been the longest week ever? It's always hard to get back into the groove after a shortened holiday week. I was not prepared for it at all. It didn't even dawn on me until I kept trying to figure out why I was feeling this way. Honestly Memorial Day really does seem years away at this point. Lol... ;) On a serious note, I'm very grateful the weekend is here which means time to sleep in + relax.

I've been challenging myself throughout the week to maintain a more positive attitude by being appreciative of all the good things- little and small. I too often find myself guilty of getting wrapped up in the nuances of the day to day and forgetting this. That probably means I haven't mastered this lesson yet but hopefully one day, right? By actively focusing on being positive and in a good mood, I'm once again reminded that when you take this approach, your days are usually smoother sailing and things tend to swing your way. I definitely believe that we receive what we put out in the universe, ie you get what you give. You can also have a greater impact on others too which is more significant than we often realize. Definitely recommend you give it a try. Something that helps me get in this head space is by listening to inspiring podcasts and focusing on all of the good things about my day. Whether during the day or while you're lying in bed, go through the day and pick out all of the good things. 

A few of mine from today are that I woke up early and didn't have to rush before work, I had a delicious salad for lunch + I scored a pint of Jeni's Ice Cream half-off at Target tonight! Has anyone tried the Salted Peanut Butter before? I'm pretty sure it was a miss-ship to my store but a nice find for me. I know we all hear how it's "always the little things" but I couldn't agree more. Even better when food is involved! 

Another little bright spot of my week was finally biting the bullet and ordering an Oura ring. I've gone back and forth on buying one for months now. I've noticed that as I've gotten older, I'm much more indecisive (or perhaps methodical?) when it comes to spending money. I suppose in some ways that's valuable and better than being impulsive, however I also exert way too much energy going back and forth. It's honestly exhausting and a little psychotic? I finally just said f*ck it and ordered the damn thing. I can't wait to start using it and I will definitely share more with you once it arrives!! PS-- have you seen the Oura x Gucci collab? I opted for the Gen3 but it's very cool! 

Wishing you lots of R&R this weekend! 

I love chatting with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS + HAPPY EASTER | 4.15.22

Happy Good Friday, friends! In light of it being Easter Weekend, I’m taking the time to relax a little extra and get refreshed. I hope you have an amazing weekend planned and spend lots of time with your loved ones.

I'm being more mindful of this for a few reasons. Lately I’ve been thinking over how crazy life can be and how it affects our bodies. I recently watched a video on this topic and how being in a constant state of stress negatively impacts our Autonomic Nervous System. We’ve all heard about the “fight or flight” response which happens during the times when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Over time, continuity in this state can trigger illness and disease to outbreak in the body. I don’t know about you but THAT in itself triggers even more stress for me (lol 😬) so I’m making it a priority to start regulating this more.

I wouldn’t say I’m constantly in a state of stress, however I feel like we’re all constantly faced with stressful events which maybe puts us there? I also think a lot of it happens on a deeper level which makes me wonder how we can even know what’s going on in our body. I find all of this fascinating and after reading a recommendation for The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, I'm adding it to my reading list. Also does anyone by chance own an Oura ring? I’m strongly considering buying one and would love to know your thoughts. Awhile back I was going to purchase one to track my sleep but I never did. I’ve always struggled with sleeping enough too which I know is another important component of managing stress and taking care of your body. Ya'll know I love to learn from books so I also want to check out Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. 

My goal is to educate myself more and figure out a baseline for where my body is. Hopefully I can then figure out ways on how to better manage stress if need be. I thought the Oura ring would be beneficial because it tracks your Heart Rate Variability and other data that provides insight on your stress levels and nervous system. Until I decide whether to purchase, I am going to do my best to take more time to take it easy. I find myself constantly saying this but for some reason you always find yourself back in the hustle and bustle. Everything feels so go, go, go all of the time. My plan this weekend is to spend with JJ and my family, watch a movie or two + enjoy some of the nice weather outside. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum (because balance)- let's throw in a little Crumbl Cookies review too! Besides tasting a few of this week's flavors, I've actually done really well with avoiding sweets and watching what I'm eating. I've been easing myself into making better choices while also being mindful of my calorie intake. 

If you also want to indulge for Easter weekend or are just curious about this week's flavors, here's a quick rundown. We ended up ordering the Cookies & Cream, Lemon Bar and two of the Carrot Cake. 

I was the most excited about the Carrot Cake which was so so good and my top favorite. Ordering two was the right move, just FYI. The cookie flavor was warm and sweet which of course paired perfectly with the cream cheese icing. I'm not a huge lemon fan but the Lemon Bar was actually really good-- very refreshing and the base was more of a shortbread texture. Usually the cookies have the same soft, chewy texture so it was nice to have something a little different. My least favorite this week was Cookies & Cream. It didn't wow me as much as some of the previous Oreo flavors or the Carrot Cake + Lemon. If I had a do-over, I'd go for Muddy Buddies next time. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS + CRUMBL COOKIES | 3.25.22

Happy Fri-yay, friends. This week is one of those where I'm feeling a little un-inspired and tired. Every once in awhile I go through periods like this where I struggle to write content I'm excited about. Whenever that happens, it's nice to just detox a little and chat it out on here. This week itself was pretty normal, but I feel like I've just been r u n n i n g for the last six months. Life sometimes feels nonstop, ya know? It’s a constant cycle (that IS what life is, right?!) but I'm welcoming a slower pace and a little break to relax! 

What I have found helps some is stepping outside your normal routine + trying different things. Last year I wrote an entire post on why you should try new things which I've been channeling lately. Even the most simple things like trying a new restaurant or food adds a new excitement to the mundane. It makes life feel more fun, especially when you can't just jump on a plane and jet off to somewhere new. One day, right? 

On the topic of food, let's chat a little about Crumbl Cookies. Have you tried them yet? They've been all the rage this last year or two. The first time I tried them was while visiting Chattanooga last August. I'll keep it real with you-- wasn't impressed the first time. JJ and I drove over 30 minutes to go get them and by the time we got there, they had already sold out of all but two flavors. We also didn't love those two so I just wrote it off as a wash. Fast forward to this year when a Crumbl opened much closer to where I live. Obviously had to give them a few more shots (for educational purposes), right? Happy I did because ya'll I'm HOOKED. They are so so good. I love the concept and getting to try the changing weekly flavors. We had several weeks after they first opened where we kept trying them all. Had to rein that in a little so now I try to wait for the ones I'm really excited about trying. AKA, this week’s flavors! PSA-- when they bring back the Banana Pudding, German Chocolate Cake or Cornbread, they are must try’s.

The lineup this week consisted of: Key Lime Pie, Triple Chocolate, Iced Oatmeal + Snickers Peanut Butter. From best to worst, my favorites are: Iced Oatmeal, Snickers Peanut Butter, Key Lime Pie & Triple Chocolate. I was the most excited to try the Iced Oatmeal and the Key Lime Pie, but the Key Lime let me down a little. For me it’s missing the graham cracker flavor + texture of a traditional KLP. The Iced Oatmeal on the other hand was incredible. Definite win if you like oatmeal cookies. Sweet, oatmeally & a hint of cinnamon. My sister said it reminded her of a cinnamon roll! The snickers PB was also a close second for me. If you like peanut butter, you'll love this one. Super peanut buttery and rich. The Triple Chocolate was also good but not in my top. I like chocolatey desserts but to me it didn’t have a "wow" factor or unique quality like the others. Still tasty and reminiscent of a rich, chocolatey brownie.

In other news, I’m still obsessed with the Wordle and have also added the Octordle to my daily brain games. In a weird way I feel more productive for the day once I solve them? Lol I know! Honestly in the world of technology and social media, it’s nice to engage in something that’s task oriented and a challenge for your mind. If you haven’t tried Octordle, let me know what you think. At first I was like WTF is going on but it’s so fun and a puzzle once you get the hang of it.

Lastly and on a more serious note, these past several weeks have brought a lot of reminders to me that life really is a gift. You often hear this and it’s like “yeah yeah, we know” but it really is so true. I think it’s one of those things we all take for granted until we get our own personal taste of reality. I’ve been guilty of getting wrapped up into the day to day and my own world but on a dime some events and moments can stop you in your tracks. Life can come and it can go so so quickly. We never know how much time we or anyone else has. It’s a sad truth that I don’t spend much time thinking about, but a reminder to embrace the time we do have. It also makes all of what I’ll call “the bullsh*t” become exactly that. Unimportant and not worth your energy! I’m going to continue to challenge myself to quit dwelling on pettiness and to let things go. Embrace the positive, laugh more and be kind to people. Feels good!! 😉

Hope you have an amazing weekend! 

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 12.10.21

Hi friends. We are closing out what has been another busy and hectic week during the holidays. My body is telling me to slow down, to start tapping the breaks. Not a full stop, just a momentary pause. 

For a lot of us, this comes with the territory of the holiday season. The hustle and bustle of traffic. Work. Gift shopping. Holiday parties. Baking. Your crazy Aunt Diane. All of the decorating. It’s a weird mix of excitement, wanting to do all the things and other times wanting to just get through it all. I find myself guilty of this-- I love Christmas so I want to do it all but by the end of the work day I'm usually too tired to care. It’s a constant cycle of feeling like there is never enough time in the days. 

This is where I cue the pause. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, the best thing to do sometimes is to just stop. Taking a breather to refocus can make all the difference. You could go for a walk outside, push off that chaotic trip to the mall until tomorrow or just spend the entire weekend vegging out with Netflix. Taking a time out when I become too tired, stressed or overwhelmed helps me to reset mentally, physically and emotionally. There will still be time to get it all done after the pause, but you'll likely enjoy it all more and keep your sanity. Everyone's stressed and patience starts to run thin this time of year. Whether that's you or someone else you may encounter, remember we're all dealing with our own stressors. Try to give grace- including to yourself :) 

Hoping to take my own little pause this weekend!

PS— I’ve been unboxing my Bonne Maman Advent Calendar everyday on Tik-Tok this month! You can find me here or search “kristenpkelley” on the app. 

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 10.29

It's officially Halloweekend so I thought I'd end the week (and month !!) with some random thoughts for today's post. My weekend as of now is looking very low key. Are we surprised....? Lol. Anyone else at the point where all you want to do is stay home, snack and relax? Literally what my life away from work consists of. We also never get many trick or treaters so I plan on eating my weight in Halloween candy. Can't let it go to waste! Maybe JJ and I will also switch up watching The Sopranos for something more Halloweenish? We've made it to season three but I'm also trying to cram in a few spooky flicks this week. I use to love Disturbia so I've been wanting to re-watch it to see if it's as good as I remember. I may or may not have just been obsessed with Shia when I was thirteen? TBH I may or may not still be now!

On a real note, November is quickly approaching so I'm starting to strategize my Christmas shopping. I normally start in November but wait until the last minute for the majority of it. In a perfect world I'd love to just knock it all out early this year so I don't have to worry about getting it all done. So far I've purchased 3-4 gifts but I still have a lot more to go. I'm hoping to start rolling out some gift guides on the blog next week which will maybe help inspire me and you! I feel like the older you get, the harder it is to shop for everyone. It gets to the point where no one really needs or wants much. Maybe I should make a gift guide just on that? Honestly I love getting necessities/things I hate buying so maybe a roundup of those sort of things would be helpful?

I also can't wait for Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping. I feel like it's mostly geared towards electronics, toys + appliances at the big box stores, however it's nice when a lot of brands offer a store/site-wide discount. I've had my eye on a few things for the past several weeks but I've been trying to hold off a little longer. Right now I'm still looking for some good Fall + Winter basics (jeans, thermal tops, flannels, etc.) and I've been wanting to try out Jones Road Beauty. I looked up last year's sale and they did 20% off of everything. Keeping my fingers crossed they do something similar again this year! 

If you follow me on IG (@TheKristenDiary), you'll already know this but I started reading Greenlights this week. I was feeling myself start to peter into a mood so I thought a little McConaughey wisdom would help. Highly recommend listening to his speeches + interviews. He's on a lot of podcasts and the man just gets it. I'm only the intro in but I love it so far. Something he wrote is "I believe the truth is only offensive when we're lying." I often find myself on both sides of the coin on this one. It's easy to find offense in both the opinions of others but also to often waffle in our own convictions. I think that goes both ways so it can also be the reverse. In a way, his comment felt like erasing the chalk to me and simplifying it down to "it is what it is," whatever  that may be. Interesting food for thought.

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 9/17

Is it socially acceptable to walk around with an "out of order" sign taped to the front of your shirt? Try again later, plz and TY! After this week ya'll I need to just check out + go hibernate. I think my allergies and Aunt Flo must have joined forces to wreck havoc on my life, lol. Between that and less sleep, to say I'm grateful it's the weekend is my most understated end of the week thought yet. 

Despite feeling a little under the weather, my week has been surprisingly quick and has been relatively stress-free. I thought going back to work for a full week after having Labor Day off would be a struggle but it’s felt more like the opposite. I'm also happy to still have blog content up for you this week! Sometimes it's a grind but you've gotta just keep on keepin' on. If you haven't read the posts yet, I shared my Fall Bucket List and Taste Testing Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread + Muffin Mix this week. 

In other exciting news, we have a new fur baby in the family! My parents got a new puppy last weekend and we are all obsessed. Cooper is a feisty little guy full of energy and excitement. We've had so much fun together already even though he won't stop biting my ear off! Peep the photo above! 🐶

I also managed to get caught up on a few financial things this week that I've been putting off. I've been way behind on tracking my spending + working with my budget. Way behind as in I've finally caught up through July.... lol. We're getting there. More importantly, I also took care of my quarterly tax estimates that were due this week. Here's a little PSA if anyone happened to forget + this applies to you! Also make sure to check out 5 Fall Financial Moves to Make Now. 

Have you been watching anything good this week? I started Season 8 of the Great British Bake Off on Netflix a few weeks ago. Highly recommend if you are into baking! It is theeeeee best. Last year I binged watched the entire thing but never caught the newest season. I also had no idea until a few days ago but another new season comes out at the end of this month?! My subconscious must have ESP because this always happens after I start watching something, haha. 

Alright you guys... that's pretty much all I could fit into this week, otherwise I'd be completely comatose at this point. I hope you have a relaxing weekend, let’s all sleep in!