Monthly Ramblings #1

Hi, friends and welcome to a new series on my blog called Monthly Ramblings!

For those who may have missed this announcement, I decided to step away from Instagram for a little while.  So, in an effort to keep you guys up to date on what is going on in my neck of the woods, I’ve decided to start this monthly series that will post on the last Monday of every month.  It’s basically a collection of random thoughts or things that I want to share with you.  So, whether it’s a book I am reading, a new restaurant I’ve tried or the dress I’ve been eyeing or wearing on repeat, I’ll make sure to include it in this monthly post.  

Without further ado, let’s get started.  

Accessories Ramblings

Shein Random Cartoon Keychain

I always had a soft spot and random obsession for cute quirky items.  So, when I spotted this cartoon keychain on the Shein website, it immediately went in my cart! It’s exactly as pictured and described. I named mine Button because I am that crazy lady that does that and hung him on the outside of my bag.  For only $1.50, it’s such a great way to add some fun to your everyday look or add to your collection. If you want something more subtle, this fluffy pom pom keychain is equally cute!

Monthly Ramblings Shein Keychain Photo A1

Fashion Ramblings

Snow Suit

This two-piece snowsuit worked great for our ski trip this past January! It comes in a few different cute designs, and we bought the dark blue with gray on the inside.  It’s a cute combination! The jacket is fleeced lined and the bear face on the front is just too cute! The bib has adjustable straps, zipper front for easy on and off and elastic at the ankles to keep the snow out.  On top of that, it is water resistant and lightweight.  This set kept the little guy perfectly dry and warm while playing in the snow.  

Monthly Ramblings Snowsuit Photo A

Sweatshirt 

I am a sucker for sweatshirts.  It’s the one item of clothing I gravitate towards most, and there is a lot that I love about this one.   First off, I could not resist the cute design.  It adds an eye-catching element to an otherwise basic outfit.  Secondly, it’s extremely comfortable and cozy.  It’s not too tight and there is still lots of wiggle room.  I would wear it every day if it was acceptable and I am wearing a small for reference. Of course, this particular color unfortunately is no longer available – story of my life – but they do have it in black or grey.  Additionally, the hooded version fully stocked in multiple colors if you prefer that style instead.  

While we are on the topic of clothes, I thought I’d mention that my yellow sweater dress that I am wearing above is now also on sale for $18.99.  

Monthly Ramblings California Sweatshirt Photo

Food Ramblings

Posada

We tried Posada for the first time in Livermore.  Let me just say, it was one of the best unexpected finds I have had in years! The menu had so many great options to choose from, and it did not disappoint.  For starters, we ordered and split the Guacamole + Blackened Shrimp which came with chips and tortillas.  Yum! Then for our meal, the little guy chose their kid’s chicken tacos while the hubby and I decided to go with their Mahi-Mahi Tacos.  It had such incredible flavors! Not only were the fish fresh and cooked so well but it was decent-sized.  They also had some pretty delicious enchiladas on their menu that I will for sure order next time I am back there.  If you’re visiting the area, this spot should definitely be on your list!

Monthly Ramblings Posada Photo B1

Boursin Cheese

I found this when shopping at Costco.  I hadn’t ever heard or tried Boursin before, so I was excited to try this cheese.  I am happy to report that it is simply amazing! It is a soft, herb-filled cheese that is deliciously rich and creamy.  The flavors blend well together without overpowering.  It works as a dip or a spread.  You can also find it at Safeway and most grocery stores.  Though I would suggest purchasing it at Costco since it’s a much better deal, 3 pack for only 5.99.  Bonus: it’s both hubby and kid approved! If you like cheese, this is totally for you.  

Monthly Ramblings Boursin Cheese Photo

Home Ramblings

End Table 

On the home front, we needed an end table.  The one we currently have was too tall and with its circular shape, protrudes out.  So, my husband built this one! Not only does this table fits perfect, has room for a bit of storage but it also looks so modern and stylish!

Trio Trainer

My hubby bought me this Trio Trainer for my birthday.  I’ve been using it for about 45 minutes every other day and let me just say, this has to be one of our best purchases to date.  It’s definitely a beginner level machine, but it gets the job done.  The best part? I don’t have to travel very far to get a great workout! I am working on a review post for you so stay tuned!   

Monthly Ramblings Trio Trainer Photo A

Event Ramblings

Birthday  

My son’s birthday is coming up in several weeks.  He finally decided on a theme and party planning is in full swing now! That said, I was excited to visit the Hobby Lobby store that opened near us to peruse table décor items.  I found what I needed and then some but can I just say it was hard to leave?!  

Monthly Ramblings Birthday Photo

Spring Break

Although, it’s still winter and we are bundled up, it’s fun to look ahead to vacation.  My son’s spring break is late this year, but I am not complaining.  Any chance to have more time with my little family is always a plus in my book! In terms of a trip, we have a couple of locations in mind. Once we have narrowed it down, I’ll make sure to update you! 

Monthly Ramblings Spring Break Photo

Well, that’s about it for today’s post. 

Now it’s your turn! What’s one random thing you are loving lately, dying to try out or looking forward to?

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  

48 COMMENTS

  1. jess jannenga | 13th Mar 22

    Hi Maureen!
    I feel like that with IG, and then I take some time and don’t post as much. Gotta have a break sometimes!
    Your son is getting tall! A ski trip sounds fun, and it looks like it too. I haven’t been skiing in an age, I was better at falling! I like your workout bike. I have a treadmill and weights, etc at my home gym and I do like the convenience. The food looks delicious!
    Enjoy your day!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  2. Amy | 12th Mar 22

    I love that sweatshirt. The color is so pretty. We will be doing a “sweatshirt” linkup this Thursday with Ageless Style, you should link up with us. That food looks amazing, and you’re little boy is always the cutest.

  3. Hannah | 11th Mar 22

    I also decided to take a break from Instagram at the end of last year – it helped me so much. I hope you get to go on your vacation soon!

  4. Clarice | 10th Mar 22

    The table looks amazing. It looks so stylish and functional. Love it! Good job to your husband.

  5. Di Hickman | 10th Mar 22

    Great recap! What a fun gift from your hubby! We have a treadmill but I wish we had a bike or elliptical. Thanks for the heads up on the sweater dress sale!

  6. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom | 10th Mar 22

    I’d love to hear why you decided to step away from IG for a bit! That end table is really cool! And, all of that food looks SO delicious and fresh. I’ve tried boursin cheese in recipes before or on a charcuterie board for something spreadable and it is delish. 🙂

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  7. Becky, Cuddle Fairy | 9th Mar 22

    Wow your husband is so handy, I love the new table, it’s so clever. And your new exercise machine is cool too – good luck with it!!

  8. mireille | 8th Mar 22

    Those blooms are beautiful! And oh, I really need to go where there is snow next winter.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  9. Melanie williams | 8th Mar 22

    Ooo I love party planning and Happy Birthday to your son in advance. Looks like you have been busy and enjoying lots of lovely food and of course workouts too x

  10. Joanne | 8th Mar 22

    I miss planning themed birthday parties for my boys; I always used to have so much fun with that. I probably should have been an event planner as I really enjoy the planning process and hunting for just the right thing to pull the theme together. I hope you have a wonderful spring break.

  11. Donna B Reidland | 7th Mar 22

    Your dinner at Posada sounds delicious and I enjoyed all your ramblings!

  12. ~ linda | 7th Mar 22

    As a neighbor on a linkup today, I meandered over here, finding you. I like the Cherry blossoms with sweet thoughts of looking forward to Spring. I just had a snow storm last night here in Western Colorado so we have a bit of a way before. But it is coming as the days are getting warmer! Those shelves are cool. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Lyosha | 7th Mar 22

    looks like you had a great time! I really like the fashion part because generally, fashion is my deepest love ever no matter what exact little bit of it is. The food looks awesome as well, it made me feel even more hungry. I and I love your trio trainer, it looks like a great tool to keep yourself sportier

  14. Alvern | 7th Mar 22

    Wow!! The food look so delicious. I’ve never heard of Posada or even Mahi-Mahi tacos. There are so many interesting meals around the world that I’d love to try out.

  15. Shea | 6th Mar 22

    So many fun things here! I love the end table your husband built, that looks great!! And those tacos look delicious too. Right now I’m loving the warmer weather we’ve been having–it’s supposed to be cold again tomorrow but it’s been so nice to have a little spring teaser!

  16. Nisha | 5th Mar 22

    The food from Posadas looks so tempting, especially the mahi-mahi tacos, hope to visit there sometime. The Boursin cheese from Costco seems like a great find and would be great with so many items. Hope you have a great time celebrating your son’s birthday and a great spring break. Enjoy!

  17. Viano | 4th Mar 22

    Awwwn…enjoyed reading this. I actually like the key chain and the two-piece suit. Those are my favourite on the list and of course, the food. That’s something I’ve been doing for a while now— trying out new dishes. Pretty random but it’s fun.

  18. Jill | 3rd Mar 22

    The end table your husband made is so cool! I love that Boursin cheese too! Can’t wait to see what you do for your son’s birthday!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  19. Laura Bambrick | 3rd Mar 22

    I can’t wait to hear about your son’s birthday party! My daughter is having a late party because of a covid surge in December/January. It should still be fun though! That Mexican food all looks so delicious!

  20. Kathrine Eldridge | 3rd Mar 22

    Love all these ramblings! I need to try this cheese and love what you husband built. I am so looking forward to spring. But it’s up and down with the weather there in Chicago. Must be patient! Lol!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  21. Angela Ricardo Bethea | 2nd Mar 22

    What a fun month you have and I love sweatshirts as well. Those food pics all look delicious as well.

  22. Mica - Away From The Blue | 2nd Mar 22

    That food looks yummy, and your keychain is so cute! this is a great idea for a blog series 🙂

    Hope that you are having a good week. The wild weather and storms are back here unfortunately, hopefully we do not get flooded in again!

  23. Irena | 2nd Mar 22

    I like your Trio Trainer, I need one too. It’s well rated on Amazon. Will order. Thanks!

  24. Fransic verso | 2nd Mar 22

    I don’t like IG but this idea is great to share updates and highlights of what happened and things important.

  25. Ashley | 1st Mar 22

    I love a good sweatshirt, too! I have so many and I still keep buying more, haha. 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  26. Millie | 1st Mar 22

    I love Boursin cheese, especially when entertaining. Most people enjoy it! Have fun using your trio trainer!

  27. Eileen | 1st Mar 22

    That’s such a cute keychain! Shein has so many fun things! Sometimes its good to take a break for Instagram, I feel like I need one too lately!

    Eileen | yesmissy.com

  28. Michele Morin | 1st Mar 22

    Intrigued by the Trio Trainer. We are researching home fitness equipment right now. Thanks for the heads up!

  29. Abida | 1st Mar 22

    The post was great though, but I loved the food rambling section the most. I guess my choice is reasonable since I am a great foody 🤧

  30. Shauna | 1st Mar 22

    I think the food ramblings was my favorite 🙂 YUM! One thing I’m looking forward to is the time change. With all the extra sunshine, it will be nice to start riding my bike again. It’s my favorite kind of workout!

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

  31. mireille | 1st Mar 22

    We just booked a place for our spring break in the great smokies mountains and we are very excited to be on a river! That Mexican food looks delicious! I miss real Mexican food like we had when we lived in Mexico City many years ago.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  32. Christian Foremost | 1st Mar 22

    So many things to appreciate and I enjoyed all of them. Wanna try something like this as well. Wanna stay off social media and just write what i want on my blog haha

  33. Tweenselmom | 1st Mar 22

    Love everything here! I love collecting sweaters and spring week looks like a time for relaxation.

  34. Bojana | 1st Mar 22

    Love this idea and I always like to reflect in some way on the month. It’s always surprising how many nuggets happen in a month! Anyway, I love the sweatshirt and the bright color, makes me pine for spring as does your last photo of the cherry blossoms. Like you mentioned, we are still in full winter mode here but fingers crossed we go from extreme cold to just cold over the course of the month and we are able to enjoy getting outdoors. Congratulations on that cross trainer! I love having a home gym and it’s absolutely a life saver in terms of time and flexibility. We use it a ton!

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

  35. Claudia | 1st Mar 22

    I love all of these. One thing I’ve been loving this month is the Beverly hills glow Kit. I’m obsessed with it

  36. briannemanzb | 1st Mar 22

    These are all great finds. I watched a lot of movies this month and I really loved watching DUNES, it was such a great movie

  37. Alita | 1st Mar 22

    I’m so excited to see your son’s birthday party. It will be so much fun for sure!

  38. Kellyann Rohr | 1st Mar 22

    What a fun post Maureen, so nice to see what is happening in your life! Your son is so cute – and I hope you share what you do for his birthday. Although my kids are too old for theme parties, I still love to see them. I have a 5 year old niece and I am constantly thinking of fun things for her.
    Love our new trainer too – looks like a great option for exercising at home!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  39. Melanie Edjourian | 1st Mar 22

    The food at Posada sounds delicious. I love the sound of the tacos. We all love tacos so it would be an ideal place to visit.

  40. Sheeba | 1st Mar 22

    I enjoyed reading this article… love how you have documented all these amazing memories! Happy blogging! May you cherish these amazing moments always!

  41. Lovely | 28th Feb 22

    The pom pom keychain is cool and your little one’s snow suit looks cozy and cute! I can’t wait to see what theme he has picked for his birthday this year.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    http://www.mynameislovely.com

  42. Rosey | 28th Feb 22

    My son had that sweater (in the first picture) when he was a kid. It had a matching hat. So cute!! I like the trainer.

  43. Amber | 28th Feb 22

    Your new trainer looks so cool, I’ll look forward to reading your review!

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

    Visit AvecAmber.com

    Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin

  44. Jodie Filogomo | 28th Feb 22

    That’s so cool that your husband built that table. It’s so modern and fabulous.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  45. Beth | 28th Feb 22

    It’s been a big month for you. Happy birthday to your son, first of all! I have to get myself a Trio Trainer, too. It looks like a great machine.

  46. Alice Mola | 28th Feb 22

    Love this post Maureen! I have never tried Boursin cheese but it sounds perfect for my future cheese plate. Happy birthday in advance to your son, I’m sure his special day will be super fun!

  47. Heather | 28th Feb 22

    I love sweatshirts too! I found myself buying so many of them this year and I practically wear them daily.

  48. Jennifer | 28th Feb 22

    That food looks delicious!!

    Jennifer
    Curated by Jennifer

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