Today is our queen bee Kristy’s birthday, and we are wishing her a day filled with love and happiness! She’s a world-class mom, a dedicated wife, an awesome friend, AND a kickass businesswoman, and we are sending her wishes for a year of success and joy to come. Read on for her birthday wish list and her favorite ways to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Kristy xoxo.

The Wishlist

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

I like to put together a gift wish list for my friends and family who love to gift! This way they don’t have to stress about what to buy, and I can ask for items I really need or want. This year, I’ve got my eyes on these cozy UGG slippers, this gorgeous Brumate Winesulator set, and this sleek cookbook holder! I always tend to gravitate toward items for the home, comfy athleisure, and beauty products!

The Celebration

My husband and I packed up the kids and headed to Hershey Park for a weekend getaway to celebrate my birthday! My husband proposed here, so this place is very special to us, and we like to visit every year and make new memories!

One of our favorite activities was making our own chocolates! It was so much fun to see the process of how these mouthwatering little bites of heaven are made, and getting to create our own was such a unique opportunity.

We also visited a butterfly garden and watching these beautiful creatures flit and flutter around was so cool. We saw a bunch of different beautiful colors and patterns as the butterflies flapped their wings all around us!

The food was delicious and the drinks were to die for! This s’mores martini was the perfect nightcap – a sweet treat for dessert that really hit the spot after an indulgent dinner.

The best part of Hershey Park at this time of year is that it’s decorated for the holidays!! We made sure to check out the light show and see all of the gorgeous Christmas light displays!

Back at home, one of my favorite birthday traditions is making a delicious charcuterie board!! My daughter also looks forward to this every year and it’s become a special treat for us to share. We like to fill it with different Italian meats, all sorts of cheeses, some olives and sweet treats, and of course, crostini and crackers. This personalized wooden charcuterie board is my new favorite and right now you can grab one for 20% off with our exclusive code FNT20!

Birthday Dinner

My husband always treats me to a birthday dinner, and we like to try somewhere new every year. It’s nice to get dressed up (and take off my sweats I normally live in) and spend a little quality time with the man I love! I love this batwing cardigan with a black turtleneck, black leggings, and knee-high boots, finished off with a fun tassel necklace!

I’m so grateful for all of the blessings in my life, and getting to celebrate this special day with the people I love most is the greatest gift of all. Here’s to another great year and many more birthdays to come!

Today is our queen bee Kristy’s birthday, and we are wishing her a day filled with love and happiness! She’s a world-class mom, a dedicated wife, an awesome friend, AND a kickass businesswoman, and we are sending her wishes for a year of success and joy to come. Read on for her birthday wish list and her favorite ways to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Kristy xoxo.

The Wishlist

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

I like to put together a gift wish list for my friends and family who love to gift! This way they don’t have to stress about what to buy, and I can ask for items I really need or want. This year, I’ve got my eyes on these cozy UGG slippers, this gorgeous Brumate Winesulator set, and this sleek cookbook holder! I always tend to gravitate toward items for the home, comfy athleisure, and beauty products!

The Celebration

My husband and I packed up the kids and headed to Hershey Park for a weekend getaway to celebrate my birthday! My husband proposed here, so this place is very special to us, and we like to visit every year and make new memories!

One of our favorite activities was making our own chocolates! It was so much fun to see the process of how these mouthwatering little bites of heaven are made, and getting to create our own was such a unique opportunity.

We also visited a butterfly garden and watching these beautiful creatures flit and flutter around was so cool. We saw a bunch of different beautiful colors and patterns as the butterflies flapped their wings all around us!

The food was delicious and the drinks were to die for! This s’mores martini was the perfect nightcap – a sweet treat for dessert that really hit the spot after an indulgent dinner.

The best part of Hershey Park at this time of year is that it’s decorated for the holidays!! We made sure to check out the light show and see all of the gorgeous Christmas light displays!

Back at home, one of my favorite birthday traditions is making a delicious charcuterie board!! My daughter also looks forward to this every year and it’s become a special treat for us to share. We like to fill it with different Italian meats, all sorts of cheeses, some olives and sweet treats, and of course, crostini and crackers. This personalized wooden charcuterie board is my new favorite and right now you can grab one for 20% off with our exclusive code FNT20!

Birthday Dinner

My husband always treats me to a birthday dinner, and we like to try somewhere new every year. It’s nice to get dressed up (and take off my sweats I normally live in) and spend a little quality time with the man I love! I love this batwing cardigan with a black turtleneck, black leggings, and knee-high boots, finished off with a fun tassel necklace!

I’m so grateful for all of the blessings in my life, and getting to celebrate this special day with the people I love most is the greatest gift of all. Here’s to another great year and many more birthdays to come!

Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation now and again, especially during the holiday season when things can be so chaotic and stressful. A quick weekend away does the body and mind wonders, and some quality time in a peaceful place with your loved ones is definitely worth the investment. The Frugal and Thriving team took a girls’ getaway to the Woodloch Resort in the Poconos and we had the most restful, restorative weekend. See our trip details below.

A birthday is as good a reason as any to take a trip, right? As most of you may know, our leading lady Kristy recently turned 36, and we decided a girls’ weekend was the best way to celebrate her and this new year to come! We booked a Girls’ Getaway package at Woodloch Resort, which included a two-night stay in beautiful accommodations, four meals at the resort’s clubhouse (two breakfasts and two dinners), a spa credit, and an extensive list of recreational activities and entertainment. We planned to have a good balance of fun and relaxation during our two days at the resort.

We arrived late Friday afternoon, checked in, and headed straight to the luxury spa for our treatments. This spa was GOR-GEOUS….a secluded sanctuary nestled away in the middle of the woods. Complete with waterfall jacuzzies, a swimming pool, men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms, fireplace lounges, an outdoor horizon-edge whirlpool, and SO MUCH MORE, we felt like we were walking into heaven. The facilities were quiet, pristine, and slightly magical with the surrounding views of the woodlands. Fun fact: Woodloch’s spa at The Lodge was voted as a Top Destination Spa in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards (among a ton of other awards and accolades). But – the world!! One visit to this place and you’ll easily see why. The best part? The Lodge even has accommodations so you can stay right here. That’s on our list for the next girls’ trip.

Our package included two dinners and two breakfasts. We expected to have to grab a light lunch at one of the many restaurants on the sprawling property – we were wrong. The breakfast (pictured above) was served family-style and holyyyyy food. This was for only three people! Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, deliciously seasoned potatoes, and sweet scones and pastries were all included in this indulgent spread. Needless to say, we stuffed our faces and didn’t even think about lunch come afternoon. Dinners were served a la carte from a specially curated menu of seasonal dishes and those were equally delectable. The salmon dish with spinach and kale, raisins, and olives was a favorite entrée, while the grilled Mediterranean salad was the perfect option for a lighter dinner. And everyone knows dessert is the most important part of a meal…the homemade ice cream was melt-in-your-mouth ahhhhh-mazing. We definitely regretted not bringing home gallons of that…at least now we know for next time.

Saturday was our one and only full day at the resort and we wanted to take complete advantage of it! After our hearty breakfast, we spent some time exploring the vast acreage and finding hidden little gems around the property for lots of fun (and silly) photo shoots. The scenery was stunning with the expansive, glistening lake outlined by endless trees…we were lucky enough to get some end-of-season leaf peeping in and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage were simply majestic. After a few hours of exploration, we grabbed our “Weekend Vibes” tote, posted up on one of the many outdoor decks overlooking the water, and set up a picnic around this adorable firepit. We were fortunate enough to have this scenic area all to ourselves, although with all the snacks we brought, some company to share with would have been very welcomed!!

Rosemary crackers, pita bread, baklava, olives, fruit spreads, caramel-filled chocolates, pretzels, and more cheeses than we even knew what to do with were packed in our basket. We grabbed the Picnic Gift Basket from Harry & David to bring along as well, and the chocolates were courtesy of Kristy’s mother-in-law who knew we would need a little something sweet after all of that savory! The fire kept us warm, the food kept us full, and the picturesque surroundings kept us in awe.

Speaking of being in awe, about half an hour into our quaint al fresco afternoon, while completely absorbed in spending time catching up, laughing, and counting our blessings, Kristy looked up to find this breathtaking double upside down rainbow. This was the most unique rainbow any of us had ever seen! It continued to get brighter and bigger for about 10 minutes and then slowly dissipated into the sunny blue sky. It was fleeting and ephemeral, yet left a lasting impression of good fortune and fate aligning all around us. We may have been feeling just a tad emotional, but the experience was really something special to be shared in that moment.

After our picnic we decided to try out an escape room. None of us had ever done one before, and we were both curious as to how it worked and excited to give it a go! We chose the Wizard of Oz-themed escape room because it was slightly less difficult than the Clue-themed one. We figured it was better to give ourselves a fighting chance of making it out…you get 60 minutes to solve all the clues and unlock the room. The best time to beat was 25 minutes. I voiced that I thought we could do it in 12 (I’ve always been a little ambitious and just a bit competitive). Not really knowing what to expect, we walked in, got locked in, and the timer began. No more than three minutes into our escape and we were ready to use our first of only two hints. It was a lot more challenging than we anticipated! Thankfully our escape room attendant was on our side, and gently guided us in the right direction when we got a little stuck so we didn’t have to use our clues right away. With a little teamwork, a handful of help, and a lottttt of laughs, we made it out with 10 minutes to spare – so much for finishing in 12 minutes!! This was by far one of our favorite parts of the trip, and now we’re ready to do even better next time around.

Sunday morning came way too soon, and we were having a hard time getting ready to say goodbye. Our two bedroom, two bathroom condo was already feeling like home and none of us were eager to leave our newfound haven. Kristy and I had some work to catch up on after pretty much an entire day off (we’re always thinking about you guys!!), but it was a much-needed reset. Even after a forgotten suitcase, a long drive, and a weirdly ominous polaroid found in our living room that was giving total “Blair Witch Project” vibes, this trip was one of the best weekends we had in a long time, and we’ve decided to make girls’ weekend an annual event. Getting to spend some time away with the people closest to you is a huge blessing, which we certainly don’t take for granted, and making it a priority is something we’re now conscious of. We got to celebrate a birthday, friendship, and the start of many wonderful things to come. We couldn’t ask for anything better.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our getaway recap…what were your favorite parts? Where are you planning your next getaway and who are you bringing? Let us know! xoxo

Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation now and again, especially during the holiday season when things can be so chaotic and stressful. A quick weekend away does the body and mind wonders, and some quality time in a peaceful place with your loved ones is definitely worth the investment. The Frugal and Thriving team took a girls’ getaway to the Woodloch Resort in the Poconos and we had the most restful, restorative weekend. See our trip details below.

A birthday is as good a reason as any to take a trip, right? As most of you may know, our leading lady Kristy recently turned 36, and we decided a girls’ weekend was the best way to celebrate her and this new year to come! We booked a Girls’ Getaway package at Woodloch Resort, which included a two-night stay in beautiful accommodations, four meals at the resort’s clubhouse (two breakfasts and two dinners), a spa credit, and an extensive list of recreational activities and entertainment. We planned to have a good balance of fun and relaxation during our two days at the resort.

We arrived late Friday afternoon, checked in, and headed straight to the luxury spa for our treatments. This spa was GOR-GEOUS….a secluded sanctuary nestled away in the middle of the woods. Complete with waterfall jacuzzies, a swimming pool, men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms, fireplace lounges, an outdoor horizon-edge whirlpool, and SO MUCH MORE, we felt like we were walking into heaven. The facilities were quiet, pristine, and slightly magical with the surrounding views of the woodlands. Fun fact: Woodloch’s spa at The Lodge was voted as a Top Destination Spa in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards (among a ton of other awards and accolades). But – the world!! One visit to this place and you’ll easily see why. The best part? The Lodge even has accommodations so you can stay right here. That’s on our list for the next girls’ trip.

Our package included two dinners and two breakfasts. We expected to have to grab a light lunch at one of the many restaurants on the sprawling property – we were wrong. The breakfast (pictured above) was served family-style and holyyyyy food. This was for only three people! Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, deliciously seasoned potatoes, and sweet scones and pastries were all included in this indulgent spread. Needless to say, we stuffed our faces and didn’t even think about lunch come afternoon. Dinners were served a la carte from a specially curated menu of seasonal dishes and those were equally delectable. The salmon dish with spinach and kale, raisins, and olives was a favorite entrée, while the grilled Mediterranean salad was the perfect option for a lighter dinner. And everyone knows dessert is the most important part of a meal…the homemade ice cream was melt-in-your-mouth ahhhhh-mazing. We definitely regretted not bringing home gallons of that…at least now we know for next time.

Saturday was our one and only full day at the resort and we wanted to take complete advantage of it! After our hearty breakfast, we spent some time exploring the vast acreage and finding hidden little gems around the property for lots of fun (and silly) photo shoots. The scenery was stunning with the expansive, glistening lake outlined by endless trees…we were lucky enough to get some end-of-season leaf peeping in and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage were simply majestic. After a few hours of exploration, we grabbed our “Weekend Vibes” tote, posted up on one of the many outdoor decks overlooking the water, and set up a picnic around this adorable firepit. We were fortunate enough to have this scenic area all to ourselves, although with all the snacks we brought, some company to share with would have been very welcomed!!

Rosemary crackers, pita bread, baklava, olives, fruit spreads, caramel-filled chocolates, pretzels, and more cheeses than we even knew what to do with were packed in our basket. We grabbed the Picnic Gift Basket from Harry & David to bring along as well, and the chocolates were courtesy of Kristy’s mother-in-law who knew we would need a little something sweet after all of that savory! The fire kept us warm, the food kept us full, and the picturesque surroundings kept us in awe.

Speaking of being in awe, about half an hour into our quaint al fresco afternoon, while completely absorbed in spending time catching up, laughing, and counting our blessings, Kristy looked up to find this breathtaking double upside down rainbow. This was the most unique rainbow any of us had ever seen! It continued to get brighter and bigger for about 10 minutes and then slowly dissipated into the sunny blue sky. It was fleeting and ephemeral, yet left a lasting impression of good fortune and fate aligning all around us. We may have been feeling just a tad emotional, but the experience was really something special to be shared in that moment.

After our picnic we decided to try out an escape room. None of us had ever done one before, and we were both curious as to how it worked and excited to give it a go! We chose the Wizard of Oz-themed escape room because it was slightly less difficult than the Clue-themed one. We figured it was better to give ourselves a fighting chance of making it out…you get 60 minutes to solve all the clues and unlock the room. The best time to beat was 25 minutes. I voiced that I thought we could do it in 12 (I’ve always been a little ambitious and just a bit competitive). Not really knowing what to expect, we walked in, got locked in, and the timer began. No more than three minutes into our escape and we were ready to use our first of only two hints. It was a lot more challenging than we anticipated! Thankfully our escape room attendant was on our side, and gently guided us in the right direction when we got a little stuck so we didn’t have to use our clues right away. With a little teamwork, a handful of help, and a lottttt of laughs, we made it out with 10 minutes to spare – so much for finishing in 12 minutes!! This was by far one of our favorite parts of the trip, and now we’re ready to do even better next time around.

Sunday morning came way too soon, and we were having a hard time getting ready to say goodbye. Our two bedroom, two bathroom condo was already feeling like home and none of us were eager to leave our newfound haven. Kristy and I had some work to catch up on after pretty much an entire day off (we’re always thinking about you guys!!), but it was a much-needed reset. Even after a forgotten suitcase, a long drive, and a weirdly ominous polaroid found in our living room that was giving total “Blair Witch Project” vibes, this trip was one of the best weekends we had in a long time, and we’ve decided to make girls’ weekend an annual event. Getting to spend some time away with the people closest to you is a huge blessing, which we certainly don’t take for granted, and making it a priority is something we’re now conscious of. We got to celebrate a birthday, friendship, and the start of many wonderful things to come. We couldn’t ask for anything better.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our getaway recap…what were your favorite parts? Where are you planning your next getaway and who are you bringing? Let us know! xoxo

Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very, very special day. It is our queen Kristy’s birthday, and we are wishing her the happiest of days and lots of love, success, and wishes granted in the year to come. I am beyond thankful to know and love this amazing mom, devoted wife, loyal friend, badass businesswoman, and all-around awesome lady and to be able to call her my mentor, boss, AND best friend. How did I get so lucky?! She’s turning 36 this year and we’re getting a glimpse of how she is spending her special day. Read on for her birthday wishlist, her favorite ways to celebrate, and what is yet to come. Happy Birthday, Kristy xoxo.

The Wishlist

MoroccanOil Dry Texture Spray | Kate Spade Stud Earrings | Taco vs Burrito Card Game | Large Tumbler Candle | “Firefly Lane” Book | Michael Kors Crossbody Bag | Dish Towel Set | Olive Leaf Plant | Wood and Cork Coasters | Picnic Gift Basket

This year my birthday wishlist has lots of items for the home, plus some fashion and beauty products I’ve had my eye on for a while! What’s at the top of my wishlist? This picnic basket from Harry & David (look at all those delicious snacks!!), this Michael Kors crossbody bag (cute + convenient is my favorite fashion category), and this texture spray by MoroccanOil (it gives my hair SO much volume!). I always like to put together a list of suggestions so my family and friends don’t stress over gifts, but I love surprises, too. And my favorite birthday gift is getting to spend quality time with the people I love!! See how I like to celebrate my special day below.

The Celebration

The best way to start your birthday? With a glass of chilled bubbly, of course! Moët & Chandon is one of my favorite champagnes and definitely holds a special place in my heart. Fun fact: I adopted my first dog eight years ago after enjoying a bottle of Moët, and he is aptly named after it…he’s my little angel! These days, I like to reminisce and celebrate another year of life by enjoying a nice cold flute of this champagne.

Another celebration favorite: a meat and cheese spread!! My daughter and I love to create and share these together. A few different Italian meats, a couple of gourmet cheeses, some olives, and a little crostini and you’ve got your very own restaurant-quality charcuterie! My sister gifted me this gorgeous marble and brass cheeseboard this year, and of course I couldn’t wait to use it.

Who doesn’t love a spa day?! My husband surprised me with a couple’s massage this year and let me tell you, this spa was absolutely amazing! I felt like a new woman after my massage…relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for a delicious dinner.

This coastal chic winery is such a hidden little gem and has quickly become one of my favorite places to go for dinner and drinks. They have the best food, the finest wines, and the most beautiful vineyard and gardens. Being able to enjoy a romantic evening here with my husband was definitely a great way to celebrate!

If you know me at all then you know I LOVE a sweet treat! These caramel apples from Mrs. Prindable’s are crisp and crunchy, yet creamy and decadent, and seriously scrumptious. Between my kids, my husband, and me, these apples did NOT last long.

And my favorite way to close out the day is snuggled up on the couch with the kiddos, the pups, the hubby, and lots of blankets, obviously. We love to make popcorn, put on a holiday movie, and enjoy the fire…this living room renovation was completed recently and we can’t get enough of hanging out in here!!

The New Additon

This year was certainly a special one as we added a new member to the family!! Meet Cody – our adorable husky pup. He loves to run around in the yard, play with his doggie brother Moët, and give lots of cuddles to the kids!! This little fluff ball has brought so much joy to our family and we are so blessed to have him!

And there you have it! A little peek into how I like to celebrate my special day. I’m so grateful for everything the last year has brought me, and I’m looking forward to what 36 has in store!! I’ll also be taking a trip with my girlfriends this weekend to a resort in the Poconos for some much-needed quality time with the ladies. Stay tuned for our post on our girls’ weekend…it’s going to be a good one! – xo, Kristy

Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very, very special day. It is our queen Kristy’s birthday, and we are wishing her the happiest of days and lots of love, success, and wishes granted in the year to come. I am beyond thankful to know and love this amazing mom, devoted wife, loyal friend, badass businesswoman, and all-around awesome lady and to be able to call her my mentor, boss, AND best friend. How did I get so lucky?! She’s turning 36 this year and we’re getting a glimpse of how she is spending her special day. Read on for her birthday wishlist, her favorite ways to celebrate, and what is yet to come. Happy Birthday, Kristy xoxo.

The Wishlist

MoroccanOil Dry Texture Spray | Kate Spade Stud Earrings | Taco vs Burrito Card Game | Large Tumbler Candle | “Firefly Lane” Book | Michael Kors Crossbody Bag | Dish Towel Set | Olive Leaf Plant | Wood and Cork Coasters | Picnic Gift Basket

This year my birthday wishlist has lots of items for the home, plus some fashion and beauty products I’ve had my eye on for a while! What’s at the top of my wishlist? This picnic basket from Harry & David (look at all those delicious snacks!!), this Michael Kors crossbody bag (cute + convenient is my favorite fashion category), and this texture spray by MoroccanOil (it gives my hair SO much volume!). I always like to put together a list of suggestions so my family and friends don’t stress over gifts, but I love surprises, too. And my favorite birthday gift is getting to spend quality time with the people I love!! See how I like to celebrate my special day below.

The Celebration

The best way to start your birthday? With a glass of chilled bubbly, of course! Moët & Chandon is one of my favorite champagnes and definitely holds a special place in my heart. Fun fact: I adopted my first dog eight years ago after enjoying a bottle of Moët, and he is aptly named after it…he’s my little angel! These days, I like to reminisce and celebrate another year of life by enjoying a nice cold flute of this champagne.

Another celebration favorite: a meat and cheese spread!! My daughter and I love to create and share these together. A few different Italian meats, a couple of gourmet cheeses, some olives, and a little crostini and you’ve got your very own restaurant-quality charcuterie! My sister gifted me this gorgeous marble and brass cheeseboard this year, and of course I couldn’t wait to use it.

Who doesn’t love a spa day?! My husband surprised me with a couple’s massage this year and let me tell you, this spa was absolutely amazing! I felt like a new woman after my massage…relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for a delicious dinner.

This coastal chic winery is such a hidden little gem and has quickly become one of my favorite places to go for dinner and drinks. They have the best food, the finest wines, and the most beautiful vineyard and gardens. Being able to enjoy a romantic evening here with my husband was definitely a great way to celebrate!

If you know me at all then you know I LOVE a sweet treat! These caramel apples from Mrs. Prindable’s are crisp and crunchy, yet creamy and decadent, and seriously scrumptious. Between my kids, my husband, and me, these apples did NOT last long.

And my favorite way to close out the day is snuggled up on the couch with the kiddos, the pups, the hubby, and lots of blankets, obviously. We love to make popcorn, put on a holiday movie, and enjoy the fire…this living room renovation was completed recently and we can’t get enough of hanging out in here!!

The New Additon

This year was certainly a special one as we added a new member to the family!! Meet Cody – our adorable husky pup. He loves to run around in the yard, play with his doggie brother Moët, and give lots of cuddles to the kids!! This little fluff ball has brought so much joy to our family and we are so blessed to have him!

And there you have it! A little peek into how I like to celebrate my special day. I’m so grateful for everything the last year has brought me, and I’m looking forward to what 36 has in store!! I’ll also be taking a trip with my girlfriends this weekend to a resort in the Poconos for some much-needed quality time with the ladies. Stay tuned for our post on our girls’ weekend…it’s going to be a good one! – xo, Kristy