Good morning, and happy Monday!

I hope your week is off to a great start.

I had a productive weekend, so I am starting the week with all the laundry, grocery-shopping, and chores done.  Nothing like knocking out your to do list and getting things accomplished to make you feel great, am I right? I honestly feel like I could conquer the world right now! That said, I haven’t taken the time to update you all on life around here for a while, so I figured I’d take a minute to do so.  And, as with all my Monthly Ramblings posts, it is a quick run-down of all the things going on around here that I wanted to highlight.  I’ll do another post with more details on a few of these things, but for now, here is the big picture snapshot from the months of November, December, and January.  

Event Ramblings

November Highlights

Part-time Job

Welp, I guess it’s to finally share the news with you guys.  I started a new job in November.  I am working about 7 hours a week at one of the public schools in our neck of the woods as a supervision assistant. Considering my background is in biotech, honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle it, but it’s been an interesting experience to say the least.  

December Highlights

The Dead Fish

For my birthday in December, we ate lunch at a restaurant called The Dead Fish in Crockett and the food was absolutely delicious! 

On me: Cardigan | Dress | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses

On my son: Sweater | Jeans | Shoes | Beanie | Sunglasses

For starters, we ordered and split the crab cakes.  Yum! Then for our meal, the little guy chose their little rascal’s chicken tenders with fries while the hubby and I decided to go with their combo platter.  As well as the salmon plate to share.  Both dishes had such incredible flavors! Not only was the fish fresh and cooked so well but it was decent-sized.  It came with pasta mixed with vegetables and just the memory of it makes my mouth water! 

And, because it was my birthday, they were kind enough to bring out some chocolate cake on the house for dessert. 

If you are looking for amazing food, ambiance, and service, this spot should definitely be on your list! 

First Street Alehouse

Also in December, we headed to Livermore for a fun day out.  After days of rain, we were blessed with good weather, and it was such a lovely afternoon to be out and about.  

On me: Sweater | Cargo Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses

On my son: Sweater | Cargo Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses

For lunch, we ate at First Street Alehouse in downtown and it’s got a low-key, laid-back family friendly vibe that we loved.  Their hamburgers are amazing (and huge).  I ordered the brie and pesto, and it was delicious! Hands down, one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.  Needless to say, we were all stuffed when we closed out the check.  

NYE

I know it’s been over a month since, but I hope you all had a joyful, relaxing holiday with your loved ones.  For NYE, we had a fun, food, and family-filled day.  My parents were in town, and we had a small celebration.  #goodtimes

January Highlights

Orange Belt

At the beginning of January, the little guy leveled up to an orange belt! I love watching him grow more confident in himself and his abilities.

Arnold

A couple weeks ago, we went on our annual family cabin/ski trip to Arnold.   It was a fun weekend full of family memories and the little guy did so well.  He can go down the slopes without any issues. 

Snowsuit

February Highlights

Valentine’s Day

We are officially in February which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  Though I used to have mixed feelings about this holiday.  These days, I personally love it and see it as a day to make my little Valentine feel extra special.  Of course, it’s also the perfect opportunity to dress for the occasion.  So, if you appreciate a good mommy and me styling like I do, we wore this outfit last October, but it would also be a great option for Valentine’s Day.  It’s cute, simple, and super easy to recreate with items you already have. 

On me: Denim Jacket | Jumpsuit | Shoes | Sunglasses

On my son: Cardigan | Black Top | Jeans | Shoes | Beanie | Sunglasses

Blog Ramblings

Since my family was home for most of the winter break (and January) meant I was able to work on the many posts that has been sitting in my drafts box for far too long.  I still have quite a few to catch up on but I am happy to report, I had a chance to download a lot of my pics and get my thoughts together on several of these drafted posts.  Having said that, I’ll start rolling them out on the blog starting the 20^th of this month. 

Word of the Year Ramblings

This is my first year doing this and choosing a word to guide me. For some reason, the word “trust” kept coming up for me at the end of 2022, but I wasn’t sure why. After all, if you’ve known me for any amount of time, then you’ll know that I am an optimist. I try not to be bothered by the small stuff and I always believe that most things are going to work out. Yet, as the New Year approached, there it was again. And on January 3, 2023, as I was prepping our car to take my son to school, I came across a leaf on the ground that caught my eye. A leaf shaped as a heart and all I can recall is feeling a sense of peace and certainty that is hard to explain in words. Then it became crystal clear, and I knew that God was telling me to trust in Him.

Shopping Ramblings

December is always a great month.  It’s flanked with some of the big sales of the year and it’s also my birthday month which means it’s time to talk about the fun stuff! So, let’s kick things off with what I was gifted first.  

Coach Pride Zip Wallet

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of designer handbags and accessories.  I got some birthday money from the hubby, so I spent it on this wallet, and I am so in love with it.  The colors are great, and so much fun!     

Wallet

Ember Mug

My dad gave me an Ember Mug for my birthday and to be honest, I didn’t even know this was a thing! #heshouldbetheinfluencer

If you are like me and unfamiliar with the Ember mug, it is a temperature regulating mug.  It’s easy to use and simple to keep charged.  I also love that the charger is a coaster which I think it genius! If you are tired of drinking cold coffee, you should consider an Ember mug.  

Mug

Winter Boots

I was seriously in need of a new winter boot so when the hubby came across a few on sale at Amazon, he sent the links my way.  This Aleander Boots is one of them.  At first glance, I wasn’t sure how much I’d like these based on the photos online, but I wanted to check them out in person.  So, Santa ordered a pair, and I was blown away when I opened the package.  They are so comfy, durable, and easy to walk in with no need for a break in period.  Plus, it features thinsulate lining and thicker innersoles that keep your feet extra warm and oh-so-cozy. The best part, Santa said I could keep them!

Boots

Now for what I bought.  

2023 Planner

I will never not be a planner girl.  Not only am I big on writing things down but it helps to keep me organized and remember important items all year.  I love the cover on this one and it is lightweight yet sturdy.  The pages are good quality and turn easily.  My only qualm is that there isn’t enough “notes” sheet but overall, it does the job!   

Planner

Coordinating Fleece Set

Oh, my cuteness! 

As soon as I saw this fuzzy teddy bear set, I simply couldn’t resist it for the little guy.  Naturally, I then found a matching one for myself and this one I am wearing doesn’t disappoint.  I was shocked by the quality and style of our set.  Both are super cute, soft, and warm for a cold day.  In fact, we brought them along with us to our cabin trip last month and did a great job keeping us both warm and toasty.  

Women’s Fleece Set | Boy’s Fleece Set

Colorful Smocked Dress

This dress stopped me in my tracks! I am obsessed with the combo of bright colors, and I love the smocked square neckline.  It’s so easy to wear and moves beautifully.  Perfect for brunch, Mother’s Day or vacation! It’s true to size.  I am wearing a small and that’s my normal size with this brand.  Unfortunately, this dress sold out fairly fast, but I am still posting it though in case you want to check the site for restocks. On the bright side, I recently saw that it comes in a white version too!

Smocked Dress | Sandals | Bag

Nature is Calling Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts are a closet staple for me.  This one has a relaxed, dropped shoulder and banded hem.  Of course, my favorite part of the sweatshirt is the graphic.  It just makes it extra cute! 

Sweatshirt | Cargo Jeans | Shoes

Lypsyl Lip Balm

I received a sample of this lip balm to review on the blog in 2018.  Since then, it’s been my favorite lip balm to use.  It glides on smoothly and does a fantastic job of keeping my lips moisturize and feeling so soft.  

Lip Balm

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).  

**Additionally, some items linked above are not the exact item shown because it is either old or sold out, but I linked similar items for those that are unavailable.