Happy Fall! Like many things this year, this summer didn’t go as planned for me. I unfortunately had some health issues, including a concussion, which I had never experienced before. I also battled low energy levels, as my doctor found out that my B12 levels were low, as well as stomach issues.

It’s now October and I can HAPPILY say that all of those health issues are behind me. Back in May, which seems like a lifetime ago, I wrote that I would post more, but due to what was going on in my life, that didn’t happen.

I used to beat myself up about not getting everything done that I wanted to. I still do this and am still hard on myself, but not as much as I used to be. This change in thinking is accompanied by my goal to be more positive-I try to take a look at everything that I am doing, instead of what I am not doing.

Some things that I did this spring/summer that I am proud of include eating healthier, getting into better physical shape, getting back into playing music and helping local organizations obtain PPE masks.

Fall is my favorite season by far. When I think of fall, I think of cozy plaid scarves, colored leaves, pumpkins, Taylor Swift’s Red album (other Swifites will relate to this), boots and sweaters.

That is why we chose to get married in the fall. Our wedding date was supposed to be this November. Like many planned nuptials, it is not happening this year. Though this was obviously a major event that I was looking forward to, I am trying to be more positive (see above) and focus on the things that I enjoy about this season in general. Here are three things that I love about this season.

1. Apple picking: As a New Englander, I grew up with my family going apple picking pretty much every year. It is important to go in September/early October,  otherwise it is easy to miss the season. This year we went with my entire family, including Nick and my sister’s husband (and doggo). After picking apples, we helped ourselves to cider and donuts. Apple picking is a great way to kick off the fall season!
2. Halloween: I love Halloween-I have no idea why! I don’t like candy (other than chocolate) or horror movies, but I still love this holiday. It’s just so fun! I think it brings me back to childhood a bit. One of my favorite Halloween activities is watching Hocus Pocus. It is always fun to take a trip to Salem, MA during the month of October, as well.
3. A sense of renewal: There is a quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald (who wrote my favorite book, The Great Gatsby) that I love: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Because the school year always started in the Fall, there is the mindset of a new beginning-at least I feel it is. Time to set some goals! My goals right now are to sustain my new healthier lifestyle and get back on the horse with blogging.

What are your favorite things about fall?

You guys, it has been NINE months since I last posted. That is INSANE! Sometimes life just gets so busy; I think that we can all relate.

A lot has happened in the last nine months. I think the biggest news is that I got engaged in December, right before Christmas. Luckily, I decided to get my nails done that morning (something that I never do). I loved that I was able to get my ring from Brilliant Earth, which is a jeweler that sells conflict-free diamonds. So, it was a very Merry Christmas this year. We originally planned for a November wedding this year, but we decided to postpone it a year, due to the current quarantine situation.

Fast forward to March. I normally live in Boston but decided to quarantine with my parents in Cape Cod. I am able to spend time with my dog (who is sadly getting older and older, despite her looking like a little puppy) and parents, save money, and my mom has provided some nutritious cooking! I try to take walks and go on the bike. This has resulted in healthy changes for me (more about that later).

There have been challenges, of course, but I’m very thankful for my health and that of my family and friends. Hopefully, we can all get back to normal in a timely fashion, and it has been wonderful seeing the outpouring of support for those in need during this time.

Happy Spring! Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. I realize it’s been a while since my last post, and I wanted to share three things that I am looking forward to right now!

1. I’ve written about the awesome work that the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation does, and this Sunday, March 24, marks the second STRIKE for Vanessa event. I went last year, and I was overwhelmed by the crowd that came out. This year’s self-defense/women’s empowerment event will once again be celebrity self-defense expert, Avital Zeisler, of the Soteria Method. RSVP here!
2. Recently, Smile Brilliant reached out and I am lucky enough to be able to try out their teeth whitening trays. Currently, my trays are being made in the lab and I cannot wait to share the process and results with you all!
3. Where all my Boston bloggers at!? Recently, I have really enjoyed getting to know other Boston Bloggers through Bloggers Live Boston. If you aren’t a member and are a New England blogger, I highly suggest investing in a monthly membership (it’s only $5 a month). Not only does their website feature a wealth of information, but also awesome meet-ups with other bloggers! I am looking forward to their Allsaints event March 29!