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.
Well, of course this Monday “hits different”…as I’m sure I’ve hit snooze a few times. That being said, after today, we only have five Mondays left in the school year!
Our spring break was great, and I will share a little recap later in the week. Now, on to today’s business.
Today, I’m co-hosting with some of my favorite bloggers for our monthly Share Our Lives link up.
Free time? What’s that? haha!! Just kidding. Honestly, as busy as we are in this stage of life, I know it won’t always be like this…and then I will have too much time on my hands.
I like how this topic is broken into two parts…creative outlets and free time.
Creative Outlets:
This blog is quite a creative outlet for me. Planning posts, writing posts, and sharing my thoughts and my life with readers is definitely a creative part of my life.
Another creative outlet for me is coloring…which makes me sound like a five-year-old! I miss the days of coloring with my kids, but a couple of years ago, I started coloring a bit. It just feels so simple and therapeutic. That being said, last fall is when I really took some free time to sit and color. These coloring books and markers from Amazon are my faves.
Cozy Girl is one of two that I have, and there seem to be many to choose from if interested.
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I haven’t colored as much as I had been but in my Callie Danielle planner, I color the pages for each month. I just colored the pages for April yesterday.
I know being creative and generating ideas or designs for spaces or home updates is something some people love…not me! Right now, we’re planning for the bathroom, and I feel paralyzed making decisions in the shower tile section of stores! haha
Once we returned home from South Carolina, our floor tile was installed, so it’s nice to see that progress!
(Poor lighting, but we like it!)
Free Time:
I like to start my day with quiet time as I’ve shared time and time again. Just me, sipping my coffee, scrolling my phone and watching the news before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.
I love reading when I have free time. I’ve really gotten into audio books which has surprised me. One thing about the audio books I’ve been borrowing from the library is that I feel a time crunch to finish them. So, I’ve made sure to only borrow ones when I truly know that I have time during the two week check out to listen to them. I’m almost finished with Let’s Call Her Barbie, and I’m loving it. I had to wait my turn, but it became available right before spring break which was perfect timing.
Another part of my free time is exercising. I was kind of in a funk at the end of 2024, but I started 2025 strong in January. Febrary was so so in the workout department, but I’ve found my groove again in March and April. My current goal is three days a week for workouts and two days for walks, and I’m trying to get 8,000 steps a day. We were in Isle of Palms for three full days, and I walked every morning, and got 8-10,000 steps every day.
I still do the (Beach) Bodi workouts or go to the gym and workout on the elliptical, but with the great weather lately (and me wanting to listen to audio books), I’ve been walking a bit more than I have previously been. I can’t wait to for summer when I hope to get back to reformer Pilates.
Of course, some of my free time is also watching TV whether it’s Southern Charm, Real Housewives, The Rookie, or even shows on Netflix. TV tends to be the last thing on my list when I have downtime, but I like watching it when I have time. I’m making a summer show list when I have more time to watch tv. Give me all your best recommendations!
Well, all good things must come to an end. Today is our last day of spring break. Of course, we have the weekend left, and I need it!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week.
The first favorite is that we’re a week out from Trav’s surgery, and he’s doing great. He’d been having A-fib episodes, so we’re hoping the heart ablation will put those at bay. My friends were a huge help last Friday…from school pick up, track meet drop off, dinner and cookie deliveries, prayers, and texts, we felt the love and support.
Now, on to spring break…
This week, we spent a few days in one of our favorite places…Isle of Palms, SC (and the Charleston area). This vacation was only a “go” if Trav was feeling up to it, and it worked out for us to leave for SC on Monday.
We had friends who’d planned on staying in Charleston, so Hadley rode down with them last Saturday, so she’s had a couple of extra days of fun.
It was pretty blustery when we arrived on Monday afternoon, but by Tuesday, the sun was shining and it was less windy.
I’m sure I will do a more formal recap although with being there three full days, we didn’t do a ton and tried to relax as much as possible.
We’ve been to this area a few times through the years. The last time we were here was 2021, and it’s been great to be back.
Here are a few favorite pics from the week:
Coffee with a view.
Fun with friends:
…and family…
Sunshine & reading:
Favorite Mom Meme:
Turns out kids don’t pick up after themselves on vacation either 🤣
On this trip, the kids each had their own rooms and they definitely settled in like they were at home. Haha
They’ll help get everything picked up and tidy before we leave today.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
We’ve visited Folly Beach/Isle of Palms/Charleston quite a times through the years. This pic from our first visit with the kids in 2011 will always be a fave. I actually have it in a little frame in the kids’ bathroom.
Our monthly Share Our Lives link up is on Monday. This month’s topic is…creative outlets/free time. We’d love for you to link up with us and/or read our posts.
Well, while it did feel like a long wait for our spring break to arrive, now it’s mid-April with about six weeks of school left! I’m grateful for the weekend to get my suitcase unpacked, do laundry, meal plan and prep for the week ahead.
How was your week? Ours was good with a little bit of everything in regards to school, kids’ practices and other activities. On Wednesday night, I was on the struggle bus and made myself go to bed at 9:30. My Apple watch applauded me yesterday morning with over eight hours of sleep. Apparently, I was tired. haha
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
I’m changing up my Friday Favorites format this week.
Now that it’s officially spring, I’m sharing some of my favorite spring things from decorations to clothes to recipes…and more!
I always put out a few Easter touches for the month of April. I picked up these wooden bunnies last year, and they are so cute.
I found a perfect spot for them on my entry way table. The exact ones I bought last year aren’t available but these look very similar.
Two years ago, I was “influenced” by Tina (@to_mimishousewego) and shopped Ruffled Nest, ordering two of their wooden bunnies. It looks like the shop should re-open soon.
I also love these flocked bunnies that I got at Walmart last year. Looks like Walmart still has a variety of colors. (I feel like I need to order the blue one to add to my collection.)
I’m pretty neutral with my nail color, but I will switch it up from time to time fall, winter, and summer. Not in the spring though…I’m always wearing OPI’s Funny Bunny orBubble Bath.
Amazon even has a “nude nail polish” bundle with my two faves.
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I love an easy jacket, and my new one from Target has been perfect. I’ve worn it on walks or while out running errands. Yesterday, I wore it to school with my comfy Matilda Jane pants. I felt comfy, cute and put together.
I always love SSYS, but their fun spring floral print leggings are definitely a new fave. FYI- their March athleisure drop is Sunday, March 30th… 😉
These Old Navy “kick flare” leggings are definitely perfect for the spring months when it’s not yet shorts weather.
I have two pairs and I’ve already worn them quite a bit the past couple of weeks.
I’ve had this dress for almost four years, and I still wear it quite a few times every spring. There are so many colors options, and it’s a great staple for your closet.
I’ve shared this cardigan time and time again. I have it in three colors and wear them often! (As I type this, it’s an Amazon lightning deal!)
The cardigan has been perfect to wear with my SSYS Sophiaset until the weather warms up.
I ordered this top last fall (in two colors!), and I can’t wait to wear it this spring. It’s the perfect light-weight for when the temps finally do rise, and it can be dressed up or down.
Yay! for the sunshine…and wearing my two favorite pairs of sunglasses. (Pair 1 and Pair 2 is a two pack)
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I’ve shared these sandals time and time again. Hadley has them in white, and I love my rose gold pair. (I did size up from my regular size 9 to a 10) I’ve had them for almost four years, and I might just order a new pair for the summer since these are showing their age.
I’ve seen these sandals shared, and thought I’d give them a try. They are so cute and very comfy. They are also 25% off right now…and when shoes and clothing are out of my “norm,” I consult Hadley. She approved of these sandals.
Every season is candle season for me, but…I love switching to more “spring like” scents of lavender and lemon. Bath and Body Works along with Antique Candle Co. are where I buy most of my candles.
Trader Joe’s really shines in the spring/summer, and I’m always on the lookout for their Brazil Nut products and seasonal candles and stock up when I see them.
I try to always do a good job drinking water throughout the day, but once the weather warms up, I really step up my sipping! I’ve had this tumbler for over a year and a half, and I take it with me wherever I go. I just ordered another one yesterday because most colors are currently $21 rather than the regular $30 price! #rundontwalk!
I wouldn’t get all my water intake in if it wasn’t for these Crystal Light packets…I love the grape flavor!
Nothing says “spring” like flowers! Flowers are my weakness…especially when I’m shopping at Trader Joe’s.
I made this Ham and Peas Tortellinirecipe last week, and it was a hit. While pasta isn’t always thought of as a spring food, it was a quick dinner for a weeknight.
Asparagus fries are a frequent request from my kids during the spring and summer months. I tend to make these while Trav is grilling us something for dinner. They are easy and delish.
I often make the Betty Crocker in a box pasta salad as a quick weeknight side dish, but if I have more time, I make this pasta salad, and it’s sooo good.
Last but not least, of course a couple of my spring favorites include sunshine and going for a walk. It’s nice to get some fresh air and get some steps in. I can’t say that I walk much in the summer when it’s hot out, so I try to maximize my time in the spring.
Well, this time last week, I was prepping to go back to school…but as of today, I’ve had a three week winter break. In all my years teaching, I’ve never had a three week winter break!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Well, we didn’t do much this week, so I don’t have a ton to share. Most of my favorites are snow day (week) related!
I finally put up my Christmas decorations, and I switched out my “Merry Christmas” garden flag out for my “Let it Snow” flag which is the one I put out in January and for most of February.
I guess it’s a good luck charm…look at our snow (and ice!)…
Sunday, we got about six inches of snow followed by some ice. On Monday, it snowed even more and my teacher work day was canceled.
Tuesday was to be the kids’ first day back to school, but since it was a snow day, I made our traditional snowman pancakes! Trav’s farm didn’t have power, so he was home too to enjoy this breakfast too.
On Sunday and Monday, the kids bundled up and went sledding with friends. They had lots of fun.
I got this mug out of my cabinet for my morning coffee. Our neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland.
Last weekend, I went to Trader Joe’s for a few things, and they had their wreaths out, so I picked one up. Usually, I get their fresh garland for the front porch at Christmas, but we never decorated outside this year. This wreath is pretty, and it looks pretty with the snow.
I spy Homer…
Ice, ice baby! While I was outside taking a couple icicle pics, I heard a snap and I looked up to see a huge section of our neighbor’s tree fall with a thud in a neighbor’s yard. The top 1/3rd of the tree was leaning on the electrical line. Thankfully, we didn’t lose power.
One thing I love about being home in the summer and on other breaks is just making “snack plates” for lunch.
Sprite “chill” is so good, and I love the rosemary almonds from Trader Joe’s. I’d saved a recipe I saw on Instagram for a cream cheese dip. I made it on Sunday and snacked on it all week. It’s just cream cheese, chopped up pickle, dried beef (I never know what this is — I just always buy the little beef lunch meat packets), salt and pepper. Mix it all together…and we’ve been on a Wheat Thins kick around here.
After taking quite the workout break the past couple of months, I’m making it a goal to work out as much as possible in January. I went to the gym one day with Hayden and then with Hadley another day. It was a pretty walk to and from the car.
I was really dragging my feet putting up the Christmas decorations…I guess because I wanted a week of enjoying them after we got home from KC…and it’s an effort getting the tubs up and down from the attic. Then, as the days went on, I realized I had time to put it off. haha!
Anyway, I took everything down one day, and then put out my regular decor the next.
Trav had his brother take the kids’ pics last year, and I just never put this one out. I found a spot for it, and my Gma gave me this candle stick that my great great grandfather made. I like the juxtaposition of old and new.
Last night, a few of us moms got together to chat and we played Play Nine for a few hours. The general consensus was that we all needed out of the house (and have a break from our families?! #maybe)
Favorite Mom Meme:
There’s never been a meme more “Hadley” than this one:
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
2014 – the first year of the froggy hats. #myfave
Share Our Lives:
We have our first Share Our Lives link up of 2025!
This month’s topic is…saving time on chores.
If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us.
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