Ina Garten, The Fifth Avenue Apartment by Pamela Kelley and more on Monday Musings.

MONDAY MUSINGS NO. 103

Good morning friends, happy 2024. It’s a new year and hopefully one that brings less strife and more peace to the world.

Did you ring in the new year with a glass of champagne and fireworks? I skipped the fun and went to bed early, although to be honest I didn’t get much sleep. Something kept waking the dogs and they were up on and off barking.

The last 2 days I have been decluttering my office, shredding papers and getting things ready for a fresh start this week. I don’t know about you but I have a lot of paper. Remember when they said that computers were going to cut down on all of the paper we have in our office?

We are meeting family for lunch and then I think a nap will be in order. Aside from that we don’t have much on our schedule for the day. My internal clock is confused from taking time off between Christmas and New Year’s, and I still can’t figure out what day it is.

Do you make New Years resolutions? I am not a fan because I fail after just a few weeks. The last few years I have been using reflection questions and they are a great way to look back and take stock of the past year, what worked, what didn’t, what I want to change, etc.

My hope for you is a New Year is filled with adventures, good health, and endless possibilities.

Ok, on to +4 Things.

1.Read~The Fifth Avenue Apartment

The Fifth Avenue Apartment

Thirty-year-old Sophie has longed to live in Manhattan but could never afford to do so–even with roommates. She has just been laid off from a job that she didn’t love.

When her 92 year-old great aunt invites her to stay with her for a while–in her Fifth Avenue Apartment, Sophie jumps at the chance to move to the city. She decides to temp for a while to find out what industry she wants to go to next as she is burned out from the stress of working at a law firm.

Meanwhile her aunt is playing match-maker with their very attractive neighbor, Max. Although he has been dating a supermodel for the past year, so he goes firmly into the friend zone.

Much to Sophie’s surprise, after temping as a receptionist in a luxury real estate agency, she discovers she has an aptitude for it and is offered a chance to move into sales. She’s nervous about all commission and declines the opportunity.

But then life happens, bringing some big changes, and she reconsiders.

She falls in love with the work although it is challenging and things don’t always go as expected. She also has to deal with a jealous, cutthroat co-worker and the flattering attention of their charismatic and brilliant boss. Sophie has a lot to learn about real estate, navigating toxic co-workers and what she wants in a relationship.

2. Watched~Ina Garten

If you love Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa you will enjoy this video. I am looking forward to her memoir which she mentions that she is in the process of writing. You might also enjoy Ina Garten’s Sour Cream coffee cake, it’s a family favorite.

3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN

33 Things That Have Gotten So Expensive, People Now Avoid Buying Them

How to Actually Pronounce ‘Worcestershire,’ ‘Açaí,’ and Other Commonly Mispronounced Words

A 3-step guide to believing in yourself

What to do when you are super cranky.

5 Ways to Save Money(that have nothing to do with money)

Public libraries reveal their most borrowed books of 2023

Venice to limit tourist group size to 25 to protect historic city

As One Life is released, producer says that Nicholas Winton – the ‘British Schindler’ who saved 669 children – was reluctant for his story to be told

How to be happy growing older.

2023 Viral Food Moments.

4. SHOPPING BREAK~FINDS & SALES

There are tons of sales just in case you have a gift card to spend or are looking for a few bargains to stock up on things you need or did not get for the holidays.

I have been eyeing this sweater for awhile, and after Christmas I decided to buy it and I will say that it looks so much prettier that in the photo. The starburst reminds me of a large brooch and you know how I love brooches.

J.Crew just added a few new sweaters to their cashmere collection and this one is beautiful.

One of my favorite shops Boden has items that are up to 60% off!

It’s cozy season friends and a pair of comfy pjs to keep you warm is a winter essential. Don’t forget slippers!

As is a nice down puffer coat, this beautiful one is on sale for $77!

This stripe sweater seems to be everywhere lately, it looks comfy and is a great price.

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW

I hope that you enjoyed Monday Musings and found something to read, watch or even add to your cart.

What book are you currently reading? Are you binge watching a favorite show or listening to a good podcast? Have you seen any good movies lately?

Have a great day friends, happy New Year to you! Thank you for spending part of it with me.

You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!

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