HEALTH + WELLNESS UPDATES

What's your number one priority or goal when it comes to your health + wellness? For me it's to look, feel and be my best. I know that sounds super generic (and a little cliché) but honestly isn't that what we all want? When you look good, you feel good + vice versa. I use to have that "when you're young you think you're invincible" mentality which essentially meant having little regard for my health beyond vanity or appearance concerns. Of course I've always cared about my well being and taken care of myself, but I was definitely lacking in awareness and execution in some areas. A lot of that has changed in 2021 and it's definitely been a year of growth and change for me! I've taken a new interest + perspective on health and ways to implement new healthy habits in my life. 

I should also add that it hasn't been easy-- lifestyle changes and growth are challenging. Old habits die hard + it's easy to get discouraged or too overwhelmed. I've talked a lot about that on the blog this year and I've made a lot of progress with it. Something that has made all the difference for me is starting with one thing at a time + sticking with it. I'm still in the baby stages of what I'll call my "health journey," but I’ve added a lot of small positive habits that I feel good about. Here are some updates! 

+ VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS 

I started a new vitamin and supplements routine this week. If you’re curious on what I’m taking, check out this post. I’m only five days in so I don’t have a much to report other than the MSM powder I started taking about three weeks ago. It’s for joint health and I have notified such a difference! I’ve honestly started to wonder if it’s just a placebo effect because I feel so much better? 🤣 

+ DAILY STEPS

We’re still keeping it moving with the daily steps. I’ve been walking 10,000+ steps everyday for 54 days now! It has become a part of my daily routine now- read this post for more info on why it's important + my tips on how you can also walk 10K a day. 

+ TRACKING MY SLEEP

Sleep is probably the biggest area in my life needing improvement. I’m a night owl so I stay up way too late and my sleep suffers. I know the importance of rest but it's an endless cycle I can't seem to break. It's something I need to work on so I’m starting small this week by wearing my Fitbit to bed. It monitors your heart rate to give data on how long you sleep, how long you’re in each sleep stage, etc. Right now my sleep scores on the app have been ranging between 60-70 so I need some help! 

+ PODCASTS 

We can’t forget about mental health which to me includes having a positive outlook + mindset. I love listening to motivational speeches so I thought adding some podcasts to my daily routine would be a great habit to build. I'm interested in anything motivational, business or wellness but would love to know your recs! 

What's your number one health goal? 

I love sharing life updates 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? :)

MOVIES + TV SHOWS I'M WATCHING THIS FALL

Can we all agree it is officially THE season for binge watching movies + tv shows? Between spooky season and the holidays, the selections are grade A and the weather conditions are perfect. I never thought I’d be in a place where I wanted to watch more tv, but to be honest I don’t really spend all that much time watching movies or shows. Unless it’s date night with JJ, I usually end up writing blog posts or just working on something else in my free time. 

I’m hoping to change that this season by relaxing more + catching up on some much needed entertainment. There are also several new big releases coming out that I can’t wait to watch! Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s on my watch list: 

MOVIES

+ The Many Saints of Newark - If you're a fan of The Sopranos, the new film The Many Saints of Newark is probably on your radar. It's a prequel to the storyline that follows Tony Soprano as a teenager growing up in Jersey prior to becoming a mob boss. I'm sure we can all agree that it feels both nostalgic and sentimental to have Michael Gandolfini following in his father's footsteps by playing Tony. I remember clearly when James Gandolfini passed back in 2013 (Tony on The Sopranos) and it was heartbreaking. I believe HBO + the creators had originally plans prior to his death to make a film with the cast which they were never able to do without him. I love that The Many Saints of Newark is in many ways (for me at least) a tribute to both his character and his legacy. It's at the top of my fall watch list-- can't wait to see it! 

+ No Time to Die -  My love for Bond movies runs deep! I’ve been watching them with my dad for as long as I can remember + Daniel Craig is my favorite 007. I'm glad No Time to Die is FINALLY coming out after delays. Who is your favorite Bond?

+ Ghostbusters: Afterlife - This one looks interesting- a much more somber/series Ghostbusters film from the looks of the trailer. I’m into it! 

+ Netflix Christmas - I never thought I’d jump on the Netflix Christmas movie train but they got me last year, ya'll. Sometimes you just need some cheesy romance, ya know? Hopefully there will be some good ones this year! 

+ Spooky/Suspense - In the spirit of Halloween, I'm adding a few "suspensfulish" movies to the mix. I haven't figured out which ones yet though... send me yours picks? 

TV SHOWS

+ The Great British Bake-off (Season 9) - Sooooooo great. I’ve been catching up on last year's season + plan to start this year's once I'm done.

+ Gilmore Girls - Right now Gilmore Girls is the top contender but I need a cute or funny show to watch. Gilmore Girls is a classic and a rewatch during the fall just feels right, ya know? I'm thinking that or Schitt's Creek but I'd also love to start something new I haven't watched before. 

+ The Sopranos - JJ and I have been slowly watching our way through The Sopranos for the past few months. I think we're almost through with Season 2 now so I'm hoping we can tackle a few more seasons over these next few months. If you've watched it-- should we wait to wait The Many Saints of Newark until we're done or watch it in the middle? 

What’s on your watch list this season? 

TASTE TESTING BEN & JERRY'S PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM

It's officially *everything pumpkin* season which is arguably either the best or worst part of fall depending on who you talk to! 🤪 I'll admit they can get a little crazy with some of the PS releases (looking at you, Pringles!) but it's become a fun little tradition I can get on board with. I've said this before but I'm pretty "pumpkin selective"-- I don't love anything and everything pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, rolls + cookies are right up my alley... PSLs and pumpkin pie, not so much. I also happen to *love* Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream but it was news to me that they come out with a limited edition Pumpkin Cheesecake flavor every fall? Ya'll know I obviously had to go on the hunt + after weeks of searching everywhere, I finally found it at my Kroger! 

The flavor is made up of a pumpkin cheesecake ice cream with a graham cracker swirl. After one bite, you're hit with this sweet and creamy pumpkin blend and a kick of warm spices. The pumpkin itself is more on the subtle side which is how it should be IMO-- if you've ever baked with pumpkin puree, it mimics that yummy spiced batter goodness. I didn't find the amount of spice to be too much either-- it has a warm cinnamony ginger flavor that balances the sweetness of the ice cream perfectly. SO DELICIOUS!! I will say I didn't pick up much of an obvious "cheesecake" flavor. I feel the same with the strawberry which I'm obviously still obsessed with. They both have a sweet, creamy taste but I don't pick up much of the wang + sourness that cream cheese often gives. I'm not convinced that it would be better that way but it's worth noting if you're expecting a strong cream cheese flavor. 

Once you get in the deep stuff, you hit the graham cracker GOLD MINE. Totally steals the show, you guys. It is THAT GOOD and to be truthful, the main reason why I wanted to try out the flavor. The strawberry cheesecake has the same graham swirl and it's my favorite part of the pint. It's this soft, buttery graham cracker swirl that's rich and delicious. It's so heavenly- you need to try it out. 

As far as pumpkin flavored things go, this one is a huge win in my book! I'm probably a little biased because of the graham cracker, however I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the actual ice cream flavor too. I was definitely a little skeptical on how pumpkin spice would taste as an ice cream. I just didn't think I'd really *love* it, ya know? I think the subtleness of the pumpkin makes all the difference, especially with the graham cracker being super rich and buttery. I'll also say that out of all Ben & Jerry's flavors, this is one of the best I've tried. Ranking wise it's VERY close to the strawberry cheesecake for me. I'm a diehard strawberry gal so I don't know if it would replace that spot all-year round... I'll have to keep eating it to find out! ;)

What's your fave B&J flavor?  

Also read: Taste Testing Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread + Muffin Mix 

I love sharing food reviews 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? :)

LITTLE LUXURIES I LOVE

Anytime that I slip into bed when my favorite sheets are on, I'm reminded of how nice it is to have nice sheets. Sometimes the most simple or "boring" things can make the biggest difference in your life. Things that make the mundane parts of everyday life a little bit more special or exciting. For me, little luxuries don't always have to be super expensive either. While some of those can be great too, anything that is an extra indulgence or adds superior comfort or convenience also counts in my book. 

+ SHEETS 

Some things are worth the splurge and for me, sheets are at the very top of the list. It's always sheets and shoes! You spend a lot of time in your bed so why not invest a little extra? I’m all for finessing your home environment and high quality sheets make a huge difference. I love great quality cotton in a higher thread-count, usually in the 600-700 range. I find it's the perfect weight that isn't too thin or heavy. My favorite brand is this one-- I usually go for their wrinkle defense line. They're a soft + smooth cotton that isn't stiff, doesn't pick + they wash perfectly. 

+ COZY SOCKS

Fuzzy socks are totally underrated in my opinion + definitely a little luxury that doesn't have to be expensive (or can be!). They are honestly just the coziest things and I immediately feel better when I put on a pair. These are my favorite affordable pairs, however I love the Barefoot Dreams socks too if you're looking to splurge!

+ BUBBLE BATHS 

If you've been here for awhile, you know about my love for bubble baths. I soak in the tub every single night and at this point it's become an essential step in my routine. It's my favorite time to relax + detox alone at the end of the day which is a luxury in itself, however you can also elevate things with luxury products, candles, a glass of wine, etc. I have an entire post all about my favorite bath products which I'll link here. 

+ FANCY SALADS 

My favorite thing lately has been treating myself to a delicious salad for lunch. I don't do it everyday, however sometimes it's just nice to treat yourself and splurge. For me this means $12-15 for lunch which isn't stupid expensive, however isn't something I want to do everyday. If I need a pick me up or just want to reward myself, I allow myself the splurge and I love it! Keeping it occasional makes it feel like a luxury + adds some excitement to life. 

What's "worth the splurge" for you? 

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? :)

5 PERSONAL GROWTH BOOKS I WANT TO READ

Every few months, I like to share what's currently on my reading list. I love personal growth + self help books to learn more about myself, gain perspective on life and work on keeping a positive outlook. I think it's safe to say that all of us deal with ups and downs when it comes to life and our mental + emotional health. Learning more about whatever challenges I may be dealing with always seems to help me understand and overcome them a little more easily. Most of the time I'm also left feeling more inspired + motivated! 

5 PERSONAL GROWTH BOOKS I WANT TO READ 

You can read the synopsis + shop each book by clicking on the title.

+ Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (Mental and Emotional Abundance) by Nick Trenton 

+ The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz

Audible Sample

Audible Sample

+ Boundaries, Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by John Townsend

+ Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Craig Groeschel

+ Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King

What's on your reading list? 

I love sharing my reading list 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 WANT | FALL BEAUTY

I love that infamous quote by Fitzgerald... "Life starts all over when it gets crisp in the Fall." In many ways the fall signals the end of a lot of things-- summer, vacations, warm weather-- but to me it's always felt like a new beginning. A fresh start, the chance to be a better or new version of you. Constantly changing + evolving is good for your soul! One simple and easy way I like to do this is with my beauty routine. I like to give my skin + hair a little extra TLC and love incorporating warm, sultry tones that are both bold and dramatic. I've been on the hunt for some new fall beauty items + these are the ones I have my eye on! 

NEW FALL BEAUTY PICKS

+ NUDESTIX Holiday Mini Glow Highlighter & Eye Set - Loving this little mini set from NUDESTIX! It comes with a mini highlighter and eye stick, both the perfect shades to brighten things up.

+ NARS Quad Eyeshadow Palette - How gorgeous are the colors in this new NARS palette? They’re the perfect tones for a spicy, fun look. I like the mix of wearable colors for daytime with the bolder shades for extra glam or nighttime.

+ BYREDO Eyeliner - With BYREDO you know she’s a boujee one. I just found out they now sell cosmetics so I’m intrigued on how they perform? I tend to go for a more dramatic eye in the fall with winged liner so their new liquid liner has piqued by curiosity. I’m not convinced that it will justify the price tag but we shall see.

+ Nopalera Cactus Flower Exfoliant - This one also looks promising. It’s a body scrub which is especially great in the cooler months. The brand reminds me of a higher end Burt’s Bees. It's made from cactus and oils to provide gentle exfoliation which I love the idea of. 

+ Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials Set - I’ve been debating on Olaplex for awhile... have you tried any of their products? The reviews are amazing but I usually try to purchase scalp specific products. Their new mini holiday set is a great value and comes with four of their bestselling products. It looks like a great set to try everything out so I'm thinking of grabbing one before they sell out.

I've been in a spendy mood so I think it's time for a little beauty haul soon! Which would you buy?

I love sharing my beauty 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 | 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!