Hello, lovely readers! As November draws to a close, bringing with it the crisp air and the undeniable scent of the holiday season, I find myself nestled on the couch. Four candles flicker softly, casting a warm glow, while the “Hipster Holiday” Pandora station fills the room through my Sonos speaker. There’s something truly magical about this time of year, a feeling of cozy anticipation that makes me want to share everything that’s been happening in my world.
Speaking of cozy and delightful, am I the only one completely obsessed with Zooey Deschanel’s voice and the show New Girl? It feels like the best day of the year whenever a new season drops on Netflix! That same sense of excitement is what prompted me to put together this “Things Lately” post. So many wonderful, eventful, and sometimes even hilarious moments have unfolded recently, and I can’t wait to fill you in on all the details. From holiday traditions and exciting new gear to game-changing fashion finds and upcoming travels, let’s dive into what’s been making my heart happy these past few weeks!
Thanksgiving Joy: Family, Food, and Festivities in Chicago
Thanksgiving truly holds a special place in my heart; it’s hands down my favorite holiday. There’s just something incredibly heartwarming about gathering with loved ones, reflecting on gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. This year, Mark and I had the absolute pleasure of spending the holiday at my parents’ beautiful new home in Chicago. It was an absolute dream to reconnect with my family, especially my adorable puppies – though my parents were pretty great too, of course! The entire weekend was a much-needed break from the usual hustle and bustle, a rare opportunity to completely disconnect from work and simply immerse ourselves in the joy of the season. We kicked things off with a lively Turkey Trot, embracing the spirit of healthy activity before the inevitable feast. And what’s Thanksgiving in Chicago without a classic Lou Malnati’s Pizza? That deep-dish deliciousness is a tradition we simply can’t skip!
The celebration was made even more special with the company of Cath (my partner in crime) and my brother’s best friend, Paul. Their presence added an extra layer of fun and laughter to an already perfect long weekend. From shared meals and engaging conversations to creating new memories, it was a truly unforgettable time. These moments with family are what truly enrich life, reminding me to cherish every precious second. Below are some of my favorite snapshots from our delightful Thanksgiving getaway in the Windy City!
Elevating My Craft: Welcoming the Canon 5D Mark IV
Speaking of capturing favorite moments, I have some truly exciting news that will transform how I share my world with you! Team Fit Foodie Finds has officially welcomed a powerful new member to its ranks: the incredible Canon 5D Mark IV. I am beyond thrilled to finally be a part of the Canon family! This upgrade marks a significant milestone in my photography journey. For years, my trusted companion was the Nikon D600, which served me well, but the time had come to elevate my game. Upgrading to Canon’s new top-of-the-line full-frame DSLR was a carefully considered decision, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the possibilities it opens up for Fit Foodie Finds content.
To complement this magnificent camera, I also invested in a 50mm 1.4 lens, a versatile prime lens renowned for its ability to capture stunning portraits and beautiful bokeh. This combination, while undoubtedly the most expensive single item I own (aside from my car!), represents an investment in quality, creativity, and the future of my work. I truly believe it will be worth every single penny. I’m incredibly excited to explore its advanced video features, which will allow me to bring you more dynamic and engaging visual stories. The intuitive touch screen and exceptional low-light performance are also features I can’t wait to master, promising crisper, more vibrant images even in challenging conditions. PS: My new camera has a name – Hot Toddy, or Toddy for short – inspired by one of the very first recipes it helped me shoot! Keep an eye out for a dedicated “What’s in My Camera Bag” post, where I’ll delve into all the technical details and share my complete gear setup.
The Perfect Fit: Discovering Express Mid Rise Jean Leggings
Let’s talk fashion, specifically the holy grail of denim: jeans. For years, I’ve faced the perpetual struggle of finding jeans that truly fit my athletic build – meaning muscular thighs and glutes combined with a smaller waist. It often feels like an impossible quest, with many pairs either gapping at the waist or feeling uncomfortably tight around the legs. That’s why I simply have to gush about these incredible Express Mid Rise Jean Leggings. Seriously, these are, without a doubt, the best jeans I have ever put on my body. I Instagrammed them over the weekend, and the overwhelming response confirmed that about a hundred other people completely agree with me – they are truly a game-changer!
These aren’t just jeans; they’re a dream come true for anyone with an athletic physique. They hug in all the right places without feeling restrictive, providing the perfect balance of comfort and style. What sets them apart even further is their incredible retention; they don’t stretch out after multiple wears, maintaining their perfect “like a glove” fit day after day. They’re pretty true to size, making the online shopping experience much less daunting. For the athletic girl, these are the ultimate pair of pants, offering both durability and a flattering silhouette. Normally priced at $79.99, the holiday season brings fantastic opportunities for savings. Keep a close eye on Express’s website, as they’ve been running mega sales. Trust me, try them for yourself, and you’ll be thanking me later!
Sun, Sand, and Serenity: My Upcoming Mexico Getaway
Get ready for some serious wanderlust, because I’m thrilled to announce my next adventure! This Friday, I’m heading to the stunning beaches of Mexico! I’m once again collaborating with Funjet Vacations, and this time our destination is the luxurious Iberostar Paraiso Beach in Cancun. The thought of soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D with my Man Candy fills me with absolute delight, especially as the colder months settle in back home. There’s nothing quite like the rejuvenating power of warm sunshine, turquoise waters, and the gentle rhythm of ocean waves to reset and recharge.
This trip builds on the incredible experience I had last year with Funjet when we explored the vibrant beauty of Jamaica. Funjet Vacations consistently delivers seamless and unforgettable travel experiences, and I’m confident this Cancun escape will be no different. I can’t wait to share all the highlights of our Mexican paradise with you! To follow along in real-time and get a sneak peek into our daily adventures, make sure you’re following FitFoodieFinds on Snapchat and on Instagram. Expect plenty of sun-kissed photos, delicious food discoveries, and maybe even a few travel tips along the way!
College Football Rivalry: Gophers vs. Badgers Showdown
Even though Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, it also marks a quintessential American tradition for many: college football rivalries! This year, Mark and I continued our post-Thanksgiving tradition by attending the epic Gopher/Badger game in Madison, Wisconsin. And yes, you guessed it – the Gophers lost to the Badgers AGAIN. Despite the outcome for my team, being there in person, immersed in the electrifying atmosphere of a live college football game, was an absolute blast. Mark and I have always shared a spirited college football rivalry, so experiencing it IRL, surrounded by thousands of passionate fans, added a whole new layer of excitement and playful competition to our holiday weekend.
The energy in the stadium was palpable, a mix of fervent cheers, friendly banter, and the sheer spectacle of the game. It’s these kinds of experiences, shared with family and friends (we met up with Mark’s family for the game), that create lasting memories. While the scoreboard wasn’t in our favor, the camaraderie, the roar of the crowd, and the simple joy of being part of such a significant event made it a fantastic afternoon. It truly highlights how sports can bring people together, even when allegiances are divided, fostering fun traditions that we look forward to year after year.
Binge-Watching Bliss: The Phenomenon of Westworld
When it comes to winding down after all the holiday excitement and travel planning, there’s nothing I love more than a captivating new TV series. And recently, I’ve become absolutely obsessed with the show Westworld. If you have HBO Go (or can find a friend who does!), you seriously need to drop everything and watch this show immediately! Mark and I used our Thanksgiving break to catch up, and now we’re fully immersed in the first season – and it is truly phenomenal. This series isn’t just entertainment; it’s a thought-provoking journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The premise is brilliantly unique: it’s set hundreds of years in the future, where a Western-themed “pretend” world exists. Wealthy humans pay exorbitant fees to enter this immersive park, where they can live out their wildest fantasies without consequence. The inhabitants of this Western world appear strikingly human, but they are, in fact, incredibly advanced robots. The show masterfully explores complex themes like artificial intelligence, consciousness, free will, and the very nature of reality itself. The intricate plot twists, stunning cinematography, and compelling performances from a star-studded cast make it an absolute must-watch. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but trust me, the narrative layers and philosophical questions it raises will stay with you long after the credits roll. Do yourself a favor and start watching it right now – you won’t regret it!
Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Looking Forward
And there you have it – a comprehensive look into what’s been filling my days and my heart lately! From the comforting embrace of family during Thanksgiving in Chicago, complete with our beloved Lou Malnati’s pizza, to the exhilarating upgrade of my photography gear with the state-of-the-art Canon 5D Mark IV, it’s been a period of both personal joy and professional growth. Discovering those incredible Express Mid Rise Jean Leggings has solved a long-standing fashion dilemma, while the anticipation of my upcoming Funjet Vacations trip to Cancun has me dreaming of sun-drenched beaches and relaxation. Even the friendly rivalry of the Gophers vs. Badgers game added a touch of exhilarating excitement, proving that some traditions are simply too fun to miss. And, of course, getting lost in the captivating world of Westworld has provided the perfect mental escape.
As we transition into the final month of the year, I’m filled with gratitude for these experiences and for all of you who follow along on this journey. It’s truly a privilege to share these moments, big and small, and to connect over our shared interests in food, fitness, fashion, and travel. Keep an eye out for more exciting content, including deeper dives into my new camera gear and, of course, plenty of updates from my Mexican adventure! Until next time, embrace the holiday spirit and find joy in the little things.