This month’s topic is…favorite room in your house.
Well, I hope this isn’t cheating, but my first thought was our front porch…Obviously, it’s not a room…but let’s go with that it’s my favorite space…
Besides the living room, I’d say I spend a lot of time on the front porch. It’s covered, so it’s nice to be able to use it even if it’s raining.
I sit on the front porch far more than I do the back patio, and I love drinking my coffee and reading out there.
It’s also a fun space to decorate seasonally with changing out the door hanger, door mat, and garden flag.
I also love the flowers and ferns for spring/summer and then you know I love to add a pumpkin or twelve along with some mums in the fall!
Fall is a favorite time for sure.
Now, of course I have to go off script and share a couple other fave spots…that are actually rooms.
I have a love/hate relationship with our family room because it’s just so narrow. The seating is in a row with a chair/ottoman, couch and another chair/ottoman. I wish it allowed for more conversational sitting…and maybe we’ll figure that out one day. That being said, we’re still in here quite a bit, so I like to make it cozy/comfortable.
Truth be told, it’s Homer’s world and we’re just living in it, so this is what the couch often looks like…
Since he sheds and we don’t want him scratching up the couch too much, we usually have a fitted sheet or blanket on it. We try to make it look nice if we know someone is coming over, otherwise, this is our real life with Homer. haha
I also love a mix of old and new with the trunk and even the table in the front hall.
The trunk is from my dad’s side of the family, and I think it was my great grandmother’s. I bought the mirror from Wayfair a few years ago, and I love it. On the trunk, I have a few odds and ends like a rechargeable lamp, but I also have pictures of my grandparents, and a candlestick made by my great great grandfather on my mom’s side. The stone in the middle is a lithograph stone from my great grandfather’s printing business.
The front hall table is another favorite spot. I’d like to replace it at some point, but it was one of the first pieces Trav and I bought when we got our first home, and it’s been in every home since. Quite a few years ago, I painted it and changed out the hardware, and I still like it. I also like that it’s a spot to decorate with photos, candles, and seasonal decor.
I think both the trunk and the hall entry table provide snap shots of what’s important to me…a mix of old and new, family photos, books, and fresh flowers.
In the living room, the tray is one I’ve had for years, and it includes many of my fave things…flowers, candles, and photos.
It’s been a little over a year, but our hall bath still brings a smile to my face. That update was a long time coming, and I’m so glad we finally did it.
Lastly, as I mentioned in a couple posts last week, we finally found a new rug and new bar stools for the island which have been a long time coming. This little refresh has been just the update we needed. We walk through the kitchen a lot, and it’s funny how the softness of the rug gets me every time. Also, I prefer a stool with a back, so I never sat at the island. Now, I’ve sat there a few times to have my breakfast or work on my computer.
I can’t wait to read about the favorite rooms others share. I’m always interested in homes, home decor, and favorite spaces of others!
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record over the next few weeks, but summer needs to slow down! I still have a few weeks before I go back to school, but I do feel like I should probably start checking my school email…haha!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Since last week’s Friday Favorites post was a recap of our few days in Siesta Key, my favorites list is a bit longer with some faves over the past couple of weeks.
While we were on vacation, it was our 21st wedding anniversary. Once we got home, my mom had sent us a gift…she’d been at a market and spotted a water color painting of the church where we got married in KC! So cool.
Out of town cousins were in town, and the kids had lots of time hanging with them. It’s wild that they are old enough to hang out and not need us…they all hop in the car together and are out on their own. We did crash their “pool party” last Friday night!
On the 4th, the kids were in and out of the house, but we did grill out and then I caught some of the fireworks show in NYC. I love the 4th of July, and in some ways, I’m sad that it’s not the same as when the kids were little. I almost didn’t even go watch fireworks at our local traditional spot, but Hadley wanted to go as did Trav.
The fireworks show was spectacular, so I’m glad we went!
We’d borrowed a few sparklers from Trav’s brother, and Hadley had fun with those when we got home.
After celebrating America’s 250th birthday, it was time to celebrate Trav’s birthday…on Tuesday!
As a family, we went out to dinner…to a pizza/pasta place we’d never been to. It was delish.
Once my nephew was finished with baseball, my brother’s family came over for ice cream cake. Happy birthday, T-rav!
That evening, the sky was so pretty….the pic doesn’t even do it justice.
Fave beverages:
I went to Trader Joe’s last weekend, and I saw this sparkling watermelon juice, and it’s delish.
Amy shared about this flavor of Chobani creamer, and I found it at my Kroger a couple of weeks ago. I just cracked it open, and I like it! I still think S’mores is my favorite, but this flavor is #2, and I will definitely buy it again. It’s great for summer.
House Updates:
As I shared in Wednesday’s post, this summer we had a few “to do’s” that we really wanted to get crossed off our list: finish the landscaping out front, paint the primary bathroom, get a new driveway, find new rugs for kitchen and living room, and find new bar stools for the island. Well, we’ve been busy the past couple of weeks, and the only thing not accomplished now is finding a neutral rug for the living room.
While we were out of town, we had someone paint the bathroom, and we also got a new driveway. Adulting is so fun.
On to the actual “fun” stuff. I almost purchased a rug from Wayfair because they were having a sale, but then I remembered I’d saved this rug on the Walmart app after someone shared it. Well, there were a few in stock locally, so Trav and I went to pick it up on Sunday.
We got it laid out on Tuesday, and I love it. It’s an indoor/outdoor rug like what we had before, but the raised pattern is so soft, and the quality is amazing. It’s a 10/10.
A couple of months ago, I spotted some Pioneer Woman dishes at Walmart, but I didn’t get them. Then, a few weeks ago, I was back at Walmart, and the dishes were marked down, so I couldn’t resist! I bought eight dinner and salad plates as well as eight bowls. In our twenty years of marriage, this will be our third set of dishes….so I feel like this is justified, and each piece was $3-$5. (My Walmart didn’t have the set, but it’s only 12 pieces anyway)
Also of note, so far not a single person in my family has mentioned the new dishes 😂
Also, we still use some Pier One plates that we had on our gift registry, and I don’t think I will ever get rid of those.
You know I can’t say no to a hydrangea dish towel, and Drew Barrymore’s “Beautiful” brand never disappoints.
When I say we’ve been looking for new bar stools, I’m not exaggerating that we’ve been looking off and on for a couple of years. The other ones we’ve had for years were stools, and the fabric on top had seen better days. Most of our “issue” was we just never wanted to spend the money on new ones. I could always find a few I liked…and this time I did want to get a stool with a back. Patience paid off…I found these at World Market a couple of months ago, but Trav and I finally went last Friday when he was off work.
I still wasn’t 100% sure, but once we got them home, I knew we made the right choice.
I love them!
Sandals:
Well, you know since I cleaned out my closet and got rid of things, I couldn’t resist adding some sandals back to my closet. My sister-in-law had these, and my Target had one pair left in my size…I saw that as a sign. They are so comfy, and the “jelly” sandal rage is taking me back to being an 80’s baby growing up in the 90’s.
Book Trackers:
Like I do every month, I shared my book trackers on Instagram. They are are saved in a highlight, so just screen shot, use them, tag me and let me know what you’re reading!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Why do I relate to this so much?!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
I’ve shared this pool photo in a previous Throwback Thursday post…
…and here the kids are in 2012. This just popped up in my Facebook memories. We got a lot of use out of that plastic pool!
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts this week in case you missed one:
Monday is our monthly Share Our Lives link up, and the topic is…favorite room in your house. We’d love to have your link up with us…I love seeing other people’s homes, so I can’t wait to read those posts!
Hardest thing we’ve ever done in April (I didn’t have a post, but I’d say the hardest (but most rewarding) thing I’ve ever done is raise these kids of mine!
What I’m making more time for in June (I missed this post, but in June I was probably making more time for getting my life together after the end of the school year…and rest!)
This month we’re looking at….our “summer selves” (how is it different?)
Well, “Summer Jen” isn’t too different than “Year Round Jen,” but being a teacher and having summers off does lend itself to me having some downtime which means life looks a little different.
1. No Alarms
The best thing about summer is not having to set an alarm. It’s not that I sleep in too late, but obviously it’s nice to not have to set an alarm at 5:50 AM. Most mornings, I’m up by 8:00. I’ve started most mornings by reading my Kindle rather than scrolling my phone.
During the school year, even on weekends, when I wake up, I get out of bed. This summer, I’ve made a point to lie in bed for a bit and read to start my day which has been so nice. There have even been a few mornings I’ve even fallen back to sleep.
While I don’t set 5:50 alarms right now, most mornings I have some kind of alarm set at 9:30 or 10 to wake the kids as one of them tends to have a scheduled workout most days a week.
2. Slow Mornings, Later Nights
As I’ve mentioned in the past, during the school year, I always get up before everyone else to have my quiet time before the day begins. One thing I love about summer is having slow mornings. I do try and have a plan for my day, but most mornings, I don’t have much planned until 10:00 or so. It’s nice to have time to sip my coffee, have a good breakfast, read, watch the Today Show and start chores around the house like the laundry.
In the summer, I don’t stay up too late. During the school year, I try to go to bed by 10 and asleep by 10:30. In the summer, I tend to stay up until 11…although it depends on the day! Travis and I usually watch a show or two at night, and then he reminds me he has to go to bed because he has to work the next day. Imagine having to worry about work the next day. haha!
Right now, we’ve been watching Lincoln Lawyer and Night Agent. It’s nice that we have a couple of shows that we watch together.
I also love a summer afternoon nap when I can. Is there anything better?!
3. To Do Lists
Well, you know I have a “to do” list year round, but I do tend to have a list of things to accomplish in the summer when I know I have more time to do so.
For example, this summer, I wanted to create my Amazon Storefront, and I did get that accomplished.
Screenshot
I also always take the time to clean out my closet and dresser as well as the hall and bathroom closets in the summer. I did that all last week, and it’s amazing how opening the door to a tidy closet has improved my mood. haha!
I also take the time to schedule appointments, clean up my Google drive, and even prep a bit for the upcoming school year.
Usually in the summer, we take the time to make a list of a few things we want to purchase or update in the house and try and prioritize those. This summer, we wanted to finally get new stools/chairs for our island, a new rug for under the kitchen table, paint my bathroom, and a few other odds and ends. In the past couple of weeks, we made progress on all of those things!
I almost bought a new rug over the weekend on Wayfair because they were having a 4th of July sale, but then I remembered that I’d saved this Walmart rug when someone shared it, and they had one in stock at one of our local Walmarts. Trav and I went and picked it up on Sunday, and we just put it down last night.
The rug we had under the table previously was one that Kristy Wicks shared, and it was from Home Depot. It was an indoor/outdoor rug, and I loved it. We had it for probably seven years, and just in the past few months it acquired a few stains (thanks to Homer) that we couldn’t get out). This “My Texas House” rug is a 10/10. It’s also indoor/outdoor, but the pattern is raised up and so soft.
The only thing missing is I’m still looking for a new rug for the living room. Honestly, this could also probably work in my living room. I’m so pleased with this purchase.
4. Pool Time
Of course with summer time comes pool time…and I always joke that I’m happier when I’m tan! I’ve had quite a few pool days this summer thanks to our pool and my sister-in-law’s mom’s pool.
When the kids were little, we used to spend hours at the pool.
One thing I do love now is I can kind of just come and go as I please. Sometimes I go to the pool for an hour and other days for longer. Of course, some days I stay home and am productive. haha
5. More TV Time
While I do have more time to read in the summer, I tend to also watch a lot (not too much!) of TV. It’s just a good time to get caught up on shows and watch some movies. This summer, I’ve gotten caught up on The Rookie, Abbott Elementary and a few other shows. I’ve also watched both seasons of Four Seasons, finished Love Story, watched two seasons of Lincoln Lawyer (with Trav), and I’m almost finished with season three of The Diplomat.
Soon, I want to watch The People You Meet on Vacation since I’ve finished the book. I also want to watch The Woman in Cabin 10 since I read that book years ago. I’m excited for The Five Star Weekend that will be out soon on Peacock…I loved that book.
6. Meal plan/grocery
Of course, my people still need to eat! But…I am more relaxed with meal planning and grocery shopping in the summer. I’m realizing that every week is different in regards to dinner because I never really know what the kids have going on. So, I just plan a couple meals knowing I can always go back to store if needed. During the school year, I feel like I have to maximize every minute of the weekend and have a solid plan. In the summer, I have more time to figure things out.
Also, Trav grills out a lot in the summer, so that means I don’t have to cook as much. I also love that seasonal fruit really counts as a side dish in the summer. There’s nothing better than some good watermelon on my plate!
I eat most lunches at home, and I usually eat leftovers or a “snack plate.”
The kids, on the other hand…are you even 16 if you don’t eat Chipolte or Chick-fil-A five times a week?! If that’s how they want to spend their money, that’s on them! I’m content with my snack plate!
7. Air dry & Minimal Makeup
In the summer, I rarely wear makeup unless we’re going out somewhere. I also rarely blow dry my hair. Not that I wear that much makeup during the school year, but in the summer, I usually wear mascara and maybe lip glass if I can find it. Usually, my hair is pulled back in a low bun or up in a claw clip and I like to wear hats in the summer, so that always gets me an extra day or two between hair washings.
This summer…
To be honest, this summer has been a bit different. I have found that I’ve had a bit more time on my hands, and I realized that it’s because I’m not driving the kids everywhere. They do that themselves. That being said, they still share a car, so sometimes, if they both have somewhere to be, sometimes I’m left without a car. I take that opportunity to do a work out, read, to be productive at home. The kids are still busy, and I still have things they need me for, but it’s just been different…and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Last week, I shared part one of our time in Florida where we spent a few days at the beach in Siesta Key. Today, I’m sharing part 2…the Orlando edition.
This season, Hadley played on a national team for one of the local volleyball clubs, so we knew all along that her team would go to Orlando for the national AAU tournament. I will say that I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I did have my reservations about the Orlando part of our trip. I just knew the competition would be tough, and the girls were playing up a level so they didn’t have to play over the 4th of July time frame. The first three days were pool play, and the final day was bracket play.
Anyway, I will say, this portion of the trip did exceed my expectations, and they made the most of the opportunity, and we made the most of it as a family.
Wednesday:
We were up very early on the Wednesday we needed to go to Orlando. The teams play in the AM wave or the PM wave, and Hadley’s team was in the AM wave. So, that meant we were up early and on the road by 6:00 to make the two hour drive to Orlando.
Her first game was at 9:00, so she was supposed to be there at 8:15, and we arrived at the Orlando Convention Center right at 8:00.
They had three games that day, and all the games were close, and they were off to a solid start.
Since Hadley’s team had to ref the 1:00 game, I stayed with her, and Trav and Hayden checked into the hotel villa.
We stayed at the Marriott Vacation Club Harbour Lake because one of Hadley’s friends/teammates stayed there a few years ago when she went to the AAU tournament, and they were staying there again. It was nice to have another teammate on the property because I’m friends with her mom, we could carpool, and the girls could hang out together when we weren’t at the convention center.
Trav and Hayden had left to get some food, so Hadley and I got the lay of the land. The villas were so colorful and pretty.
Hadley had placed an order for food, so we walked to one of the pools to pick it up.
The lobby was so pretty too!
We took the food back to the room, unpacked, and lounged around for a bit before heading to the team dinner. One of the parents made a reservation for the team, the coach, and the parents for dinner at Saltgrass Steak House, and the food was delish.
Hayden opted to stay back at the villa and watch soccer, and we brought food back to him.
The girls are all about a photo opp, so we snapped a team pic after dinner.
Then, the girls “twisted” our arm, and we went out for ice cream. This day was actually mine and Trav’s 21st wedding anniversary…and this was our anniversary ice cream, I guess!
Thursday:
We had another early morning on Thursday as the girls had to ref the 8:00 game, and then played three games afterwards.
The AAU tournament had different themed days, and the second day was “pink day.” The girls always seemed to play better in their pink shirts this season. They played so well, and won a couple of games!
All the glitter for pink day!
Midway through the season, one of the hitters on the team had to leave the team, so Hadley was asked to play front row/right side as well as DS in the back. So, for the last five or six tournaments, Hadley played the entire game. She hadn’t played right side since middle school, but she was up for the challenge. My 5’3″ girl got quite a few kills/blocks/tips this season.
One of the moms ordered some fun accessories for the various days. Pink day was the easiest to be decked out on, so we took a family team pic in between games.
Trav and Hayden missed out on the pink day fun. Once Hayden realized the KC Royals were playing Tampa Bay, he asked if they could go to the game. It was an early afternoon game, and the stadium is indoors, so Trav obliged with Hayden’s request. It was about an hour and a half drive there, so it was doable.
Hayden sent me this pic, and I thought he caught a foul ball. Travis and Hayden were sitting just a few rows behind the Royals’ dugout, and Jac Caglianone threw a ball out to the fans, and Hayden got one.
Speaking of Jac…
The Royals did lose, but Trav and Hayden still had a great time.
After the game, Hayden was able to get Isaac Collins and Tyler Tolbert’s autographs, so that also made the trip worth it…at least that’s what Trav had to tell himself on the three hour drive home. Traffic was bad in Tampa at that time, and Orlando traffic always seemed to be horrible!
After games, Hadley and a few teammates hung out and we waited for Trav and Hayden to get back. The girls had a team dinner with their coach, and we just got carry out and watched soccer. The US played really late, so it was nice to stay up and watch them knowing the girls didn’t have to get up early on Friday.
Friday:
Since Hadley’s team didn’t play until the afternoon, we had some time on our hands in the morning. We had a slow morning, and Trav went out and got donuts.
Eventually, Trav, Hadley and I made our way to the bigger family pool for an hour or so.
Then, we moved to the other pool with the slide, and Hayden met us there.
We ordered lunch to eat in the room before going to Hadley’s games.
The team played well again on Friday and got a couple wins.
We didn’t get back to hotel until 8:30, and Hadley and a few teammates requested Raising Canes to eat while watching Love Island. They did that in our friend’s villa while we ate pizza with our friend in our villa.
Saturday:
Saturday was another early morning for bracket play. Trav volunteered to drop the girls off since they had to be there early, and I took a few minutes to enjoy my coffee. I will say that by this time of vacation, I was really missing my at home iced coffees!
The last day was Hawaiian themed, so I was ready to roll…
The first game was a good one that went to three sets.
But, unfortunately they lost 13-15 in the last set! It was truly back and forth the whole time. That meant the season officially came to an end….
The girls were still all smiles, but there were a few tears. This team was scrappy all season, improved so much, and really did have many great finishes in all the tournaments they played in.
I also have to say that Hadley really had a great coach. If you have had kids on any sort of team, you know a coach can make or break a team and a season. I truly appreciate all Hadley’s coach did for the team. She was tough when needed, was always actively coaching, and she really related well to them.
Even I was surprisingly sad for the season to end.
Since we were back to the villa by lunchtime, we had leftovers and then made our way to the pool. All of us had fun on the slides. We just hung out in the pool, I read my book poolside, and Trav watched some horse races on his phone.
Around 4:00, there was lightning nearby, so we had to clear out. While that was a bummer, it was good timing because we needed to start packing, but the kids actually played ping pong for a bit…
…Hadley sent me this pic telling me they were having fun at putt putt, but Hayden was winning. haha!
That evening, we hung out in the villa and packed up.
Trav and I ran out to grab some carry-out from a restaurant in a fun part of town.
We ate dinner at the villa, watched some soccer, and then went to bed by 10:00.
Sunday:
Sunday morning came early when our alarms went off at 3:45 because we needed to leave by 4:30. Surprisingly, everyone got up and moving pretty decently. We had about a 45 minute drive to the airport, and we were on the first flight out at 6:30. The good news is that meant we were at our house close to 9:00!
Home sweet Homer! That Sunday was actually overcast and rainy which was perfect for staying home, unpacking, doing laundry, and napping off and on. I’ve never been more thankful for Kroger delivery!
Anyway, it was a good trip that exceeded my expectations. It had actually been a bit since the four of us had been on a vacation just as a family of four, so it was nice to have time together. Also, a perk of having older kids is just letting them kind of do what they want to do while you do what you want to do. They’ll find you eventually when they need money! ha!
How was your weekend and 4th of July? Overall, ours was good. We had some out of town cousins in town, so my kids were busy with them, we celebrated the 4th of July by watching fireworks, and spent a lot of yesterday getting things done around the house.
It’s already the first Monday of the month, so I’m sharing my recent Amazon purchases.
First of all, I have “exciting” news…I now have an Amazon Storefront! (I hope the link works to take you there!)
The point of the storefront is to just house lists of favorite things all in one place. So, I can add and delete as time goes on. I have so many things that I’ve purchased through the years from Amazon that I love, and this will be an easy way to have links in one place. There are a few things on my lists that are currently out of stock like my favorite cardigan, but I hope that it will come back in stock in the fall. If not, I’ll delete it.
I doubt I will link everything I buy, but at least many faves and frequent purchases will be housed there. For example, I have “self-care, skin care, make-up and fitness” all in one list, but then I have a list solely for “athleisure.”
Anyway, I always appreciate you supporting my blog, and I try and link as much as possible from anywhere you can shop like Walmart, Target, etc. That being said, the Amazon Associates link I have does provide a bit of income (via monthly gift cards), and I truly appreciate when you use my links when you feel so inclined to do so.
I’ve also linked my Amazon Storefront on the blog’s homepage. (I don’t think it looks like a hyperlink, but when you click on it, it should take you there!)
Anyway, moving on to this month’s purchases…
Re -purchases:
When we were out of town, I saw Hadley’s quilted make-up bag that I got her a couple of years ago. It was so dirty, and since it’s less than $8, I purchased a new one for her.
During Prime Days, we ordered a few things again including the Medicube pads that Hadley uses.
Y’all, I love these Hanes leggings! I have them in blue and black, and then I ordered them in this navy color too. During Prime Days, they were less than $10. The price does seem to fluctuate from time to time, but even for $20, these are great. They are so soft, and I love the 7/8 length.
This is the third time I’ve ordered this 3D lifting cream. I use it a few times a week as a part of my evening skincare routine. It was only $20 during Prime Days, but I’ve paid full price for it in the past, and to me, it’s worth it.
We all love a sound machine, but Hadley and I consider it a “must” to travel with one. I purchased this travel sound machine a couple of months ago, and I got one for Hadley since I knew we’d be in separate rooms on this trip.
I purchased this Kindle cover a couple of years ago when I upgraded my Kindle. It comes in many colors, but I ordered the “sage green” color again. I take my Kindle everywhere, and it’s seen better days! That being said, I’ve picked up stickers during travel and stops at bookstores the past couple of years and those adorn my old Kindle cover. I guess it’s time to start over!
For years, Trav and I have used “jersey” sheets on our bed, and I still love them. That being said, when I saw these ruffle gingham sheets, I suggested them as a gift idea from my Gma at Christmas. She bought them, and they are now my fave…so much so that I ordered a second set for us to have.
More Prime Day finds…
I typically get this shampoo and conditioner at Ulta for $35(ish) each, but Prime Day had them for $26 each, so I snagged them! I actually didn’t know I could get them on Amazon…but of course I should have known better. I was pleased to see the deal.
Trav ordered a new waterproof cover for our patio furniture.
I shared this set back in the spring, and I loved it so much I wanted to find a similar one for the summer. I have lived in this set since I purchased it. I wore it on the plane home from Florida, while in Florida, to run errands and then to watch fireworks on Saturday night. It’s truly a new fave.
Before we left for vacation, I did buy a Kindle page turner. I’d seen these and was interested. I feel kind of lazy using it, but it comes in handy when holding my Kindle from time to time.
Last but not least, is it even summer if you haven’t purchased a colorful necklace? Do you follow Brittany Young on Instagram? Her colorful necklace game is strong! She shares so many pretty necklaces from various places…including Amazon. I was “influenced,” and purchased this one. It’s a fun pop of color for the summer months. (Sometimes Amazon doesn’t let us link if something is frequently returned? So, the one I bought can’t be linked directly…I’m not sure why it would be returned but not the other colorful one I linked by the same brand? Anyway, I’ve worn mine non-stop for a few weeks with no issues)
I hope you have a fantastic Monday!
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Thanks for supporting my blog.}
How was your week? We spent most of our week getting back on track after being out of town last week. I did lots of laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, and other odds and ends. The kids had their yearly check up yesterday, and I am almost finished with my closet/dresser clean out. It’s nice to get a couple of things checked off our list.
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Last week, we spent a couple days at the beach before heading to Orlando for Hadley’s volleyball tournament. Since Siesta Key is one of our favorite places, I’m recapping those days today.
Father’s Day Sunday:
We were up very early (which was honestly, unfortunately, a theme of most days on this trip) on Father’s Day to catch our 9:30 flight from Lexington to Orlando. The flight ended up being delayed a bit, but it was a direct flight, and we landed around 11:30. We had to rent a car and then drive the couple of hours to Siesta Key. Traffic was pretty bad for most of the way, but we arrived at the house we rented by late afternoon.
We typically stay at Trav’s aunt’s house, but her grand-daugther was there with friends during the time we were there.
No problem though because Travis does a good job finding places for us to stay. This house’s name was “White Wake.” It had three bedrooms, and was spacious and really nice!
This was the view in the backyard. The house had a pool and was on the canal which was lovely.
We settled in, unpacked, and even “rested our eyes” for a few minutes before heading to one of our favorite places…The Daiquiri Deck!
We got a drink and a few apps before going to the Siesta Key Market to pick up some grocery essentials.
We went back to the house and hung out for a bit. We decided since we were tired, we’d just eat at the house, so Trav went to Publix to grab some groceries.
I caught the sunset from the backyard, and we had tacos for dinner at home.
It had been a long travel day, so we had a low-key night at the house. College baseball was on as well as soccer, so we all hung out in the living room until going to bed.
Monday:
Three of us slept in on Monday (Trav is always an early riser), but when I got up, I enjoyed my coffee poolside.
Once Travis got back from his walk, he had a morning swim.
Then, we got packed up for the beach. Hayden wanted to go back to the Daiquiri Deck and also look for sandals, so Hadley and I headed to the beach. Trav joined us later.
Of course, it was HOT, but we appreciated the breeze and got in the water when needed.
I love reading with the sound of the ocean nearby.
Mid-afternoon, we headed back to the house, had a late lunch and swam in the pool for a bit. Then, it was time to get ready for dinner.
We went to Owen’s Fish House which is a restaurant in Sarasota that we’ve gone to through the years.
Meet Owen…
Both kids were “adventurous” with their meal selections. Hayden does like seafood, and he wanted to tackle the seafood boil on the menu. It is for two, so I split it with him. He almost mastered cracking the crab legs….almost.
Hadley only likes salmon and cocktail shrimp. She has had lobster bisque before, and liked it, so she said she wanted to try the lobster. She loved it. So, overall, it was a good meal!
We got back to the house, and I took a pic of Trav and the kids as a belated Father’s Day photo.
Hadley will always take a pic! ha!
Trav and I headed to the beach to catch the last few minutes of the sunset. This is always a favorite walk.
We got there just in time.
So so pretty!
We stayed for a few minutes, and as we walked back to the car, the sky was showing off!
Then, kids wanted ice cream, so we picked them up for that. Once back at the house, we settled in for the night.
Tuesday:
We had a very low-key Tuesday. The long travel day Sunday and the sun on Monday had us all seeking the shade. Well, not Hadley…she doesn’t shy away from the UV. haha
Anyway, we had a slow morning, and I spent time by the pool off and on throughout the day. I’d finished a book on Monday, so I was excited to start this one while on vacation…
Later, Trav and the kids went out to lunch, but I stayed home and had leftovers.
Hayden and I watched some soccer…
Then, Trav and Hayden went to get oysters at Siesta Key Oyster Bar…another tradition of theirs.
Before we had taco dinner at the house, I snapped a pic of the kids…
Then, Trav and I headed to Turtle Beach for the sunset. It was about a twenty minute drive, but it’s my favorite beach. It’s a short walk to the sand, and it’s not very crowded.
My favorite view:
We brought chairs and were there for about an hour. It was so lovely.
I collected a few seashells like I always do when we go to the beach. I didn’t snap a pic of them until we get home, but then I added them to this vase I have in our sun room.
Look at all the seashells I’ve collected through the years:
Once back at the house, we spent some time out back…
….while waiting on the laundry to be finished. Then, it was a somewhat early bedtime because we had to leave by 6:00 on Wednesday morning to head to Orlando.
It was a quick couple of days, but I’m glad we made it happen. We’d hoped to go a day earlier, but we had to go to Trav’s cousin’s wedding on that Saturday before Father’s Day. So, we made the most of the time we had at the beach.
Trav and Hayden hadn’t been to Siesta Key since 2020, and Hadley and I went a couple of years ago for a few days. Since our fall break beach tradition, we’ve mostly moved away from beach vacations in the summer since it’s so hot, and we’ve been spoiled by the temps in the fall. That being said, it was nice to have a couple of days in Siesta Key.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Here’s a look back at the first time the kids went to Siesta Key. We drove that very long drive and arrived late at night. They were up early the next morning, and they couldn’t wait to check out the beach. That’s the pic on the left! Hayden was still in his PJs!
One more flashback Friday in honor of the 4th of July…here are the kids on their first 4th of July in 2010. Pinchy cheek cute!
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts this week in case you missed one:
This year, I’ve been sharing these “reminders” to kick off each month, and since today’s July 1st, I have a couple new reminders for you…
You don’t have to rush – I hope this month goes as slowly as possible.
Stay hydrated – With this heat wave going on, that’s more important than ever!
Take time to rest and reset – That’s what I’ve been doing this week after being out of town last week. It’s been nice to not set an alarm, and I’ve been at home, but I’ve been productive.
6 months left in the year – I had a difficult “second quarter” of 2026, and I’m certainly hoping the last half of the year is good to me.
Make time for little joys – I’m embracing some down time with my iced coffee, catching up on some shows, reading my Kindle, and enjoying meals at home.
Another great reminder:
We always have a few things to celebrate in July – America, Trav, my Gma, my sister-in-law, and my mother-in-law all have July birthdays!
I love writing these monthly posts, but I’m oh so bummed that June is already over. June is one of my favorite months, and I hate to see it come to an end because that means in a few weeks, I’m really going to have to start thinking about school!
Anyway, we had a lot going on in June…here’s a look back.
Well, we started June finally getting out of school. I think I’ve been in school in June only one other time, and while it was a good school year, it just felt like the school year would never end.
I made my summer reading list, and I’ve already crossed a few books off the list!
Thankfully, the June temps were pretty mild, so I had quite a few pool days.
There’s nothing better than reading by the pool!
Hadley went to Railbird Festival with her friends. Trav went with his brother one night too.
I did a little seasonal shopping… and it’s Trader Joe’s peony season!
In mid-June, we celebrated my brother’s birthday with a cookie cake!
Hayden had his end of the year baseball banquet, and he received the “Most Improved Player” award for the JV team.
Hayden’s also been coaching a 5th grade basketball team this summer. I haven’t caught a game yet, but I hope to make it to the next one.
Trav has finished up the front yard landscaping, and we got a new driveway poured last week. Adulting is so fun!
I’ll do a full recap but last week, we went to one of our favorite places… Siesta Key, Florida.
The house we rented had a pool on the canal, and I love the morning coffee views.
We celebrated Trav for Father’s Day with dinner out and then some family time.
I saw three sunsets for the three nights we were there. One night was from the house’s backyard, and then we went to the beach the other two nights.
Then, we headed to Orlando for Hadley’s final tournament of club season. This was the AAU tournament with hundreds of teams. We had four long days, but it was such a fun tournament!
We “celebrated” our 21st wedding anniversary by getting up at 5 am, driving two hours to Orlando and then watching three volleyball games. We did get some “anniversary” ice cream that night.
We also were able to have some fun at our resort.
Trav and Hayden went to the KC Royals vs. Tampa Bay game. The Royals lost, but they still had a great time.
We’re home now, so we’re trying to get back in the groove…I’ve been unpacking, doing laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, and I started my yearly closet purge yesterday. I will be happy to have that marked off my list!
We’ve also spent quite a bit of time watching World Cup soccer and now I’m enjoying watching the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Hello and happy Monday! How, how, how is it already the last Monday in June!? Summer needs to slow its roll!
With summer, comes a bit more time to read. Last week, we were in Florida, so I had a little more reading time. We spent a few days in Siesta Key before going to Orlando for Hadley’s last volleyball tournament of club season. I will say that the volleyball tournament provided some long days, so I didn’t get to read as much as I do when we’re on a typical vacation. Anyway, it was still a good month of reading…
(and, y’all, this post is my 1500th blog post! That seems like a “big” milestone, and since I love reading so much, I’m glad the milestone is a book related post!)
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
Our Last Summer on the Vineyard
Summary:
After suffering through her first year of graduate school at Columbia following her senator father’s death, Betsy Whiting is hoping to spend the summer with her boyfriend…and hopefully end the summer as his fiancée. Instead, her mother—a longtime feminist and leader in the women’s movement—calls Betsy and her sisters back home to Martha’s Vineyard, announcing that they need to sell their beloved summer house to pay off their father’s debts.
When Betsy arrives on the island a week later, she must reckon with her strained familial relationships, a long-ago forbidden romance, and the complicated legacy of her parents, who divided the family even as they did good for the world.
Following a dual timeline between 1965 and 1978, and filled with the vibrant, sunlit nostalgia of the cherished New England vacation setting, Our Last Vineyard Summer poignantly captures two generations of women navigating love, loss, and womanhood while trying to find the courage to stand up for what they believe in—and the strength to decide if the home they once loved is worth saving.
Quick Thoughts:
This was the first book I read on my “Summer Reading List,” and I couldn’t have loved it more! I’ve also read All the Summers in Between by Foster, and I enjoyed that one too. This book is historical fiction, so I figured I’d like the book, but I loved it. I always love when the plot goes from past to present which keeps my attention. There’s love, drama, complicated relationships, secrets and more.
Fave quotes:
“Women find a way to protect the people they love.”
“She liked the idea that memories, whether soft of sharp, shaped us like the ocean shaped the contours of the beach.”
“Books didn’t just transport you to faraway places…They could sharpen your identity and remind you who you aspired to be.”
“Mothers can’t just stop doing their job because we have a bad day or even a bad year.”
Rating:
His & Hers
Summary:
There are two sides to every story: yours and mine, ours and theirs, His & Hers. Which means someone is always lying.
When a woman is murdered in Blackdown, a quintessentially British village, newsreader Anna Andrews is reluctant to cover the case. Detective Jack Harper is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own murder investigation. Someone isn’t telling the truth, and some secrets are worth killing to keep.
Quick Thoughts:
Travis and I watched His & Hers on Netflix a few months ago. It wasn’t until after we finished the series that I realized it was based on a book. So, I immediately wanted to read the book for comparison. The waitlist was long at the library, and then I read half of it before getting side tracked. I finished this month, and I’m so glad I did.
I enjoyed this mystery/thriller as much as I did the series.
The book is in London not Georgia, and the ending seemed a smidge different, but I can’t remember all the details from the series.
If you like thriller books, this one had lots of twists and turns as well as a surprise ending.
Rating:
Mad Mabel:
Summary:
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She’s lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years–longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else’s business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past that she has worked exceedingly hard at concealing. Because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.
When a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie’s past start coming to light. Who was “Mad Mabel” fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?
Quick Thoughts:
I’ve read quite a few books by Sally Hepworth, and I couldn’t wait for this one to be published. Also, who am I reading two thriller books in one month? Thriller/mystery used to be my favorite genre before I really got into historical fiction.
Anyway, just like with most Hepworth books, the characters are so unique. Mabel was a hoot! She’s the quintessential grumpy neighbor who wants nothing to do with her neighbors…which means they are all in her business. ha!
We learn about Mabel’s childhood which is filled with drama and tragedy, and of course that comes into play in her present day life.
I loved all the (present day) relationships in the book, and the ending couldn’t have been more perfect. I think Mad Mabel will be a top read for me in 2026.
Summer State of Mind:
Summary:
After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.
Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.
But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm.
Quick Thoughts:
Ugh… I hate to say it, but I didn’t like this book much at all…which is rare for me to say. I’d been “warned” as I’d read unfavorable reviews on other blogs, but I’ve read nine of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books, so I had to see for myself about this one. It was just so predictable, there were so many topics (and some seemed unrealistic), and there were many cheesy parts.
Shay’s post is spot on (FYI – there are spoilers in the post). From her post, “Not to be too picky here, but this book never felt “summery”, so I was confused by the title. It took place before/after Easter.”
That being said, I did enjoy the author’s note…Woodson Harvey says, “What is this book really about?” So, I definitely wanted to see her thoughts…She continues, “This book is about family, sure. And love. And unlikely friendship. But really, it’s about how, sometimes, our past wounds heal when we least expect it, how the people whose paths cross with ours might change our lives in ways we never could have imagined, and the pure joy of finding, at long last, where we belong. But, most of all, it’s a reminder that no matter the season, if we dig deep, we can always find that beautiful, glorious Summer State of Mind.
So, with that, she clarifies about the title, and I appreciate reading her perspective on what she wants the reader to take from the book, but it was still a miss for me.
Rating:
I should probably give this a 2 or 2.5, but I’d feel bad doing so. haha…and the author’s note helped me re-evaluate my thoughts a bit.
Our Italian Summer:
Summary:
Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother’s wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime. . . .
Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.
Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it’s too late.
Quick Thoughts:
I listened to this book, and it was long! The audio length was 13 hours.
This book was ok. I think I “struggle” with romance books because they are predictable and can be cheesy.
I did like the three different female story lines…from a teenager to mother to grandmother. The Italian setting was lovely, but it wasn’t until after the first 25% of the book that they finally made it to Italy. I felt like some of the ideas were far-fetched, and it really did feel unnecessarily long.
Rating:
Overall, 3.5 but a 3 because it was too long…and didn’t need to be!
Summer Reading Update:
Read:Our Last Vineyard Summer, Our Italian Summer, Summer State of Mind
Currently Reading:People We Meet on Vacation (I started this one while on vacation, and I’m really enjoying it!…I want to watch the movie after I finish the book)
On my Kindle:Down with the Shipmans, The Sandy Page Bookshop
I really loved the summer of 2010. It was my couple of months to be a “stay at home mom,” the kids were able to interact with each other, and they were on a great sleeping schedule!
Lots of tummy time…
More fun with the Exersaucer…and hat wearing.
Hayden loved lounging on the Boppy and snuggling his frog.
Hadley had lots of Boppy time too…and thankfully, around this time, she was coming out of the acid reflux and colic days.
Both kids could sit up unassisted at this point which meant they started to interact with each other more.
That summer, we had lots of play dates with friends. These kiddos are all still in each others’ lives.
Hadley was still a very serious baby, and Hayden was very easygoing.
The “peace, love, twins” onsies were hand me downs from other twins, and I love this picture so much:
Squishy cute!
The inflatable pool on our screened in porch was a fun way to beat the heat in the summer.
Who doesn’t love a hooded towel?
Trav had his first Father’s Day with the kids!
Since the kids could sit up independently, they would just look at each other…
…and I remember all the effort this pic took…two dogs and two kids, but they were all my faves!
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