Category: friday favorites

Friday Favorites 1.10

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

Last week I feel like we were all excited about the new year with our goals and plans. This week, with the fires in California I find myself in a weird mood because on the East Coast we have freezing temperatures and snow and on the West Coast we see homes being destroyed block by block by the wildfires. Don’t ask me what I would take if we would have to evacuate because that is too much for my brain to process right now. Material things are just…. things. Watching the news makes me hug Ed a little tighter and make a quiet promise we would never leave without him.

OKAY but now back to pretending everything is fine while our world is consumed by natural disasters. If you are a millenial, it’s just another world changing event for us…. nothing new around here.

I know everyone is doing the “No Buy January” and the “Project Pan 2025” but if you do not have an eye cream right now, be sure to get one. Your future self will thank you. I love this one but this more affordable eye cream is also a good option. Last year, I started to get Botox for my crows feet lines, not because they are that noticable but to prevent the lines around my eyes from getting deeper down the line. To have good skin in your fifties depends on what you do today to keep it healthy!

My plan was to go to the gym a lot this week…. but it’s cold and windy. So instead I’m doing an at home work out every night and I love this work out video on Youtube. It’s only 10 minutes but every muscle in your body will be in pain!

We started this week with a snow day on Monday and it was a nice unexpected day off! Jake still had to go into work so I slept in a little and read some of my book in the morning. I wanted to be productive in the afternoon so I deep cleaned the whole house and then got my Bissell Carpet Cleaner out of storage and decided to deep clean all of the carpets in the house. It was so nice to wake up on Tuesday to a very clean house!

I listened to the Mel Robbins episode on the Life with Marianna podcast this week and loved hearing the discussion about the Let Them Theory. Definitely listen to it as you go into the new year!

Today is the season finale of Outlander and I am not ready.


I love the girls behind The Home Edit so of course I am watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition.


On Saturday mornings, I like a little quiet time on the couch while I drink my coffee and watch a home design show and right now I’m watching Christina in the Country for some home design inspo.

I just finished Paris Hilton’s memoir and I went in thinking it was going to be a light and easy to read celebritiy memoir. But just a few pages in, I realized that this was going to be a different type of story. The writing is great, a moving message and worth reading. I actually put it down a few times to be able to process what I read and wanted to last a few days even though I could have read this book in a day.

For Christmas, Jake got me ACOTAR books so last night I decided to start A Court of Thorns and Roses. I’m only a few chapters in and intrigued…

Friday Favorites 1.3

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

I have been asking myself a dozen times “What day is it?” because the concept of time the last two weeks is a blur. It’s Flursday. I have alarms set on my phone to make sure I am aware of my commitments but other than that, it’s been a lot of lounging around in pajamas and giving my body permission to REST. I’m using this time to make lists, reflect on the last year, and deep clean the house. I’ve been seeing the trend Pan Project 2025 a lot and I thought I was bad with having a lot of clutter but after watching these videos, I’m realizing I have a normal amount of backstock products. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving myself permission to not clear the shelves so to speak. This being my first Favorites post of the new year, I thought it would be fun to summarize my favorite things of 2024. So let’s do it!


This year, I’ve been grabbing my makeup that brings me joy and that has been a lot of pink. I took that Barbie trend and kept it going into my makeup routine. I created a go-to easy, natural makeup look….Glowy skin, pops of pink with pink lipstick and gloss in my pocket to reapply often. Each season I committed to an eyeshadow palette and only used that one (or two) to use up what I already have. Swapping them out every few weeks reminded me what I already have and it felt like I was getting something new even though I already had it.

Lipstick lasts longer, but gloss is more fun.
– Serena van der Woodsen

This year has been about less stuff and more joy in experiences. Going to one of my favorite restaurants in Philly, Parc, just because we want to, and no longer waiting for a special occasion. Getting tickets to see the Philadelphia Orchestra perform, taking advantage of the amazing restaurants in walking distance from us like the amazing Italian restaurant, Giuseppe & Sons. Walking to The Dandelion for tea and scones on a Sunday morning because we missed London. Walking through Rittenhouse Square on a Saturday morning to shop the farmers market is always a must for me in the summer because it reminds me to slow down and appreciate where I am in life right now. I worked so hard to be able to live in a city and be able to do these amazing things, that I need to slow down and appreciate the things around me.

Now or Never

This year I really committed to always have a book I was reading. During the warm summer months, I would get home from work, pour myself a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz, and head out to the backyard to read a little before making dinner. During the “ber” months, I’ve been finding time to read before work or have a cup of hot tea and get into bed to read a few pages before I fell asleep. I didn’t read as many books as I wanted to this year, but it’s been nice getting lost in a fantasy world of the Ton or 200 years ago in Scotland.

  • Monday Mourning, Kathy Reichs
  • The Woman in Me, Britney Spears
  • A Breath of Snow and Ashes, Diana Gabaldon
  • The Christie Affair, Nina de Gramont
  • The Duke and I, Julia Quinn
  • The Viscount Who Loved Me, Julia Quinn
  • An Offer From a Gentleman, Julia Quinn

Another highlight of this year…..

One of my goals this year is to write on this little corner of the internet more in 2025. It used to bring me so much joy to recap my weeks and share things that brought me joy. Then life got busy and the internet told me videos were more trendy to do so I found finding time to write long updates about my life difficult to do.

Thank you for supporting Blonde Rosie. Your support helps keep this little page on the internet running.

Friday Favorites 6.7

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

The last few days of school are here and we can all feel the excitement that summer is almost here! We had our garden party at school and this week I did a lot of baking for end of year parties. Last month I spent time working on our yard to get it ready for dinners outside or reading a book. I love summer because it encourages us to slow down and spend as much time as possible outdoors. Last weekend we woke up early to drive to Ocean Grove to go to the annual flea market and the beach. We grabbed dinner at a new to me place, Barrio Costero, and had to stop at Cookman Creamery to get ice cream on the walk back to the car. On Sunday we lounged around and got some stuff done around the house. This weekend was the first time in a long time that felt like a w e e k e n d. It was the perfect combination of beach time, trying a new restaurant, scoops of ice cream, and time at home to unwind before another week begins.Below are some of my favorite things lately as we kickoff summer!

A few weeks ago, I bought some new makeup because everyone on social media was raving about it. The last thing I want to do is wear a lot of makeup during the summer but sometimes need some products to add a little glow. The new dewy look is here to stay and so much easier during the summer months. This foundation is light but provides coverage that lasts all day. This blush is my newest obsession. It’s the perfect pink shade that gives a natural pink to the cheeks. A few dabs of this bronzer on my nose and jawline and I’m out the door.

Picked up a new nail polish, OPI Elephantastic Pink, and it may be my new go to nail color for summer! Keep scrolling to see it!

Picked up some sweets from Ladurée to enjoy during our tea party in celebration of the new season of Bridgerton.

I’ll go months without shopping and then in a week I buy all of the things! I can’t believe this sunglasses style is popular again. Mad at myself that I threw out my old rectangle sunglasses years ago but loving my $15 ones to look cool and trendy. I also got a new tote bag inspired by Prada that is everywhere on Instagram. I’ve already used it a few times and I am very impressed by the quality and even happier with the low price.

I finally ordered the carpet cleaner I’ve had in my cart for MONTHS and I’m mad I didn’t do it sooner. I spent hours cleaning every carpet in the house one night because you can immediately see a difference. As someone who vacuums and mops every week, it was gross and satisfying to see how much dirt came out of the rugs.

Friday Favorites 3.22

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

Hey, there Spring! It’s been a very chilly week leaving me wondering, is Spring on its way or if I am going to continue to pay a high PECO bill keeping the heat on blast to stay warm? Next week is my Spring Break and it’s hard to get excited when it’s this cold outside and I have no plans to go somewhere warm. The one perk I’ve been enjoying the last few weeks is that sunset is later in the day. Those extra few hours have been helping me stay motivated to be productive when I get home from work. It’s hard to see but I know summer is around the corner!

Speaking of summer, on a recent call with my mom we both had the realization at the same time that my wedding is coming up. We are on track to get vendors booked and the rest of the items on our longgg wedding to-do list checked off. My goal is to get a blog post dedicated to our wedding planning on the blog soon because so far, it’s been very smooth and I’d love to share some details!

I have been using these exfoliating peel pads on my face like every other day because I’ve become obsessed with how soft my skin has felt after using them consistently. I’ve used a lot of face masks and creams and nothing compares to how amazing my face feels after using them!

At this point, if Elemis sells a product I need to have it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE their stuff. It’s pricey but they are a staple in my skincare routine. I’ve been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in the morning under my makeup and my face stays hydrated and glowing all day.

Bought myself an iced coffee maker a few months ago and in honor of Spring, I finally took it out of the box and have been enjoying an iced coffee on the weekends. It’s easy to use and makes delicious iced coffee – I miss my trips to Stabucks, but it’s nice to make an iced coffee for pennies!

I have been on the HUNT for these amazing macaron pillows and I found a blue one in stores! I’m still hoping I can find the other colors to add to my collection.

  • Quiet on Set Any 90s kid who grew up with Nickolodeon will have a hard time watching this and learning what happened behind the scenes of the shows we grew up with.
  • Vanderpump Rules It’s become my gym show that I watch while I’m on the bike. Life is so crazy right now we all need something frivolous to watch.
  • For All Mankind I’m kind of embarrassed to admit how fast we binged this show but it was so good! Each season is a time jump and keeps the story going in a direction we were not expecting.

Friday Favorites 1.19

Published on by blonde rosie1 Comment

If I’m honest I have to tell you I still read fairy tales and I like them best of all.

Audrey Hepburn

I am bundled up and enjoying the first snow day in years! With all of the snow and ice this week it’s nice to be able to stay home during this snowstorm and be able to enjoy it from home. It took me a few days to get ready for the new year, but I have finally settled into a routine.

  • Saltburn
  • Buccaneers
  • Real Housewives of Miami

I got a Blendjet for Christmas and it makes my mornings so much easier! I like to prep my smoothie at night and put it in the fridge so I can just grab and go in the morning. My one issue is that it doesn’t blend frozen fruit but I don’t mind prepping a smoothie with frozen fruit at night because by morning it’s melted enough to blend together.

One excited purchase I’m excited about is I signed up for the gym last weekend and I’ve been really committed to it.
Picked up these black leggings with gold buttons from Zara and I’m so excited to style these!
One great thing about January is the after Christmas sales! We picked up a few ornaments for our tree next year.

Last weekend I did a big grocery trip to set myself up for success this week. I’m back to eating healthy and that means meal prepping! I’ve been eating a salad for lunch and packing pretzelcrips, peppers with hummus. Instead of counting calories, I’m focusing more on healthy meals and healthy snacks during the day so I don’t eat junk food when I’m starving at the end of the day. For dinner, I made taco salads and rice bowls with protein this week and we enjoyed a nice pork tenderloin in the crockpot on Monday. I love using the crockpot but I always forget about it!

Starting to swap out my Christmas decor for hearts and pink! 

Finally sitting down and working on my posts about our London trip. It’s nice to go through photos and write about our trip, I’m already planning our next trip back!

Friday Favorites 6.9

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

good things are coming

I hope everyone had a good week and my friends in the Northeast stay safe in this air quality. I’ve had a terrible cough since Tuesday and trying to limit my outside time as much as possible. Schools went remote today so I’m enjoying my start to the day with a cup of tea at home. For the last month, we have been weeding, planting, and tending our backyard to make it a backyard oasis – a rare find in Philadelphia! My new favorite evening activity is coming home from work and changing into comfy clothes to head to the couch outside to read a little bit before making dinner. Unfortunately, this week that evening tradition has had to be put on pause since I am trying to limit my outside time as much as possible.

We are trying to make the best of the start of summer with this bad air quality. Next week is the last week of school (yippee!) so we will probably be spending our weekend at home getting a lot done on our to-do list. Why is adulting just one long to-do list that never ends?

Philly Things

Last weekend, we were up and moving early on Saturday and went to the Rittenhouse Art Show and Farmers Market. We added on a few more errands in the City because the weather was so nice and we wanted to enjoy it as much as we could. We went to the new Kura Revolving Sushi Bar on Chestnut Street for dinner and we both loved the experience! It had been on our list for a while and not only was the food delicious but it was a great experience. Robots delivered your drinks, food was delivered on a revolving bar and the vibe was really cool. Each plate is $3.50 making it easy to try new things you wouldn’t normally order. My big piece of advice is that this sushi is not your grocery store sushi, it is authentic sushi so go in with an open mind! I tried new dishes and liked all of them and fell in love with conch sushi – who knew I would!

Cork is my favorite store to pop in and “treat” myself. Not only do they have the cutest hostess gifts but they have an excellent wine selection.

Flourish is a store in our neighborhood that sells plants and locally made goods that just had its one-year anniversary. We finally stopped in recently and picked up a few gifts for family.

  • Shiny Happy People
  • Anna Nicole Smith – You Don’t Know Me
  • Selling Sunset
  • Real Housewives of Orange County

This toner is great and I’ve been using it sparingly because I’m close to running out. It does it all – cleanses, exfoliates, and makes your skin glow. Yes please!

On Sunday we went to Costco and I bought a giant bag of lemons so of course I had to make my lemon pasta recipe! It’s a recipe that I originally found online and it’s turned into throw things into a pan and see what happens.

In a pan, start with oil, garlic, and onions on low. Juice 3 lemons and add lemon juice to the pan while the pasta is cooking. Add the lemon carcasses to the pasta water. Add seasoning to the pan (basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, etc). Once the pasta is ready, slowly add pasta to the pan and stir. Add more oil and juice from the 4th lemon and add lemon carcasses to the pan for some extra zest. Let the pasta cook for a few more minutes and bam, lemon pasta!

  • Finally (finally!) purchased these sandals that were very popular last summer and it looks like they will be in style for a little longer.
  • With the plastic bag ban in Philly, I had to buy another one of these laundry tote bags to help transport groceries and stuff around.
  • I’ve been deep cleaning and swapping out decor to get ready for summer. I’ve been looking for a small lamp to put in the kitchen that doesn’t take up that much room and adds some lighting without the harsh kitchen lights. Found this lamp that is perfect and so so sooo cute!
  • I can’t resist anything gingham so these bowls and cups came home with me. They will be perfect for summer in the backyard and now I need the rest of the collection!
  • Working on getting through the next Outlander book to prep for the new season this month!
  • For a lighter read, I’ve been reading Kathy Reichs books that were turned into the series Bones.
  • warmer weather
  • sandal season
  • reading outside
  • my lemon decor around the house