How was your week? I feel like we’re finally hitting the summer groove with only a couple of more weeks until we go back to school!
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This is a rather short week of favorites as we didn’t have a ton going on, but that, within itself, is a favorite. I’m savoring these slower summer days.
Here are some other favorites:
I typically don’t shop much when we go on vacations…besides picking up the occasional sweatshirt, but on our last day in South Haven, we had some time to walk around and shop.
The first shop I popped into had so many cute things…and I bought a candle and two essential oil rollers. I loved the scent of all of them, and they are a fun way to think about the trip when I use them. I’ve now been using the vanilla scented one on my wrists in the morning and the lavender one at night.
I’ve been enjoying these souvenirs so far!
This week turned into a little bit of self-care this week. On Monday, I got a long overdue manicure, had my monthly facial on Tuesday, and yesterday, I went and got a pedicure. It was nice to have these pockets of time to get some things done for myself.
Homer is always a fave but especially recently. I really think he missed us as the first two weeks of July were different. Hadley was at camp, and then Hayden went to camp, and Trav and I were gone. He likes to sit a beg for a bite of my breakfast!
You guys…my cute little rechargeable dimmable scalloped lamp from Walmart is back in stock. I picked up one for the kitchen, and it’s oh so cute.
Our limelight hydrangea bush is popping off! That thing really grew this year, and right now, the blooms are everywhere. So, I snipped a few to enjoy on the coffee table.
Favorite Meal:
I tried a new recipe this week. I wasn’t sure what to have for dinner, and I already had some pasta and ground beef. So, I went to the Skinny Taste website that I hadn’t been on in years, and found this recipe for Skinny Taste Hamburger Helper. I placed a quick Kroger delivery for the ingredients I needed as well as some frozen breadsticks. Dinner was delish.
Favorite Mom Meme:
“Later” and “I’m about to” are my teens favorite phrases.
Why is this week flying by?! Also, why is it raining nearly every single day here? It’s hard for me to plan my pool time, but I did get a couple hours at the pool yesterday.
Anyway, in Monday’s Share Our Livespost, I shared about a few favorite vacation memories which included when we took the kids to Disney World in 2015 for the first time when they were five.
Last summer, I loved sharing some throwback memories, so today I’m taking a stroll down Disney World memory lane.
In 2015, we’d gone to Siesta Key with the kids and another family. We stayed at Trav’s aunt’s house like we always do, but we decided to take one day to drive to Orlando and go to Disney World.
Our friends have boy/girl twins too that are two years older than my two. My friend’s sister is a Disney planner, so that was so helpful in planning our trip. My friend and I purchased cute shirts for the kids from Etsy (maybe my first Etsy purchase?!), and the night before we were going to Disney, we gave the kids the t-shirts and let them piece together all the fun. All four of them were excited, jumping up and down which is such a sweet memory.
Anyway, we left the house around 7 AM and drove to Orlando for the day.
This was us on the ferry (I think?) on the way into Disney World.
We made it!
Making memories with friends!
We spotted the king and queen of Disney…Micky and Minnie.
I don’t remember all the details, but we did have the fast past, and that was so helpful. We rode everything we’d hoped to including some I didn’t think we’d be able to ride (due to the kids being little) like Space Mountain!
I remember prepping Hayden as we approached the ride that he might be too short. I swear it was because he was wearing his hat that they said he was tall enough. Well, when we got to the ride, I realized he’d be sitting in front of me and I had my hand on his shoulder for the whole ride. Since it’s so dark in there, I wasn’t sure if the squeals I was hearing were good or bad, but as soon as the ride was over, he looked back at me and said, “That was the best ride ever!” So sweet to see him experience those things!
I’m more of a Dumbo ride girlie!
I think we just had one sit down meal which was lunch, and the kids got to meet so many of the characters.
Oh, Eyore!
3D time!
…followed by the tea cups! I think we hopped on the tea cups while Trav and the other dad figured out our next stop.
They were trying to make me dizzy.
Of course, they had to drive on the race track!
Who doesn’t love the carousel?!
So many sweet memories!
The kids each got to choose one item from the gift shop!
The castle looked so beautiful at night.
Unfortunately, it rained and they didn’t have the fireworks that night. That was definitely a bummer, but we had a great day overall. I think we got back to the house around midnight.
We also took the kids to Disney in 2019 (I think?!), and that time, we stayed one day/night at the Polynesian and did one day at Disney.
I’m glad we’ve made the time to take the kids to Disney, and maybe we’ll get back there one day. Trav and I are both in agreement that one day seems to be enough, and we aren’t Disney fanatics. I’m interested in Universal Studios and Epcot, but we’ll see. We used to joke that the kids didn’t realize you can go to Disney for more than one day since that’s all we’ve done. haha!
Apparently, I didn’t take a ton of pics on that trip, but I liked looking back at that time!
Hello! I’m late hitting “publish” on this post, but…
How is your week going? So far, so good for us. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve joined Joyce for her Wednesday Hodgepodge, so I’m doing that today!
Here are my answers for her prompts for the week:
1. What’s a characteristic you admire in others? Elaborate.
Loyalty and humility. I am a very loyal person, and I look for that in friendships. People who are boastful or just want to hear themselves talk…ugh.
2. Do you have a favorite mug? Let’s see it. Why is this one your favorite?
I have lots of mugs I love, but this is my new fave. I’ve shared it on here previously…I went into a store looking for a dress and walked out with this cute hydrangea mug.
You know I love hydrangeas.
This mug is also a fave during the holidays…although it could be used every day. haha
3. July 15th is/was National Give Something Away Day…will you (or did you) give something away? If so, what? Do you regularly give away or do you tend to ‘accumulate?’
Good timing because yesterday, I donated three bags of clothes to Goodwill…and Hadley drove me there!
I guess my clothes can accumulate, so I tend to do a closet purge in January and July.
Sometimes, things accumulate on our kitchen counter like books, bills, school work, etc…and that kind of drives me crazy. At least I keep it on one part of the counter, but I can only stand clutter for so long.
4. You’re planning a trip. Do you prefer exploring big cities or smaller, more off the grid towns? World Atlas lists these 12 ‘off the grid’ towns to see in 2025. How many on the list have you seen? Of those listed, which one would you like to visit? Tell us why.
I think I enjoy exploring both big cities and smaller towns because both have unique things to offer.
The World Atlas list:
Boothbay, Harbor Maine; Middlebury, Vermont; New Hope, Pennsylvania; Rehoboth Beath Delaware; Brevard, North Carolina; Saugatuck, Michigan; Medora, North Dakota; Ouray, Colorado; Lamoille, Nevada; Neah Bay, Washington; Hood River, Oregon; or Cabmbria, California.
I’ve been to Maine, North Carolina, Colorado, California, Washington and Oregon, and while I haven’t been to those specific towns, I know what charming towns are in those states.
Last summer, when we were in Oregon, I believe we did go through the Hood River area.
Also, this post is timely because we just got back from Saugatuck! It’s such a cute town. I shared part one of our trip yesterday, and will share part two when we were in Saugatuck soon.
5. Have you ever…ridden a motorcycle? been to a Disney park? met a celebrity? won a contest? Tell us something about what you answered yes to on the list.
I’m not a risk taker, so I’ve never been on a motorcycle. haha
When I was 12, we visited family in California, and we went to Disneyland. We’ve taken our kids to Disney World twice. Once when they were five and the other time they were nine. I don’t fully get the Disney hype, so both times, we just went for one day. I joke that my kids don’t know you can go to Disney for more than one day. haha
I know I’ve met a few “famous” people through the years, but nobody major is jumping to mind.
I don’t think I’ve won a contest…maybe a small raffle at school! This prompt made me think about when I was a kid, and we were at TCBY yogurt, and there was a contest to be prince/princess for the day at KC’s Renaissance Festival. Being the nice sister that I am, I also entered my brother’s name…and guess who won?! He did! So there he was walking around in a parade, wearing a crown, and eating a turkey leg…all thanks to me!
6. Insert your own random thought here.
The coffee mug question prompted me to think of this, but I’m on week two of drinking decaf coffee. I’m just giving it a try after considering caffeine intake. I really don’t think I drink too much coffee…typically two cups, and then water the rest of the day, but this is a bit of a test for me.
Trav did find me some K-cups that are “half caff,” and those might be a good compromise?!
One thing I’ve been doing for a few months is drinking water before my coffee in the morning, and I like that new habit.
I’ve thought about drinking some kind of “greens” — you know, the packets that you mix with water —I’d love some recommendations if you have any!
Today, I’m sharing part one of our trip to the Lake Michigan area.
This trip came about because Trav and I both haven’t been to the Lake Michigan area although we’ve heard wonderful things about it. There are so many small lake towns, each unique in their own way, that when we’ve thought about going in the past, we weren’t really sure where to start. Also, I’d heard that it’s better to go in July as the water is warmer, and typically we do June vacations.
Anyway, with our 20th wedding anniversary, Trav suggested that we plan a trip in Michigan for a few days. We knew it would be an easy drive, and we chose a time frame when one of the kids (Hayden) would be at camp, so it was just Hadley who we needed to find coverage for a few days. Trav’s mom stayed with her two days, and then she stayed with a friend the other two nights. She was busy with work and volleyball, but she had some down time too.
Anyway, like with most of our vacations, Trav did all the planning. The running joke on our trip was how his “friend” Chat GPT really did most of the planning. I guess he asked Chat GPT for town and hotel suggestions and went from there.
Also, typically when just the two of us have gone away, we’re only gone three nights, and we wish we have one more day. This time, being gone four nights was perfect, and the six hours drive gave us time to feel like we had five pretty full days.
South Haven
Last Tuesday, we left around 10:00, and drove to Indy. We stopped for lunch and then finished the rest of the drive, arriving at our Bed and Breakfast in South Haven just before 4:00.
For the first two nights, we stayed at The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, and it was so cute.
This was the view from the balcony, and it was just perfect.
One thing I loved about our room was that it did have it’s own entrance. Later, we learned, that our room used to be the cook’s quarters, so that’s why it had its own entrance, and the large bathroom used to include a kitchen!
Anyway, we unpacked our car, and then went for a walk. One of the small beaches was right across the street. It was a foggy afternoon, but the view was still oh so pretty.
After that, we walked back to the B&B and drove across the bridge to the other side of South Haven. Of course, Trav spotted a brewery, Harbor Light Brewery, on the main street, so we made a pit stop there. Then, we walked around a bit more and went to Black River Tavern for dinner.
After our meal, we walked to lighthouse and then back up Main Street. It was nice to get some steps in after dinner.
After that, we got in the car and drove back to our B&B. Then, we walked back to the beach to catch the last few minutes of the sun setting.
By that time, it was 9:30, and I was ready for a shower and my PJs.
It was a lovely first day getting the lay of the South Haven land.
Wednesday
On Wednesday morning, I woke up to this pretty water view. It was so nice to wake up and have some time before breakfast.
On vacation, Travis tends to get up early and go for a run while I sleep in. When he came back, he told me we needed to hurry up because everyone else was already at breakfast. haha
At this B&B, breakfast was served at 9:00. We found a spot with a view of the water. We had Julia Child’s blueberry clafoutis, and Trav had to ask me who Julia Child was. The nerve! They also served us bacon, roasted potatoes, watermelon with mint, and a cherry scone. It was a great meal.
Then, we walked a trail that Travis had found near the B&B. I think it’s a trail that spans over 30 miles, but we just walked two miles!
It was a great way to get our steps in that morning.
There was a market near the B&B, so Trav went and picked up sandwiches, and we headed to the main beach (south beach, I believe) near the B&B.
It was a lovely afternoon, and we were there for almost four hours.
Reading, sand and sunshine…name a better trio!
After the beach, we took a nap and then showered. Since we wanted to see a few beach towns, we drove to St Joseph for dinner at Clementine’s. There’s also a Clementine’s in South Haven, but it had a long wait the night before.
The onion rings are apparently a must a Clementine’s, and we would agree!
After that, Trav said we “had to find” the carousel that he’d read about. We drove down to Silver Beach near the downtown area, parked and walked around. Trav thought the carousel would be outside, so he was bummed…but he also told me I had to take a picture of it. haha
We walked up the stairs, and that’s how we found the downtown area. Looking back, this scene reminded me of when we’ve gone to Del Mar, California…I guess just seeing the water in the distance and the sailboats.
We walked around downtown…
…and of course we got some ice cream!
Then, we headed back to South Haven just in time for sunset. We walked over the drawbridge, and it was just such a nice evening.
I loved the quaint feeling of this town with the flowers on the bridge.
Then, we headed to the beach for sunset…which was stunning!
After that, it was time for bed!
Thursday:
Again, Trav went for a run, and I slept hard! I got out of bed just in time to head to breakfast. Thursday’s menu was quiche, grapefruit salad, another scone, and a delicious Panna Cotta for dessert!
Once we were back in our room, I enjoyed one more cup of coffee while watching the boats pass by.
Then, it was about 10:30 which meant time to pack up and say goodbye to the cute bed and breakfast.
We found a spot to park downtown, and decided to walk around a bit, looking in quite a few shops.
South Haven is just so cute.
Trav suggested we grab a drink, so we sat outside for about an hour watching the boats pass by.
Including…this one that I joked looked like the pirate ship from Goonies.
Cuteness at every corner…
Around 2:00, it was time to leave South Haven and head to Saugatuck.
I hope you enjoyed this little recap! Have you ever been to Michigan? Considering it’s only about six hours from us, I can’t believe we haven’t been sooner.
How was your weekend? We got home from our trip on Saturday night, yesterday we picked Hayden up from running camp, and then spent the rest of the day trying to get our lives in order. I was somewhat successful in that endeavor, but I also have quite the “to do” list today and tomorrow.
Anyway, it’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting the Share Our Lives link up with some of my favorite bloggers.
I was excited to write this post today as some of my favorite posts to write are the ones where I look back on certain times in life.
When I thought about this topic, the first thing that popped in my mind was the first time we took the kids to the beach in 2011. I blogged about it last summer in a Throwback Thursday post.
Travis and I had gone to Folly Beach near Charleston the summer before to celebrate our five year wedding anniversary. It was a great getaway, but one of the first times we “planned ahead” and thought about bringing the kids the next year.
When we went back to Folly in 2016, the kids would have been twenty months old or so…as soon as we got out of the car, we headed to the beach. Hadley pointed at the ocean and didn’t want anything to do with it. Hayden ran around, getting sandy and even got his shorts wet.
To know them, you would have expected the opposite based on their personalities. We had a great week, but we did leave a day early because it was a rainy day, and we needed to get the kids home and back into a routine. That was the first of many beach trips.
In 2013, we again went to the Charleston area, but stayed in Isle of Palms, SC for the first time. This pic is just the sweetest memory…
…so sweet that I keep it framed in their bathroom.
We’ve also spent many wonderful summers in Siesta Key, and it’s another great place that the kids are familiar with and love visiting. We love going to the beach after dinner…especially when the kids were little. I love this pic of them frolicking in the water.
When the kids were five, we planned a day at Disney World during our stay in Siesta Key. We drove up to Orlando for the day, and the kids were so excited when we surprised them. I will save the video forever…of them squealing and hopping up and down.
Another favorite memory is our trip to the Grand Canyon. This trip all came about because Hayden had read about the Grand Canyon and wanted to go. Neither Trav nor I had been, so we planned a trip to Arizona…followed by California and Nevada.
We’ve made tons of beach memories with friends the past few years. We’ve enjoyed going to the 30A area of Florida for fall break. The weather is so nice, and the kids have plenty to do. It’s rare to find friends you can travel with, and now, with three years under our belt, I feel like it’s such a blessing to have these memories with such great friends.
Going to Mexico a couple of years ago was such a highlight because the kids had never been out of the country, and Trav and I hadn’t been to Mexico since our honeymoon. The resort was so nice, we relaxed, we went to Isla Mujeres, and just had a really great time.
Last summer, our trip to Oregon and Washington really takes the cake. It took a lot of planning by Trav, and what made it so memorable was that the kids were so excited to go. It’s not often you can go to the Olympic Track Trials, and that was only part of our trip, but we had such a great time in Portland,Eugene, the Oregon coast,Olympic National Park, Seattle and more.
Since Trav and I just got back from Michigan, it had me thinking about some of our trips. I always love when I tag along with him when he goes to Del Mar, California for work. Del Mar is truly one of my favorite places.
Of course, we’ve traveled other places, but since we just got back from Michigan to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, I got to thinking about some of the other anniversary trips we’ve gone on.
For our 1st wedding anniversary, we went to Siesta Key, and it was my first time going there.
Like I mentioned above, we went to Charleston/Folly Beach for our 5th wedding anniversary.
For our 10th anniversary, we went to Lake Tahoe. That was another fabulous trip; we loved that area.
For our 15th, it was 2020 and Covid, so we didn’t plan a trip away. We did go to Siesta Key that summer with the kids once we felt it was safe to do so.
This week, I hope to recap our trip to Michigan. The towns were so cute, and the weather was great!
I know this post topic was about a favorite “memory” and not “memories,” but this was a fun look back.
I’m officially at the part of summer where I really need the weeks to slow down. I still have things to cross off my list, and I guess I will need to start reading school emails soon.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
I’m really loving this romper from SSYS. I love that it’s forgiving, has a flutter sleeve and is easy to dress up or down. I wore it last week when we went out to dinner.
The runners had to “carb load” before the Bluegrass 10k on the 4th of July, and we went to a fun pasta place. If gnocchi is on the menu, I usually order it! This definitely hit the spot.
I had some pool time over the 4th, and that was nice and relaxing.
Fireworks are always a fave, and the ones at our usual spot were 10/10 this year!
Hadley arriving home from camp is always a fave, but this year, given the devastation and loss of lives in Texas, I was just ready for her to be home. I think she was ready too. She had fun, but I know she was happy to sleep in her own bed.
Last weekend, I took a stroll through my favorite book. I went there to buy Kristy Woodson Harvey’s newest book since it’s on my summer reading list.
While I was there, I picked up a birthday gift for my Gma. Also, I spotted a few cute finds like this “book lovers journal”…
…and these cute playing cards that look like the book check out cards from the library. I resisted the urge to buy both.
Travis and I have been watching The Waterfront. To me, it’s Outer Banks meets Ozark, and we’ve really enjoyed it.
On Monday, we celebrated Trav’s birthday. We went out to dinner, gave him a few gifts, and had some Bundt cakes for dessert. Since Hadley was gone, and then Hayden went to camp, Monday was the one day we could all have dinner together…and it was Trav’s actual birthday.
The past few days, Trav and I have been in Michigan. We wanted to take some time away to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and neither of us have been to Michigan. I’m sure I will do a recap, but here are a few favorite photos from our few days here:
Hello and happy Wednesday! This week is just moving right along!
Well, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, so I’m recapping how we spent the 4th.
The 4th of July used to mean the kids matching in red, white and blue, sparklers and red, white and blue waffles for breakfast. Now, apparently the 4th of July means an early alarm to watch family run a 10K. haha!
Anyway, we had a great day, and I think it was even better since the 4th was on a Friday.
Trav, Hayden and our nephew were up at 5:30, and I got up around 6:00. The Bluegrass 10K started at 7:30.
The guys were ready to run! Trav didn’t run as he wanted to bike it to support our nephew who was hoping to win and beat the course record. My other nephew was running the one mile, so Trav got him situated as well after the 10K.
Anyway, here they are outside of an Irish bar on the 4th of July ready to run 6.2 miles!
I went to my spot to cheer them on, and Jacob did win! He didn’t get the course record, but he wasn’t too far off. He earned a little money all before 8:30 am!
Hayden ran with my brother-in-law for the first three miles, and then finished up on his own. He runs faster every year, and seems to have a good time!
After the one mile run and awards, we went to brunch. If French toast or huevos rancheros are on the menu, I have a tough time deciding which one to have! I went with the eggs, and it was delish.
That afternoon, my sister-in-law invited me over to her mom’s pool. Our club pool is so crowded on the 4th that I typically steer clear! So, this nice and quiet pool was a great way to spend a couple of hours. We floated around, and even the kids weren’t there!
I took a nap when I got home, and then Trav grilled hot dogs. We kept it simple with fruit and waffle fries. It was a good meal for the 4th.
Then, we headed to our regular spot for fireworks. They go off right at 10:00, so we found a spot around 9:30. Trav’s brother, his son and wife joined us too.
It’s always an awesome display, and then we’re home a little after 10:30.
Meanwhile, Hadley was at camp having a great time. She loves camp, but this year I think she did get a bit homesick. Overall, I know she made great memories, and I appreciate her friends who are there for her when she needs them.
She did say that she missed the fireworks in our typical location…they are hard to beat!
Saturday evening, Trav and I went to the pool, and they still had the cute balloon backdrop up. Our pool does go all out with fun activities and decorations for the club members.
It was a nice holiday with just enough festive fun.
Hello and happy Tuesday! It’s also the start of Amazon Prime days.
Last month, I was “late” sharing my Prime Purchases, so I’m getting back on track sharing them today…close to the first of the month.
Before I move on with the post, I do want to acknowledge the destruction and devastation in Texas. I can’t imagine what those families and sweet campers must be feeling. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when Hadley’s camp bus pulled up late Sunday night. While she wasn’t in Texas, it’s hard having your kids away from home, in another state, when such a sad situation is unfolding. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Camp Mystic community and their families.
This month’s purchases are a mix of things for everyone in my family.
Trav is always on the kids about staying hydrated. Even in the summer, Hayden is still running most mornings, and Hadley has workouts and volleyball. He ordered these electrolytes packets, and then he put them in a mason jar with the other flavor that had arrived first. He reminds the kids to stop by “hydration station” which is what he calls the mason jar situation. haha
Travis also ordered himself a propane tank gauge…I guess he got tired of me being annoyed when he goes to grill and then realizes the tank is empty!
Hadley ordered this case for her Air Pods before she left for camp. She wanted to be able to clip them to her wristlet wallet.
Hadley’s had her eye on one of these open back tops, and she needed something blue for “red/white/blue” theme for July 4th at camp. Anyway, it’s a cute top and comes in lots of colors. I’ve washed it once, and did let it hang dry rather than put it in the dryer…just in case it were to shrink.
Hadley needed a second pair of sheets. She has one pair and a flannel pair, so now that it’s summer, it’s too hot for the flannel pair. Anyway, I chose the light blue set to match her bedding, but they come in lots of colors and patterns.
Hayden’s phone charger broke, so I ordered this two pack. Now we have a back up charger if needed. I bought the white set, but I like that there are some color options; I’ve thought about getting Hadley the pink set, so they don’t get their chargers mixed up and then fight about it…ugh.
I hadn’t bought a new swimsuit this year, but I had this one saved in one of my Amazon lists. I’ve been going to the pool much more frequently lately, so I did order this one and it’s the CUPSHE brand. I originally saved it because it has the thin straps and most of my swimsuits have thicker straps. Anyway, I’ve already worn in a few times, and the straps are adjustable.
After the kids had their wisdom teeth extracted, I wanted a night light in the hall just so it’s easier to see if any of us got up in the nighttime. I guess that applies to all nights, but I was just thinking in case they got up as they usually sleep through the night…and into lunchtime. haha
I bought the “warm light” set, but there are a few colors tones.
Lastly, my dad wanted a new folding chair for his back porch, and this one was his request. We have two folding chairs that rock, so I can appreciate why this would be a top request for him. He takes his bird watching and cigar smoking on his back porch very seriously!
With Prime Days starting today, I know there will be lots of posts in the blog world and on social media. I may share some of my faves on Instagram as the week goes on, but I don’t have a Prime Days post planned. I have a short list, but it’s mostly for school. I have my eye on this rolling desk to use as a podium in the front of my classroom, this digital clock and some power strips. I will say, I’ve really thought about purchasing a walking pad for home (not for school!), and I’d say Prime Days would be the time to do it. I have three saved, but this one has the most reviews. If you have any walking pad recs, I’ll take them!
As always, I appreciate when you use my links to shop. I’m always grateful to earn a bit on Amazon every month, and that’s because of you!
We’ve had a great week of summer, and it was nice to not have too much our agenda. With today being a holiday, I’m not sure who all is blogging, but I can’t miss a Friday Favorites post with Andrea and Erika.
Here are some favorites from the week:
We have two hydrangea bushes in our yard, one in the back and one in the front. The backyard one rarely seems to bloom, but the one in the front yard is so pretty.
Trav told me I should snip a few blooms, so I can enjoy them in the house, and that’s just what I did. The pink is so pretty, and hydrangeas are one of my fave flowers.
Speaking of flowers, this lovely bouquet arrived, and these flowers are oh so pretty.
So pretty that I bumped the hydrangeas to another spot, so I can enjoy these in the family room..
We had one more update to the hall bathroom. This picture of the kids in the bathtub is one of my faves. We had it in a simple black frame, and once we put the bathroom back together, I wasn’t sure what do to with the photo. Trav even told me I had to find a place for it in the new bathroom because it’s just a favorite of ours. So, I found this pretty gold frame at Michael’s and we hung it this week. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this small blank wall.
Hadley and I had a couple of errands on Monday, and she likes driving me around. We tried a new coffee shop, and the first iced coffee that I saw on the menu was “the teacher.” It has vanilla, lavender, and honey, so I knew I’d like it…and I did! It hit the spot on a hot afternoon.
Hadley left for camp this week, and I sure am missing her. Look at this cute group of “Lucky Charms.” She will be home on Sunday, and we can’t wait to see her!
I was highly influenced by Amy when she shared her Aerie finds. Cornflower blue is my favorite color recently, so I just knew I needed to snag this sweatshirt. Aerie was having a sale, so I snagged the shorts too! I probably could have sized down in both, but I rolled the shorts once, and they fit perfectly and I liked the length that way. And, as you know, I love an over-sized sweatshirt, so I’m keeping both as is.
Yay! for pool time this week. I went to our pool a couple of days, and then Hayden and I went to my sister-in-law’s mom’s pool at her house to swim one afternoon. The temps have been hot, but not too bad…and even better when we’re just floating in the pool.
I shared a few July book trackers on Instagram. I love when others use them to share what they’re reading. They are saved to an Insta highlight, and feel free to tag me if you use them.
Favorite Foods:
Is she a food blogger now? I had a few recipes that I really liked this week.
Sunday, I wasn’t sure what to make the rest of the week, so I placed a quick Kroger delivery to get us through the weekend. I decided to try a slow cooker recipe I’d seen on Tik Tok. (@therapybysourdough)
In your slow cooker, put 6-8 chicken thighs. Then, add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 1/2 tablespoons of seasoning salt, and 2 table spoons of brown sugar.
Cook on low for four hours. Then, I steamed frozen broccoli in the microwave and when it was time to eat, I added the broccoli to the slow cooker. I microwaved Trader Joe’s Jasmine rice, and served dinner on the cooked rice.
This was easy and delish, and I will definitely make it again!
Then, as I was making my grocery list for the rest of the week, I was scrolling Pinterest and saw this recipe that I used to make all the time a few years ago. It’s perfect for low carb days that I try to do on Mondays and Tuesdays.
I made a batch and had some for lunch both of those days with this chips and and apple and peanut butter. Homer really wanted some too!
Lastly, I was trying to find an easy meal to make on Wednesday, and I stumbled upon these meatball subs. I just knew Hayden and Trav would love them, and they were a hit! I ended up buying mini hoagies which held three meatballs…perfect! These will also be added into the dinner rotation!
Favorite Mom Meme:
I will actually miss this once all the teens are driving…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Well, you knew I would have to share a few 4th of July throwback photos.
I love the 4th of July, and miss the days of the kids dressing in red, white and blue. Heck, at this point, I miss the kids just being home on the 4th. Hadley tends to be at camp most of the time on the 4th.
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts this week! Also, if you read my SSYS post on Wednesday, I’ve updated it to include a few favorites if you’re interested in trying out that online shop.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared a This or That post. Usually, I find them on Pinterest or Instagram, but the one I’m sharing today is one that I created. I guess with the calendar flipping to July this week, I’m really trying to focus on all of the goodness of summer.
Here’s my Summer This or That:
Pool or beach: Well, really my answer is that I love both. Obviously, I love whenever we can get to the beach, but I get to the pool as much as possible in the summer.
Sundress or Shorts: I’m definitely more of a dress girl. That being said, Amy influenced me, and I’m loving my new shorts from Aerie. I’ve also been wearing these shorts from Target this summer.
S’mores or ice cream sandwich: To me, nothing says “summer” more than a s’mores.
Sleep in or wake up early: I’m still a pretty early riser, but I love not setting an alarm and sleeping in a bit. During the school year, I get up at 5:50, so in the summer, if I can sleep until 7:30, that’s really sleeping in for me. That being said, I’ve made a run at 9:00 and even 9:30 a time or two this summer; it’s been glorious.
June or July: I love the month of June. It’s just the best with the start of summer and typically when we go on vacation. That being said, I love the 4th of July…but then I start thinking about school a bit which is no fun! Notice I didn’t include August as a choice…that’s my least favorite month of the year!
Sunrise or sunset: I’m a sunset girl for sure. I love beach sunsets, but I’ve seen a few pretty moments this summer too…just looking out from my front porch.
Hot coffee or iced coffee: I still love hot coffee in the morning, but over the past year or so, I will occasionally get an iced coffee from Starbucks. My fave is the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. I also love iced coffee when we’re in warm locations like on vacation…plus, it’s fun to try new coffee shops.
Carnival rides or carnival food: I’m not much of a carnival gal, but I do love a funnel cake!
Sunglasses or hat: I chose hat for my answer, but I can’t leave home without sunglasses either. I’m a ball cap girl for sure…especially in the summer or on the weekend. My favorite pool/beach hat is now this one, and these are still my “go to” sunglasses.
Bikini or one piece: I’m a one piece girl all the way…always have been, always will be. I just ordered this one this month, and it’s been perfect. I love the thin straps and fun pattern. I always size up one in swimsuits.
Sandals or wedges: I’d fall over in wedges, so simple sandals are my fave. I wear the heck out of these rose gold ones (I size up one full size) along with my two pairs of thin strapped sandals from Target last year.
BBQ or bonfire: BBQ for sure. I don’t love how smoky bonfires are….a well-contained fire pit is ok with me. I’m so much fun. haha
Prime sale or other sales: Honestly, I know all the summer sales can be a lot and all you hear about. I do appreciate the Prime deals, and typically make a list of a few things to order, but I definitely don’t go overboard. I do have a list of a few items I’d like to get for my classroom.
Pineapple or watermelon: I love both, but I always think of watermelon in the summer time. It’s definitely a family favorite.
Reading list or play list: I love my summer reading list. I typically read a few other books, but my reading list guides what I request from the library or even what books I take on trips or poolside to read. That being said, with the kids driving me around this summer, we’ve been listening to their playlists which has been fun.
I’ll share this template on Instagram. If you want to share your answers, feel free to tag me!
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