Living a Joyful Life

In October, I read two books: I rated this 2 out of 5 stars. I had really high hopes for this novel, as I had loved Jessica Knoll's first novel: Luckiest Girl Alive. I liked this book but not as much as I thought I would. I would still recommend though! Jessie James Decker is one of my favorite celebrities. I love her music and her TV show with her husband Eric Decker. When I found out she was coming out with a book, I was so excited! I loved this book and the insights into her life. I definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of her. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. In November, I read 4 books: I loved this book so much. I can't wait to read more from this author. I think this book would make a great movie, too! I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love reading Holly Martin's Christmas novels and this one was just as great as her other novels. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. I liked this book but it wasn't one of my favor...

What We're Eating This Week... Monday: Cheeseburger, French Fries, Salad Tuesday: Turkey & Cheese Sandwich with chips & salsa Wednesday: Pizza Thursday: Pork chops with gravy, carrots, mashed potatoes Friday: I wasn't really that hungry so I had a sweet potato with butter & cinnamon and some beets. Saturday: Roast pork with sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, roasted broccoli & cauliflower with cheese and olive oil Sunday: Not sure What I'm Reminiscing About... My trips back home during the Christmas season to visit my family in New York and spending Christmas and my birthday with them. What I'm Loving... The Christmas season and all of the joy it brings! Credit: Heather Stillufsen @  Rose Hill Design Studio What I've Been Up To... I saw Brett Young in concert with my friend, Lisa. Tyler Rich & Rachel Wammack opened up for him and they were all amazing. Aside from the Kenny Chesney conce...

What We're Eating This Week... Monday: My mom and I went out to dinner at this Italian place that we love. I had chicken parm, which is what I get every time I go there. What can I say, I love me some yummy chicken parm. Tuesday: Home-made pizza Wednesday: Tonight I'm making pasta carbonara. Thursday: Leftovers Friday: My mom's homemade turkey soup Saturday & Sunday: Not sure What I'm Reminiscing About... All of the wonderful memories made during the Christmas season while growing up as well as my trips back to NY to celebrate the season with my family! What I'm Loving... I took this week off of work as a stay-cation and I'm really enjoying the mental and physical break of not working. I have rheumatoid arthritis and other health issues and this break has been much needed. During the week off, my mom and I have been spending tons of time together, which I'm loving. We have been watching lots of Christmas movies, ate ...

1. Have you ever kept a Gratitude Journal? Yes or No? No, but I've kept gratitude notes in my planners. 2. Hosting Thanksgiving at your house? Yes or No? Yes, my mom and step-dad are hosting Thanksgiving here. 3. Favorite Food from the Thanksgiving Meal? Mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie for desert. 4. What one thing in Nature are you most grateful for? The different seasons, especially Fall. 5. Pumpkin Pie: Yes or No? Yes, it's my absolute favorite. 6. Traditional Cookbook: Yes or No? No. 7. Oven Baked or Deep-Fried Turkey? Oven-Baked. 8. Thanksgiving Leftovers: Yes or No? Yes, of course! 9. What is one household product you are most grateful for? Really nice smelling soap and Method cleaning sprays. 10. Are you most grateful home cooked meals or restaurant meals? Home cooked meals.

What I'm Eating This Week... Monday: Cheeseburger and Veggies Tuesday: Beef Stir-Fry Wednesday: Sausage & Peppers Thursday: Leftovers Friday: Pizza night Saturday: Tacos at Moe's with my friend and her children Sunday: Chicken Parm at my favorite Italian restaurant. I'm taking my mom and my step-dad out to celebrate their birthdays. What I'm Reminiscing About... Three years ago, when the NY Mets were in the World Series and I went to NY to visit my family for the weekend during the middle of the World Series. What I'm Loving... Spending time with my mom and my friends, making Plan With Me planner videos on IG Live, watching post-season baseball even though Boston won and I don't like Boston sports teams. What I've Been Up To... At work, my hours have switched from 8:30-5:30 to 8-5 which I've been enjoying. At work, I celebrated my 1 year anniversary. We had our class Halloween party, had staff training ...

*This post is for the week of September 24th-30th and was supposed to be published on September 26th but I've been slacking with my blog posts.* What We're Eating This Week... Monday: Cheeseburger, French Fries, Broccoli Tuesday: Zaxby’s Wednesday: Chick-Fil-A Thursday: Shrimp Kababs, Veggies, Salad Friday: Steak, Salad, Broccoli Saturday: Red Lobster ; I had a side Caesar salad and linguine Alfredo with crabs! So delicious! I actually just found a recipe for it online and I can't wait to try and make it at home. Sunday: Pizza (I don't normally eat out three times a week. That's a very rare thing.) Credit:  This Link What I’m Reminsicing About… All of the memories from David Wright’s career as he played the final game in his career on September 29th. ^Personal photo from a game in 2007. One of many games I've attended where my favorite athlete/baseball player, David Wright, played third base for the NY Mets.^ Wha...

Credit:  This Link Books Read in June: 1. A Discovery of Hope -T.I. Lowe (started in May, finished in June) I rated this book 3 stars. It isn't my favorite book by this author but I still really enjoyed it. 2. The Great Alone -Kristin Hannah I rated this book 5 stars. Believe it or not, this is the first book I read by Kristin Hannah but after devouring this novel, I can't wait to read all of her books. I have a feeling this will be one of my favorite books of the year. Books Read In July: 1. Save The Date -Morgan Matson (started in June, finished in July) Morgan Matson is one of many Young Adult authors that I love. This book was so cute and I really enjoyed it. It was just another fabulous book by this author and I have read all of her books. This novel was her latest release. I rated this book 5 stars. 2. A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo  This is book #10 in the Kate Burkholder mystery series. This is my favor...