Books Read Recap of 2022

On January 6, 2023January 7, 2023 By take2createIn Lifestyle1 Comment

Is there a better way to unwind from a hectic day then to cozy up with a good book under a warm blanket? As I write this I am daydreaming about that point in my evening after this busy day at work. Last year I set a goal to finish at least one book a month. Now that doesn’t sound like much for someone that enjoys reading as much as I do. However, what it was really aimed towards in my case was prioritizing my self care through the year. Often times I would be exhausted from the day and just crash in bed, but where is taking that extra time to relax and do something enjoyable for me?

I am happy to report I did read at least one book a month, in fact in total for the year I read fourteen books. I even finished another three days into this year! If you are interested, check out below for a list of the books I read last year (and the one I finished right at the beginning of this year). Comment below with one you are interested in reading next or maybe your favorite book read last year!

2022 Books Read – Not pictured are books lent to family/friends

Continue reading →

MOM-osa’s and Brunch

On May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 By take2createIn Breakfast, Food, HolidaysLeave a comment

My mom is incredible. She is patient, kind, loving, and I’ve always said if I’m half the woman she is then I’ll be alright. Not only does she put up with my silly puns but she will laugh (maybe with some pity) at every single one. She listens intently to my stories as I tell 5 other stories within it and we never go a day without talking. Without a doubt, I wanted to spoil her on Mother’s Day.

Another thing her and I have in common? A love of breakfast foods! We had a small brunch at the house for Mother’s Day where I cooked up a feast. Two of the recipes I did were new, and one is tried and true classic. The tried and true is my berry french toast, SO much goodness packed into a breakfast casserole. The new recipes also amazed and as my boyfriend ate some leftovers later in the day insisted I make them both at the next brunch we host with his family. The new recipes were Ricotta Pancakes and a Savory Monkey Bread. I 100% agree with him, they were delicious! What is brunch without mimosa’s too? Or in this case… MOM-osa’s! This fun little pun on the name was a huge hit with my mom and we sipped and laughed about it throughout the meal. Below is the recipe for my tried and true berry french toast.

Comment with if you want to see the Ricotta Pancakes or the Savory Monkey Bread recipe next!

Continue reading →

Everything Will Be Okay

On April 24, 2020April 24, 2020 By take2createIn LifestyleLeave a comment

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to stop your feeds to remind you that it will be okay.

It’s okay if you are struggling to be motivated, it’s okay if you are getting stuff done. Don’t feel guilty.

It’s okay if your win of the day was to put on a bra and take that conference call with a nice shirt and sweat pants hidden out of sight.

It’s okay if you are feeling more refreshed than ever before.

We are all adjusting to a new normal. Be patient with others but don’t forget to be patient with yourself!

Life’s Bumpy Road

On September 14, 2019 By take2createIn LifestyleLeave a comment

The phrase “adulting is hard” can be too true at times. Life gets so busy and stressful that it can be difficult to ever see it mellowing out. One thing I always try to emphasize to myself when it feels like I’m overwhelmed with, well everything, is that it will all work out. That big presentation will pass, the dishes will get done, your friends understand that it’s a heavy week of work, and I move on. Reminding myself out loud a couple of times in these moments truly helps that ball of stress in my chest feel lighter. With my motivational self in full swing, I thought of the quote below. Hope you enjoy!

Crockpot Peach Butter

On September 12, 2019 By take2createIn Fall, Food, SeasonalLeave a comment

This past weekend my boyfriend and I got peaches… and I mean A LOT of peaches. After making this peach butter, other treats, and giving some away; we still have a half a box of peaches! I haven’t ever tried or made peach butter but the premise would be the same as making any other fruit butter (i.e. apple butter). The fruit pieces need to be cooked long enough that when blended, it creates a smooth velvety texture. I’ve been super busy lately so the idea of making this in a crockpot was extremely appealing. I prepped it and let it cook overnight in the crockpot and in the morning it blended like a dream. Plus, we woke up to the smell of peaches and spices (drooling now just thinking about it).

Continue reading →

PSL = FALL

On September 1, 2019 By take2createIn Fall, LifestyleLeave a comment

Fall is marked in my internal calendar as the day that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is released at Starbucks. Some may consider this to be “basic” but it is my special treat around this time of year and I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. It’s a sip full of fall and all the comforting feelings that the season brings to me. I’m a beleafer this year as always (Starbucks marketing is always so good with this drink)!

Anyone else consider PSL the beginning of fall? Comment below if you have a variation of a pumpkin coffee drink I should try!

Possibilities are Endless

On August 24, 2019August 20, 2019 By take2createIn Lifestyle1 Comment

One of the best feelings in the world is when you have a full tank of gas in your car. The possibilities of where to go feel like they are endless! I like to think that maybe I could use that full tank to drive past work and go on a day trip or even a weekend trip. With this last fill up I couldn’t help but think that I should think of the opportunities in my life the same as this full tank. What I want to achieve, where I want to go, are endless and I should keep working towards those possibilities.

Power Song

On August 9, 2019August 8, 2019 By take2createIn LifestyleLeave a comment

Let’s be honest, we all have at least one song that makes you feel like you can take on the world. For me, that song is (and probably always will be) Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys. My favorite time to hear it is when I least expect it but need it the most. That happened this week while I was stressed and thinking about my day ahead and it came on the radio. It was like a mental weight was lightened as I sang loudly along, “Oh she got her head in the clouds and she’s not backing down”. Feeling relieved and inspired after my power song, I wanted to remind everyone reading this to go take on your biggest dreams and don’t back down!

What is your power song? Comment below!

Confessions of a Young Female Manager

On August 2, 2019 By take2createIn LifestyleLeave a comment

I recently accepted the finance manager position at my work and I can tell you one thing is for sure… at least half of my days are spent in meetings. Between my time being compressed with additional meetings, and onboarding a new employee on my team; it has been extra stressful to get my work done. So how am I making it through? My tips are below on how I manage my stress during work hours!

Continue reading →