Posted in Friday Favorites, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids, Travel

Friday Favorites {#292}

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was good overall, but I think being out of town last weekend made me extra tired this week. We had warmer temps and lots of sunshine…proof that spring is around the corner.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for Friday Favorites.

Here are a few favorites from the week.

Since Hadley and I were going to be out of town for volleyball, I gave the kids their Valentine’s Day presents on Friday after school.

I got both kids and Trav some candy, and then for Hayden, he always suggests baseball cards as a gift, so I bought him a box at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Also, I bought him a Chiefs keychain for the car, so he didn’t have to use the dealer one anymore. I actually got him an air tag too, so he can keep up with the keys.

Hadley has completely hijacked one of our new living room blankets, so I got her one of her own. After we went to Hadley’s first tournament, we realized she didn’t really have an overnight bag. She often uses a spare backpack, but we purged what she had when we cleaned out her closet. Anyway, some of her friends have this Free People Carryall bag, and when I searched for it, I realized DSG has them…and some colors were on sale. So, on one of our snow days, I went to our local store and bought her one in the “petal” color. When she opened it, she was surprised and said, “Oh…it’s the real thing!” She knows I love a dupe! haha (I love a sale too, apparently!)

Anyway, they kids were surprised and appreciative.

Travis gave me a gift card for a massage, and of course my card had bubble letters.

Saturday was Valentine’s Day, and we were up and out the door to drive to Knoxville. Hadley’s team played in the afternoon wave, and wore their pink shirts for Valentine’s Day.

They played well on Saturday! Hadley’s been working on a little jump serve, and she’s getting there!

That evening, we walked around downtown we saw lots of festive touches.

How cute are these hearts and the red and white lights?

I swear Hadley is going to turn into a taco! She requested Mexican food once she saw that restaurant option, so that’s what we had…and then we went for ice cream. I was full, but she got the red velvet, and it was delish.

We walked back to the hotel which was around the corner from the Tennessee Theater. I’d seen this lit up sign in photos, so it was as surprise to walk right past it.

Sunday, they didn’t play until the afternoon, so we had some time on our hands. It was a really rainy morning, so it was nice to start off slowly. We met friends and had lunch at Tupelo Honey. We’d been to one in Asheville before, and the biscuits were as good as I remembered them to be.

Loved the Bless Your Heart glasses.

The girls dodged the rain to shop a bit, and then we headed to the convention center. They played some tough teams, but overall played well on Sunday too.

Sunday was a very late night that ended with us eating Chipolte (for Hadley – I told you…she’s going to turn into a taco!) and Cava for me…in our hotel room at 9:30 at night. We were so tired!

This was a three day tournament…I’m not sure why (LOL!). The girls made it to the silver bracket on Monday morning. We were down a hitter, so Hadley played all around on Monday. I laugh when my 5’3″ daughter playing front row, but she had some good hits AND a couple of blocks. She was so happy!

We were home by Monday afternoon, so at least I had some time at home on my Monday day off. I unpacked, took a nap, and placed a Kroger order. Overall, it was a good but busy weekend.

Yesterday, I sat in the backseat while Hadley drove us home from school. Her friend was in the front seat, and I was like, “Wow! Times have changed!” haha

Y’all, the Toms ads are targeting me! In the winter, I purchased two pairs of booties (to replace two that I’d had for years) that were on sale, and then, I saw an ad for these mules that were on sale. I ordered the metallic linen color, and they arrived this week. I can’t wait for spring! (Some colors appear to be out of stock, but there is limited sizing on some others…I did size up from a 9 to 9.5)

Yesterday, I didn’t feel like working out, but I decided to do a quick workout. Well, I got a notification that I’d completed my 400th workout! I believe this is my 400th since I started tracking about three years ago. Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise of an accomplishment.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This one depends on the day, but I can certainly relate.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

We have lots going on this weekend, but I hope to get caught up on some much needed rest. I also need to take down my (limited) Valentine’s Day decor, I hope to finish a book and watch what’s left of the Olympics.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#291}

Hello and happy Friday!

It’s been a good week once we got back into a routine. I know we just had two (unexpected) weeks off of school, but I’m not mad about the upcoming three day weekend.

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

Here are some faves from the week:

The Olympics!

I’ve planned my evenings around watching the Prime Time coverage, and that means I’ve also been going to bed later than I should. I’ve enjoyed watching as many events as possible, and I always love learning more about the athletes.

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I almost missed out on my (half off) birthday discount, but on one of the final days of January, I ordered a Kendra Scott ring that I’d had my eye on. My local store didn’t have it, so I just ordered it online. It arrived this week, and I love it.

Hadley’s club volleyball photos came in, and they turned out so cute.

I’m not sure what took me so long to do so, but I finally bought a couple of bags at Trader Joe’s to haul my groceries in. We do like using the paper bags because we’ll use them for our recycling, but I do like having these bags, and they’ve come in handy for carrying my Kroger and Aldi groceries too.

I went to Walmart on Monday to make a return, and of course I had to look around. How cute are these (salad and dinner) plates? They are the Pioneer Woman brand, so of course they’re cute! I was so tempted to buy them, but I showed restraint. I guess I can always go back!

I’ve shared these Threshold brand candles a couple of times. I have the pink one, and I was placing a Target pick up order, so I thought I’d go ahead and snag a white one. Well, how could I resist the green one?!…and Target had a buy one get one half off sale. These are already reasonably priced, especially for the quality, so I just couldn’t say no.

With the Chiefs not being in the Super Bowl, our Super Bowl traditions were all out of whack. We did still go to my brother’s house, but instead of ordering a cookie cake, I made Valentine’s Day(ish) brownies. They were a hit.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, my mom gave me these little heart tea lights via my Gma. So festive and cute.

We have a lot going on this weekend, so I went ahead and made our “Valentine’s Day” family dinner last night. Heart shaped chicken nuggets for the win!

Both kids love nuggets, and Hadley loves mac and cheese, so this was an easy meal to make. On a whim, I added some of the Sister Schubert rolls to my Kroger order, and we made little chicken minis!

The Valentine’s Day card for our family tradition continues! I snapped a pic of the kids on one of our snow days, and then I ordered the cards from Shutterfly. I love sending these to family every year.

The way to my heart…

Favorite Mom Meme:

I feel seen! Why is it like this? haha

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

I’m sure I share this every year, but I loved dressing the kids up for Valentine’s Day when they were younger. This pic is from 2011…their second Valentine’s Day. Pinchy cheek cute.

Weekly Recap:

I’ve still been a busy blogger….

It’s Friday the 13th. Let’s hope it’s a low-key day at school. haha!

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Valentine’s Day Decor

Hello and happy Thursday!

Well, we’re a few days into February, and we still haven’t gone back to school…I affectionately named these past two weeks “Winter break 2.0″…Yesterday, I did venture up to school because I was “itching” to at least make sure my classroom is ready to go whenever we do head back. I put away my few touches of Christmas, updated my February calendar, made a few copies, and then got the heck out of there. haha!

Anyway, one of the things on my “to do” list was to put out my few festive Valentine’s Day touches, and I did that this past weekend. Most everything is what I’ve had for years, but I did pick up a few new things too.

The mantel in the kitchen is the same as it’s been for quite a few years. I have the wooden “love” sign as well as an XOXO banner.

I saw this wooden serving tray and Michael’s and thought it would be perfect in this little corner of the kitchen. I usually have a cook book in this stand, so that was an easy swap. My friend gave me the cute heart icon candle from Aldi for my birthday, and I added it to a metal pedestal that I have out year round but also added the cute little red and white plate from Target.

Speaking of Target…I have zero regrets purchasing these two pack of tea towels…

I’ve had this little dish for years, and I fill it up with candy.

The coffee table in the living room looks much like it does at Christmas time as I’ve left out a few “winter” touches into February.

I did add in my new pink Target candle

…here it is with the lid on. So precious.

On the entryway table, I added this little heart dish that I’ve had for years. I got it from Trader Joe’s, and it had a little flower in it originally. Now, I fill it with candy, and this year, I layered it on another Target plate and pedestal.

I’ve had this white ceramic heart for years, but I did get a new plate/art easel at Michael’s. I wanted something a little sturdier, and I love the touch of gold.

This XOXO is another decorative item that I’ve had for years. It sits on the bookshelf in the living room.

Outside, I swapped my “let it snow” flag (I think it did its job!) for my pretty pink and red Valentine’s Day flag.

I love this door hanger. I’ve had it for years, and I think it’s a nice festive touch for February.

Not decor but, but I’m really “leaning” into seasonal coffee mugs. These two are on rotation for February!

I really enjoy putting things out for Valentine’s Day…especially because set up and take down take five minutes each way!

Have a great day.

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Festive Finds

Hello and happy Tuesday!

With my impromptu week off and my quest to refresh a few spots in the house, I’ve been in and out of some of my fave stores – Aldi, TJ Maxx, Target, Home Goods, and Michael’s. I know every year these places must have lots of holiday goodies, but I just saw so many cute things, and I’m sharing those today.

Aldi:

My friend got me a candle from Aldi for my birthday, and now I’m putting it to good use.

So, the next time I went to Aldi, I made sure to go down the “Aldi finds” aisle…and I wasn’t disappointed.

There were other cute candles, various heart shaped bake ware and plates. I think the marble heart was my fave.

Home Goods:

I went to Home Goods to get new bed pillows for Hayden, and while I was there, I took a peek at their Valentine’s Day decor.

The floral heart is such a cute decorative piece…I almost bought it. If I had more storage, I would for sure buy a heart shaped Dutch oven to sit out on my stove top.

How cute is the heart kettle and the colander?! So many cute dish towels too.

Home Goods really had a fun variety of icon glasses…

…and coffee mugs.

I couldn’t help myself, and I did buy the cherry icon glass. I plan on it being a spring/summer glass for me.

Target:

Who doesn’t love Target?! I went to Target to look for a lamp, and while I was there, I scoped out their Valentine’s Day pieces…

I actually have two of the small red/white plates and the dish towels too. I bought them after Christmas, and now it’s been fun to put them out.

How cute is the polka dot ruffle pillow?! Also, I just couldn’t “say no,” and I bought the pink candle with a lid. I figured it would be perfect for February and even into March for a spring/floral color. I might get one of the white ones as well to use later.

The bedding is so cute for a little one…and who doesn’t love a plush heart shaped pillow?

Even the books that were on display and seemed to be love themed.

TJ Maxx:

I did find a lamp that I loved at Target, so I went to TJ Maxx to return a lamp I’d previously purchased. While there, I scoped out their Valentine’s Day stuff. To be honest, they didn’t have a ton, but the dish towels were cute, they had a few mugs, and their pink/red candle selection was strong!

I think TJ Maxx (and Home Goods) have some of the cutest paper products…and I loved the read floral/heart tote. I almost purchased it, but I showed restraint.

Michael’s:

I went to Michael’s to buy some tea light candles, and their Valentine’s Day decor was right when you walk in. They really didn’t have a ton of things, and I could tell they were shifting to spring. That being said, I thought the plates, heart candles, and icon glasses were so cute…as was the bow pillow!

In all my shopping I “only” walked away with the icon glass from Home Goods and a wooden heart from Michael’s…(as well as the two plates and hand towels, I’d bought previously at Target)…

…and one mug at Home Goods and one mug from TJ Maxx.

I’ll show you my few Valentine’s Day decorations later in the week.

‘Tis the season for love!

Posted in Holidays, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Hello and happy Saturday!

It used be a rarity for me to post on the weekends, but today marks the 31st blog post I’ve written in January. Bloganuary was a fun (self-imposed) challenge for myself, and I do think writing a variety of posts helped with the writer’s blog block I sometimes feel!

I’m excited to link up with Jenn for Share 4 Somethings, which I haven’t done in quite some time.

The topics are…

Something I’ve loved…

Not to sound like a broken record, but I’ve loved quiet time at home this week. It’s been somewhat unexpected. We definitely get snow/ice and snow days, but this is the second year in a row we’ve had a week off a school due to the weather. Of course, I’m a bit worried how this will affect the end date of our school year, but I can’t control those things…so I’ve soaked in the down time and the quiet time while we’ve had it.

Something that has sustained me…

Coffee always sustains me. This week, I transitioned back to hot coffee after my iced coffee journey although I did get an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts yesterday.

This week, Pilates has sustained me. Thanks to my at home schedule, I was able to pop into a couple of Reformer Pilates classes this week which I loved.

Something we’re carrying forward

I shared this at the beginning of January…

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….and I hope to carry forward these thoughts to February as well. I feel like we typically get January and February and then June and July to have downtime, but the summers have felt busier and busier as the years have gone on, so I hold tight to the quiet and cozy of these winter months.

Something we’re making space for…

After purging and organizing, I’ve made space for…quite a few things. That being said, I did some rearranging, and I organized my coffee mugs on shelves based on seasonal, favorites/everyday, and special/meaningful mugs.

I’ve now made space for a couple of new festive mugs for February:

Don’t tell Trav…haha!

He always wonders why we have so many mugs. Listen, coffee and mugs (and icon glasses!) make me happy. I could have a more expensive collection of things…like fancy watches, designer purses, or diamonds! You’re welcome, Trav!

Have a great Saturday!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings: January 2026

Hello from the frozen tundra that is Kentucky!

We’re officially home from school for the entirety of the week. We got the call yesterday afternoon that today would be an NTI day, and tomorrow will be a snow day.

Where where has this month gone? It’s already the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is about…winter fun/Valentine’s Day.

1. Describe your winter so far in one word.

Harsh. We rarely get snow in December, and we ended up having three snow days that month. Last weekend, we were supposed to get 12 inches of snow, but instead we got around five inches and some ice…followed by bitterly cold temps. The city roads are trying to recover, and it’s just not happening, especially on the secondary and neighborhood roads.

My little snowman flag is frozen!

2. What winter activities have you never tried but want to?

I can’t really think of anything. I always think the idea of going somewhere to ski in the winter sounds fun, but I think I’d be a nervous wreck wondering if someone is going to break something! I’d be good at sipping a beverage by the fire with a view of the mountain! ha!I think I’d be an “Apres ski” girl!

3. Favorite winter beverage?

A hot cup of coffee. I’ve been on an iced coffee kick, but I switched back to hot coffee this week because the temps have been so cold that I can’t stay warm.

4. Least favorite winter chore?

We love Homer, but I think my least favorite chore is letting him in and out. He often stands at the top of the stairs contemplating going out while letting in the cold air. I am thankful that he doesn’t mind going out on his own because some years he gets “spooked” by the snow on the steps, and we have to take him out on a leash.

5. Soup or chili? Share a recipe if you’d like.

I like both…and I like soup/chili season because both often provide leftovers. On Sunday, I made Shay’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup. I wanted to make chili, but finding ground beef proved to be difficult last weekend.

6. Dark chocolate? Milk chocolate? Neither or both?

I prefer dark chocolate. This time of the year, I always think of the little candy assortments that are out for Valentine’s Day.

7. Share your Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day plans.

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year…and I believe it’s President’s Day weekend. I’m sure I will try to make a “special” dinner for the fam or let them choose their favorite foods for dinner like I’ve done in the past. Trav and I always exchange cards, and I get the kids a couple of things.

8. Do you dress festive for Valentine’s Day?

I picked up a gray sweatshirt with a red gingham heart on it at Target a couple of years ago, and that’s about it.

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9. Do you make any sweet treats for Valentine’s Day?

The sweet treat is usually whatever candy I get Trav and the kids. Sometimes, we’ll pick up cookies or cupcakes for dessert.

10. What is your love language?

I read that book a few years ago, and my love language is definitely “Acts of Service.”

Well, Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Me

Friday Favorites {#288}

Hello and happy Friday!

Shew! We’ve almost made it to the weekend. We had a good week, but I felt so tired all week…and a little run down. The cold weather is back, and it certainly feels like winter.

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

Here are my favorites from the week:

I’ve seen others share these Drizzilicious rice cakes, but I think they are mostly at Sam’s/Costco? Anyway, when I was at TJ Maxx last week, I saw them in the snack aisle, so I bought a box. They’ve been a great “sweet treat” to pack with my lunch this week.

Amy shared about this hydration brand, and I spotted a little three pack at Target last weekend. She suggested mixing with Fresca. I had the watermelon flavor this week, and it was so good…very refreshing.

Wednesday was my birthday, and we went out to dinner on Sunday night. Jeff Ruby’s “spoiled” me again with my name on the menu.

Trav and Hayden split a steak, Hadley ordered the salmon, and I got sushi.

Why do my babies look so grown up?!

When it’s your birthday (or any other celebration), you get dessert and a photo. Besides the cupcake, we ordered cheesecake and creme brulee.

I’ve been trying to “refresh” a few spaces, and I saw these candle sticks (tall and short) at Target that I couldn’t pass up. I thought they were just my style and a fun mix and match. I also updated a couple of frames in the house including the one on the kitchen buffet that I found at TJ Maxx.

I feel like we’re back to being all over the place as far as schedules are concerned and with the kids being able to drive themselves, we’re not all together after school very often. We all went home at the same time on Monday which was nice.

Wednesday evening, we celebrated my birthday and I opened a few gifts, and then my brother and his family came over for cookie cake.

It was a nice evening, and we had the UK basketball game on one TV and the Mizzou game on the other. Both teams came out on the winning side.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This meme definitely fits one of my kids more than the other…but it rings true.

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Weekly Recap:

I’m on a January blogging streak…

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I hope to blog over the weekend too, so see you then!

Posted in Blog challenge, Holidays, Me

Happy New Year – 2026!

Hello and happy January 1st!

How was your New Year’s Eve? We hung out with friends and actually stayed up until midnight, but overall, it was a low-key evening.

A few years ago, I participated in “Bloganuary” that WordPress hosted with topics every day. While I don’t think they host this anymore, I think I might challenge myself to blog every day in January. What I remember liking about Bloganuary is it was an opportunity to write about topics big and small. Sometimes, last year I felt like I had “writer’s block,” and I’d like to start the year strong.

I plan on sharing my regular content, but I hope to sprinkle in some random topics even if it provides for a short post. Now, once I get back to school, we’ll see if I can keep this up, but I’m going to try.

Last night, we had more of an informal New Year’s Eve. I’ve shared in the past that a few friends, who all live within a few houses of each other, started a progressive dinner years ago. Well, they expanded the invite to a few other couples, including us, a couple of years ago, and that’s been lots of fun.

This year, they/we decided to scale back and just host at one house an informal game night with pizza for people to come and go as they please.

We had lots of fun watching football, playing a few games, enjoying apps and pizza and just letting the kids come and go as well.

One thing that didn’t change was that one friend still organized the “words of the year” that we pull from a pretty jar. After we draw our words, we all go around and share them.

Here are my words for 2026:

  • Boundaries: I think I’m pretty good at setting boundaries…I feel like this is something that’s easier to do as we get older. If a situation or relationship isn’t serving me, I’m ok with saying no or letting that go.
  • Encourage: One thing about me is that I’m a pretty loyal person, and I think I do a good job encouraging my people. I’m in the “thick” of raising two teens, and I’m going to keep encouraging them through the ups and downs of life…and honestly, I’m going to keep encouraging myself to do things for myself and give myself grace.
  • Celebrate: Low-key celebrating, ok? I’m too old for much more than that. haha (That being said, my birthday is a couple of weeks away, and I’ve already started receiving birthday emails from my school district and places like Ulta, etc…I ‘ve got birthday coupons to spend, apparently!)

I always keep the three words in my bedside table every year, and it’s fun to look back on them and reflect on the year.

Here were my 2025 words:

I hope you have a great start to your year!

Posted in Holidays

Christmas Recap

Hello and happy Monday!

Is it even Monday?! haha!

This is definitely the time of the year and the part of Christmas break where the days are running together.

Today, I’m sharing about our Christmas(es)…

The last Friday of school was pj day which made it very hard for me to rally and get dressed for our friends’ annual Christmas party, but of course I’m glad we went.

I brought home a few of her family’s famous springerle cookies which are a fave.

The next day, we made Chocolate Crinkle cookies per tradition. We never got around to making peanut butter blossoms, but maybe we’ll get back to those next year.

On Sunday, Hadley and her friends met up for pizza and a gift exchange.

My Monday project was cross stitching this little ornament. When I went to World Market, I picked up a kit of three ornaments, and they’ve been fun to complete over the past week or so.

That evening, we finally made it out to the Horse Park for Southern Lights. Trav and I have been doing this for over twenty years. The kids love this tradition too.

You know you’re in Kentucky when…

On Christmas Eve Eve, we headed to Trav’s mom’s house in Louisville. Unfortunately, Hadley wasn’t feeling well, but we were still able to go.

Mamaw and all the grandkids.

On Christmas Eve, Hadley still wasn’t feeling well, so we went to the Little Clinic once we got back to Lex. Thankfully, she tested negative for all the things and got a prescription for something to help with the congestion.

She rallied for the Christmas Eve service at church.

Silent Night by candlelight is always a favorite.

Family photo which I appreciated.

The kids went home after church, but Trav and I stopped by a friend’s house for a bit. They had so many cute inflatables…now I want some. haha

I was up at 6:30 on Christmas morning…even though the kids slept in, of course.

Hadley was the first one up around 9:00 which surprised me…usually, Hayden gets up first. Anyway, even Homer was ready to open presents.

Trav and his gift tags are always something I like forward to.

I got the kids these new ornaments…how cute?! They were fun to personalize.

After presents, the kids swapped their gifts that they picked out for each other…

…and then it was stocking time.

I made a very easy breakfast of a pre-made quiche from Fresh Market, and the Sister Shubert cinnamon rolls from Kroger that are easy and delish.

Hadley went back to bed, and Hayden watched Home Alone with Trav and me.

We took it easy most of the day, and of course made sure to call family and wish them a Merry Christmas.

For dinner, Trav grilled steak that he received as a gift, and I made Bob Evans mashed potatoes and green beans. Easy and delish dinner.

I finished another ornament off and on that day…

I actually found the same pack on Amazon, so I can complete the other three patterns. Don’t be jealous of all the fun I’m having. haha!

This past Saturday, we finally connected with my brother’s family and the cousins exchanged gifts.

And that’s a wrap on Christmas. It’s always different when we don’t go to KC as we don’t have as much going on, but it was nice to have some time at home…and since Hadley wasn’t feeling well, it worked out for her to have time at home in her bed to recoup.

Tis the season for all the things…including germs.

Every year seems to be a bit different as the kids have gotten older, but overall, it was a very Merry Christmas. I hope the same for you!

This week, I plan on recapping 2025 and sharing my favorite books of the year too.

I’m also clinging to break for dear life! I have to remind myself that I still have one more week full of downtime and productivity.

Posted in Holidays

Merry Christmas

Hello and happy December 24th.

Merry Christmas Eve.

I’m just stopping by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

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I continued our Christmas card tradition by sending a card from Shutterfly. Since we were dressed up a couple of times this summer for family weddings, I used the family photo my brother-in-law took of us in July which made for a great family photo without me having to pester my family for another photo.

From my family to yours…

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

As always…I know not everyone’s holiday season is merry and bright. Even for us, every year is a bit different depending on our plans with family and whether we are traveling or not. I know others have suffered loss or are struggling in other ways. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days.

Sending love,