My Recent Evening Routine for Spring

Going to work when it’s nice out makes getting out of bed even harder! Recently, I’ve been trying to make the most out of my evenings when it’s light out later, and it’s still warm outside. I love the warmer months because I feel like we get so much more out of our days with the extra hours of daylight. Here are some of the things in my evening routine that bring me joy!

As soon as I get home, I immediately change out of my work clothes into comfy clothes – but not pajamas!

I don’t like putting on pajamas because I’m not ready to end my night. So I’ll throw on some workout clothes or comfortable clothes instead.

Go to the gym

We are very lucky, and a new gym has opened within walking distance of our house. So now it makes going to the gym after work easier to fit into our schedules. After the gym, we like to grab dinner or maybe stop by the grocery store on our way back to the house.

Sit in the yard and
enjoy a book

After staring at a screen or socializing all day, I love to sit in the yard with a book and enjoy the silence!

Make dinner

Cooking dinner is honestly my happy place! I like to put on a show on the iPad to play in the background as I prep and cook. During the Spring and Summer months, it’s easier to cook with fresh veggies, and I love using them when I cook from scratch. It’s nice to be able to make something for yourself at the end of the day.

Out to eat on a weeknight

On those really nice days that the last place I want to be is home, I love to go out to eat during the week. Extra bonus points if they have outdoor dining!

Open the windows

If you don’t have the time or the space to enjoy some quiet time downstairs, open your windows and let your house BREATHE!

Skincare

Doesn’t matter what time of year it is, I need to commit a few minutes every night to my skin.

Keep your bedroom clean

It takes a few extra minutes to tidy up every day, but I swear I’m a much happier person waking up and going to bed with a cleaner bedroom.

Friday Favorites 4.17

We had an unexpected heat wave this week, so I spent as much time as I could outside. I’m in my second week at my new job, and I’m really loving it. Jake was looking at me weirdly the other night, and when I asked him why he was staring, he commented that my face looks really different now that I am in a less stressful job. And it’s true. I can tell my body is less stressed, and I’ve been enjoying waking up earlier in the morning. I also need to find a new hobby now that I get out of work earlier and have a few hours to myself in the evening. This weekend, I am excited to relax outside, bake, and read a new book. Hope you have a great weekend and get to enjoy this warm weather!

  • I’m back to wearing “work clothes,” so I’m slowly rebuilding that part of my closet. I’ve been wearing these $35 comfortable work pants and need to get them in more colors!
  • Adding this bag to my wish list for Spring and Summer.
  • I’ve been taking this vitamin pack for a few months now, and I love that it has every pill in a pouch.
  • I’ve had my eye on this yellow sweatshirt and finally hit check out.
  • This setting spray keeps my makeup where it should be (on my face) and not completely melted off by the time I get into the office.
  • NYX gifted me these new lipsticks, and they have been fun to use!

Recently went to Ulta and picked up a few things I needed to restock on.

  • Finished reading Brimstone. Not one of my favorites, but happy I was able to push through and read it.
  • Listening to Crescent City while I commute to work since I finished rereading ACOTAR to get ready for the next book.
  • I got the Plated Prisoner series for Christmas, and I started it this week. I understand the hype about the series after almost reading the first book in one night…

Friday Favorites 3.13

Spring was here for a few days, and I enjoyed every second of it knowing it was going to go back to cold with a chance of snow. On Monday night, we went to a new gym within walking distance of our house. It was hard to walk past the sign outside of a restaurant promoting margaritas on the patio and keep on walking! It felt like everyone was out walking and enjoying the 60-degree weather! I got home from work on Tuesday and changed into leggings and sneakers to run around the neighborhood. I wanted to enjoy every second of this weather! Jake’s birthday was on Wednesday, and even though we were both exhausted, I made us go out to celebrate. All he wanted for his birthday was cheesecake, so I had to make it happen! After work, we walked to the Cheesecake Factory for a late dinner – one of the reasons I love living in the city. But us out to dinner at 9 pm on a weeknight? Who are we???

LOVING

Loving this new collection from Amanda Jones Vaughan for Spring!

I started using these whitening strips, and I love that they dissolve?? so cool and convenient!

On one of my trips to the grocery store, I had to get a case of Diet Coke Cherry because they were out of Diet Coke. Tragic, I know! Turns out it’s amazing?

My most-worn sweatshirt is now available in this beautiful yellow, so I immediately added it to my cart!

WATCHING

Outlander

High Potential

Stumble

READING

In celebration of the SJM news, I am rereading Crescent City.

Brimstone is taking me longer to read but I blame my exhaustion at the end of the night making it hard to keep my eyes open!

How I Am Surviving Hibernation Season

Once the cold settles in, I stop fighting it. The days get shorter, the air gets quieter, and suddenly staying home feels less like a choice and more like a season of its own. I’m not leaving the house anytime soon on the weekends — and honestly, I’m okay with that.

This is how I’m surviving hibernation season.

Hot baths, always
A hot bath has become my reset button. Steaming water, dim lights, maybe a candle flickering nearby. It’s the easiest way to warm up and slow down at the same time. No rush, no agenda — just existing for a little while.

Lotion, head to toe
Cold weather demands softness. Taking the extra minute to lotion my hands, arms, and legs feels grounding, almost meditative. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds me to take care of myself in ways I usually skip.

Living in pajamas
If I don’t have to change out of pajamas, I won’t. Cozy sets, oversized knits, anything that feels like a hug. Getting dressed for hibernation season means choosing comfort over productivity — and that’s enough.

Candles on repeat
Candles are non-negotiable. Morning, afternoon, night. Soft scents, warm light, a slower atmosphere. They make staying in feel intentional instead of accidental.

Other ways I’m leaning into staying home
– Making warm drinks just because
– Rewatching comfort shows without guilt
– Letting my evenings be quiet
– Saying no more often
– Creating a home that feels calm and lived in

Hibernation season isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what feels right. Resting more. Moving slower. Letting the cold weather be an excuse to turn inward.

If the world feels loud, staying home can be its own kind of peace 🤍

january recap

January felt extra long this year—and honestly, I think it’s because we came in hot with a packed calendar. But we did one very smart thing: we gave ourselves something to look forward to—a break from the cold.

This trip had been half-planned for a while, just waiting for the stars (aka our work schedules) to align. And somehow, we nailed it. We truly picked the best possible week to be in Disney. While the Northeast was buried under a major snowstorm, we were soaking up sunshine and 90-degree days, pretending winter didn’t exist.

Getting back to Philly, however, was a different story. Two full days of cancelled and delayed flights later, we finally landed—and wow. Walking off the plane into single-digit temperatures was a very clear signal that vacation mode was officially over.

Starting February snowed in was not how I pictured the month kicking off, but I’m slowly accepting that this snow (which is absolutely not melting anytime soon) is just part of life right now. So while I look outside at snow plows still trying to figure out where to put all of this snow, let’s rewind and recap the past month.

WATCHING.

Heated Rivalry. Duhhhh! Also binged All Her Fault and texted my husband the whole time saying that if he talks to me like the husbands in the show, it would also be all my fault LOL

Back to work….

hard to jump back into after a relaxing Winter Break!

Shared my word for the year on the blog….

Went to the happiest place on Earth!

Got rid of a lot of clutter! In an effort to really manifest that soft life goal this year, I’ve been very intentional about having a more minimalistic life. I encourage you this week to pick a space in your house that gives you anxiety and be ruthless! I feel so much better after I donated a lot of stuff that I had that I haven’t used in years.

Friday Favorites 12/19

  • All of my Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped
  • Christmas cookies 2025 were a big hit this year!
  • I had a few people over on Saturday, and we did pre-made drinks using kits from TJ Maxx. They were easy to make and a big hit!
  • I recently purchased some coupe glasses for myself, and now I can make chic drinks at home
  • Put bows on everything
  • Wrapping presents. I’m not sure why, but I find it so relaxing!
  • This year, I feel like we can actually enjoy the holidays without feeling rushed.
  • I finally started Summer House, and I’m embarrassed by how fast I got through all of it.
  • Hallmark Christmas movies, duhh
  • Jingle Bell Heist on Netflix was really cute!