Holy 2020. Just a couple more weeks people. I hope you have already started to manifest all the good, joys and magic for 2021.

The presents are all on their way in their little brown box sleighs. The matching Christmas PJs are here and snuggly.

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It’s been a hot minute or say you know two ish years since Ryan and I truly did a home improvement project. Although we are still in a rental we took about $120 and made our own little screened in porch. It didn’t turn out half bad. We attached the wood at the top and used some old anchor plate things we had to attach to the bottom and then dropped them down in between the porch floor so we wouldn’t be drilling into the floor, although the whole porch floor needs replacing. Not bad handy work. Also if you are in Beaufort and getting rid of a square patio table for cheap we want it.

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Granny mailed me some of her sourdough starter. After I tried to kill it then revived it I made sourdough cinnamon rolls today. It’s so much work when it’s cold outside basically because it takes forever. I haven’t tasted them yet so we will see. In sourdough news I did create my own starter with flour and made a loaf of bread a week or so ago. It just tasted like bread and not sourdough bread, so something wasn’t right.

It’s been so wonderful to see the Covid vaccine being distributed and many of my nursing friends already receiving it.

The beach was chilly and beautiful this week. I had the entire southern end to myself for the entire time I was there over an hour.

What are you doing to savor this season?

Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Well, well. It’s been a hot minute. Friday has always seem to sneak up on me lately. Here is a little life update from the past week and month.

I’ve just been over here trying to live my best Christmas life despite the Covid.

I of course broke out the ocean tree early as in end of October because 2020 and it’s my life I can do what I want when it doesnt harm anyone else.

I found this cutie online and of course I needed her. Some people might call it me extra, but I just say extra magical and extra joyful.

We had a cookie exchange at work recently which provided a bit of normal in a not so normal year.

I’ve been a busy elf wrapping and baking and spreading Christmas cheer.

On a serious note we are doing #rileykateslovies again. Basically the first Christmas after our miscarriage I wanted a way to honor and remember our baby girl. We decided to take the money we would have spent on her gifts and use it to spread love an joy. Some are random happies left in the park or gas station, etc. Some are intentional happies sent to those that love and support us and some are intentionally gifted to those in need. I always welcome ideas or suggestions if you know someone in need. Also, I encourage you if you have an angel baby or any angel that you would have normally purchased a gift for take that money and pay if forward. I’ll be sharing all of our acts of love later this month.

Still always hunting for fossils.

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We stayed tucked at home for Thanksgiving. We did have a Lowcountry style Turkey Trot and socially distanced outdoor dinner with our neighbors. We opted outside for Black Friday after a little local shopping.

Sprinkle, Sparkle and Cupcake came to visit.

Em turned into a grown teenager apparently.

“See” you next week. Hopefully. I’ll try my very best.

Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy end of October! We are almost done with 2020 and I declare 2021 to the best one we have had in awhile.

I worked all dayshifts this week, thus I feel amazing. I was at work one day feeling like I was ready to go home BUT then I remembered at least I’m working dayshift.

I did some tidying of my side of the bedroom. Mainly stuff had gotten out of control flung in the corner over the past few weeks. I was able to clean that up and organize my dresser drawers.

I made antipasto pizza for game day. A few weeks ago I used a recipe that called for crescent roll dough then ham, salami etc then crescent dough on the top. The bottom got to soggy but the pizza crust (pre baked) held up well.

Our neighbors dog came over to hang out and she watched some football with me.

Wrapped some pressies.

Ryan and I voted. If you are trying to vote early in SC don’t be intimidated by the line. We were in and out in an hour despite the line seeming very long.

Moss & Marsh has her 2020 ornaments which are beautiful and hand painted.

Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

October flew by in a flash. One week left to crush some October goals.

I’ve got a few candy bags and treats ready for next Saturday in case we have any Trick or Treaters. I have some bouncy balls, pencils and skittles for allergy needs.

I put up my mermaid tree, basically because I was feeling lonely, sad, tired and generally depressed about some personal things within my fam. But putting this up helped so win.

I’ve started my Christmas wish list and shopping. I know the holidays are going to lo ok alot different this year for many people. What new traditions are you planning?

I made some apple cake but it seemed to be lacking something. I don’t know what. I’m excited about the football snacks I have planned tomorrow.

Penelope came to visit us so we called Em so they could visit. Em was so excited to see her.

Covid induced picnics still remain my favorite.

Caught this beautiful sunrise one morning at work.

Got my Bama nails ready. Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Welp, it’s Friday! The second half of the year is going triple speed from the first half. I meant to get this out earlier today but we had some good boat time and then some neighbor drama that has me up feeling feels, upset and with a headache. If you know me well you know how much I hate doing things wrong and upsetting other people. Anywhooo…

Father of the Bride reunion. Say What!!

Beautycounter holiday is coming. If you want to be one of the first to see it let me know! It’s so good. I’ve already started playing with some of the new goodies.

I got crafty. And I have some more projects up my sleeve.

I found the many treasures one morning at the beach. My best yet.

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I made treats for Game Day! Antipasto squares and apple cinnamon roll dessert. I somewhat went off the recipes linked.

We had lots of fun boating adventures this week. And celebrated 7 years of marriage.

This dolphin was floating along bobbing up and down. At first I thought something was wrong but we watched it for a while and I think it was just playing.

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We had campfire dinner and captured the Harvest Moon and Mars with my camera. It really does make we want a nice telescope that I can attach my camera to.

I gave my planters (they had tomatoes in them) a Fall refresh.

Here is to a weekend of college football and getting set for the week ahead.

Happy weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy Weekend!

We are holding everyone effected by Sally and all the wildfires in love.

I made cinnamon rolls this week. I added chopped pecans to the cinnamon sugar mix. For the icing I used, cream cheese, butter a d maple syrup. I froze some of them spaced apart like this on a cookie sheet. Once frozen I put them in freezer ziplocks to just take out what we needed in the future rather than freezing them all together in one pan.

The murder of a Raleigh man if a sobering reminder not to ever meet anyone alone to sale something. I’m guilty of this myself. Ryan is at work someone wants to purchase your microwave off Facebook. So you meet them in broad daylight in a public parking lot thinking that is safe enough. But apparently not. Be vigilant people. And use this as a reminder to never meet anyone you don’t know alone even in a public place, she types as her husband who she meet just that way sits next to her. Bless it.

It’s been awhile since I played with makeup. Don’t forget get I sale Beautycounter for all your clean beauty needs.

Extra high tides flooded the beach, a few birds were just out floating and using it as a bird bath. It was so cute. It looked like they were having a community meeting.

I am all about trying to savor the current season but also I like to plan and anticipate things. In addition we all feel as if 2020 can take a hike. So in some happy, anticipatory thoughts here is some of my 2021 garden.

We were supposed to be celebrating our seven year anniversary in New Zealand or Spain right about now, but instead I’m reliving our past adventures through photos. I found this of a delicious dinner in Santorini. I might try to attempt some meatballs soon.

Happy Weekend! One week til the Tide starts Rollin’! Whooooo!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy Weekend!

I’m making a point to do my nails more when I’m off work even if it’s just for a day or two.

Baby turtles! Gosh aren’t they the cutest.

This week mostly consistent of work. We wanted to take to boat out one day but it was supposed to storm so we didnt.

My treasures from the recent beach trips.

Got this sweet note on my chai latte this week.

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Spread some love this week to remember and honor our sweet baby girl.

We got a Cuisinart air fryer/toaster oven. I have made roasted broccoli and roasted sweet potatoes. So good and SOO fast.

I have been missing college football very much this week!

Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy weekend! Its September already and yet also, it’s still 2020?

Started the week off with work. But finished it off with some play.

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We had our own little private dolphin show! Check out that cute little baby face. I also love the water coming off their fin and one picture has a water spray from a breath.

This Ethiopian burger place in DC looks delicious.

Please take a moment to sign the period to protect Bay Point. If I find more ways to get involved I will definitely post them.

We have been trying out Walmart grocery delivery. My only complaint about grocery pick up and delivery is the plastic bags. We do recycle ours. Beaufort does have a plastic bag bag, so most places use paper, biodegradable or this thicker reusable plastic.

A Lilly Pulitzer chapel! I guess we have to get married again.

I miss baby turtles so much.

Happy weekend! Enjoy.

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy Weekend! Ryan and I both are working so it doesn’t seem like much of a weekend.

Someone posted this article on our mental health and Covid in a Facebook group. I found it really informative and helpful. I feel like when Covid first descended upon us because Ryan and I both still went to work our lives didn’t seem too off normal, but now as my reserve is depleted it’s really taking its mental toll. It’s a long article but worth the read.

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Annie F Downs said to roast cherry tomatoes so I did. They were good! On that note I ordered an air fryer/toaster oven this week and can’t wait to try some new things. So send me your favorites if you have any.

My work week was chopped up this week so I felt all kinds of crazy sleepwise which effects house cleaning. But trying to get the house fresh and clean for the work days.

The sand and ocean combo made it look like glass one night this week.

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My little garden patch continues to thrive and bring me joy. I have been thinking about adding a little fairy and mermaid garden (you know the little houses and figurines) to my porch planters but seems the fairies have already set up there. Anyone else like to think fairies live under mushrooms, especially mushroom rings?

I made chicken lettuce wraps from Lowcountry Nutrition this week. They were so good. I did sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce. I also added a dash of a sweet chili sauce instead of red pepper flakes and Sriracha.

I made Em up a box of cards pre-addressed and stamped. She sent me the sweetest card this week.

Happy weekend! I can’t believe next Friday will be in September.

Lovies.

xoxoxo

Happy Weekend! It feels especially good to have a good off work break.

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We played with our new (to us) toy. Since Covid is here to crash our international and even shorter weekend trips we decided to give boat owning a go. Saw lots off dolphins, had a waterfront picnic that we docked instead of parked our car.

I’m looking for some cute bamboo or melamine plates to make up a picnic kit for us. Any cute, ocean ones that you have seen?

Yoga opened back up this week for in studio class! Everyone wears a mask and we are 6 feet apart.

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Sunrise was stunning on the beach this week. We had fun scrambling over trees at high tide on our walk.

Went a bit lighter and brighter with my hair.

Danika Brysha has launched a Self Care Society website. You should check bit out.

I post on Instagram stories about making a will was on my to do list, a friend responded that her parents have a binder with relevant information like how to access accounts, insurances and other relative information. Definitely going to look into creating us one.

Happy Weekend!

Lovies.

xoxoxo