Hi! It’s been a minute! After graduating and starting a full time job back in 2023, I really let my blog slip to the back burner. I loved blogging in high school and college, but just haven’t felt very creative or had the time for it recently. Somehow, almost two years went by and I haven’t posted at all! Since then, I’ve moved back to Oxford after college, got a 9-5 job, changed jobs, and moved to a different house, with lots of random travel and changes in between. I may go into a longer life update post in the future, but today’s post is just a catchup of some of my current favorites from the past week. I think these are so fun to read from other creators, so I want to try to post these regularly!

Eating: I feel like I’ve really been on my health grind the last few weeks, and I’ve felt really inspired to cook and make healthy meals again! Maybe it’s the weather being warmer and it being sunny out longer? Not sure what came over me, but I’ve just really enjoyed my meals recently. My main focus is on unprocessed, whole foods. A few faves:

• Arugula salads with ground chicken, avocado, goat cheese, and lots of lemon juice
• Fried eggs with goat cheese and green goddess seasoning
• Stuffed dates with peanut butter and dark chocolate

Drinking: I gave up coffee for lent, but I honestly don’t even miss it. I have been on such a matcha kick recently! I’ve finally perfected my at home recipe, and I look forward to it every morning. I use this matcha and add a drizzle of honey and packet of stevia for a little extra sweetness. I was in Chicago last week and tried Foxtrot Market for the first time, and it did not disappoint. I got their strawberry vanilla matcha and it was 10/10.

Reading: anything Elin Hilderbrand! I usually love to read, but I’ve been in such a reading slump recently. On the way to Chicago last week, I started What Happens in Paradise on the plane and proceeded to finish it + the final book in the series by the time I got back! I love Elin’s writing and the way she describes the characters and setting of her books. I just started Summerland by her and am enjoying it so far! Makes me miss Nantucket.

Watching: I’m not really a big TV show person, but I’ve been on a big Dancing with the Stars kick the past few weeks. I loved last season, and then my roommate and I got last minute tickets to the DWTS live show in Memphis! Ever since, I’ve been watching clips of old seasons/dances, and we went back and started season 31.

Listening: My current artist on repeat is Role Model, especially his new album. I’ve listened to him off and on since 2022, but I really love Kansas Anymore! A few of my favorite songs are Some Protector, Sally When the Wine Runs Out, and Writings on the Wall. Podcast wise, my two current favorites are Just a Bit by Macy Thompson, and my all time favorite- Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast. They make me laugh so much and I look forward to every episode.

Wearing: A fashion trend I didn’t realize I would love so much are cuffed jeans! Specifically my light wash pair from asos (similar). I got them a few months ago and wear them at least twice a week. I’ve also been very into the Adidas Handball style, I have two pairs and want a third! They’re comfortable for being on my feet all day at work, but look so cute with any outfit!

Doing: I’ve been trying to be outside and active as much as possible! I’ve been taking a break from running becuase I’ve had a lot of pain in my hip and back recently, which means walking a ton. I just love going for long walks at the trails or getting outside for a walk on my lunch break- especially now that it’s warmer. I’ve also been alternating weights and pilates, specifically this youtube channel. I love that her workouts involve 5-7 pound weights for an extra burn. Now that it’s still light out after I get off, I want to start playing more pickleball! I played with my brothers/dad a few days ago and it was so fun, the perfect way to get some movement in after work.

Loving: In general, I’ve been loving my routine. I went to Chicago with my family for a few days last week, which was so fun. But it also made me realize how much I enjoy being in a daily routine and having structure to my days when I’m at work! I wake up and take my supplements, go to the gym, drink my matcha, do my 5 Minute Journal, read my devotion, and head to work. I feel like I have the morning routine down, but I’m still working on my nighttime rituals. I keep saying it, but I’ve been so happy after daylight savings. Now that I have more daylight, I want to make the most of my time after I get off work each day!

That’s all for this week’s favorites! I promise it won’t be two years until my next post!