Travel

Who else has a National Park down the street from their home?

The Great Falls are absolutely amazing especially during the winter months. All of the water freezes and it looks like a real winter wonderland. But be careful it does get super icy to walk on and certain areas are blocked off because of the icy conditions. This is a must see if you are in the North Jersey area. They have updated some of the park so it is definitely worth checking out.

Friends

A Special Feeling – Dedication to KG

A friend of mine recently shared she was pregnant. I was overjoyed with the news to put it plainly. For one, 2020 was a hell of a year so any good news just seems to ignite an overdose of happiness these days. Second, it is so different when someone close to me is expecting their first. All babies are of course blessings and bring joy but it’s just something about a first time that hits a little different.

There is this indescribable feeling you feel once you become a parent. It truly is hard to put into words. This overwhelming feeling of happiness and love followed by the need and want to protect this little human that is a part of you. It will also suddenly enlighten you and you will understand why so many people cringe when others give them parenting advice. Suddenly, the joking about dropping the baby off every weekend at a friend’s house seems so unlikely because really who else could care for your kid like you can.

Knowing my friend will soon experience this with her fiance is what fills me with an abundance of happiness. They are two amazing people and I have seen them both grow so much throughout the years. I know they will be amazing parents.

Let's Get Personal

2021 Goals

Each year is a chance to start working on some new goals, adjusting previous goals, and crossing out goals that no longer apply. Personally, I love to physically write my goals down, yes with pen on paper lol. I enjoy being able to write each down with notes about what needs to be done to accomplish them. It allows me to cross off what is completed and also make any adjustments throughout the year. I feel establishing goals for yourself is a way to keep you motivated, hold yourself accountable, and also keep you focused on your bigger picture. You can set short term (3 months, 6 months, 1 year) and long term goals (3 years, 5 years, lifetime).

Below are some of my 2021 goals I wanted to share with y’all (in no specific order):

  1. Purchase a home
  2. Establish an LLC
  3. Create and maintain a workout routine
  4. Grow my blog by posting regularly to increase traffic
  5. Update my blog logo (already done)
  6. Get better at my job (more organized, increase involvement)
  7. Read actual books (at least 3)
  8. Learn more about the stock market and grow portfolio
  9. Strengthen my spirituality
  10. Get my daughter into a sport

Do you make goals for yourself each year? What’s your method of keeping track and holding yourself accountable?

Happy New Year! Let’s make 2021 our year!

Food, Travel

Who Doesn’t Love a Weekend Full of Food?

When anyone invites us to go camping or we make a plan to go, the first thing on our minds is: What are we going to eat? 🏕

Camping isn’t just about being out in nature! A huge part for us has been the food. I mean who doesn’t love to eat? 🥩🍗

This last camping trip we were fortunate enough to eat feast after feast after feast and no I’m not kidding lol. Some of us made breakfast and others made lunch/dinner. I mean honestly it seemed like the cooking didn’t stop so who really knows which meal it was lol. 🍽

These are just some pics of dishes we enjoyed during our trip: pupusas, skirt steak, pinchos, & grilled wings. 😍

Family, Friends, Travel

Fall Weekends

I was going through a “funk” for a little bit. Change of season, peak busy time at work, and still grieving all hit me and it was nonstop tears. This past week and a half I finally started to get past it but this weekend was def the final touch to regroup.

We unplugged from the world and it was exactly what I needed. We also didn’t bring the kids with us which means I literally got a break and alone time with my honey.

The nights were spent by the fire filled with conversation and laughter. It was an overall great time with my fiancé, cousins and new people. I loved that we had no phone service because it allowed us all to interact, explore, and eat (a lot) lol.

Many people I know hesitate to experience camping but let me tell ya it’s a must try. At least once!

How are you spending your Fall weekends?

Family

Hello October!

It’s officially October and that means pumpkin spice lattes, apple and pumpkin picking, and Halloween!

I won’t lie I am not the biggest fan of Halloween but for these two I def pretend to be haha.

This year we rushed to get into the spirit and actually purchased two pumpkins to carve ourselves. My daughter and I did the cleaning and my fiancé helped carve the faces. My son wasn’t too much help since he’s so small but he def loved seeing them light up.

This was a great family activity that didn’t take up too much time. It’s also a great way to get the kids away from technology for a bit and really opens up time for conversation. It’s truly amazing the things kids will speak about when given the time and space for it!

What fun things are you doing with your families this fall?

My son, John Jr., and daughter, Jena, with our two Halloween ready pumpkins.

Mom Life

Work from Home with a Twist

One of the advantages of working from home is that you can really change your environment for the day while still getting your tasks and responsibilities completed.

On Wednesday, I made this beautiful site my office. The weather was perfect and you can’t beat this scenery. My fiancé kept our son entertained while I attended my meetings.

The upside of this was when I had a few minutes in between sessions I was able to enjoy the space around me with my loved ones.

Nothing like some ecotherapy to relax you and clear your mind.

Has anyone else changed their at home office locations during this pandemic?

Family, Friends, Travel

The Silver Lining

This pandemic has caused so much anxiety, hurt, sadness, stress, & worry. Sometimes it’s hard to see the silver lining but this weekend I had the pleasure of seeing it.

Despite all the negative feelings COVID has caused, it also helped put several things into perspective. People and activities we once took for granted were suddenly taken from us and made us realize how important they are.

This weekend we had a family day with some friends of ours. They came up from Hamilton with their daughter and we visited several spots that were great for kids.

This picture captured large groups of family and friends gathered together celebrating a special occasion or just a day spent playing games like potato sack races and two-legged race competitions. It was an amazing site to be able to see people truly enjoying each other’s company.

So let’s take some time to see some of the good that came from this pandemic. Can you think of any?

Travel

Labor Day Weekend 2020

What did you do this past Labor Day weekend?

I spent it on an RV farm! Our friends drove their camper and we were able to pitch a tent on their site.

I actually captured this amazing shot during a sunrise on our second day! The view was so much better in person but this picture gives you an idea. It was a little chilly but nothing a warm cup of coffee couldn’t fix.

The best part, you ask? I was completely alone.

How did I manage to escape by myself? Well I actually needed to use the restrooms and it was super early so I walked up the hill while everyone was asleep. I came out and checked what time the sun would rise so I decided to stick around and wait. Def glad I did since it was the only morning I was up early enough to enjoy it!

Love to embrace nature especially with family and good friends but also quietly by myself.

Pleasant Acres – Sussex, NJ


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