Podcasts I Love

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When it comes to podcasts, I’m definitely behind the ball. Like, “back in 2009 with my EnV flip phone with no access to podcasts” behind. To be honest, it wasn’t until this year (yes, 2019!) that I listened to my first podcast and became addicted to tuning in to different subscriptions while in the car, on walks, at home, you name it.

Why the sudden interest in podcasts?

Truthfully, I started listening to podcasts to gain more insight and knowledge on topics I didn’t know.

I know some people listen to podcasts on sports or mysteries (I have yet to listen to Serial!!) but I sought out podcasts that taught me something – be it adulting and life skills I didn’t know yet to business leadership and marketing industry advice from thought leaders. I wanted my podcast time to be motivational and inspiration, and not just time lost. I wanted to listen to a podcast and have the feeling that I could tackle the world like these influencers were.

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Floor Length Dresses Under $100

Let’s talk about formal dresses – are you Team Buy or Team Rent? Personally I love a good floor length dress or ball gown, but not the price that comes with it! For so long, I’ve rented dresses for formal occasions thinking I’m saving myself money, considering the use and practicality of a gown hanging in my closet. However, after our third black tie invitation this year, I decided it was time to invest in a formal, floor length dress for my closet – without breaking the bank.

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#AmazonPrime: Father’s Day Gift Guide

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Alert Alert. In case you didn’t remember – Father’s Day is this Sunday! Before you head to Kohl’s for the annual tie (that he might wear once), or grab a sporting goods or home improvement gift card, head to Amazon and 2-day Prime ship a gift that dad will actually love this year.

I’ve rounded up 10 gifts for the man of the hour, from tools and outdoor equipment to tech gear that will keep your dad in the 21st century. 

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5-Ingredient Patriotic Desserts to Make this Memorial Day

Whether you’re the host of the party or heading to a picnic, don’t skimp out on a dessert that “wows” your friends and family. I know it’s easy to run to the grocery store and buy a container of pre-made cookies or cake and call it a day, but making a dessert doesn’t have to be difficult and time consuming either!

For the master bakers or the newbies in the kitchen, I’ve shared five simple recipes that all require 5-ingredients or less to make. Bonus: They are all red-white-and-blue themed to get you in the holiday spirit.

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Save Money with Honey: Web Browser Extension

Raise your hand if you like paying full price? I hope the silent, yet still 100% unanimous answer is, “heck no!”

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the thrill and joy of getting a good deal. I remember clipping coupons from the elementary school entertainment book we carried around in our car, understanding at that young age that clipping coupons was the responsible thing to do. As I got older, I remember my mom teaching me tricks to determine percentages while inside Limited Too. I know she was tired of me nagging her, asking her each price of every item I lusted over, but I know she was also setting me up for success as a conscientious, discount shopper. And trust me, that couponing and quick mental math applies to more than just clothes, but also grocery shopping. Nick gets so embarrassed when I pull out my wad of coupons or fight the cashier on gas points, but what’s wrong with saving a few dollars here and there! My Giant grocery store receipts show how much money we’re saving this year and I’ll continue to coupon away. 

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5 Game of Thrones Inspired Drinks

Can anyone else believe that Game of Thrones officially ends this Sunday? Honestly, I don’t know what we’re going to do with our Sunday nights now that we don’t have these episodes to look forward to. While Nick and I aren’t having a viewing party with our friends, I haven’t stopped thinking about GoT inspired food and beverages that we could make this Sunday as tribute to the series finale. While we may be snacking on character favorites throughout the day, such as Sansa’s sweet lemon cakes or the Hounds classic fried chicken, I wanted to share a few drink recipes you can enjoy during the series finale as a toast to eight great seasons and ten great years.

So cheers to you Game of Thrones with these five inspired cocktails:

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Amazon vs. Target: 10 Last Minute Gifts for Mom

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PSA: Mother’s Day is right around the corner! For those who haven’t found that perfect gift yet, don’t panic. It may be crunch time, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your gift. While flowers and candles are sweet, give mom a gift that shows you truly appreciate her and all that she does for you.

The key to Mother’s Day shopping is buying mom the gifts she wouldn’t consider buying herself, since she’s always putting the needs and wants of her family first. Say no to “Mom” picture frames and heart shaped necklaces, unless you’re under the age of ten. Instead, treat mom to a sophisticated yet functional gift that matches her lifestyle.

Thanks to 2-day Amazon Prime and the magic shopping spell that Target (and Target online) can put on us, there are hundreds of gifts to chose from, just a click away! To make things even simpler, I’ve shared 10 thoughtful gifts that your mom will absolutely love this Mother’s Day.

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Our First Month with HelloFresh

It’s a no brainer that cooking and “adulting” go hand in hand. Gone are the days of microwaved ramen, frozen meals, and regular take-out dinners. Unless you want to weigh 200 pounds and go broke, something has to change. And rightfully so! As we get older, our food palette changes too. Over the year’s we’ve tried different foods and flavors that we’ve grown to love, but how do we recreate them in our own, millennial budget kitchen? Insert HelloFresh. 

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Amazon Finds: Spring Fashion Under $50

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Spring is finally in the air and I LOVE it! The temperature is rising, the sun is out in full force and everything around me is blooming. Honestly, as beautiful as spring is, it’s my least favorite season of the year due to my horrible allergies, but I love to enjoy the beauty from my window until the wave of yellow pollen passes over our neighborhood. As long as I have enough Claritin and Zyrtec in my system, I can venture outside for a few hours to enjoy a family hike or a round of golf, but believe me when I say I can’t wait for May when blooming season is over!

My favorite thing about spring is being able to wear comfortable dresses, opened toe shoes and bright colors after months of being bundled up in dark, drab clothing. But like clockwork every year, I hate all of my warm weather dresses and tops that have been packed away since last season. Anyone else feel the same way?! I’ve always been a department store gal through and through, but recently I love adding cute, spring pieces to my wardrobe from Amazon! Amazon Fashion can be hit or miss when it comes to sizes, cuts, and the fabrics – but there are hidden gems online that are great additions to your closet! Plus, Prime Wardrobe makes it easy for you to try items at home before you buy! 

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Peanut Butter and Coconut Cream Easter Eggs Recipe

If you know me and have been following my blog, you know I love traditions. I think there is something so special about family traditions for holidays and making memories with your friends and family each year that last a lifetime. While some may say that traditions don’t change year after year, I disagree. You add newcomers to the story. You remember past relatives. As time goes on, you create new memories and family stories that are passed on to new generations. I don’t care what anyone says, but everyone has a tradition or memory connected to each holiday that brings you happiness.

I have many fond Easter memories, from egg hunts at home when I was a kid to even dressing up as the Easter Bunny for the local nursing home as a pre-teen. Easter was always a special time for me because it meant my grandmother and aunt would come out to visit and bring along a family tradition of our own: homemade chocolate peanut butter and coconut cream Easter eggs.

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