Posted in Blog challenge

Blog Challenge Part 9

Hello and happy Wednesday.

Today, I’m picking up where I left off in my blog writing challenge

…and talking about topic 18.

18. What am I afraid of?

Well, I’m not a huge fan of spiders or things that slither! Also, I can’t say that I love heights. I wasn’t always afraid of heights; that’s something that’s developed as I’ve gotten older.

That being said, when I saw this prompt, my first thought was losing someone I love unexpectedly or something happening to my kids.

This prompt is timely given the tragic event in Louisville on Monday. This sad news hits so close to home for us. I honestly don’t know how to really process the anxiety I’ve felt the past couple of weeks. First, the Covenant School and now this. As a mom, it’s been hard for me to let my kids out of my sight. As a teacher, I’ve felt on “high alert” the past couple of weeks. Just a year ago, we ended the school year reeling from the aftermath of Uvalde. It’s really hard to believe this is the world we live in.

Trav’s family knows what it’s like to unexpectedly and tragically lose his dad, and I pray events like these will never happen again. We need more than prayers though. We need voices to be heard, and we need change.

While we’ve had beautiful weather this week and the sun has been shining, the world feels pretty dark right now.

I know this post is serious, and while I hope my little corner of the internet is a happy place, I never want my blog posts to feel out of touch with reality.

Posted in Holidays

Easter Recap

Hello!

I hope your week is off to a great start. Before we get too far into the week, I wanted to recap our Easter weekend.

On Saturday morning, I hardboiled the eggs, and then the kids decorated them later in the afternoon. This is the second or third year that I was pretty “hands off” with this activity.

I bought the regular egg dyeing kit, but I also picked up a “marbled” one that was easy (you just add vegetable oil to the cup with the water and vinegar), and the kids had fun decorating.

I always tell them if I wasn’t the only one who eats hardboiled eggs, I’d boil more for them to decorate! haha

(And things like egg salad, etc. that I could make with a bunch are a “hard no” for me!)

This is one of those traditions that I never know how many years it will last, but I’m pretty sure my brother and I decorated eggs even in high school. It’s just something fun to do.

I think they turned out great:

Easter morning, I was the first one up, so I got out the goodies. I think the Easter Bunny hit a homerun this year 😉

The kids did seem to like what they received.

This meme made me laugh…

The kids did find the eggs in about three minutes! There’s only so many places you can hide them in the kitchen / living room area.

Saturday night, I prepped Andrea’s Sausage Square Breakfast Casserole, so all I had to do was bake it Sunday morning.

This was a hit! I will definitely make it again soon…maybe even for dinner one night.

We just kept it simple and had fruit as a side.

Then, it was time to go to church. The weather was absolutely beautiful on Sunday.

The kids obliged for a photo…

…and thanks to our friends, we got a family photo which I always appreciate.

After church, we quickly went home, changed clothes and headed to Elizabethtown to see Trav’s family. His aunt usually hosts Thanksgiving and Easter, and Travis has a huge family. There were 61 family members at Easter, and we were missing a few who are usually there. There’d be over 100 people if everyone showed up!

I had a bit of a headache most of the day, so I appreciated that Travis did the driving. Once we got home, it was time to get organized for back to school.

What are your favorite Easter traditions?

Posted in Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom

Hello and Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We had a good one to wrap up spring break.

Today, I’m co-hosting our monthly Not Just a Mom link up with some of my favorite bloggers.

Before I get started on today’s post, did you see Lauren’s wonderful news? Keep those prayers coming as she continues with her treatments.

So far this year, we’ve talked about:

This month’s topic is : cleaning hacks

I don’t think this post is for me. Just asked Travis 😆 I often have to ask him where our cleaning supplies are.

I guess my #1 hack is to marry someone who likes to clean. In my defense, I like to tidy. Travis is the cleaner, and I am the tidier.

These memes are funny:

The first few hacks/tips that popped in my mind were:

Cleaning white baseball pants with:

While I guess our baseball days are over, this really did come in handy during the dirty white baseball pants years.

While I touch up my rings using this or this, Landyn’s “Bling Wash” is something I do every few months with my rings. It really does make them sparkle!

Another tip is at the end of the week or a sports season, I have the kids clean out their backpacks/bags. Lots of empty wrappers, granola bars, broken pencils, and stinky socks accumulate quickly!

I did turn to my “mom gang” group chat to ask them for some of their best cleaning hacks/tips, and here’s what they had to say:

Tips from my friends:

  • Have your kids clean (definitely!)
  • Do one load of laundry everyday, so it doesn’t pile up.
  • Have dedicated days for cleaning certain areas: bathrooms on Monday, mop on Tuesday, change sheets on Wednesday, etc.
  • Have a basket in every room for storage and move things to the rooms miscellaneous items actually belong in
  • Use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning floors and bathrooms
  • Use vinegar water and microfiber cloth to clean kitchen counters and handles
  • Thieves cleaner is good for cleaning most anything
  • This gadget it good for cleaning the shower…
  • Put a cup of water in the microwave to steam before wiping down
  • Use cotton coils (found at Sally Beauty) to dip in bleach and put around grout of tub and it bleaches it white
  • Norwex cleaning cloths for windows and glass
  • Sprayway brand glass cleaner

After typing this list I thought of a pet peeve of mine…when you peel the price tag off of something and it doesn’t come off all the way (hello, TJ Maxx!)… Anyone know how to get sticker residue off? I have a couple of things that I’ve had that issue with recently.

Today, starts the downhill slide to summer. It’s usually a long haul, but I also know we’ll blink and it will be summer!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Posted in Delish Desserts, Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#153}

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, this Friday sure “hits different” than last Friday. While we still have the weekend, the end of spring break is drawing near.

I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika to share about some of my favorites from the week.

Here are some favorites from the week:

We spent the first half of break in Greenville, SC.

I’ve shared before that we usually use spring break to go somewhere new (to us) that’s a somewhat easy drive. Honestly, I’ve always said that I’m usually too tired to go on a big vacay in the spring (as the school year is wrapping up) and Travis is usually pretty busy at work. So, a few days away has worked well for us.

Anyway, we were in Greenville Saturday to Tuesday, and it was definitely a fun place. I’m sure I will write more about it, but we biked, hiked, walked around, played Top Golf, stopped at a couple of breweries, made time for naps, visited Furman, had froyo, and more.

It was a great few days away and three of the four days had sunshine and 80 degree temps!

I came home to some “fun mail.” In Tuesday’s post about Easter decorations, I shared about my new whitewashed bunny from Ruffled Nest. Well, his little bunny friend arrived! I love them both so much.

Hadley and I had an afternoon of errands, Raising Canes for lunch (her fave!), shopping, and sunshine on Wednesday.

One of our stops was at Bath and Body Works because I wanted to pick up some spring/summer candles. All candles were buy one get one free, so that worked out perfectly.

I picked up:

  • Sugar Lemon Zest
  • Lavender Vanilla
  • Pink Apple Punch
  • Sunshine Glow

The top two are ones that I’ve previously purchased, and the bottom two are new ones I thought I’d try.

I made Shay’s Fruity Pebble Neiman Marcus Bars, and they were so good. Crazy enough…the Fruity Pebbles really made this treat a hit!

Hayden had fun in Indianapolis this week attending his first ever NBA game. He went with his uncle and cousins to watch the Pacers play the Knicks on Wednesday night. They were excited because there are former UK players on both teams.

I made a quick stop in Trader Joe’s for Hadley’s favorite bagels, and I picked up some tulips. The bunch provided enough for a mason jar in the living room and in our bedroom.

While we enjoyed our Greenville trip, having the second half of break at home was definitely a favorite too. I was able to do some things around the house, run errands, prep for Easter, have downtime, read, get caught up on shows, and more. Hayden had time with his cousins, and Hadley had time with her friends.

Even yesterday was a cold and dreary day, and I wasn’t mad about it. While I did get a workout in, I just stayed home and watched some tv, finished a book, and got caught up on laundry. While I know some prefer to travel, having a mix of away and at home time is always what I need. Now we prep to head to the finish line of this school year which is always busy and now the kids extra-curricular activities ramp up again.

Favorite Mom Meme:

If you live with a 7th grade boy, you know what I mean:

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

I’ve probably shared this before, but here are the kids on Easter 2010. Pinchy cheek cute!

NJAM

On Monday, the Not Just a Mom ladies are blogging about cleaning hacks. I can’t wait to see what others share. I’ve reached out to my “mom gang” (text thread name 😉 for help!

Weekly Recap:

It was a light posting week for me:

What are your weekend plans? I’m going to enjoy a few more days off. I think we will continue the dyeing eggs tradition and then celebrate Easter with family.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter and weekend.

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Easter Decorations

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Well, with Easter less than a week away, I thought I’d share my Easter decorations.

Honestly, they are mostly the same year to year, but I usually move things around. Also, I seem to get something new every year. This year, I ordered a cute wooden bunny from Ruffled Nest.

I like the fact that I can decorate for Easter in about five minutes by just swapping out a few “regular” decor items.

Come on in…

I’ve had this garden flag for a couple of years and the door hanger for at least five years.

I added the bunny plant from Trader Joe’s along with the egg plate to the front hall entryway.

I think this little nook is my favorite:

Flowers from Trader Joe’s, candles, and a little wooden bunny I picked up two years ago in Nashville.

Here’s the 20″ whitewashed bunny I got from Ruffled Nest. A little 16″ friend is on the way. I couldn’t resist!

This little guy is so cute, and sits on the table in our office.

I added one of my favorite bunnies and some eggs to the tray on our kitchen table.

The little “peek a boo” bunnies are cute up on the mantle.

And that’s it! Do you decorate for Easter?

This time of the year I also start switching out my candles for more floral scents. A trip to Bath and Body is on my to do list this week to pick up a couple of candles.

I hope it’s feeling like spring in your neck of the woods.

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases

Hello!

How was your weekend? Our break is off to a good start…more on that later!

I’m linking up with Tanya to share my Amazon purchases this month.

I tried to be purposeful with my purchases this month as they are mostly Easter gifts for the kids. I didn’t want to buy any clothes because I’ve been shopping a bit otherwise, and spent most of March wearing some of my favorite winter clothes while I could.

I think I’ve shared most of these items through other posts, but I do like having all of my purchases in one spot.

So, here we go…

Me:

A couple of things for me:

I wanted to try more of a “bangle” style bracelet, and I love rose gold. This one is super cute, and I also ended up getting the cross one in silver as well. The bracelet is less than $12, and I’ve been wearing them both pretty much non-stop!

I wanted a more medium sized crossbody, and picked up this leather one recently. So far, so good! (and it’s currently a “deal” at less than $20!)

Hayden:

For Hayden’s Easter basket, I picked up this massage roller ball for him to use after his runs. I bet Travis will end up using it too! Heck–I might use it!

I thought these skip balls would be fun for the pool and summertime!

Hadley:

For Hadley’s Easter basket, I picked up another pair of the Cushionaire Birk dupes. The last pair I got her was in 2020, and she’s worn them non-stop. Her feet have grown a bit, so it was time for a new pair.

Hadley loves pj’s, and I thought these shorts would be cute and comfy for springtime sleep.

I’m intrigued by the heatless curling sets I’ve been seeing people use. I don’t think they’d work for my hair, but I bet Hadley will like trying this out.

Have you had any great Amazon purchases this month?

I hope your week is off to a great start.

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#152}

Hello and happy Friday!

This is the best kind of Friday because in just a few hours, it will be spring break!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

I picked up some flowers at Trader Joe’s this week. I thought the bunny was super cute, and the pot with tulips and daffodils was too pretty to pass up.

Hadley wrapped up her short season of volleyball last weekend. While I was still under the weather, I went to whatever games I could. Thankfully, Travis took her to the early games, and I was able to catch the afternoon ones on Saturday and late morning ones on Sunday.

Her team really came together these past two weekends and were lots of fun to watch. I really do love watching Hadley play, and she did her part for her team this weekend.

How cute is this bag from Walmart? I stopped by Walmart after the volleyball tournament, and walked out with this one. I have a big pool bag, but now that the kids are older, they often take their backpacks to the pool with their towel, goggles, clothes, etc.

This one will be perfect for just me to carry my towel, sunscreen, and Kindle.

They have so many cute options that I had a hard time choosing.

Homer snuggles are the best when we don’t feel well…

…and mac and cheese and a classic movie are the best too. On Saturday night, the only thing that sounded good was Trader Joe’s mac and cheese (Hadley’s fave), and Travis made it for me. I watched basketball and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which is one of my faves.

I’m definitely feeling better, but my voice is probably at 50%. By the end of the day, my head hurts from trying to talk throughout the day. It’s been a crazy illness…whatever it is I’ve had.

Another how cute…but how cute is this wooden bunny from Ruffled Nest? When I placed my order, I wasn’t sure if I wanted the 20″ or 16″ white washed bunny, so I went ahead with the 20″. Well, as soon as it arrived, I ordered the 16″ to go with it. It should arrive next week, and I will definitely keep them out for most of April.

Favorite Mom Meme:

My mom sent this to me, and I feel it deeply!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

Last weekend, Travis was mowing the front lawn. Hayden’s friends were coming over to play out back, and Travis showed Hayden how to mow some of the backyard. I was resting, but Hadley sent me a couple of photos. No lie…after I looked at them, this Facebook memory from 2012 popped up.

I say it too often but “where as the time gone?”

Weekly Recap:

I had quite a mix of posts this week:

What are your weekend plans? I think today is going to be pretty rainy, so we might have a lowkey night at home.

Tomorrow is April 1st. I’m always happy when April Fools Day isn’t on a school day. haha

After this week, I’m feeling extra grateful to have a full week with my kids and not a lot to do.

I do think I will post pretty regularly next week, but I will just see how it goes!

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Amazon, Clothes, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Hello and happy Thursday.

I love that Patty and Holly host this fun link up. I feel like it always has me thinking/planning ahead for the next season or holiday.

This month’s topic is: Essential Spring Fashion Pieces

Anytime there is the word “fashion” in the topic, I’m hesitant to post. I don’t know much about fashion… haha…but here are some of my ideas.

1. How do you transition your wardrobe?

I usually transition my (school) wardrobe by wearing dresses and throwing on a cardigan to wear to school. I love a dress…and I love a cardigan, so spring and fall are my favorite times to dress for school.

2. Favorite spring item?

I loved this cardigan so much that I bought it in two colors last year.

3. Favorite spring footwear?

Once the weather warms up and the sun starts shining, I really can’t wait for sandal weather.

Amazon has provided some of my favorite footwear over the past couple of years like these Birk dupes and a couple pairs of slides.

Also, I can’t wait to wear my Birks that I purchased from Nordstrom at the end of last summer. I wore them for as long as possible last fall.

4. Favorite colors you wear in the spring?

I will be the first to admit that I don’t gravitate towards tons of color, but I do love pink in the spring…and the summer (when I’m tan!)

Blue and purple are other favorite colors to wear in the warmer months.

5. Favorite spring accessory?

I don’t change my jewelry much at all. Spring and summer are the perfect time to wear a statement earring, but if I’m not wearing my regular stud earrings, then I’m probably “dressing up” with a gold hoop.

I’m still loving my bracelet stack which is a mix of Daily Gold Co and Amazon.

6. Ways to add spring to your outfit when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Throw on a bright pink cardigan and go!

7. Do you change up your makeup routine in the spring?

Kind of link with jewelry, I don’t change much. Basically, I just change my foundation as I get more color in my face. I still love Seint makeup, and I’ve been wearing the “Amber” shade highlight in the winter, and soon it will be time to switch to “Mango.”

During/after spring break, I will start using my Jergens “Instant Sun,” and I’ve already started adding in the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze drops into my face moisturizer at night and am starting to see a bit more color.

Really, I can’t wait for summer as I rarely wear makeup…and I like to be tan!

8. Puff sleeve trend. Yes or no?

I’m not against a puff sleeve, and I’ve seen a few cute options. That being said, apparently I love a “flutter” sleeve right now.

9. Do you change up your mani/pedi colors in the spring?

I’m pretty traditional with my mani color. I pretty consistently wear some version of pink all year long. That being said, in the fall and winter, I will try darker colored nail polish.

Once spring hits, I lock in with Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath for my SNS. In the summer, I usually try dark pink or a turquoise for my pedi color. I hope to cash in a gift card over break and get a pedi.

10. Favorite spring tote?

I carry a smaller purse in the spring/summer. My gold cross body is a fave, and I like that I can switch out the strap to change it up.

While I still love this one that I got last year for when I’m more dressed up:

I did just purchase this saddle/boho purse, and I’m excited to try it.

I wanted to have another crossbody option that is a little bigger and more everyday. I actually ordered a few to try, and this one was my fave by far (and less than $20!)

So, now I feel like I have a small, medium, and larger version of a crossbody for the spring/summer months.

Ahh…I didn’t think I’d have much to add to this topic, but I was able to share a bit about some of my favorite spring fashion items.

On my “to do” list over break is to pull items from my closet that I didn’t wear this winter in order to tidy things up a bit before summer.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Faves.

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Books and Shows

What I’ve Been Reading: March 2023

Hello!

I always enjoy reading about what people others have been reading, and I like ending the month sharing what I’ve read as well.

Well, this month I felt like I read a bit more even though I still kept up with my three books a month average. The month started off strong because I had only my Kindle to entertain me for five straight days with now power. I thought I’d get some more reading in this past week but with not feeling well, I really didn’t feel like it. Anyway, it was still a good month of reading.

This month I read:

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

Spare:

Summary:

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

Quick Thoughts:

You know I love the British royal family. I was excited to read this book. I didn’t necessarily want to buy it, so I’m glad the library copy became available without waiting too long.

With the Royals, I’ve always been the most interested in William, Harry, and Kate. When Harry found Meghan, I thought that quartet would be perfect together.

Overall, I thought this book was interesting. I enjoyed hearing Harry’s point of view. Honestly, this book just kind of made me sad. I was disappointed to learn that Harry and William aren’t (were never?) as close as I assumed they were. Also, the fact that the family is so businesslike and formal all them time was disheartening. Harry seems to really still be struggling with so much that happened in his life. With Meghan, it seems he’s found his “safe place,” where he can do the introspective work and make his own family and future.

While I see his point that the media will spin things however they want and that others have “had their say” so it’s his turn, there did seem to be some family dirty laundry aired.

Overall, I’m glad that I read it. I will still keep up with the ins and outs of Kensington Palace, but I do hope the family can unite again.

Rating:

Wrong Place Wrong Time:

Summary:

Can you stop a murder after it’s already happened?

Late October. After midnight. You’re waiting up for your seventeen-year-old son. He’s late. As you watch from the window, he emerges, and you realize he isn’t alone: he’s walking toward a man, and he’s armed.

You can’t believe it when you see him do it: your funny, happy teenage son, he kills a stranger, right there on the street outside your house. You don’t know who. You don’t know why. You only know your son is now in custody. His future shattered.

That night you fall asleep in despair. All is lost. Until you wake… and it is yesterday.

And then you wake again… and it is the day before yesterday.

Every morning you wake up a day earlier, another day before the murder. With another chance to stop it. Somewhere in the past lies an answer. The trigger for this crime—and you don’t have a choice but to find it…

Quick Thoughts:

I picked up this book because I thought I’d read other books by McAllister, but I actually don’t think that I have? Anyway, this book was really interesting.

The plot of this book moved backwards in time which took a while to wrap my brain around. To me, it was a page turner because I wanted to get to the end to see what the “trigger” for the crime was. This book was suspenseful, and I definitely enjoyed it.

Rating:

Majesty:

Summary:

Is America ready for its first queen?

Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we’re looking at you Daphne Deighton.

As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her “party princess” persona…and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace–and Prince Jefferson–at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne’s carefully laid “marry Prince Jefferson” plans.

A new reign has begun….

Quick Thoughts:

I really enjoyed the first book in this series (American Royals), but I’d forgotten to continue on with the series. This book was a “suggestion” on the library app, so I figured I’d pick up reading where I left off with book one.

This series is young adult-ish and easy to read. I love reading the modern day American spin on royalty. This book focuses on Beatrice becoming Queen and her impending marriage. There are quite a few characters and sometimes this reads as a “soap opera” with who likes whom, but still a good read.

I think I’m going to go ahead and read book 3 (Rivals) while Majesty is fresh in my mind.

Rating:

Also…

This month I gave up on The Family Remains. I read about 40% of it and wanted to keep going because I liked The Family Upstairs. But, I finally just threw in the towel. I rarely give up on a book, but I just figured if I wasn’t looking forward to reading it, why keep reading? Then, I moved on to Majesty.

While I didn’t have any five star books this month, these three were all different and good choices for me.

What have you been reading?

Posted in Gift Ideas, Holidays

Easter Baskets

Hello!

**I set this post to publish before hearing about the tragic news in Nashville.

The unthinkable happened yet again yesterday. While I know this stopped everyone in their tracks, as a mom and as a teacher, I know it hits me particularly hard every time a tragedy like this one is happens. Why is this becoming the norm?

It’s not my story to share, so I haven’t, but Trav comes from an exceptional family who have first hand experience with losing a loved one this way. While no one takes these events lightly, they certainly hit our family in a different way.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Covenant community. We need more than prayers to stop another tragic event like this from happening again.

Today’s post:

Well, I’m feeling better, but I’m still needing my voice to return to normal. It’s getting there.

It’s been funny because as I try to talk at home and use motions, the kids reply back the same way. I’m like…”You can talk!” haha

Anyway, I did take a moment to get my Easter ducks in a row and figure out what I’m going to get the kids. So, today, I’m sharing those ideas.

As I started this post, I did get to thinking…when I was a kid, we didn’t get all of these things. That being said, we always got candy and usually a stuffed animal or a few other odds and ends.

I guess it’s another thing (like birthdays) that I go “over the top” about, but I really do try to buy things they will use/wear in the spring and summer months and that I probably would be purchasing at some point anyway. So, most of their Easter basket items have always been new spring pjs, a pool toy, goggles, flip flops, etc.

Now that they are older and seem to have more expensive taste, I do try to keep that in mind and buy less.

Of course, they will get Easter candy in their baskets, but I like to buy a few other things too.

Hayden:

  • Hayden has a few polos, and recently he tried them on and most don’t fit. He just needs to go up a size in whichever brands he wants. He has a couple Vineyard Vines, but he loves his Under Armour polos that he’s had a for a couple of years. We donated the ones he’s outgrown to our neighbor. So, I’m going to get Hayden one or two more UA ones that I know he’ll wear them this spring and summer anytime I tell him to “look nice!”
  • I’d say the thing Hayden is the pickiest about is his swim trunks. Now, I’m not saying he has to have Vineyard Vines, but he won’t wear Target Cat and Jack anymore. 😆Since, even with a growth spurt, he tends to get at least two years out of swim trunks, I’ve started buying him a good brand, like Vineyard Vines, that I know will last and he will like them. That being said, that’s about the only VV he will wear now.
  • When I was at Walmart the other day, I picked the kids up each a new “cabana” style towel. I just saw them when I went to Walmart for some other things, and figured they’d be a good addition to their Easter baskets. Will they be excited about these? No. Do we need more towels? Yes.
  • This massage roller ball is something I know Hayden will use after a run. He’s good about taking care of himself with stretching and using the massage gun after his workouts.
  • These skip balls look like a fun addition to the pool bag!

Hadley:

  • This heatless curling set looks like something Hadley would love. She has the prettiest, thickest hair…I’m so jealous. She likes to straighten it sometimes and curl it other times too.
  • I bought Hadley her white Cushionaire Birk dupes in the summer of 2020. She still wears them all the time even though they are now at least a size too small. I decided to go ahead and get her another pair.
  • Hadley loves pjs as much as I do. She’s not really into matching sets anymore, but I thought these pj shorts look cute.
  • I got her the pink striped version of the Walmart cabana towel.
  • Then, I think I am just going to get her a Target gift card to go towards a new swimsuit or sunglasses. She’s to the age where she’s a bit more picky, and it’s probably just easier if I let her choose!

Easter will be here before we know it, and I’m glad it’s finally feeling like spring.

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