Well, it was bound to happen…this is my last Friday off this summer. I’ve had a good run of not setting an alarm, sipping my coffee for an hour, and not having too much of a schedule…but…I guess all good things must come to an end!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Well, this post will be kind of short and sweet as yesterday was the most hectic day, and I ran out of time. I didn’t anticipate being a full-time mom taxi as well as some school commitments and last minute back to school errands.
That being said, the week mostly centered around watching the Olympics, working on school things, running last errands, taking the kids where they needed to go and finishing up my summer “to do” list.
Last weekend, Hadley had her first high school volleyball tournament, and it was quite the weekend! Her freshman team played quite a few JV teams, but they hung in there. It was fun watching her play the Libero position, and overall, they played six games last weekend.
She let me snap her pic once we got home from her Saturday games.
It was Hayden’s turn to spend some time at the lake with friends. He was gone for a couple of nights, and he had a really great time.
I’ve had the Olympics on non-stop. It’s been so fun watching some of the major events/competitions live and not have to wait for prime time coverage. Monday and Tuesday, we had dreary weather which made an even better excuse to just stay home and watch the Olympics.
I’ve watched rugby, water polo, gymnastics, beach and indoor volleyball, swimming, diving, and more! We can’t wait for track to start!
I shared favorite memes on Tuesday, but then I saw this one yesterday.
Homer fits the bill for these gold medals!
I shared my August book trackers on Instagram last night. Feel free to use them and tag me!
Here are a couple that I created:
Favorite Mom Meme:
Oh…this is sooo relatable…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
Hayden and Hadley went to 9th grade orientation at school this week. Yesterday, they got their schedules and tried to find their way around the building. It was funny seeing them and their friends in the hallways.
It feels just like yesterday that I took them to their elementary school to look around.
*sigh* I didn’t even bother asking them to take a pic yesterday at school. haha
Blogiversary:
This Sunday is my 5 year “Blogiversary” for Show Me and Sweet Tea! Where has the time gone?! I continue to enjoy this hobby of mine!
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from this week in case you missed one. It goes without saying, I appreciate all those who show up here and take the time to read my posts 🙂
Fun fact about me…August is my least favorite month. haha!
This might explain why:
The transition back to school is always a little rough, and it’s just a month where I always feel like there’s a lot on my plate.
Anyway, I did get another month of workouts in, and I’m chugging right along.
Here’s my Bodi tracker for July:
Here are my workouts this month:
July 3:walk 40 minutes track by my dad’s house
July 4: walk 40 minutes track by my dad’s house
July 5: walk 40 minutes near my mom’s house
I will be honest that it was difficult for me to get motivated to workout this month. A good compromise were these Xtend Barre Express workouts and a walk around the block later in the day. I’d completed Andrea’s other barre program, and I like her as an instructor…and I like the convenience of my basement to try out her barre workouts…because let’s get real…I’m not ballerina! haha
July 8:Xtend BarreXpress:Xtend Signature Express
July 10:Xtend Barre Xpress: Cardio Express and walk
July 11:Xtend Barre Xpress: Ballet Sculpt Express AND Core Express
July 12:Xtend Barre Xpress: Sculpt and Define Express and walk
July 16:Xtend Barre Xpress: Legs Express and walk
July 18: Xtend Barre Xpress: Flexibility and Balance Express
July 23:Xtend Barre Xpress: Booty Express and walk
July 24:Fire and Flow: Mobility Flow 1 (It felt good to stretch!)
July 25: Sure Thing: Hybrid Strength Circuit
July 29:Sure Thing: Strength and Stability (such a hard but great workout!)
July 30:Sure Thing: Cardio Conditioning (I don’t think I will never not hate cardio, but I do try and “push play” at least a couple of days a week with cardio workouts.
July 31:Job 1: Finish Stronger: Arms, Shoulders, Legs
This month I did earn my 300 total workouts badge from Bodi. I joined Bodi a few years ago, so while it’s probably taken me some time to earn the 300 workout badge, I’d say in the past year and a half, I’ve used their various programs pretty consistently.
Screenshot
July has 31 days, and I did 15 workouts. I wish I’d squeaked a few more in, but I did start the month being out of town, and there were a couple of days that I chose the pool or was just lazy! While I know I never regret working out, I also know that as July ticked on, I didn’t mind watching a show, reading a book, taking a nap, or staying at the pool a bit longer.
August tends to be a hectic month with back to school, but I’m going to try to start off strong knowing that the second half of August might be a bigger adjustment juggling kids’ after school activities with the start of school exhaustion.
I hope you’ve been having a great week. I’ve spent the past two days at home working on school stuff, finishing up some of my summer “to do” list and watching the Olympics. It’s been fun to watch events like gymnastics “live,” so I’ve been taking advantage of having the time to do that.
Well, it’s officially the last day of the month, so I’m sharing the books I read in July.
Your girl was on a reading roll this month!
Here are the books I read this month:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The Darlings:
Summary:
On a secluded stretch of Cape Cod, a wedding is being planned at a beloved beach house—only for a long kept secret to emerge that hurtles both the wedding and the family off course, in this fresh, lyrical new novel from the acclaimed author of the “charming and warmhearted” ( PopSugar ) The Summer House.
At age ninety-two, Tish Darling is the matriarch and protector of what’s left of the Darling family fortune, including the decades-old beach house, Riptide. Located on the crook of Cape Cod, it’s a place she once loved but has not returned to in decades, since a tragic family accident one perfect summer day. Still, she is determined to keep Riptide in the family. Even if that means going back there on the cusp of her granddaughter’s wedding. Even if it means revealing someone else’s truth.
Her daughter-in-law Cora has her own complicated feelings surrounding Tish’s return as well as doubts about her place within the Darling family. After all, Cora came into the family carrying a secret that her husband promised to keep for her forever. Tish’s sudden return to Riptide may force everything they’ve worked so hard to protect out into the light.
Meanwhile, Cora’s eldest daughter, Andi isn’t exactly looking forward to her little sister’s wedding so soon after her own divorce. To make matters worse, her ex has arrived on the Cape with his insufferable new girlfriend. Andi has no idea how she’ll be able to survive this family reunion…until she bumps into an old friend from the past. A friend who may just offer her a second chance.
As the three distinct generations of Darling women arrive at Riptide, they have no idea that this summer will forever change them. One old secret, kept with the best of intentions, threatens to not only divide the family, but shatter each member’s sense of who they really are. Can the ties that bind survive, when the history you’ve always been told turns out to be untrue?
Quick Thoughts:
This book was one of my summer reading list books. Like Nantucket, I enjoy reading books set in beach towns like the Cape. I appreciated the elements of drama that come with having a large family. Overall, this was an easy read that I enjoyed.
Rating:
A Hundred Summers:
Summary:
Memorial Day, 1938: New York socialite Lily Dane has just returned with her family to the idyllic oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, expecting another placid summer season among the familiar traditions and friendships that sustained her after heartbreak.
That is, until the Greenwalds decide to take up residence in Seaview.
Nick and Budgie Greenwald are an unwelcome specter from Lily’s past: her former best friend and her former fiancé, now recently married—an event that set off a wildfire of gossip among the elite of Seaview, who have summered together for generations. Budgie’s arrival to restore her family’s old house puts her once more in the center of the community’s social scene, and she insinuates herself back into Lily’s friendship with an overpowering talent for seduction…and an alluring acquaintance from their college days, Yankees pitcher Graham Pendleton. But the ties that bind Lily to Nick are too strong and intricate to ignore, and the two are drawn back into long-buried dreams, despite their uneasy secrets and many emotional obligations.
Under the scorching summer sun, the unexpected truth of Budgie and Nick’s marriage bubbles to the surface, and as a cataclysmic hurricane barrels unseen up the Atlantic and into New England, Lily and Nick must confront an emotional cyclone of their own, which will change their worlds forever.
Quick Thoughts:
This was another book on my summer reading list, and I loved it. I’m not sure if I’ve read any other Beatriz Williams books, but this won’t be the last one of hers that I read. Some of the characters were likable, whereas others weren’t, but that’s something I liked about the story. Also, the story was told flashing back about seven years , and I liked seeing how the story and character progressed. You know I love historical fiction, and this one was my only five star book of July.
Rating:
Boys in the Boat:
Summary:
For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant.
It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.
Quick Thoughts:
So, I’d heard of this movie, and I remembered that I wanted to see it in the theater but never did. When the movie was out, that’s when I realized it was a book. Anyway, on the flight home from Seattle to Cinci, it was one of the movie options. I rarely watch movies or shows on the plane, but I jumped at the chance to watch it. Anyway, I loved it! I even quietly clapped when the guys won gold. Hayden nudged me because I was “cringey” embarrassing.
Anyway, the book didn’t disappoint either. It went into more detail about the athletes’ lives, their college years, the training, and more. I really loved both the book and the movie. Also, there’s a young adult version of the book. I think Hayden would like it!
Anyway, if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, I definitely recommend them both.
Rating:
The Summer Pact:
Summary:
Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and law school hopeful from D.C.; Summer, a recruited athlete and perfectionist from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after moving into their shared dorm, they strike up a conversation in a study lounge, and the seeds of friendship are planted.
As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, a pact is made to be there for each other in their time of need, no matter how separated they are by circumstances or distance.
Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.
In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help pick up the pieces?
Quick Thoughts:
I’ve read quite a few Emily Giffin books, and this one was also on my summer reading list. I was on the library wait list for quite some time, so I went ahead and bought it.
This book covers the serious topic of suicide, but from it the bond between the other three friends grows stronger. I liked how different the friends were and how they were there for each other. I appreciated the setting of Capri, Italy and loved following along on their journey there. There were some parts of the book that just seemed a little odd like some of the plot changed quickly and sometimes I was like, “huh?” but anyway, it’s a good summer read for sure.
Rating:
I continued my new found hobby of enjoying listening to memoirs and listened to two books.
Matthew Perry’s Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing:
Summary:
“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”
So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.
In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thingis an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.
Quick Thoughts:
I loved watching Friends, and like most everyone was stopped in my tracks upon hearing about Matthew Perry’s death less than a year ago. He was certainly a guy who fought demons for quite some time…more than I assume most people realized.
The opening line of the book that’s at the beginning of the summary is haunting. Hearing him tell his life story was also a bit haunting.
His childhood was interesting, and I’d forgotten that he was a good tennis player and that his mother is married to Keith Morrison from Dateline NBC. Of course, I loved hearing about the in’s and out’s of Friends. I felt sad for him in many ways. I think it was difficult for him in relationships, and it was sad when he’d talk about relationships that never worked out…or how he wished he’d had children.
Overall, I’m glad that I listened to this book, and hearing him read it made more of an impact as well.
Rating:
Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights:
Summary:
From the Academy Award®–winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.
I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.
Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life’s challenges – how to get relative with the inevitable – you can enjoy a state of success I call “catching greenlights.”
So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seens, felts and figured-outs, cools and shamefuls. Graces, truths, and beauties of brutality. Getting away withs, getting caughts, and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.
Hopefully, it’s medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot’s license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.
It’s a love letter. To life.
It’s also a guide to catching more greenlights – and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.
Good luck.
Quick Thoughts:
I was on the library wait list for a bit for this book, but it was worth the wait. I absolutely loved hearing Matthew McConaughey share his story. I usually listen to podcasts or books on 1.5 setting, but I had to slow down to 1.25 to understand Matthew’s words as he read. His accent is great, but even better was the way he told his story. If there was an exciting part, he narrated as if he was telling the story to his best friend. He’d stop and chuckle or change the cadence or inflection in his voice.
I loved hearing about his time in Australia after college…what an experience! How he got into acting, the movies that he was in, how he met and fell in love with his wife, how he walked away from acting for a couple of years to kind of “reinvent” himself, and more.
I really enjoyed listening to his story, his bumper sticker sayings, poems he wrote, and hearing the famous, “Alright, alright, alright!”
I love the idea of looking for “green lights” along the way in life.
Rating:
Do you have any suggestions of good audio books for me to listen to? I just am not sure I can follow a plot on audio which is why I think memoirs have been working for me.
Summer Reading Update:
I’ve done a pretty good job chipping away at my summer reading list.
Read: This Summer Will Be Different, The Summer of Songbirds, The Darlings, A Hundred Summers, and The Summer Pact
Ready to Read:A Happier Life and Swan Song – I just got both of these books from the library after being on the wait list for a bit. The Comeback Summer is on my Kindle.
On library wait list:On Fire Island
Even with what I’m sure will be a busy August getting back to school, I hope to at least read Swan Song and A Happier Life in August.
When people ask if I’m ready go to back to school, my response is always “no” and that I will miss having more time to read. haha
As this month is wrapping up, you know I have memes and books to share, but the weekend got away from me so…
…is coming at you on a Tuesday. Please bear with me as I say goodbye to summer break. haha
Anyway, here are some of the memes that made me laugh this month:
Y’all, I can’t get enough of the Olympic coverage. Yesterday was a pretty dreary day, so I mostly hung out at home, prepped for the upcoming school year, and watched all the Olympic coverage I could in real time.
So, this Olympic meme is timely:
I would definitely win a gold medal 😂:
A funny (annoying?) thing about my kids is that when their dirty clothes baskets are filled to the brim, they’ll ask me, “Mom, can we do laundry today?” The word “we” is funny…I think they mean, “Mom, will you do my laundry today?” haha
I typically do the washing, and they have to put it away. Well, yesterday, Hadley’s clothes sat in the wash for most of the day. I completely forgot to move them to the dryer until dinnertime!
Oof! Back to school shopping continues to be expensive. Also, fun fact…Hayden has way more tennis shoes than Hadley does. haha
This meme is Hadley:
Yes–why is this always the case?
Ok – this meme really made me laugh. I don’t feel like my parents were this way with me, but I kind of am with my kids…especially with Hadley and her busy social calendar.
We have to change our school passwords a couple times a year, and I swear it’s harder and harder for me to come up with a password that meets the criteria, and also be one that I can remember!
I don’t have a Costco membership, but this meme really made me laugh!
“It’s called ‘mom tax'” is a hilarious response to this. I’m guilty of eating a couple of extra Chick-fil-A waffle fries on the way home if no one is with me.
The last couple of weeks have been a bit less hectic, and it’s been nice to be home, but I’m a little concerned that I’m starting the school year just as tired as how I ended the school year.
And of course this one rings true for me:
Slow down summer!
Can you relate to any of these memes? Tomorrow, I will have a post with my July books. I had a great month of reading.
I’m back with another “Summer Sunday” post thanks to my candle collection.
I have a shelf in my hall closet where I keep my candles. One thing about me is that I refuse to throw a candle away unless I’ve burned it completely. Another thing about me is that I think certain candles can only be burned during certain times of the year. Vanilla bean is about the only candle acceptable year round candle.
Why am I the way that I am?! haha
Well, when I think of summer, I automatically think of citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit. Coconut is another scent I love in the summer but usually think more of body wash or lotion for that.
The seasonal scents in my house usually center around candles and even hand soaps. I buy most of my candles and soaps from Bath and Body Works, and I appreciate their coupons and deals. That being said, I also love Antique Candle Co and Life in Lilac candles too.
Here are some of my favorite summer scents:
These candles are in my current rotation:
Strawberry Melon
Raspberries and Whipped Vanilla
Vanilla Cloud
Summer Rose Bud (This one has been a favorite of mine this summer)
I picked up these in the spring, but I chose them knowing I’d burn them in the summer too:
Sugar Lemon Zest
Lavender Vanilla
Pink Apple Punch (another fave!)
Sunshine Glow
It’s hard for me to resist Trader Joe’s cute little tins:
Mango Tangerine
Grapefruit
Peony Blossom
My current hand soaps:
I love having lemon in the kitchen, and then “White Waves” and “LavenderCloud” are in our two upstairs bathrooms.
Pretty soon it will be time for me to transition the candles and soaps in my house to apples and pumpkins.
Well, I’m trying to stay positive, but this time next week I will officially have to be thinking about school since my meetings/professional development start on Monday, August 5th.
I will be soaking up my summer days until then.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the past week.
Well, I’m taking it back all the way to last Friday when I spent most of the day at the pool. Unfortunately, this week has been pretty overcast with some rain, so I haven’t had any more pool time. Maybe I can go there for a couple of hours today?
I bought Emily Giffin’s new book, and I’m really enjoying it.
Hadley went to the lake last weekend with her friend which is always a good time.
Instead of buying flowers at Trader Joe’s this week, I cut a few off of our huge hydrangea bush, and they are so pretty.
The only thing that gets me somewhat excited about back to school is when I purchase my planner. This is the third or fourth year that I’m using the Happy Planner. After using the big version a few years ago, I’ve bought the smaller version ever since. That being said, the layout I prefer can apparently only be found in the set that comes with some stickers. I always find these at Michael’s, and they are always at least 30% off + I get a teacher discount!
The next step for me is to actually open the box and start writing in meeting dates and kids’ activities. Maybe I will get to that this weekend.
Last Saturday night I had the house to myself, and I watched I Am Celine Dion. Wow! It broke my heart. While what she’s going through isn’t a favorite, she’s always been a singer that I love.
OK! I have to get back on track next week. This week, I had too many sweets. While I was out running errands last weekend, I picked up this s’mores cupcake as my Saturday night dessert, and it was so good.
Then, on Sunday, we celebrated Trav’s mom’s birthday, and the cake from Costco was so delish!
Have you seen these pizza cookies at Aldi? Run, don’t walk! They are less than $4, and they are baked in less than five minutes. This is my second time picking one up at Aldi.
It’s even better with a scoop of ice cream!
Well, after eating all those sweets, I was happy to see this notification after one of my workouts this week. I’ve completed 300 workouts on Bodi since I started using their programs. I’ve been subscribing to Bodi for a couple of years.
This Walmart robe has been floating around the internet, and I’ve been tempted to order it. I have a heavier robe from Target that I pretty much wear year round, but I thought this one would be great to try in the warmer months.
It comes in so many colors, and is less than $15!
I purchased the robe and thisTime and Tru dress, and I’m keeping both. Clearly, I’m loving teal this summer.
I was at Dick’s Sporting Goods with Hadley this week, and saw these cute lunchboxes! Oh my…I had a purple Jansport backpack that got me through my high school years. These lunchboxes were a blast from the past.
Favorite Mom Meme(s):
Like I’ve previously shared this week, Hayden’s cross country conditioning has started, and he has to be at school at 6am. So…this one doesn’t apply to him, but Hadley’s sleeping in days are numbered.
Twice this week, she had to get up at 9:30, so I could take the kids to their workout, and you would have thought I asked her to get up at 6:30!!
Woof! Hayden’s bedroom is a danger zone!! I had hoped we’d tackle his room this summer, and it seems we’re running out of time. We need to prioritize his room and get something accomplished.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
The summer of 2018 is when we realized Hayden was blind as a bat! Whoops.
I love memories that pop up with him in his glasses. I also love that he wanted the sports goggles. For a couple of years, the goggles were all that he wore.
I miss little Hayden so much.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts this week in case you missed one!
What are your weekend plans? It’s Hayden’s turn to head to the lake with some friends…and my girl has her FIRST high school volleyball tournament. I can’t wait to cheer her on!
I’ve missed a couple of months of musings, so I’m happy to be back with Patty and Holly for this month’s link up.
This month’s topic is “late summer fashion and fun.”
1. Summer travel – where have you been and what trips are still coming up?
We kicked off summer by going to KC to see family. We went to the Royals game, and they had a big comeback win which was fun to experience.
Then, had our big vacation to the PNW which was for sure a highlight of the summer.
We don’t have any trips planned as back to school time is approaching.
2. Favorite things you have done so far this summer?
Our vacation was definitely a favorite. It’s been nice to have some pool time too. I’ve been able to read more than ever which has been great.
I don’t feel like we’ve done much with friends (like impromptu get togethers) or done some of our traditions like making s’mores or going to the movies.
The kids have been able to hang with friends quite a bit, but they’ve also been very busy with their extra curricular activities, so it’s been a different kind of summer. Or…maybe this is the “new normal” of summer.
3. Share your go-to summer outfits this summer.
I honestly feel like lazy bum outfit-wise this summer. If I’m not in PJs, I’m at the pool or just dressed in my typical athleisure.
This “tent top” is one of my favorites. It’s lightweight, soft, and easy to throw on and go.
I also have this Amazon shirt in pink and gray, and I love it. (It’s currently on sale and has a 20% off coupon)
I have dressed up a few times….
And…just this week my Time and Tru dress from Walmart arrived. It’s lightweight, comes in a few colors, has pockets, and is less than $15! This dress also comes in plus sizes too.
Please forgive my messy hair, I was in the middle of my closet clean out (finally!), and remembered that I hadn’t tried the dress on yet.
4. Summer accessories you are never without?
I say the same thing every time there’s an accessories question, but I typically wear the same jewelry every day. This summer, I’ve been wearing this initial necklace, and I love it. I haven’t taken it off in over a month when I got it.
My necklace is rose gold, but it comes in gold and silver as well. Also, it’s actually two necklaces, but I only wear the initial one since I have another necklace I wear.
Sandals are my shoe of choice in the summer, and I have so many favorites.
6. Share anything spontaneous you did this summer. Big or small.
This question made me feel so lame! haha
It’s just been kind of nice to do whatever the kids want in the summer. Now, don’t get it twisted…they don’t necessarily want to hang with me all the time, but it’s nice going to get a Sonic cherry limeade after their workout or making a dessert of their choice after dinner.
I “spontaneously” added a couple of days to my second KC trip of the summer, but that’s because my dad needed a couple of extra days of help after his knee surgery.
7. Have you seen any summer movies this year?
And…I’m continuing to be lame…I haven’t seen any summer movies this summer. That being said, I’ve caught up on some of my favorite shows and watched other shows like America’s Sweethearts and Presumed Innocent.
I do want to see Twisters in the theater, and I’m hoping to get that accomplished before we go back to school.
8. Favorite summer sweet treat?
I’m still loving these frozen Kind bars. I get them at Target, but I also found them at Walmart last time I was there.
9. Summer slow down or ready for fall?
Again, I’m probably a broken record, but summer goes by too quickly. I wish our summer was Memorial Day to Labor Day like the “good old days!” haha
I definitely wish summer would slow down. Once it’s September though, I will be ready for cooler temps and fall!
10. Ready for back to school, if you have kids in school?
I’m not ready to go back to school…but I’m never ready. Then, once the school year starts, I’m fine. If we could just show up on the first day and start teaching, I think I’d dread it less. I just don’t look forward to professional development days and meetings when there’s just always so many other things we need to get done.
I have purchased my desk calendar and planner, and I always enjoy writing down dates and activities to start the school year as organized as possible.
That being said, I think the kids are feeling somewhat ready to start school. I know the transition to high school has them feeling a little nervous, but I’m glad they’re starting the school year already involved in sports, so being up at school has eased some of those nerves.
I’m excited to have them at school with me. It should be interesting!!
I love this link up about seasonal questions; I’m happy I was able to join this month.
Hello! How is your week going? We’ve had a couple of cloudy and rainy days which I guess we need, but I’ve been wanting to make the most of the time I have left for pool days. I have been able to be productive at home when not taking the kids where they need to go.
Anyway…
I’m happy to link up with Joyce for her fun Hodgepodge post.
Here are my answers to this week’s questions:
1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose?
We will be watching as much Olympic coverage as we can! Of course, after our trip to Eugene for the Olympic track trials, we will definitely be watching track!
That being said, there probably isn’t an event I won’t watch. I always love watching gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball.
It’s not the summer Olympics, but I was on maternity leave with the kids in the winter of 2010, and I remember loving watching all the coverage since I was mostly at home during that time. It was an added bonus to maternity leave for sure.
2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you’d like to visit? What’s your favorite ‘French thing’?
When I was sixteen, I went on a tour of Europe for high school band. We started in England and ended in Germany and visited a few other countries in between…including France (Paris). I do remember being in awe of the Eiffel Tower and enjoying Paris. Of course, I’d love to go back at some point.
I’d say my favorite “French thing” would be a baguette! I love bread! I also remember eating a lot of ham and cheese on baguettes while there, and this may explain why my love for a Jimmy John’s Slim 1 runs deep!
3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair…your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed?
Hadley loves macaroons, and I do too! I even included this macaroon print (top right) when we redid her room this past winter.
If she sees a macaroon, she wants one…including when we went to Pike Place Market in Seattle.
4. July 24th is National Cousins Day…do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th?
I have six cousins…and they are all on my dad’s side. My dad has three brothers, and they all had two kids. We grew up seeing each other quite a bit, but two of my cousins have always lived in Chicago, and they could come in town for some holidays and in the summer.
My dad has quite a few cousins, and I see them at holidays, and often refer to them as my cousins too…since that’s easier and we see them when we can.
My brother and I are the only kids on my mom’s side, so we always got all the attention 🙂
I’m very thankful that my kids have so many cousins who are they are pretty close with even with the age ranges.
My mother-in-law celebrated a big birthday this past weekend, so all the cousins were together which was fun to see.
Also, my kids get to see my brother’s kids all the time since they live nearby. It’s fun going to their games and seeing them when we can.
5. Last time you went somewhere that felt like ‘everyone and his cousin‘ was there?
I feel that way any time I go to the mall. haha
I don’t fly often, but I flew a few times this summer…and the airport definitely always felt congested and hectic!! (and delayed! haha)
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Woof. It’s only been two days of Hayden’s 6am cross country practices, and we are all on the struggle bus. Well, not Hadley; she can sleep through almost anything.
That being said, I’m not even the one waking up early to take him. So far, Travis has gotten Hayden up and taken him, gone to workout himself, and then brings Hayden home before going to work. That being said, neither of them are very quiet in the morning, so of course I hear both alarms and all their walking up and down the hall, filling up the water bottle, and more.
This summer, I’ve often wished my kids could drive. I know when that time really comes, I will be a nervous wreck, but truly, if they could drive within a five mile radius of my house, I think I’m ready for that.
Hello and happy Tuesday! I didn’t mean to skip blogging yesterday, but the weekend got away from me.
**I shared this post last summer, and I wanted to update it after our trip to the PNW , share recent DC info, and in a couple of states thanks to road trips)**
Since we are in the thick of summer, it got me thinking about travel. While we do go to a few places throughout the year, we tend to travel a bit more in the summer.
Growing up, we didn’t go on yearly vacations. We spent lots of time at the Lake of the Ozarks…and when we did go on vacations, they were usually farther away and for at least a week.
These days, it does feel like people travel more. Also, I guess since I live in Lexington, we can get to the beach in about nine hours. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to tally how many states I’ve visited.
I’ve also shared before that while we have some favorite places to visit, we do make an effort to take the kids somewhere new when we can.
When I’m counting states visited, it means I’ve stayed there or spent some time there.
Honestly, I feel like I’m “blanking” and maybe I’ve been to another state or two…but I guess the updated total is 26.
Alabama- We’ve pit stopped in Birmingham, AL the past two fall breaks on our way to Florida.
Arizona – We took the kids to Arizona/Grand Canyon in the summer of 2018. I blogged about that trip. I also went to Arizona on spring break in college one year.
California– I’ve been to California many times. The first time I ever went was in 1992…I think. My aunt and uncle had moved to Santa Ana, and we visited them. While we were there, we went to Disneyland too. We went back to California when I was in high school. By that time, my aunt and uncle (and cousins) had moved back to KC, but they went with us on a trip to northern California.
In 2008, Travis and I spent over a week in San Fransisco and Napa.
Travis and I went to San Diego in December of 2012…(maybe?) to watch our nephew run in a Foot Locker national cross country race. It was really neat to be there in December.
In 2018, after going to Arizona, we headed even further west to San Diego with the kids. That was their first (and only time so far) in California. We were there four days and drove to LA for a couple days before going home.
I’ve also been to Del Mar with Travis a couple of times when he’s gone there for work. It really is one of my favorite places.
Colorado – I’ve only been to Colorado one time, and it was during the summer when I was a kid. My grandparents spent the month of July there, so we went to visit them. While it’s not a short drive, I am still surprised we didn’t go there another time or two since just the state of Kansas separates KC and Colorado.
We would like to take the kids there one day…and I still think we’d go in the summer.
Florida – Florida is one of our favorite vacay destinations. We go to Siesta Key every few years and then we went to the Destin/30A area for fall break last year. (recap part 1 // recap part 2)
Georgia – I’ve been to Georgia only a couple of times…once to Atlanta to watch the Cats play…I think it was the Sweet 16 game in 2012.
Then, more recently, Travis and I went to Julep Farm in Dillard, GA.
Illinois – I have mostly only driven through Illinois, but we visited my Chicago family a couple of times when I was younger. I am surprised we haven’t gone more considering Chicago has lots to do and is only a five hour drive or so from Lex.
Indiana – While Indiana is close by, I think I’ve only been there (for an extended period of time) once. I think it was 2014 and on spring break, we took the kids there because Kentucky was playing in the Elite 8.
I remember Hadley shaking her bell (see photo below) at an opposing fan and yelling, “Go Cats!” 😆
We also went to the children’s museum and the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner one night.
Kansas – Fun fact: Kansas City is in Missouri …not Kansas…I’m always surprised that people don’t often realize that. That being said, there is a Kansas City, KS, but I don’t think most people know that either. The big Kansas City is KCMO. I have quite a few family members who live in Kansas (and cheer for KU — we love them anyway) 😉
Kentucky – I can’t believe I’ve lived here for 19 years! I’ve grown to love the Bluegrass State.
Maine – One summer when I was in high school, we flew to Boston, and rented a car. We spent time in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. I do remember Maine being so pretty. We actually went on a whale watching tour…and I remember when my mom went to get that roll of film developed, the film place lost the photos. She was so bummed.
Maine is another place I’d like to get back to and take the kids.
Massachusetts – Same trip as with Maine. I’ve only really been to Boston. I do remember walking the Freedom Trail and visiting the Cheers bar.
Minnesota – In high school, my family went to Minnesota for a vacation. I remember my brother and I getting stuck in the middle of a lake on a paddle boat. haha
I also visited my friend, who lived in Minnesota at the time, after she had her first baby.
On both of those trips to Minnesota, I visited the Mall of America 🙂
Missouri – I obviously know my way around Missouri 🙂
Nevada – Travis and I went to Lake Tahoe for our 10th wedding anniversary. We waited to go over my fall break rather than in June. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and it was so nice. Truckee, CA was nearby and super cute. I’d really love to go back to Tahoe.
New Hampshire – We went to NH on the same Mass/Maine vacation.
New York– I’ve only been to New York once, and it was when I was twenty. I visited my friend who was staying there for the summer.
In 2020, we had our whole trip to New York planned for spring break with the kids, but then the world shut down…
North Carolina – We’ve been to Asheville many times, and recently we went to Highlands, NC when we went to Julep Farms.
Ohio– Living close to Cincinnati, we’ve been there quite a few times. We’ve gone to Reds games, shopped at Ikea, gone to Kings Island, been to a Chris Stapleton concert at Riverbend and more.
Oregon- For the first half of our PNW vacation, we spent two nights in Portland, then we went to Eugene for the Olympic Track Trials, and then finished our time in Oregon with two days on the Oregon coast in a cute cottage steps from the water.
South Carolina – We’ve gone to the Charleston area (Usually Folly Beach or Isle of Palms) quite a few times for vacation through the years.
For spring break this year, we visited Greenville, SC. It was a lovely town.
South Dakota – Thanks to a high school boyfriend, I visited Sioux Falls, SD in high school with his family.
Tennessee – We’ve been to a few cities in Tennessee through the years. Travis and I visited Chattanooga on the way home from the Atlanta/UK basketball trip we took.
We took the kids to Knoxville for spring break their kindergarten year. UK was playing Tennessee, and we spent a couple of days exploring the city.
Then, we’ve been to Nashville quite a few times. We have friends who live there, and we also took that kids for spring break 2021 when we stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
Virginia – After my mom retired from teaching, she took my brother and me to the DC area including Virginia…and Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
(I wanted to go to the beach…my mom and brother out-voted me and we ended up in DC haha)
Washington – We stayed in Olympic National Park at Lake Quinault Lodge for one night. Then, we spent one day and night in Seattle to finish up our PNW trip.
Washington, DC:As I mentioned in the Virginia section, I went to Virginia/DC with my mom and brother in 2004. We took the kids to DC for spring break this year (2024), and saw so much! We really enjoyed our time in Virginia, DC, and Georgetown.
West Virginia: We drove through West Virginia on our way to DC for spring break. The capitol building was so pretty.
Other thoughts…
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Texas, Oklahoma, or Arkansas. Just being from Kansas City, those states aren’t too far away.
Close to Kentucky – West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan and others that I bet I’ll get to some day.
One of my neighbors was talking about their upcoming trip to Maine, and I’d love to go there again and take the kids.
This was a fun post to write. Honestly, it was one that I thought I’d just sit down and write quickly, but took quite a while! I wrote this over a few days, but I loved looking back at all the places I’ve been.
I hope you’ve been having a great weekend. I think I’m getting a little peek at our future because this weekend has mostly just been Travis and me. Hayden will be home from running camp today, and Hadley has had volleyball late every night last week (including Friday), and then yesterday she went to the lake with a friend. So, we’ll all be reunited today, and I can’t wait for that.
My apologies that I feel like a theme of this summer has been me realizing how big my kids are getting. In turn, that has made me a little reminiscent on the summer days gone by which goes with today’s blog topic.
Oh…I remember the days of trying to keep my kids busy during the day. Of course, nap time helped pass some time when they were little, but we’d always have a mix of downtime and activities to pass the time until Travis got home from work!
I’ve had Pinterest for over ten years, and I have a ton of boards, a few of which still apply to the younger years with the kids. Like many of my Pinterest ideas, I’ve only saved the ideas and not done anything with them. Here are a few cute crafts I’ve saved through the years.
1. Egg Carton Flowers
So, this is probably the last craft Hadley has ever made, but she made these flowers during the 2020 Covid months when we were at home.
**ok –so I was just going to share those five ideas, and then Pinterest was spamming me with more ideas including…tacos and ice cream cones…so of course I had to share those ideas too.
Fun fact: I sponge painted the walls of my bedroom in high school. That technique was all the rage.
This ice cream cone craft is too cute.
Idea from Happy Toddler Playtime
**My apologies for how many times I used the word “cute” in this post. I tried to restrain myself!
How crazy would my high school students think I am if I incorporate a craft or two into my lesson plans?!
While I’m thinking my “target audience” for this blog is readers who have kids my kids’ ages or older, who knows…maybe one of these will be a fun summer craft for a mom or grandma who needs an idea.
showmeandsweettea.com 