This month’s topic is let’s look at..how we prep for the holiday season.
Oh…well…even when I try to prep, I don’t feel very prepared when the season comes. That being said, here are a few things I try to do.
1. Notes/Lists
I keep a note on my phone with gift ideas as I think of them throughout the year.
I also make notes of recipes for the season and activities or traditions that I want to make sure that we do.
2. Amazon list
The past couple of years, I’ve made an Amazon list that I share with my mom, sister-in-law and grandma with gift ideas for the kids and me. That way, once the items are purchased, they are taken off the list. This has been a nice way to stay organized and share ideas.
3. Decorate when you can
In 2020, on Election Day, I put up my two skinny Christmas trees. One was in the living room and the other in the sun room. My kids rolled their eyes and even ask “Why are you already putting up Christmas decor?,” but the truth is that’s a day I have time to do so….so I do.
And, thanks to this blog, when I put out the rest of the decorations, I can look back on where I put my seasonal decor, so that saves time and energy.
4. Plan ahead
Once November hits, I always find time and pencil in some of our traditions like going to the horse park lights and baking cookies. I also always write down parties and plan accordingly. That has worked well to make sure we get some family time in or know when I might have time to wrap presents.
5. Stay Organized
Like I said, I have lists for gifts, meals, and activities. I have a note on my phone of things I need to buy for the next year. For example, if I’m running low on wrapping paper, I make note of that to purchase for the next year.
Also, I get rid of seasonal items if I don’t use them to help keep some of the holiday bins organized.
I’d love to hear how you prep for the holidays; give me all the tips!
What’s in our pantry in August (I don’t have a pantry, so I skipped that one)
This month’s topic is let’s look at…our quick weeknight dinners.
Anything in a slow cooker helps the weeknight dinners go quicker.
My “go to” slow cooker recipes still come from Shay’s cookbook Simmers.
The Chicken Tortilla Souprecipe is a fave. We also love her Sloppy Joe’srecipe..
Just this week, I made “Million Dollar Spaghetti,” and while it takes a few steps, it’s worth it because it’s delicious and it makes a ton. I love (and appreciate!) leftovers.
A few weeks ago, I tried this new recipe and it was a family favorite.
How’s your week going? Y’all, my long travel day on Sunday and then hitting the ground running on Monday caught up with me! Yesterday, I woke up from a dead sleep at 9:30! I got almost 11 hours of sleep. I can’t believe it…but clearly I needed it.
I also can’t believe that it’s already the second Wednesday of the month which means I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.
This month’s topic is let’s look at…podcasts and shows we binge.
Podcasts:
Well, I still don’t listen to a lot of podcasts. That being said, I finally reconnected my phone to my car, so maybe I will start listening to more podcasts when I have time.
On the podcast app on my phone, I do have downloaded random episodes of:
Absolutely Not (you know I love Heather McMahan!)
Hey Dude, the 90s Called (I love that Christine Taylor and David Lascher interview so many actors from the 80’s/90’s!)
I’ve Had It (Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan are hilarious!)
Let’s Be Honest (Kristin Cavallari doesn’t hold back!)
Two podcasts that I listen to regularly are:
Calm Down (Erin and Charissa talk about sports, news, travel, gossip and more!)
& …New Heights with the Kelce Brothers.
Just FYI – I was listening to this podcast before Travis and Taylor started dating! These two are also fun to listen to.
Audio Books:
I’ve just gotten into listening to audio books thanks to a few road trips and travel.
I listened to these two audio books last month:
This month, I’ve listened to Matthew Perry and Matthew McConaughey’s books, both narrated by them. I will share more in my July book review, but I really enjoyed both. There were definitely parts of Perry’s book that were hard to listen to knowing of his now untimely death.
I could listen to McConaughey’s voice all day long…just not on 1.50 speed like I usually listen to books and podcasts. haha!
Shows:
Recently, I watched Twelve Final Days about Roger Federer’s final twelve days before retirement. It’s on Amazon Prime, and I think it was just under two hours long. So, it’s not episodes, but a short documentary.
He’s definitely one of my favorite tennis players, and I loved seeing him off the court with his family as well.
On Netflix, I’ve been watching America’s Sweethearts about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I watched it last week when I was in KC, and I still have one episode left.
Also on Netflixis Sprint about the US sprinters in the year leading up to the Olympics. Of course, this is a family favorite.
My summer guilty pleasure is always the Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip on Peacock. It’s been fun to see the NY ladies again.
Travis and I have been watching Presumed Innocent on Apple TV. I think we’ve watched the first four episodes. Our viewing has been kind of sporadic as we watched the first episode before vacation, and then watched a couple more before I left for KC. A new episode comes out every week, so hopefully we can keep the momentum going.
Right now, Hadley is re-watching all of All-American before the next season comes out…
…and Hayden’s been watching Friday Night Lights. Travis and I used to watch that show together when it was on TV. We were telling the kids how we used to look forward to watching it live every week…and that went over their heads. haha
Travis and I both stop and watch some of the episodes when Hayden has the TV on. Who doesn’t love Coach Taylor and Tammy?!?
Movies:
On our flight home from Seattle, I watched The Boys in the Boat, and it was SO good. I’d wanted to see it when it was in the theater, but that just never worked out. Now I want to read the book. I highly recommend it.
I love having extra time in the summer to watch shows that aren’t normally on during the year, or finding the time to get caught up on shows or movies that I’ve missed out on. Usually, my reading time dips a bit in the summer, but I’ve been good and keeping that up too!
Do you have any suggestions on shows I should watch? We have Netflix, Prime, Peacock, and Apple TV.
This month’s topic is let’s look at…our summer schedule.
Well, this is only our second full week of summer, and we aren’t in much of a routine just yet. Hayden and Travis started the summer going to St. Louis for Hayden’s race, then last week I spent Monday and Tuesday doing laundry, getting an oil change for my car, and other odds and ends to get ready to go to KC. Then, we were in KC from Wednesday to Sunday. Monday, I was at school most of the day, and yesterday was also spent getting life back on track after being out of town since I didn’t have time to do that on Monday.
Also, it was midday yesterday before I glanced at today’s Let’s Look topic, so today’s post is a look at how I think most days will look based on the few days we’ve been at home so far. That being said, I hope to find some days with nothing on the calendar some time soon. June is definitely our more hectic month, so it might be July before I have lots of downtime at home.
Anyway, this post is a mix of new and old pics to share a daytime summer schedule (ish).
Early Morning:
Hopefully, I’m not setting an alarm and get up between 7:30 and 8:00.
I always have my quiet time, coffee and blog reading until about 9:00 or 9:30 depending on where the kids need to go. If they don’t have anything and are sleeping in, then I tend to get my workout in.
Besides my coffee, I look forward to a slow start the morning and a little self-care with my eye gels.
Then, I do my skincare routine, and make my bed.
Yesterday, I had my monthly facial, so I did very minimal skincare. Yay!
I do love in the summer when I can take care of my personal business like appointments during the day. When I schedule those appointments in the summer, I try to schedule them between 10:30 and 12:30 as it’s not too early and also doesn’t take up my afternoon.
Last Wednesday, the kids had their six month dental cleaning, and Hadley said, “MOMMMM! Why did you schedule it so early?” haha (It did work out because after their appointments is when we started our drive to KC.)
Mid-Morning:
I typically take the kids where they need to go. Yesterday, Hadley had volleyball, and Hayden wanted to play golf.
Sometimes, I get my front porch plants watered before leaving for errands and activities. This summer, I’ve decided this should be Hadley’s chore!
I try to run errands before noon if possible. Yesterday, I had a Target pickup, needed gas, and also went to Kroger for a few things.
Between 9:45 and 12:15 yesterday, I picked up Hadley’s friend, dropped both girls off at volleyball, answered a school phone call, did my Target pick up, went to my monthly facial (dermaplane and chemical peel), picked up Hayden from home and dropped him off at the golf course, and then picked up the girls from volleyball. After that, Hadley and I went to Kroger for a few things.
Afternoon:
Another thing I love about summer is that I can do a few house chores during the day. Usually we do laundry on the weekends, but I can now do a random load if needed on a weekday during the day.
After volleyball, I did take the girls to get a Sonic drink…
…but we had lunch at home. I love a snack plates for lunch.
If I don’t do my workout in the morning, I try get it completed in the early afternoon.
Yesterday, I did one of my favorites… Sure Thing: Combination Strength.
At some point during the day, I fuss at my kids to pick their ish up or throw away their trash.
Classic Hayden move here:
Again, if my Bible study doesn’t happen in the morning, I do those few minutes in the early afternoon.
Yesterday, I picked Hayden up from his round of golf. He’s been playing a lot with friends, but yesterday he played 18 holes on his own. I will say he’s not big on changing plans, so while it was a bit inconvenient for me to take him to and from golf, he was out in the nice weather and doing something he loved. He even paid for the golf and post golf snack with his own money. (He has a pass for $5 rounds of golf for public courses in town).
While I would love for my summer to always include an hour or two at the pool, that really hasn’t happened yet. I really thought I’d get to the pool for a bit yesterday, but that just didn’t happen. Again, hopefully I will get in a routine soon.
If I don’t go to the pool, I most certainly find some time to lounge and read for a bit in the afternoon. Sometimes I even doze off for a few minutes…
…and sometimes Homer does too!
Evening:
Before dinner, I usually try to finish up the next day’s blog post.
Last night, dinner was leftovers which, to me, are an even a better idea in the summer.
There are times I’m showered by 5:00 if I’ve been to the pool. If not, if I know I’m “in” for the night, I can’t wait to shower and do my skincare right after dinner.
I’m still loving these shower steamers (or these!) They are such a nice treat.
Then, it’s skincare time.
…and then time to chill.
So far this summer, we haven’t really had evening activities on the schedule, so once dinner is over, it’s nice to tidy up the house, shower, sit on the back porch, read or watch TV before bed.
Homer loves being outside:
Sometimes, I will watch the KC Royals game or catch up on a show. Other times, I read for a bit. So far, no two evenings have really looked alike.
Last night, we took Homer for a walk before I showered and put on pjs.
Then, I head to bed between 10-11.
I know it’s good for my “type A” personality to go with the flow a bit in the summer, and I embrace that. That being said, I feel like disheveled right now not really having a true rhythm to summer just yet.
It’s still such a blessing to have this time off, so I’m sure I will settle in soon.
This month’s topic is let’s look…our summer closet staples.
Sandals:
After spring break, as long as the sun is out (no matter the temp!), I’m probably wearing sandals.
These Birks continue to be my fave! I bought them two summers ago, and they continue to be the first sandal I turn to time and time again.
I have some faves from Amazon too.
The rose gold double buckle sandals are another “go to” pair for me. Hadley has them in white.
The pink comfort slides I mostly wear when it’s raining, to the pool, or out in the yard.
These gold sandals are perfect to wear with dresses and easy to pack.
*I did size up one size on all three of these.
If you need dressier sandal, I bought these two years ago, and they are comfy for a heel. (I went up half a size on these.)
I wore them to the Kentucky Oaks last Friday.
Last week, I was at Target, and saw these strappy sandals. I have a pair that I got from Amazon a couple of years ago, and I love them, but they aren’t in stock anymore. These are just like them, so I snagged them right up, and was excited for the price! (20% off right now, and just under $11) I’ve worn them twice this week, and they pass the “teacher test” for footwear.
Light weight sets, dresses, and rompers:
SSYS continues to be a favorite place of mine to shop. Their crepe two piece set from last summer is perfect. You can wear the top or shorts with other pieces, the fabric is so light, and it’s an easy “throw on and go” set.
Last week, they released the spring version, and I can’t wait for it to get here. I think the price on this is a little higher, but I know I will wear it so much.
Dresses are easy to wear in the hot days of summer. A couple of years ago, I made one of our hall closets, my dress closet. That’s how many dresses I have and love.
While I’m still not “sold” that a romper is my most flattering look, I did get this one last summer, and wore it quite a bit.
Belt bags:
As you can tell from the pics above, this belt bag/cross body purse was one of my faves for being out and about in the summer.
I also love this one too, and have had it for a couple of years.
Leggings and tanks:
Again, SSYS has many of my favorite tanks and leggings, but I do have some favorite leggings and tanks from Amazon too.
Hat:
I often wear a ball cap in the summer, but this hat from Nordstrom is one of my faves.
I bought it in 2020, so it doesn’t seem to be in stock, but this one and this one look pretty similar!
I have a couple of favorite swimsuits from Amazon. This one shoulder was new this year for fall break, and I LOVE it. I also still turn to this swimsuit (I have two patterns) that I’ve had for three years. Both come in so many colors and patterns.
Cover ups:
These three swim cover ups continue to be my faves:
My absolute favorite is this blue one that I also have in navy. The other two are a little thicker and longer, but also great.
Shorts:
I honestly don’t wear a ton of shorts in the summer, but I do have a couple of denim pairs, and I turn to this black pair from SSYS time and time again. I think SSYS is sharing this year’s version of the shorts next week.
So those are my summer closet staples.
Once I’m out of school, I’m typically in my pjs, athleisure, or a swimsuit/cover up. Oh…I can’t wait for summer days…and to be tan again!
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Well, I survived the first day back to school in ten days, and it was a good one. As much as I love a break, it’s always good to get back in a routine.
It’s already the second Wednesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.
This month’s topic is let’s look…our daily quiet time/prayer time.
This topic got me thinking a bit about my morning quiet time and when it started. Quiet morning time is such an important part of my routine and the “need” for it started when the kids were babies. While I’ve always needed to “ease” into my morning, having two crying babies wake me was not the best way for me to start the day. So, once the kids were on a predictable schedule, I made a point to get up at least a half hour before them.
The years really are short…because on spring break, there were mornings I was up for hours before them and even I was sleeping in a bit! haha
It’s just nice to start my morning with a cup of coffee, eye masks, and reading some blogs!
Anyway, a few years ago…probably 2018 or so, I started incorporating in a bit more “faith” into my morning quiet time routine. I try to start the morning in the Bible app with the verse of the day and the videos and texts that come with it. It’s only about five minutes, but a good way to start the day.
Yesterday’s verse:
I’ve had my Bible for a few years. A couple of years ago, I used the Bible app to guide me through the entire Bible in a year. I was glad I did that, but obviously I could re-read it multiple times for better understanding.
In December, I was scrolling Pinterest and saw this reading plan:
…which prompted me to buy this Bible study journal and these pens…
…and now I’ve been doing a new reading plan every month. Like the morning, this only takes a few minutes, but I usually do this quiet time when I get home from school. This journal is set up using the SOAP method with space for “scripture, observation, application, and prayer.”
I like that there’s a habit tracker which I started in January.
This is my April reading plan:
Screenshot
I tend to be more private with my faith, but once we found a home church over five years ago, I just wanted to know and learn more…for my kids and for myself. Also, for me, my learning style is to take things a little at a time. I like to read, learn, reflect, and write. I guess it’s the teacher in me…wanting to learn, but also wanting to have the time to process information, reflect, respond, and apply to life.
This month’s topic is let’s look…what’s in our grocery cart.
Well, it’s pretty rare for me to do major grocery shopping in the store, so my “cart” is typically online via the Kroger app.
Before making my grocery list, I meal plan and write down any ingredients we need for dinners for the week. Then, I check out our pantry/cabinets and fridge to see what staples we need. Then, I head to our basement fridge to see what drinks and frozen items might need replenished. While in the basement, I also check on laundry detergent and paper supplies like paper towels and toilet paper.
Then, I place our weekly grocery pick up using the Kroger app.
Our list of regular items is pretty long but a few are:
Milk
Salad, green beans
Cottage cheese
Coffee or K-cups
Bread
Ground beef
Chicken
Eggs
Ice cream
Peanut butter and / or Nutella
Lunchmeat / cheese
Cheezits, Goldfish, chips
I also do a small round up at Trader Joe’s most weeks to pick up produce and a few things.
This was my cart on Monday after school:
Examples of things I buy weekly:
Fruit – always strawberries and apples…and then either grapes or cantaloupe
Egg bites for my lunches on Mondays and Tuesdays
Cheddar chicken sausage for lunch too
(There are usually a few other things I pick up too if needed, including fresh flowers in the spring and summer months)
Then, probably once or twice a month I have a bigger haul, and I get other odds and ends like frozen Jasmine rice, chips the kids want, mac and cheese, etc.
I’ve been frequenting Aldi somewhat regularly over the past few months. When I go to Aldi, the three things I’m looking for are:
Sweet Snack Select
Chicken Patties
Caramel Rice cakes
I only go to Aldi once a month or so, and just pick up these “staples” and other odds and ends I might want to try.
The price of groceries always blows my mind. I know I’m feeding two teens, and they are always hungry, but it sure adds up. When my dad visits, he opens the cabinets and says, “Is there a chip you DON’T buy?” haha
Again, teens.
I truly don’t know how large families…or moms of all boys do it!
I try to be conscious of price, and plan our meals, but we still end up throwing food away every week which is never my intention when buying groceries.
We probably spend $150/week at Kroger and then $25-$50 more at Trader Joe’s every week. We don’t shop at Sam’s or Costco…It’s just not convenient for us.
So, that’s a look at what’s in my grocery cart(s)!
While we don’t do much for Valentine’s Day…when it’s on a Wednesday when we have school and then sports in the evening, we really don’t do much!
When I was planning dinners this week, I knew that last night would be our only weeknight dinner together for the week, so I asked the kids their favorites to have for dinner. So, last night we had salmon (Hadley’s fave) with Bob Evans mashed potatoes while Hayden enjoyed some wings from Wing Zone 😆
This morning, I made the kids cinnamon swirl crumb cake for breakfast. Nothing says, “I love you” like cake for breakfast. Tonight, I will give them them a few gifts and Trav his card.
Anyway, I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.
This month’s topic is let’s look…little things we do every single day.
I feel like I do a million little things every single day. Here’s a quick list:
Morning coffee
Light candles
Read
Respond to texts and emails
Pack my lunch
Skin care – AM and PM
Brush teeth – AM and PM
Make the bed
Charge my phone, Apple watch, computer
Remind kids of what needs to be done – homework, practices, other details like who is picking them up from practices, check grades, etc.
Kiss everyone goodbye as I leave for school.
Update the notes app on my phone for my daily and weekly to do’s
Read blogs
Tidy up
Bible study
Let Homer out 10 times (fill up his food and water bowl) (Of course, I’m not the only one in the house to do this)
Petting/snuggling with Homer
Drive kids around
Get the mail
Order things – Target pick up, Amazon, etc.
Returns to UPS and other errands (depending on the day)
Water house plants
Refill my water tumbler
Tidy up
Make dinner
Prepare coffee pot for morning coffee
Clean up dinner
House chores: dishes, dishwasher, laundry
Depending on the day–meal plan and place Kroger order
Shower
Shave my legs
Tidy up
Tell everyone goodnight /kiss on the cheek
Set alarm to wake up
Did you notice that I included “tidy up” in there a few times? That’s one of my “tricks” for not feeling completely overwhelmed during the week…I try to stay on top of keeping the house in order. Thankfully, Travis is very much that way too.
Of course, this doesn’t even include school where I update planner/calendar, write agenda and learning targets on the board, make copies, turn on flat panel and upload lessons, check Canvas, do hall and bathroom duty, prepare lessons, send and answer emails, write hall passes, answer the phone, oh…and teach!
I’m sure I’m forgetting some little things from my day, but those were ones that quickly popped in my mind.
What about you? What are a few little things you do every day?
The month of January is flying by…and it’s already time for Let’s Look with Erika and Shay.
This is one of my favorite link ups, and this month we’re looking at…how we clean our closets.
I know I’m not the only one, but once the new year hits, I’m ready to purge the pantry, closets, and drawers…and it’s a great time to get organized.
About a year and a half ago, I did a major closet purge and re-organization. I had let my closet get out of hand, and it took isolation in my bedroom for five days due to Covid for me to get it handled…haha
Thankfully, my closet is still in pretty decent shape. Some of that is because I still utilize two closets: the one in our bedroom and one of our hall closets.
When it was time to get organized, I took my closet section by section as to not feel too overwhelmed. I actually took the time to try things on, and if it didn’t fit or I didn’t like it, then it went in the donation pile. There weren’t many pieces of clothing that I threw away, but if something had a hole or a stain, I tossed it.
Another thing I bought was hangers, so that they all matched. My closet still pretty much has those matching hangers. My thought was twofold: one, that it would like nicer to have uniform hangers; and two: that if I wanted to use those hangers, I would kind of have to stick with the “one in, one out rule” to not let my closet get too overwhelmed.
To be honest, it’s probably time for another clean out, but nothing like what I needed to do in July 2022.
I still think one of the best things I bought were these clear acrylic dividers. I actually bought two six-packs, and I used them in both closets to keep jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters organized.
This is the pic I took of the finished product, and my closet still pretty much looks like this which makes me happy.
As we’ve been updating Hadley’s room, I had her do a closet clean out over winter break.
I didn’t take a before picture, but Sis really “leaned in” to tossing things and getting organized.
She actually has a really great closet…I’m kind of jealous.
Now, it looks more streamlined, and so much better!
We bought a few clear plastic bins at At Home, and we figured we could use them somehow.
On the top shelf, she has two bins filled with random things for spirit week or dress up days. That is kind of random, but very “on brand” for my spirited 8th grader. Honestly, I’d rather her keep leis, spirit sticks, tutus, etc. all together in one (or two) bin(s) where we know we can find these things rather than have to buy these things again in the future.
On the bottom shelf, she has a couple of boxes filled with photos and cards. These used to be on her bookshelf, but we got rid of it to make more space in her room.
The next two clear bins just have a couple of extra blankets. They could have just stayed folded on the shelf, but putting them in a bin ensures they have a spot and stay folded (read: smushed) in the bin.
The wire basket Hadley has had for years, and it used to sit on her desk. We got rid of most of the school supplies she doesn’t need, and decided to put her yearbooks and photo albums in it. Her new desk is actually a vanity, so we didn’t want as many school supplies on the vanity.
Lastly, the pink and white striped bin she has also had for years. It’s always housed her sheets, but we got rid of the sheets she didn’t want. Now she has a pair on her bed, and then an extra pair which is all she really needs.
We’re still figuring out wallpaper and what to hang on the walls, and then her room will be pretty much finished. I plan on sharing her room when it’s all complete. My friend did an amazing job sharing ideas, and I really appreciate it.
Hadley’s really loving her new space.
Homer likes it too 😉
We have NTI day #2 today due to the bitterly cold temps…and more snow is on the way tomorrow! We’ve gone from 0 to 100 where winter is concerned!
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