“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” ~ Zig Ziglar

The weeks fly by and sometimes, I’m so amazed at what gets packed into a week. We started the weekend on Friday night, babysitting for our grandsons. We put them in the wagon, and walked to the park with Amos in tow…then we came back to the house, made spaghetti and watched a movie. It was the first time both of the boys had spent the night at the same time and we had a so much fun, but Baldy and I sure were tired the next morning. Saturday evening, we helped throw a small party for our nephew who is getting married at the end of this month (my outfit is above). He and his fiancé had a large wedding reception planned, but because of COVID, decided to have the ceremony in Hilton Head, SC with just family. We wanted to throw them a little party with a few friends to celebrate. The evening was lovely, although a little cool (we were outside because of COVID). I know they’re so disappointed that they can’t have a large wedding reception, but I’m sure we’ll all have a good time anyway and it’s a great excuse to travel to a fun place! Baldy and I are planning to leave Hilton Head and travel to Kiawah to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island to celebrate our 29th anniversary after!

Looking back on the first part of the week, I made a few new recipes like the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili from Foster’s Market Favorites (one of my favorite cookbooks) that I made last night for dinner and a delicious Quinoa and Butternut Squash Bowl that we loved. I’m trying to prepare healthy dinners and have leftovers for the next day. It just makes life easier to have something prepared for a healthy lunch. I just made up the Quinoa Bowl, but I’m sharing the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup below.

Recipe

My wine of choice is Sauvignon Blanc and I’ve discovered a new (to me) one that I’m enjoying…Invivo X Sarah Jessica Parker. Invivo also makes a Rosé that is very good! We enjoyed this wine by the fire on Saturday afternoon with Sun Dried Tomato and Artichoke dip and homemade crackers.

“Each wine in the Invivo X, SJP collection was made to a unique blend created by Sarah Jessica Parker and the fellas at Invivo. Combine New York sass, the world’s best wine regions and New Zealand winemaking know-how and you’ve got a recipe for something very special.

As a passionately creative person, Sarah Jessica Parker has also been instrumental in both naming the wine and designing the label. The X and the comma directly after it, is an intentional and personal touch, referencing her signature email and Instagram post signoff: “X, SJ.”

As usual, I’ve done a little shopping and one of my favorite purchases was a new Lemongrass & Ginger Countertop Spray by Nest Fragrances (it also comes in the grapefruit scent)! I also bought a Blue Cypress and Snow Candle that I can’t wait to burn for the holidays. Now is a great time to stock up for the holidays so your home will smell delicious! Here are a few of my favorites from Nest!

I also purchased a silk pillowcase and started sleeping on it. It’s supposed to prevent damage to your hair and that’s been a concern for me. I’m trying to do everything I can to stop my hair from breaking off! I also started using some new products from Virtue Hair Care. They are made with keratin to strengthen your hair. You can purchase the right one for your hair at Sephora. Other favorite body products that I’m using are by NatureWell…Collagen Intense Moisture Body Cream and Vitamin C Brightening Moisture Cream. These two work together to reduce sun damage and strengthen the skin on my body. I’ve been slathering it all over when I get out of the shower every morning!

I had lunch with a friend earlier in the week and went to a mall for the first time in December! Things have definitely changed as far as shopping goes. We only went into one shop after lunch, but I couldn’t resist getting the Pumpkin Bread Mix at Williams Sonoma…it’s one of my favorite things for fall! Also love the Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk…they’re both so easy and delicious! I’m looking forward to stocking up on the Peppermint Bark very soon. It makes a great gift and believe it or not, the holidays will be upon us soon!

No matter which side you’re on for this presidential election, if you want a good laugh, you must watch the SNL skit below. I literally spit my coffee out because I was laughing so hard! If you haven’t watched it, this will make your day…after all, sometimes we have to laugh at ourselves! If you’re not an SNL fan…skip this one!

It’s the start of a new week and I’m excited about the possibilities! I’ll be decorating my front porch, doing some fun video for Crazy Blonde Life, starting to think about holiday content, making delicious recipes and spending time with my grandsons! There is always something to look forward to! What are you looking forward to this week…leave a comment below and let me know!