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Posted in Clothes

Fall Fashion Finds

These cooler mornings have me ready to dress for fall. That being said, our extended forecast has highs in the upper 80’s going into next week. *Sigh*

so…currently me:

http://www.sweatpantsandcoffee.com

Oh the irony of sharing my tidy closet yesterday and now the new items that I’ve purchased recently from Target and Walmart.

Amy had shared this dress from Target, and I saved it on the app.

Well, over Labor Day weekend, Target had a 30% off sale, so I went ahead and snagged it in green and gray. ($17 each!)

Well, if you give a mouse a cookie…I noticed the boots on the model, and figured they had to be from Target. I found them, and they were also on sale for $30. They are a western style boot, so I wasn’t sure if I’d like them, but *newsflash* I do! I got them in tan which seems to be very limited in stock, but there are other colors. The tan, cognac, and gray are a suede material whereas the other options (black and off-white) appear to be leather.

After my closet clean out this summer, I did make note that I was due for a new pair of tall boots. The pair I parted ways with were about ten years old. I also got rid of a couple of pairs of ankle boots, and decided to give these a try in tan when I saw they were also on sale for $28. They also come in gray, cognac, and olive green.

Please excuse the wrinkly dresses, but I just try things on and snap photos when I have a few extra minutes.

Army green color dress with ankle boots:

Gray dress with tall boots:

No picture, but I wore the olive colored dress to school on Tuesday with a cardigan and sneakers. It was a good put together but comfy outfit.

I usually wear a 9, but sized up in both to a 9.5 because of the narrow toe. Both fit perfectly.

Again, I’m not one to “power shop” like that, but I had a feeling the dress and the boots were going to be “hot ticket items” this fall. Plus, with the sale, I was saving money, right?!

Walmart has been upping their game the past couple of years, and when Ashley shared this Free Assembly Walmart dress and popover top, I wanted to give them a try too.

The dress comes in pink as well!

Here it is paired with my Target ankle boots:

I wore the dress yesterday with some gold sandals that I’ve had for years.

I really wanted the popover top in gray or green…

but I bought it in pink as the other two colors never seemed to be in stock.

I think it will be perfect with jeans, workout shorts or leggings with a tank.

Now if Mother Nature would take the hint, I’d love to be able to wear the boots and popover without breaking a sweat!

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Hello! I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday…and the second Wednesday of the month at that!

I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

  • How you organize for the new year in January.
  • What you eat in a week in February.
  • Your faves from high school/college in March. (I didn’t have a post that month.)
  • How you plan/do date nights in April.
  • Your hometown in May.
  • Go-to summer lunches in June.
  • How you keep healthy in July.
  • How you do ‘every day’ cleaning in August. (I didn’t have a post last month)

This month’s topic is: organize your closet

I almost didn’t write a post because I did such a lengthy one back in July , but I also thought this post would be a good way to hold myself accountable…

Three months later, and my closet is still pretty neat and tidy:

You can’t see it in the photos, but the entire floor space is empty too. I still use that space for new purchases or Amazon packages until I try things on or return, but I can actually step into my closet to put away clothes, choose an outfit, or grab a different purse.

Also, outside of my closet I have a small antique chair that my grandma passed down to me, and it used to always be the holding spot for outfits or sweatshirts. Now, I’ve even made sure to fold or hang up clothes to keep it an uncluttered space as well.

When I did my closet reorganization, I purchased these acrylic dividers, and they were definitely the best purchase.

affiliate link: dividers

I told myself to go through my closet and drawers at the end of each season. Well, here we are transitioning from summer to fall, and I need to do that. I just haven’t had the time. That being said, with such a big purge in June, I shouldn’t have too much that I need to donate. I am trying to follow “one in, one out” rule as much as possible.

First world problems, but I dream of having a bigger closet at some point in my life. While I know that would be more to maintain, it would be nice to feel like I have a little extra space and to be able to easily see my clothes, shoes, purses, and more.

Speaking of clothes…tomorrow, I’m going to share a few new wardrobe purchases for fall from Target and Walmart. Come back tomorrow!

Posted in Everyday Life

Day in the Life

Hello! I hope your week is off to a good start. It dawned on me that I hadn’t documented a “Day in the Life” in quite some time, so that’s what today’s post is all about!

This day in the life is from last Friday (September 9th)…I don’t think I’ve ever chosen to share a Friday, so here’s a little peek at my day:

I was up a little earlier than normal because I’m trying to get up early on Fridays to get my workout complete.

I got up, changed my clothes and headed to the basement to complete a Job One (20 minute) workout.

This workout was so good. I love using bands (loops) and weights together.

Then, I headed upstairs for coffee and the morning news.

Last week, my heel felt bruised at times, so I used a bag of frozen corn throughout the week to ice it! It’s much better now.

Around 6:45, I quickly rinsed off, brushed my teeth, and made the bed.

I came back out to the kitchen to pack my lunch and I caught a few minutes of The Today Show where the focus was on Queen Elizabeth’s passing. I never watch tv past 6:45, but I wanted to see a few minutes of the broadcasts from England.

Around 7:15, I woke the kids and did my morning skincare routine.

I got the kids up and started their breakfasts before heading back to my bathroom to start getting ready for the day.

I’m still loving my Seint makeup.

Then, I got dressed (school shirt and jeans on Friday!) and made sure the kids were eating and had what they needed to have a good day at school before leaving.

I was at school by 8:00 and ready to start the school day.

I looked at my student appointment calendar and prepped for my day. I reviewed materials for students I’m was working with that day, sent emails, and updated my Google sheets.

I am the ESS (Extended School Services) coordinator, so I organize the after school tutoring schedule, manage the budget, submit stipends, and monitor student progress. After working with students 1st hour, I went and made copies and turned in stipend forms for teachers who stay after school for tutoring the past two weeks.

I worked with a few more students, and then met with a group during Advisory.

I had lunch with some of my colleagues/friends before working with students in the afternoon.

What I love about my current job is that every day is similar but different. I help students all day long, but what I help them with varies depending on the student or teacher requests. Some days are very structured and other days students drop in or teachers call me before sending students.

Throughout the day on Friday, I:

  • Finished reading The Most Dangerous Game with a group of English 1 students and helped them write a theme paragraph
  • Modified Chapter 1 notes for a group of students in a Government class
  • Watched a video and helped students answer questions for a World History class
  • Helped English 2 students with questions and a response after reading the short story Goldfish
  • Provided a framework for Government students to complete their DBQ (data based question) paragraphs and helped those students write
  • Read lessons 2 and 3 in the Government textbook to students and helped them answer questions using a jigsaw strategy

It was a really great day! I have lots of “regulars” who I meet with often and others that I’m just getting to know.

Once school was out, I spent about 15 minutes entering data for students who stayed for tutoring last week.

I also took a few minutes to quickly plan meals for next week, so I could finalize grocery list when I got home.

Crazy enough, I didn’t have to pick the kids up after school. Hadley stayed for a club meeting and Hayden rode the bus home. He actually likes riding the bus home, so when I don’t have to pick up Hadley, he often does that.

After school, I had to get gas…

…and then I went to Home Goods to look for a lamp…no luck, but I did leave with this cute pumpkin candle!

I stopped by Target for a pick up…

…and headed home.

Hayden had gone to a birthday party, and Hadley had gone to Oktoberfest. Travis and I had planned to go there as well, but not until later.

So…I decided to lay low for about thirty minutes and start a new book…

…and I did watch King Charles’s tribute to the Queen…

…before Travis and I grabbed a quick bite to eat before Oktoberfest.

I’m glad we did because look how busy Oktoberfest was:

People must have really missed this event the past couple of years due to Covid.

We found Hadley who was living her best middle school life with her friends…and Travis and I found our friends at the Bingo tent. Beer and Bingo…a raging Friday night!

We stayed for a couple of hours before getting Hadley and heading home.

Then, it was pretty much time for bed. We caught up with Hayden, fussed at the kids to go to bed, I did my skincare routine, and then…

lights out a little after 10:30. We are a wild bunch, aren’t we?!?

Thanks so much for following along. I will say that this is the first Friday I went out since the school year started…which is a sign we must all be adjusting to the back to school schedule.

Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Workout Places

Hello!

How was your weekend? Ours was a good one. From Oktoberfest to cross country to a big Kentucky win to some family time, it was action packed.

Saturday sure felt like summer, and Sunday sure felt like fall. I guess we are in that time of the year.

Today, I’m co-hosting our monthly link up with these fabulous bloggers:

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

  • Favorite bloggers in January
  • Day in the life in February
  • Reading habits in March
  • What’s for lunch in April
  • Go to gift ideas in May
  • Dream travel locations in June
  • Family food traditions in July
  • Binge watching shows in August

This month’s topic is: favorite workout places

My initial answer is short and sweet: my basement.

My longer response…

Years ago (five, maybe?), when I started doing Faster Way to Fat Loss and then the Lean program, I realized how convenient it is to workout at home. Both of those programs provide gym and at home workouts, and home became my preference.

Back to Beachbody…Years ago, I ordered the 21 Day Fix DVDs and still used them off and on through the years.

I’ve shared before, but for about a year and a half, I’ve gotten back on the Beachbody On Demand workout train. I have the app on the tv in the basement, and that’s where my yoga mat, weights, and bands are.

Over the past year, I’ve completed:

  • 21 Day Fix
  • 21 Day Fix Real Time
  • 21 Day Fix Extreme
  • Muscle Burns Fat
  • Muscle Burns Fat Advanced
  • 9 Week Control Freak Off the Wall
  • Morning Meltdown 100

I’m currently doing Job One and LIIFT 4. Job One has 20 minute workouts, and I typically do those Monday evening and Friday mornings. My goal right now is to not miss a Friday morning. I’m trying to go into the weekend on the right foot and a workout helps with that. So far, I’m 5/5 on Fridays this school year. I can wake up at 5:35 and be finished with the workout by 6:05 and sipping my coffee like a typical morning. Also, most school years I take the month of August off because back to school can take it’s toll. This year, I didn’t do that. Again, I told myself that I should be able to at least do a 20 minute workout in my basement three days a week to get through the first hectic weeks back.

I’ve been doing LIIFT 4, which are longer workouts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. On Thursdays, I’ve been going to the gym to do the elliptical. If I can’t make it to the gym, I take a rest day or walk or do one of the 20 minute workouts.

I usually complete an entire program before starting a new one, but mixing Job One and LIIFT 4 has really been working well for me right now. After I complete a program, I usually take a week or two and just choose random workouts to go back to just to mix things up a bit.

Lastly, the app is so convenient. I don’t use it often, but it has come in handy when we are out of town. For example, I took my bands to KC this summer, and chose Beachbody workouts that didn’t use weights and did those. I was easily able to do HIIT or cardio in my dad’s basement while streaming the workout on my phone.

We do live in a big neighborhood, and I like to walk around it or in parks just when I want a different view than the basement tv.

Like I mentioned above, I try to go to the gym once a week and use the elliptical. The fee we pay our club for the pool includes gym access. My walks or elliptical workouts are when I listen to podcasts, so I do like changing things up from time to time.

I’ve taken workout classes, boot camps, and circuit training in other fitness centers, but it’s usually too hard for me to commit. It’s hard for me join those places because they typically cost so much, and I can’t make the time commitment. Even a 6am sixty minute class that might be ten minutes away from home, doesn’t easily work. I still can’t cool off, get showered and be ready to leave by 7:45 (absolute latest) for school. Evening classes are challenging for me because of all the things the kids have going on after school.

The basement and Beachbody work for me right now because it’s hard for me to tell myself I can’t do a 30 minute work out five days a week if I just have to go to my basement. For example, some evenings, I put dinner in the oven, and then do my workout during that time. I also love that Beachbody introduces new workout programs pretty regularly.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’ve lost focus many times and just had to take a break from working out, but I do know that I feel better after a workout or even just going for a walk. I also work better when I have a plan, so that’s why I try to structure my workouts and follow a plan. I’ve been very consistent since April, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with my plan. “Failing to plan is planning to fail…” #iykyk

I didn’t intend for this to be such a Beachbody heavy post, but it really has been working for me especially lately…and you can’t beat $120 a year for all the programs you can use so easily.

What about you? Where do you like to workout? Do you have a consistent routine?

I hope your week is off to a good start.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#126}

Hello and Happy Friday. Why do the shorter weeks feel so long? We had a good week full of school and activities, but most of my favorites happened last weekend.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Last Friday, we went to the local drive in movie theater with some friends. It was the perfect way to end the week. There was a chance of rain that never happened, and it was nice to let the kids run around before the movie started, have some dinner, chat with friends, and watch Grease.

Saturday was SUCH a busy day! We were on the go the entire day.

Hayden had a cross country race, and again, there was a big chance of rain that never happened. Instead, it was muggy and hot. There were close to 200 runners, and Hayden placed 7th! The course was unlike any course I’d seen before with tight turns in some parts. The whole team did great and almost placed 3rd. They earned 4th out of 21 teams by only a few points.

While we were at the cross country race, Hadley headed to the temple ceremony of a bat mitzvah for one of her friends. She was home when we got home, and then got ready for the party part of the bat mitzvah.

She looked so grown up and ready to have lots of fun with her friends.

After she left, Travis and I went to the UK game along with Hayden and some of his friends. I ended up sitting with one of my friends on the other side of the stadium while Travis “took one for the team” and sat with the boys in our regular seats.

It was such a beautiful night. I left around halftime to make my way back home, have some dinner and then go pick up Hadley and her friend.

Then, on Sunday, I didn’t get out of my pjs which was definitely a favorite.

On Monday, I did laundry, meal prepped, and did a few things around the house.

Then, Travis and I went couch shopping, and our new couch arrived on Wednesday. I think it’s just what we need for our family and Homer. It definitely needs broken in a bit, but…

…Homer approves 🤪

Favorite Mom Meme:

So relatable 😂

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

With the Chiefs back in action this weekend, I love this memory of Homer as a puppy in his Chiefs scarf. I will have to recreate that this year too.

2019 Homer

Weekly Recap:

Here are this week’s posts in case you missed one:

Not Just a Mom:

We have our monthly Not Just a Mom link up on Monday…

…This month’s topic is Favorite Workout Places…

If you have a blog, we hope you’ll join us!

Before I go, it’s definitely not a favorite, but I was certainly sad to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth. What an amazing life she lived and her legacy will carry on forever.

What are your weekend plans? We have a little of this and that. Hayden’s going to a birthday party, we may hit up a fall festival, Hayden has a cross country meet, and more!

See you back here on Monday for Not Just a Mom. I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Amazon

Amazon Fall Faves

With a dreary weekend and then cool mornings this week, it’s definitely feeling more like fall. In honor of my favorite season of the year (and the easiest way to shop!), I’m sharing some of my previous favorite fall Amazon purchases.

What to Wear:

Cardigans are my “go to” all school year because classroom (and outside) temps fluctuate so much.

This waffle knit batwing kimono style cardigan is one of my favorites in the fall (and the spring) as it’s not too heavy. It’s perfect to wear with a dress or tank and jeans.

This chunky knit cardigan is one I wear more when the weather is cooler, and I love it because it’s so soft…and because of the pockets! It comes in a variety of colors too!

26,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ordered this pumpkin sweatshirt for Hadley last year, and she loves it! She can’t wait to start wearing it again this fall season.

I picked up these waterproof boots for Hadley last year, and she wore them on rainy and snowy days. They are comfy and cute!

Decor:

I do find most of my fall decor at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Target, and other local places, but Amazon has cute decor too.

Last fall, I picked up this checkered table runner….

…and these pillow covers were the perfect touch for our sunroom and the front porch.

Accessories:

I use my bucket bag/cross body purse for most of the summer, but then I transition to a bigger bag for the fall and winter months. I purchased this hobo style purse last fall, and used it through March. It has so many pockets and has a crossbody strap as well.

Almost 10k ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 reviews

Keep Cozy:

This blanket was actually a Christmas gift to a few of my family members last year. It’s thick and warm with Sherpa fleece on one side. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

68k ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 reviews

These are just a few faves to kickstart this fall season!

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

Posted in Currently

Currently…

Hello! Well, it’s been a minute since I’ve shared a Currently post. I just thought this would be a fun way to share are few things I’ve been doing…

I’m currently…

reading…

I’ve mostly been reading on my Kindle lately, and am about 70% finished with The Younger Wife. I really enjoy Sally Hepworth’s books, and wanted to read this one when it came out. It wasn’t on Kindle yet, and just a couple of weeks ago, I decided to look again on the Libby app…and there it was.

Anyway, I’ve really enjoyed it so far!

decorating…

I’m hoping to decorate for fall later this week or over the weekend, but on Monday night, I decided to pull out my favorite light up pumpkin. I have one for the bedroom, and then one for the living room. I love the glow of the pumpkin during the dark hours of the morning while I sip my coffee.

{Peep my Pumpkin Spice candle from Antique Candle Co!)

wearing…

It’s Homecoming week this week which has made getting dressed for school easier than usual! We actually started last Friday with pj day, and I’ve never been to school so early. haha

Yesterday was “Tropical Tuesday.” We still have Wear Pink Wednesday, favorite sports team on Thursday, and then class color/school color day on Friday.

trying…

a new Dime product…I still consistently use Dime products daily.

Since Dime Beauty was having a 25% off sale to celebrate their anniversary, I decided to order this new (to me) product: the cleansing balm.

OMG…it’s like having silk on your face. This product melts away the make up you have on, and hydrates your skin. I’ve been using this most nights right before I get in the shower, and then I gently wash my face with warm water. I haven’t yet tried it as an overnight mask, but I definitely plan on doing so!

watching…

Well, I finally finished all four seasons of Drive to Survive, and I really enjoyed it. I’ve even caught the last two actual F1 races on tv the past two Sundays. #whoamIeven?! It’s all still really interesting to me, and I’m even more invested now that I know all the drivers.

With the new seasons of Goldbergs and NCIS Hawai’i starting later this month, I’m trying to get caught up on last year’s seasons.

anticipating…

I’m anticipating the arrival of our new couch. We’re either really dumb or …well, we’re probably dumb…but we are getting a new couch due to all of Homer’s dog hair on our fabric couch. Thankfully, he’s a white dog, so the hair blended in, but we just can’t keep up with it.

Also, with our previous couch, we definitely “got what we paid for…” and it just didn’t hold up to the wear and tear of our family. After only a few months, one back cushion ripped by the zipper, and then I HATE when cloth furniture gets those little fuzz balls, and our couch had lots of those.

You’d think we’d train Homer to stay off the couch…haha…and honestly, we try. Now he’s “responsible” enough to stay out during the day, so of course, there’s no one home to shoo him off the couch.

We took advantage of a Labor Day sale, and our new couch is getting delivered today. I had fully expected to not have a couch delivered until 2023! (If you are local, Burke Furniture was amazing!)

Also, I put our other couch on Facebook Marketplace for free, and it “sold” in a matter of minutes with multiple messages!

I can’t wait to get home this afternoon, and see how it looks!

What are you currently up to? Besides the above, I feel like I’m currently just trying to survive this week!

Have a great day!

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases: September 2022

Hello! How was your Labor Day weekend? We had a good one. As I expected, we went 100 mph all day long on Saturday, but the rest of the weekend provided more downtime. I honestly didn’t get out of my pjs on Sunday…and then Monday was a mix of relaxing and productivity.

Well, it’s the first Tuesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Tanya to share this month’s Prime Purchases.

I had a pretty “light” Amazon shopping month, but here’s what I bought:

So, I’ve shared before about my monthly facials. One of the treatments that I love the most is dermaplaning. Landyn has preached, “Girl shave your face” for years. While the monthly dermaplane seems to be all that I need, I also know some women do this once a week or twice a month. So, I purchased this “lighted dermaplane facial exfoliator.”

I’ve been using it every other week since July (wanted to use it a few times before sharing!), and I love it. I just use my face wash to get my face sudsy and go from there. Of course, be careful! (And I stay away from my eyebrows! haha)

This one lights up, and I find that I get the best results (I’m still new at doing this…) with natural light and then use the light on this, and I can see the best what I’m doing. Anyway, I guess like shaving your legs….you get quicker and better with time.

When you have a clean face, your beauty products (whether they are drug store or more expensive), can absorb better and makeup looks cleaner.

I know people who also use the Bic or Schick dermaplane razors, but so far this has worked well for me.

Almost 20,000 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️reviews

If you need a lounging/nighttime bra, this one is so comfy. I originally bought it in black, and just ordered it in nude as well.

These joggers are so cute. There are many color options and patterns…

11,000+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️reviews

I wore them with a tank and cardigan to school, but I know I will also pair them with a sweatshirt and tennis shoes when it gets colder outside.

I’m forever trying to drink more water. This water bottle is perfect because it’s lightweight and has the times on the side. I have a tumbler that I take to school because the water stays cold, but then I’ve been drinking at least one full water bottle when I get home from school. There are many color options too.

We were in desperate need of new pillows…especially Travis. He needed a replacement pillow. I ordered these, and they are such great quality. It’s a two pack…and they are very fluffy. When they arrived, they were rolled up flat, and a few hours later they transformed into big soft, but firm pillows.

4.500⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Tell me you’re in middle school without telling me you are in middle school…Hayden has succumbed to the middle school “fashion” that is Crocs.

After he looked at the mall and couldn’t find his size, we ordered Crocs from Amazon, and they were cheaper than what we were finding in the stores.

Did you know that “Sports mode” means when the strap is on in the back… 😂 I hadn’t heard that and laughed when the kids mentioned it. Hadley has had a white pair since the spring. Crocs are tempting for Homer to snag, so I’ve told them to keep up with their pairs of Crocs!

360,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews

What have you purchased lately? I’m trying to not overdo it with my Amazon purchases the next couple of months as November and December are bigger spending months with birthdays and Christmas.

I will probably have a post for tomorrow, but come back on Thursday for some of my fall favorites from Amazon.

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

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#125}

Hello!

How was your week? Ours was pretty good. While it’s always hectic, I do feel like we are getting into more of a routine. We have our evening activity schedule moving pretty seamlessly, and I feel like the kids are finally understanding my urgent cries for them to, for the love of Pete, complete any and all homework upon arriving home. (insert palm on forehead emoji here)

Anyway, back to something more positive. It’s Friday which means I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Honestly, this recap feels pretty short and sweet, but here are a few favorites from the week.

Hayden had a cross country meet on Saturday. It was the first two mile run of the season, and shew! it was hot! Hadley was living her best life at the pool while the rest of us were sweating it out at the cross country meet.

The entire team did an awesome job…and Hayden placed 2nd overall. Also, kudos to all the runners and the team placed 4th. Also, big shout out to Coach White because he ran the course during all three races cheering on (and coaching) his runners.

I think this season will be a great one!

Y’all, I shared this recipe that I saw on Instagram with you last week (I think?!)…and I finally got around to making it.

It’s definitely a family favorite. This is an easy and delish comfort food that’s a crowd pleaser. So good. I served it with broccoli one night and a salad the other night.

Speaking of recipes…This one is a bit healthier…I also made this Ground Turkey/Sweet Potato Casserole this week, and it was a hit.

I did add in cooked rice (Trader Joe’s Brown Rice) at the end before topping with shredded cheese and baking 10 final minutes. It made it feel more like a meal than a side dish.

Homer hearts Hadley…or is it the other way around? I found this random selfie on my phone the other day.

Picture it: September 1st at 6:15 AM…

I have a heavy rotation of fall candles, and I can’t wait to use them all. Coffee and a scented candle is my favorite way to start the day.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Homework help is in full swing. Pray for me.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

In honor of college football kicking off this weekend, here are a couple of my favorite CATS fans…

Remember yesterday’s post when I shared that Hayden tries not to miss a game, and Hadley never misses a tailgate?

Well, that started in 2011…

The biscuit in Hadley’s hand…she stole that from another tailgate.

And…proof that Hayden’s been “bleeding blue” since he was born!

Weekly Recap:

This week’s posts included funny memes, the books I read in August, and what I love about fall!

What are your long weekend plans? Well, if we survive tomorrow, we’ll be home free the rest of the weekend. Tomorrow includes a cross country meet, a bat mitzvah, and a UK football game.

Sunday and Monday have very little on tap! I think I will need a little rest!

See you back here on Tuesday. Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Holidays

Five Fall Favorites

Hello and happy September 1st!

I’m so basic it hurts! 😆

It’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of the year.

Well, I mean it’s going to be in the upper 80’s today, but hopefully soon Mr. Wilde will be correct, and summer will make way for fall!

There are so many wonderful things about fall: cooler temps, pumpkin everything, sweater weather, fires in the fire place, warm apple cider, football, and more!

Today, I’m sharing five things I love about fall.

O N E: my front porch

When we bought our house in the fall of 2014, I couldn’t wait to decorate the porch for fall. That first fall, I only had a few pumpkins, and now I have added so many other fall touches. Stackable pumpkins, mums, gourds, pillows, corn husks and more!

I love when the leaves on the trees turn to yellows, oranges, and reds.

T W O: football

Football is a big part of our fall activities. We go to as many CATS games as we can, I watch MIZZOU on tv whenever possible, and Sunday football with the Chiefs is great too!

The kids have been going to the UK games since they were babies. I remember Hadley taking food from other tailgates when she was little. 😂 Now, they are big middle schoolers who run around with their friends! Hayden doesn’t miss a game unless he absolutely has to. Hadley, on the other hand, never misses a chance to tailgate!

T H R E E: pumpkin everything

I used to love a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, but I quit ordering those a few years ago. Instead, I just add a splash of nutmeg, cinnamon or pumpkin spice to my coffee creamer every morning. We make pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and even pumpkin sugar cookies during the fall months.

F O U R: keeneland

Keeneland has a special place in my heart. Keeneland in the fall is the best! We love seeing friends, placing bets, and enjoying the weather.

Occasionally the kids come with us too!

F I V E: holidays

The fall months include some of my favorite holidays.

I’d be lying if I said I missed the days of costumes and little kids collecting candy…

Now the kids are big enough to go out on their own with friends…and I’m back to sitting on the front porch passing out candy. Those years went by in a blink.

While it’s not an official holiday, the kids’ birthday is a special day at our house!

Again, the t-shirt tradition was one of my faves.

And…I always celebrate them big on their special day.

One tradition that I think will last forever: cookie cake!

…and I think they’ll hold up balloons until they are at least 18!

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday (the 4th of July is a close 2nd!) I’ve always loved having a brief break from school, enjoying the fall weather, watching the Macy’s parade, and enjoying some of the best food of the year!

Honestly, this post easily could have been 20 things I love about fall. I even love the fact that it starts to get darker earlier with each passing day. I’m a girl who loves to “fall back” in November!

I’m all about cooler temps, sweater weather, and all things cozy. The extended forecast still shows hot and sunny for the foreseeable future, but I know it will feel more like fall soon enough.

What’s your favorite thing about fall?