Honestly, having our spring break a week later than normal is really throwing me off this week. I don’t know that I’ve ever been in school on April Fool’s Day, so here’s to hoping everyone behaves!
With the start of a new month, I’m continuing my little series of sharing a couple of fun graphics to kick off the month.
Pour into yourself this April…
Practice gratitude daily
Journal
Pray/meditate
Limit scrolling on social media
Get outside
Start your day reading your bible
Stay or get connected in a supportive community
Take nature walk
Smile
The ones that are bolded I do a pretty good job of regularly doing…so I’m going to try and work on the rest this month!
This week is certainly chugging along. I will say that I feel like I’ve hit a wall because we’ve had baseball games or track meets every night this week. Thankfully, tonight, we don’t have anything on the agenda!
It’s the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty for Monthly Musings!
This month’s topic is…spring holidays and fun.
1. Does it feel like spring where you are?
It does! Now, we had the random ice and snow on St. Patrick’s Day, but after that, Mother Nature got her act together.
A a matter of fact, this past weekend felt like summer! It was too early to be that hot…haha.
This week, has been sunshine and temps in the 60’s, so it’s been feeling very much like spring.
2. What spring holidays do you celebrate?
We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Easter in the spring.
For St. Patrick’s Day, as I’ve mentioned quite a few times, I make corned beef, cabbage, and Irish soda bread, and my brother’s family joins us for dinner.
This year, Easter is at the start of spring break, and I always look forward to Easter baskets in the morning followed by church with my family. We typically have a late lunch with my brother’s family or Trav’s family…it just varies year to year.
Is Memorial Day a spring holiday? It’s in May, but I guess it kicks off summer! We usually at a track meet or at the pool that weekend.
3. Any spring trips planned?
It wouldn’t be spring break without us being behind on planning. We hope to get away for a few days over break, but we’re still TBD on some details.
4. Favorite foods to eat and share for spring holidays?
I always look forward to ham and side dishes like green bean casserole for Easter.
5. Are there any spring festivals in your area?
I always forget about St. Pat’s day parade, and I think some years it gets canceled due to weather.
Our club always has Easter egg hunt, but we haven’t done that in years since the kids are older. Our church does a pancake breakfast and egg hung too and sometimes the kids go help with that
6. Best spring allergy relief tip.
My best tip is just to stay on top of things. Once I moved to Kentucky, I realized that I had seasonal allergies. That being said, I take allergy meds and nasal spray most mornings, year round. I get sinus infections pretty easily, so I’ve learned to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to allergies.
Both of the kids tend to have seasonal allergies, so I have to remember to tell them to start taking meds in March before everything blooms. Hadley tends to “suffer” more in the spring whereas Hayden has allergies more at the end of the summer.
7. What makes you think “ok, now it’s finally spring.”
When we can have the windows open, it feels like spring! The other day, I came down the hall, and I could smell the fresh air. I realized someone had opened the kitchen window, and it was lovely.
Also, I love having the sunroof open on the way home from school.
8. Spring rain…love or dislike?
I love a spring rain, but if it rains out a baseball game or track meet, I’m annoyed. Once everything is on the calendar, I prefer not to have to re-schedule and throw everything off.
9. Special spring holidays dessert or treat?
I sometimes make Shay’sFruity Pebbles Bars in the spring. They are festive because Fruit Pebbles are like a rainbow of color.
10. Favorite spring cocktail or mocktail?
Sipping a margarita on the patio with some chips and guac is a nice way to spend an evening!
Y’all, how is it already the 10th of March?! This month is already flying by! I’m linking up with Marsha for the 10 on the the 10th link up..
This month’s prompt is…
I love this prompt because I’m so happy that spring seems to have sprung!
1. More Daylight!
Yay! for longer days and more sunshine, even though this is currently how I feel:
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2. Warmer temps
I appreciate the sunshine on a 70 degree day, but I actually don’t mind a sunny cooler day either. The sun seems to shine brighter in the spring which I appreciate!
3. Walks
I definitely tend to go on more walks in the spring. The temps are perfect and I guess after the winter months, I want to get outside.
4. Fresh air/open windows
I love the fresh air in the spring. It feels like a big sigh of relief for surviving winter. We had our windows open over the weekend which was lovely. Honestly though, once things start blooming we won’t be able to do that much thanks to allergies!
5. Green grass and flowers
I love seeing the green grass in the spring. It’s a wonderful sign of hope from Mother Nature after the snow in the winter. Of course, that means we have to start mowing the grass, but that’s Hayden’s job. haha
I usually wait until Mother’s Day to put flowers on the front porch, but I also love seeing what blooms before then.
6. Keeneland
I love Keeneland in the fall, but nothing beat Keeneland in the spring!
7. Seasonal eating
I love chili and soup and anything that goes in the slow cooker, but it is nice to start having other dinner options. Just last night, Travis picked up steaks to grill, and it was nice to have some variety for our dinner. Also, we tend to start eating more vegetables and I appreciate that the fruit options tend to be better and more abundant.
Plus, we will eat on our back patio in the spring more than any other time of the year which is literally a breath of fresh air!
8. Sandals
Oh…I love being able to wear sandals as soon as possible. I usually get a pedicure around spring break, and then there is no turning back! I actually hate wearing shoes, so I wear sandals April to October. It’s almost time!
These continue to be my faves and most worn. I have had two pairs through the years, and I love them more than my Birks!
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9. Baseball
I love baseball, and I’m so happy it’s baseball season. Growing up, the KC Royals were always on the TV at home, even during the many lean years. Hayden is as big of a KC Royals fan as I am, and I often have the games on at home too.
Also, this spring, I’m a baseball mom again! Hayden has decided to take a break from running/track, and he made the school’s baseball team! This has been a fun change for him, so we’ll spend lots of time at baseball games this spring.
10. Spring break
Oh! Once spring break arrives, it’s the downhill slide to summer! I always appreciate this break and feel like I need it so much more than fall break. We tend to usually go somewhere for spring break which is fun, but we’re always last minute planners.
This year, our spring break is a week later, so it does still feel like it’s forever far away. I guess I’m going to depend on warmer spring days to get me through.
Hello and happy Sunday! …and Hello, happy March! It’s hard to believe we’re already in the third month of the year, but I’m thankful for a new month with the promise of sunshine, green grass and blooming flowers.
@murphys_sketches always shares these fun graphics start the month; you should check her sketches out.
Here are a few March reminders:
…and…
*side note* the graphic above makes me want a bowl of Lucky Charms. ha!
Yesterday I shared a few Super Bowl app ideas which sent me down a Pinterest rabbit hole of Olympic food ideas.
Pinterest has always given me great meals, desserts and recipe ideas as well as party ideas when the kids were younger. These are all easy and fun ideas to make viewing the Olympic games even more fun.
Olympic Rings:
Starting with…the Olympic rings…but with fruit. How fun! …and a great and easy way to serve something healthy.
Gold Medals:
The opposite of healthy and just as cute are these gold medals using Oreos and Fruit by the Foot.
Snap Happy Mom has a whole post sharing ideas for Olympic themed party including the two ideas above.
Olympic Torches:
How cute are these fruit Olympic torches? Alex Daynes has a fun post sharing four Olympic party foods.
Sip and Celebrate:
This drink is easy to make with bubbly or Sprite and some gummy Life Savers. Savannahsmiled.com has a fun Olympic Watch Party post.
I wish I could be so creative! If my kids had a birthday around the time of the Olympics, I would have loved this theme!
In January, I shared this post because I loved the graphic and all the good reminders…and thanks Instagram (via Pinterest), I found this one for February…or Feb-YOU-ary!
And another month of great reminders from @murphy_sketches…
I’ll be back tomorrow to share my Amazon purchases from the month.
TGIF, am I right? I’m typing this on Thursday when there’s a good chance for snow and a possibility of a snow day on Friday. What could be better than that?
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites.
Today’s Friday Favorites post is a little bit different, but with less than two weeks until Christmas, I thought I’d share a few favorite gift purchases from the past and a few that are on current wish lists.
First of all, have you heard of the Giftful app? This is the second year Hadley has used it, and it sure has come in handy. She added some ideas for her birthday and Christmas, and they are linked with sizes. Then, you can “claim” the gift, so no one else purchases it. Also, you can follow people on Giftful which makes for easy shopping.
Her little captions are too funny…and she has a wish list for car accessories too. (FYI – the kids don’t have a car…yet) She’s a hoot!
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So, let me start with her…
Teen Girls:
This sunrise alarm clock is on her list…and honestly, she needs some help waking up in the morning! haha
She loves hair tools, and this hair waver is something she has her eye on.
Are you even a teenage girl if you don’t ask for a portable speaker?
This compact vanity mirror was a hit a few years ago. She did get rid of it once we updated her room and got the bigger vanity, but this smaller one worked well too.
Teen Boys:
Well, Hayden is definitely harder to buy for, and certainly doesn’t give many ideas.
He hasn’t really entered the cologne world, so I thought this pack of solid colognes might be a good stocking stuffer.
I can’t remember a time when Hayden hasn’t had a mini basketball hoop. He had an over the door one forever, and then a couple of years ago he got one for the basement. Even though he doesn’t play basketball as much as he used to, he still will play on the mini hoop.
Are you even a teenage boy if you don’t ask for a Nike hooded sweatshirt?
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I don’t even want to tell you how many water bottles I’ve purchased through the years, but this stainless steel one is very durable and has lasted him quite some time.
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Husbands:
I bought Trav this “Battery Daddy” a few years ago, and it truly was a favorite. We keep it stocked and in the hall closet for whenever we need batteries.
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I got Trav some “Goodr” sunglasses from a local running store a few years ago, and I see so many people wearing them. Some shops have quite the variety of colorways and styles. These seem popular too.
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My brother had these joggers last year, and highly recommended them, so I bought them for Trav last year too. They are great! The fabric is smooth and stretchy perfect for jogging and working out. They have side and back pockets that zip as well. Trav wears them a ton.
Trav has horse sales in the winter, and these rechargeable hand warmers are something I got him a few years ago.
I gave a similar fleece wrapped shawl to my mom or Gma a couple of years ago. I love the pockets!
This electric tea kettle was something I asked for a few years ago, and then I got one for my mom. We use it quite a bit for things like Ramen and hot chocolate, and it’s perfect for tea drinkers.
A few other ideas: candles, pretty stationary, Story Worth subscriptions, and photo calendars are other favorite gifts I’ve given through the years.
These wireless earbuds are my current faves. I purchased them for myself last summer, and they have worked perfectly for my needs. They are wireless, waterproof and noise canceling. I love using them to listen to podcasts or my audio books.
I feel pretty good about where I’m at with gifts, but I still need to purchase a few more. Mostly, now I’m just waiting for gifts to arrive. Then, it will be time to wrap everything…which isn’t really a favorite, but I did buy a couple of new rolls of wrapping paper….maybe that will put me in the spirit.
This time next week, it’s turkey day, so Patty and Holly are hosting this fun end of the month link up a week early. As always, I’m joining them.
That being said, before I get started with today’s post, I have to wish my kids a happy S I X T E E T H (!!!) birthday. Sixteen. Wow…it’s certainly hard to believe.
We’ve gone from babies…
to teen drivers in the blink of an eye!
I’m struggling a bit with this reality.
Now, on to today’s post…focusing on Thanksgiving Holiday Prep.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays…food, family, and football in the fall!
1. Favorite Thanksgiving dishes?
I’m pretty much here for it all when it comes to Thanksgiving food. I love turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and more!
This one doesn’t apply to Hadley; she loves a Thanksgiving meal as much as the next girl…but it made me chuckle.
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2. Stuffing or dressing.
Not my fave, but dressing!
3. Are you hosting any holidays this year?
We tend to be the ones going out of town for the holidays. We are at home some years, but we have a rotation going as far as Thanksgiving and Christmas in Louisville or KC. On the years we travel, we always make sure to carve out family time at home for our own traditions, meals, and gifts.
4. Turkey trot or football game?
You won’t catch me running …ever! haha
It’s always nice to have the football games on in the background while we’re eating and catching up with family. This year, the Chiefs play on Thanksgiving, so that will be a fun change.
5. If you decorate for Christmas, do you decorate before or after Thanksgiving?
Well, I used to wait until after Thanksgiving, but on years we traveled to KC for Thanksgiving, I’d put up our Christmas decorations the weekend before we left, so we’d have all our festive touches out when we returned home. I still decorate before Thanksgiving, but now it’s whenever I have the chance. So far, all I’ve put out this year is one skinny tree. I just haven’t had a lot of spare time, but I’m hoping to switch from fall to Christmas this weekend.
6. Are your holidays sit down or more casual?
Whether we’re in KC or Louisville for Thanksgiving, it’s all pretty casual…but we definitely have a sit down meal. My dad’s cousin hosts us in KC, and her place settings are always so pretty…and we all get a chocolate turkey with our name on it. Such a fun and festive touch.
7. Pumpkin or apple pie?
I do like apple pie, but for Thanksgiving, pumpkin is my fave. I prefer it chilled with some Cool Whip on top! Yum.
9. Do you Black Friday shop?
No way, Jose’! I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl.
10. Thing you are most looking forward to this holiday season?
I always look forward to our traditions and some downtime!
I look forward to next week and having a few days off and enjoying some delicious food…but first, I have a few more days of school and a sweet 16 birthday to celebrate.
TGIF!! I had a great week back to school, but not having students on Monday threw me off all week. I never knew what day is was, but I sure do know that today is Friday.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This week, my post is all about my favorite fall decorations.
I don’t think I shared a fall decor post last year because most everything was the same as when I shared my 2023 fall home tour.
Just like with that post, much hasn’t changed, but I did move a few things around this year and made a couple of small purchases.
I typically spruce up my front porch mid to late September, but I just didn’t have time to do so before fall break. Trav got the mums right before we left, and then once we got back from the beach, I purchased pumpkins and cornstalks.
I got “fantasy” pumpkins at Trader Joe’s, and then purchased a couple more at Kroger.
These pumpkin pillow covers were such a pleasant surprise when they arrived. I mean, I ordered them so I wasn’t surprised to receive them…I just mean that I was really pleased with the quality and cuteness!
I usually have different fall pillows here, but I loved these so much that I wanted them to be in a central location. I’d forgotten that I had this blanket, and it’s a nice pop of color between the neutral chairs and pillows.
My living room coffee table tray stays the same year to year.
Fall me thanked summer me when I went to my candle shelf in the hall closet and remembered that I’d purchased an Antique Candle Co “apple butter” candle on sale a few months ago.
I made a couple of small purchases a Michael’s a few weeks ago including this gold metal pumpkin bucket.
I also purchased two of these pumpkin vases because I wanted a little height on the mantel.
This pumpkin votive was the last Michael’s purchase that I made. It’s a nice festive touch on our wine rack in the kitchen.
I have two of these “morning pumpkin” pillows, but they typically go where the new ones go. Anyway, I used one on the chair in the kitchen.
Last weekend, I did make it to Hobby Lobby and found four of the embossed pumpkin plates that I had my eye on. I only see the salad plates online, but this plate is more medium sized…so bigger than a salad plate, but smaller than a dinner plate.
I wanted some new place mats, and these that I found on Amazon are so cute.
These mini pumpkin cocoettes are a few find and so cute.
I don’t do much in the basement, but I decided to use a couple of pillows that I typically put in the sun room down there.
When I was at Hobby Lobby, I picked up two of these fall LED candles to put on the basement bookshelves. I love the glow of them when we’re watching TV in the basement.
In our bedroom, I have one of my favorite raffia pumpkins that I got a Michael’s years ago. Its twin is on the living room coffee table.
One last Hobby Lobby purchase…this cute mug! I couldn’t resist.
I have a few more decorations here and there, but I really only put out a few of my favorite things this year.
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts last week…and yesterday’s post (Fall break trip recap part 2) went out late yesterday. Ooops!
TGIF! I made it through two days of professional development this week, and today I get some time to work in my room before Open House.
There’s no tired like “back to school teacher” tired.
Overall, it’s been a good week though!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week…
It’s volleyball season, y’all! Hadley and the JV team played in a tournament last weekend, and it was fun to see them back in action.
I hope they have a great season; I always love watching them play.
Walks with my guys and Homer are a favorite for sure.
Go for a walk…but make it cute. I really love the SSYS frill neck tops, and my Target flutter shorts have been a “go to” all summer.
I added some August book trackers to my Instagram highlight. As always, if you use them, feel free to tag me! I always love seeing what others are reading.
A few favorite things I’ve been watching…
Last week, I mentioned that Trav, Hayden and I had tried to see the F1 movie, but after we got in our seats, they couldn’t get them movie to work.
Well, we tried again, and we actually saw the movie.
It was so good!
Running with the Wolves has been a fun watch. Mark and Kelly bought a soccer team (Campobasso) in Italy, and there’s a four part series on ESPN following the soccer season. It’s fun seeing them share their lives and the behind the scenes decisions that are made when you own a team.
Leanne Morgan is one of my favorite comedians, and she has a new show out on Netflix. I’ve watched the first few episodes, and I can’t wait to watch more.
Favorite Mom Meme:
This one is definitely relatable…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
With school starting next week, you know I’m reminiscing about all the first days of school in the past.
The start of Kindergarten actually feels like yesterday.
Share Our Lives:
Monday is our monthly link up, and we’d love to have you join us.
One more favorite before I go…I’m not sure how I missed it, but this week was my “blogiversary.” I started blogging in 2019, and I’m still going strong six years later. This continues to be such a fun hobby for me, and I appreciate all who read, like, comment and connect with me.
As I move into “back to school” season, I’m sure I will continue blogging, but will probably just have to take it week with week and see what I have time to share.
showmeandsweettea.com 