What I'm Loving Lately

 Woohoo! It's another installment of What I'm Loving Lately! To see past W.I.L.L. posts, click HERE

I love writing these posts because I think it's so important to tune into all the things we love....big or small. They all help make life extra special. 

1. Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions----T Swift is serving up the surprises this year and I am so here for it. This is a special that premiered on Disney Plus last week (this and Hamilton are worth the price of admission alone. Hank would say continual access to Ratatouille and The Incredibles are the masterpieces of Disney Plus). Folklore is probably my favorite album ever. I love every single track and this special is so eye-opening as it shines a light and gives backstories to every single song. She performs with Jack Antonoff (who is basically Ric Moranis' doppelganger) and Aaron Dessner in a stripped down, acoustic style at a cabin in upstate New York. It's beautiful and proves that Taylor's music is maturing as her audience is growing older. This documentary is definitely something I'm loving lately. 

2. Christmas music and decorating! I am in holiday music 24/7 phase now and we finished decorating our house for the holidays. We moved here at the beginning of January so it's been so fun to decorate our new house (last year was very paired down since we were packing up). In terms of music, I LOVE Carrie Underwood and John Legend's song, "Hallelujah." Listen asap if you haven't heard yet. 

3. Skinnydipped Nuts: I randomly tossed these into my cart a few weeks ago and these are delightful. They're yogurt and chocolate coated nuts. There's lots of fun flavors but the lemon almonds are my fave. Smiths carries a few types but Harmons has the most different varities. These are a perfect sweet little snack. 

4. Time at Home: Besides work and a few errands, we really do pretty much stay home. That means I rarely wear makeup and real clothes from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. I do miss outings and date nights, but with my Monday through Friday feeling so busy (especially this time of year!), I've been savoring these slow weekends. AJ's parents came last week for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed our meal together and kept it nice and small just the 5 of us. AJ made his first ever turkey on the Traeger and it was soooo good! I was really excited to host my very first Thanksgiving for my family and AJ's, including our siblings, but with Covid, we kept it simple. It was still a lovely time to relax and cook at home. I made a new corn casserole and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. AJ's mom made delicious pumpkin pie and orange cranberry sauce. We had lots more sides and I have been loving the delicious turkey sandwiches in the days that followed! 

5. Shows: The DVR is back in action after a slow period there. Here's a quick rundown of what's playing over here:

-Shark Tank: forever and always. I love this show. 

-The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Ohhh my goodness, I love this trainwreck! It is so fun seeing familiar restaurants and sights! The women are over the top and NO, they do not represent Utah women (well, maybe some, haha). 

-My Big Fat Fabulous Life: This season is sad since Whitney is so happy about her engagement but we know in real time, the relationship blows up. This season was also filmed right when all the lockdowns started so that's been interesting to watch too. 

-Hillbilly Elegy: This book is wonderful and the new movie on Netflix is excellent too. It's hard to watch but also uplifting. If you've read the book, watch this, I think you'll love it. If you haven't read the book, pick it up! It's the true story of a Yale Law student who is called back to his small Ohio town and confronts his "hillbilly" roots of his family's history in Appalachia. It's heartbreaking and inspiring. 

-Virgin River: I really enjoyed season 1 of this show and was excited to see season 2 on Netflix. I haven't watched yet but I'm excited to dive in.

-The Bachelorette: I think the guys on this season are really endearing and entertaining! I hope Tayshia finds love. She's classy and fun. 

-The Good Doctor: I love this show and I really appreciated how they handled Cornonavirus. I love the medical drama, the relationships. It's just a great show. 

-Southern Charm: This season is really different as some of my fave cast members aren't on this season, but this falls in the same category as Real Housewives---an entertaining, eyerolling, hilarious trainwreck. I've watched every season so I suppose there's no quitting now! 

6. Holiday Fun: I love this time of year but I love it even more now that I have a toddler that is VERY into the holidays this year! We have tickets to see some drive thru light shows (Cross E Ranch and Christmas in Color for those who are local), but we also love just driving around looking at lights! 1731 Hidden Valley Club Drive in Sandy is amazing and we've been twice already! There's a line just to get into the cul-de-sac, but it is worth it! Let me know of any other great lights around town! 

Now I haven't received my phone bill yet this month so don't come crying to me if this number charges an insane amount, lol. But this Santa voicemail is a FAVORITE around here. It's a cute little recorded message from the Big Guy himself reminding kids to LISTEN TO THEIR PARENTS. Amen, Mr. Claus! (951) 262-3062

There is so much to LOVE...in the midst of this weird year. Lots of sparkle to savor. In the midst of the peppermint, glittery, Hallmark movie, frosted and festive fun, I want to keep the real meaning of this season front and center. This quote from Ann Voskamp spoke to me this week. 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

What I'm Loving Lately

It's been a bit since a What I'm Loving Lately post and I always feel my mood lifted after I write these posts. Even the smallest things (guys, there's a $1 Walmart find on this list) can bring joy! What are YOU loving lately?

1. Exploring Utah: This is such a cool state! It's been fun this summer exploring outdoor activities around. Some we've done lately: Tracy Aviary, Memory Grove, Porter Rockwell Trail, Ashton Gardens, lots of parks, Wheeler Farm, Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point, Jungle Trail in Corner Canyon, Farmers Markets. On our list: ski resorts, Antelope Island, Red Butte Garden, Ogden Nature Center, Hogle Zoo. What else is a fun outdoor Utah activity??

2. Netflix finds: Here are some things I've been watching lately--

*Virgin River-This is a cute show like Hart of Dixie (even the grumpy old school doc is played by the same actor) about a young doc moving into a small mountain town. There is a baby loss story line that was sort of triggering so be warned. 

*Trump: An American Dream-This is a 4 part documentary chronicling Trump's early years and his rise to the presidency. If you aren't a fan, this will confirm your beliefs. If you are a Trumper, please watch this with an open mind and learn a bit about the character of the man who leads our nation (spoiler alert: Yikes). 

*Say I Do: Surprise Weddings-This is the most darling show! It's just like Queer Eye but with weddings! 3 guys help a groom surprise his bride with a dream wedding. It's just a sweet show if you like makeover shows, weddings, and happy endings.

3. Raccoon Rumpus: One of our friends had this game and I bought it for Hank. It is such a cute game! I want to be a family that plays lots of games and this is a great first one. You roll 2 dice and they show a color and a clothing item (shirt, pants) and you "dress" your raccoon accordingly. If you roll the "underwear," though, all your outfits need to be put back. The first person to have 5 outfits wins.

4. Epicure: My friend Katie recently became a consultant for Epicure and I had never heard of it before but now I am a fan! Epicure is a kitchen tool and food company that sells seasonings, spices, and meal kits with clean and flavorful ingredients. Some of my faves: SPG (salt pepper garlic), spinach and ranch dip mix (yes I'm still doing my weekly veggie trays!), banana bread mix, the steamer, and I love the little meal pouches. Add fresh ingredients and dinner is done! With all this extra time at home, it's been fun to experiment more in the kitchen.

This could not have been easier: I marinated chicken chunks and onion slices with the ranch mix and olive oil overnight. Then added bacon between the chicken and onion, and hubs popped these on the Traeger. A winner dinner! 

a little slice of banana goodness and an iced coffee. Perfect afternoon pick me up! (Ignore my utensil choice lol). 

5. Divider Tray: I found this divider tray for $1 at Walmart and I love it (and so does Hank!). It's dishwasher safe and it's so nice to have the little spots to split up the food for his meals. We call it his "airplane tray" and he loves it!

6. Archer Farms Trail Mix: I love love love the fun flavors and selection of Target trail mix. Trail mix is one of my very favorite snacks. I spotted a few different kinds last time I was there and this neopolitan one is so so so good. Highly recommend!

7. Toddlerhood: This age is so fun. Hank says things every single day that make us crack up. He is funny, caring, and his little personality is just shining through! He loves to dance, Daniel Tiger, and balls of all varieties. He also LOVES to play outside. We are all potty trained (except for sleeping) and I'm so proud of my little man.

8. Folklore: I cannot even tell you my excitement that Taylor Swift was releasing her new album less than a year after "Lover." This is, without a doubt, my favorite of all of her albums. Every track is amazing. It's more mature, thoughtful and folksy than her other stuff but features poignant lyrics and that classic Taylor style I love. It is so so so good and I've been listening on repeat.

Lots to love lately! We'll just be over here savoring every last drop of summer!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

What I'm Loving Lately

I'm back with another edition of What I'm Loving Lately! 

Friends, I know these days are hard. I know we want to browse Target aimlessly looking for clearance things (just me?), we want our summer trips, our play dates, our dinners out, and our carefree outings. Ohhhh boy, do I get it. Most of all, though, I want to reconnect with my people. I want to not social distance, smile without a mask, and I wish "covid" was never a word I knew. Plus, in addition to all of that, we are hearing about (and witnessing)  darkness, hatred, and ignorance in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd. Goodness, the world feels broken sometimes, doesn't it? It's hard to find hope but I promise it's there... even in the midst of trauma and grief. So I know the things on this list won't change the evening news and they won't bring back graduations, weddings, and just hugging a friend, but little things can make these days brighter. And a little brightness? Is always worth savoring. So.....my little list of what I'm loving lately, in no particular order. 

1. Sweet Magnolias: Were the TV gods listening when I said I wanted a show like Hart of Dixie, that was cute? Light? Romantic? Southern? Highlighting girl Boss Friendships? Well, look no further! This show won't be winning any Emmys but it's been a fun watch. This is about a group of 3 friends who start a spa together in their small hometown. There's divorce, drama, parenting, small town rumor mills, and....Jamie Lynn Spears is in it. Yep (Remember what I said about no Emmys? Her acting is touuuuuugh, guys). This is a cute fast watch. 

2. Reading! I have officially begun Harry Potter Book 6. Look for it on my next monthly reads post. In the meantime, check out my May reads HERE. There were lots of great reads in May! 

3. Hank and his Yard: This boy makes me smile. Hank adores doing whatever daddy does and a few weeks ago we made the very adult purchases of a hose reel, a lawn mower, and a weed whacker. I'm 33, married, a homeowner, have a masters degree, and am a mom, but dang if those purchases didn't make me feel like a real live grown up! Hank adores helping AJ water the flowers, check the sprinklers, and of course, mow. AJ does a section (while Hank cheers him on), and then it's Hank's turn. He tells everyone he meets about "his yard." 

4. Taylor Swift City of Lovers: Yeah, I've watched it twice. I'm a Swiftie and this concert with some paired down acoustic songs was quarantine perfection. 

5. Homemade manicures: I LOVE a gel mani. And yes, I know the salons are open, but I'm staying away a bit longer, so I have been having fun with some DIY manis. I have used Color Street, Impress stick ons, and recently found an Etsy shop, Sawyer and Scout that makes the cutest nail wraps at only $4 a pop! I ordered a few last week. And, Utah friends, it's local,  so the 2 times I ordered, they arrived the next day! I can't wait to try out the new fun designs. 

6. Cocktails: I've always loved a good fruity boozy beverage, but that only grew when we went to Hawaii in the fall! I've been experimenting and making my own. Some key ingredients I've used in my creations: La Croix, Rose, sliced fruit, lemonade, berries, reisling, vodka, lemon and lime juice etc. I mainly enjoy a wine spritzer but some tequila in a sparkling fruit water can delight as well. I'm basically Wells from Bachelor in Paradise is what I'm saying. 

7. Outside Time: We have been spending so much time outside and I love it! I'm all loaded up on allergy meds so I can enjoy it without sneezing too much. There's been plenty of water table time, reading outside, grilling, sidewalk chalk, frisbee, and walks. I just love the sunshine. 

8. Nut Butter Smoothies: I picked these up recently at Costco and I love them! Easy peasy and delicious. I've been refrigerating it for a late night sweet treat. (Oh and I'm wearing a striped version of those nails I write about above!). 

9. The Memes: Guys, there will be a chapter in history books on Covid about memes. They are golden. Here are some recent faves. 

What are YOU loving lately?

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie