How was your Thanksgiving? We had a really great one visiting with family in KC.
I haven’t joined Jennifer’s link up in a while, so I thought a “bonus” Saturday post would be fun.
This month, I …
Loved:
The time change! I know, I know. I’m in the minority on this one, but I love “falling back.”
I’m also really loving this Candy Cane Body Butter from Trader Joe’s. It just has a subtle hint of peppermint and just a little bit of shimmer.
I’ve also really loved watching the kids’ activities this past month. Hayden’s had some great, competitive cross country races, and he’s been back on the basketball court prepping for his 8th grade middle school season as well.
Hadley’s volleyball team has been so much fun to watch as well. Many of her friends are on her team which makes it even better. Last weekend, they played in a volleyball tournament, and won gold for their bracket.
Read:
Y’all…for the first time ever, I don’t know that I will have a monthly book post. I’ve been working my way through Demon Copperhead, and it’s really good…but long…
I even started a holiday themed book, but I just haven’t had much time to read.
Here’s my current hopeful holiday stack:
…and other “Christmas-y” books I’ve read in previous years if you need any ideas:
Ate:
Pumpkin pie…
…and pumpkin muffins…
…as well as plenty of birthday cake(s)
Of course, I also had yummy Thanksgiving food on Thursday.
Bought:
We bought an artificial tree for the living room, and I’m so glad it’s already up.
I’ve also purchased some Christmas presents for my KC family as well as birthday gifts for the kids:
Weekly Recap:
Since I didn’t link up for Friday Favorites, here are my posts from the week:
I’ve been wanting to share another “Five Things” post, but my house isn’t in its “normal” state thanks to fall and now Christmas decorations.
So…today, I’m sharing…
school bag…
I got this bag at Target about three years ago, and it’s held up nicely. I like that it’s big, but not too big, and it has an inside and outside pocket. I always leave my badge and school keys in the inside pocket and not my purse. I want to keep things separate in case I lose one or the other.
So, here’s what’s in my school bag.
1. Lesson plan book
I have had a lesson plan book in my bag for over 20 years! This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and it’s the second year that I’m using the smaller version of the Happy Planner.
I prefer the vertical column layout with the dates going down the left hand side, so this one is perfect. I use the columns for each hour of the school day, but then I use the far right column to remind myself of meetings, appointments, and the kids’ activities.
I love using Happy Planner stickers to brighten up each week in my planner (and on my desk calendar too!)
2. Folders
Of course, I have a few folders in my bag. The blue and white one I’ve had for years, and I mostly use it for my blogging calendar and other personal papers. I should probably get a new set of these folders as this one definitely is showing some wear and tear.
Other folders usually get switched out depending on my needs or what meetings/ training sessions I’m attending.
3. Notepad(s)
Sometimes, when I feel like I have a lot to do, I use these bigger notepads to make a big list either day by day, or I categorized activities. I bought this colorful pack of legal pads, and it’s lasted me over three years! I’m on my last pad of paper.
Of course, I also use the note pads for note-taking during meetings or professional development sessions.
4. Pencil pouch
Ahh…this pencil pouch has been in my bag for over four years. I like that the front part has a spot for extra storage. I keep it filled with markers, highlighters, pens, pencils, and a pad or two of sticky notes. I’m always prepared!
5. Book/Computer
ok — so I lumped these two together. haha
I usually have a book that I’m reading to help with English classes, and often times I have my school computer in my bag. Sometimes, I leave it at school if I’m not going to need it at home, but it’s typically in my bag more times than not.
What about you? What are your essentials that you keep in your school or work bag?
Well, last week, I shared my first “Five Things” post highlighting some things in my kitchen.
Today, I’m sharing another post…but I’m still in my kitchen.
The post last week included items in the cooking part of my kitchen, and today, I’m sharing the other half of the kitchen.
1. Hutch
This hutch was my dads grandma’s hutch. He doesn’t know the history, but he remembers it at her house when he was a kid. He said it’s at least 80 years old.
I’ve only had it a few years, and we actually rented a small U-haul trailer to bring it back after a visit. I just didn’t have anywhere to store glassware and other odds and ends, so I appreciate this gift.
I’ve thought about having it painted, but I don’t know.
This little nook in our kitchen would be perfect for a coffee bar/wine fridge, and that’s on our somewhat short list to do. I have another wall this hutch could go on if we end up doing that.
In the hutch, I have glasses, some Bourbon (fun fact: Travis loathes bourbon…won’t touch it…but it tends to be a common gift in the horse biz…lol), a few personal touches, and then I store place settings and seasoning things in the drawers.
Anyway, it’s a sentimental piece that we have in our kitchen.
2. Woven basket
My mom was cleaning out her garage (I think) and found this basket that she’d made years and years ago. I typically keep it on top of the hutch (see photo above), but I’ve used it to store dinner plates when we’ve had people over.
3. Window pane/shutters
We’ve lived in our house for nine years now, and when we first moved in, I wanted to hang a window pane for a farmhouse vibe. We found this window at Re-store I believe. Travis hung it for me, and I added the wreath.
There’s a story with the shutters. They aren’t actually shutters. The previous owners had taken down swinging doors that went from the hall to the living room. We found them in the garage, and Travis cut one in half for me. I painted it, and he hung it for me next to the window pane.
I will say that after living in this house for nine years, I kind of want to clean things up a bit…but I know that takes a vision and time (and probably money)…haha. I still like the farmhouse vibe, but I do want to update some things and maybe simplify some of our walls. We have a gallery wall on the other side of the kitchen that I’d like to simplify one day as well.
4. Wine rack
This wine rack was a gift from my Gma when Travis and I bought our first house. It’s from Pier One, and I still love it.
5. Wine bottle
How fun is this wine bottle? For Trav’s birthday, one of our friends gifted it to him. There’s a local artist (@holidayroaddesigns) who hosts painting parties and designs and paints bottles as gifts.
This bottle has his initials, UK and horse references.
So that wraps up a peek at the other side of our kitchen. I don’t know which area I will tackle next, but I’ll move on from the kitchen. haha
Well, I felt like I was a little late getting my porch together, but really, it was probably only about a week later than I have done it in previous years.
Every year, the porch looks similar but different. We always buy a couple of cornstalks, a few mums, and lots of pumpkins!
Here’s a peek at the porch:
I’ve had this cute garden flag for years. I love the mix of orange with black and white.
I went to my favorite spot to pick up a variety of pumpkins, but the goose neck gourds came from Trader Joe’s.
The “mum man” comes to my husband’s work, and he always has the best price on mums.
I’ve had these pillow covers for a couple of years, and the jack-o-lantern is from a friend.
On a whim, I recently bought a new black and white plaid rug at Aldi’s, and then I’ve had the door mat and door hanger for years.
I always love pulling up in front of my house this time of the year. ‘Tis the season!
Well, where has this month gone? It’s already time for Monthly Musings.
Today, I’m sharing my answers to Patty and Holly ‘s fun monthly link up.
This month’s topic is Fall/Halloween Fun…
It really is starting to feel like fall around here (at least in the mornings and evenings)…and we finally got some rain yesterday! Hallelujah!
I love writing posts “all about fall,” so this topic is definitely for me!
1. Favorite fall traditions
We love going to UK football games and Keeneland. The pumpkin patch is always the highlight of autumn for me. The kids have been able to carve their own pumpkins for a few years now, and that’s a major milestone. haha
2. How do you celebrate Halloween?
For years and years, we’d trick-or-treat with the same group of friends. As the kids have gotten older, everyone now kind of does their own thing now.
I still try to have a “spooky” dinner a day or two before Halloween.
Last year, was the first year since 2009 that Travis and I were back sitting on the front porch passing out candy rather than walking around with our kids while they trick-or-treated.
They still have so much fun with their friends.
3. Favorite fall recipes?
I make Pumpkin Sausage Penne pasta a few times during the fall season
Of course, we love to bake –pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin muffins!
I did try a new recipe this past weekend…Apple Cider Donut Cake was a hit with the fam! I will definitely make this again soon!
4. Favorite fall fashion pieces?
I love when it’s sweater/cardigan weather. I needed to replace the black cardigan that I’ve had for years, so I ordered my favorite Amazon cardigan (again!) in black. I now have it in three colors.
5. How do you decorate for fall?
Pumpkins & candles…obviously!
6. Pumpkin spice?
Sure! I love pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread. I don’t do Pumpkin Spice Lattes though…too many calories, and I don’t enjoy the taste anymore.
7. Thoughts on candy corn
I don’t mind it. Typically, I only eat it when I mix it with peanuts.
8. Favorite fall/Halloween movie?
It’s not a movie, but when the kids were little, we usually watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as a family, but we haven’t watched it in a few years.
Other movies I think of and try to watch during fall are You’ve Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hocus Pocus.
9. Apple pie, pumpkin pie or cider donut?
All of the above. That being said, I don’t know that I’ve ever made an apple pie. We tend to stick with all things pumpkin, and I can’t pass up an apple cider donut.
10. Bonfire, hayride or haunted house?
I like when we can find an evening to do a backyard fire, but it’s definitely not a bonfire. haha
Haunted house? No, ma’am.
I always love this link up. I can’t wait to read everyone’s responses.
We’ve been on summer break for a couple of weeks, but since today is the first official day of summer, I’m sharing some favorites about summer…in A-B-C order…
A- activities: sidewalk chalk (I miss those little kid days!), pool time, movies and more!
B- baseball: I love having baseball on tv and even better is if we catch a game when in KC.
C- camp: Hadley loves her week at camp every summer. If she could go to camp for a month, I think she’d do it! Hayden is going to running camp this summer too.
D- dresses: I prefer dresses, so I embrace the summer weather and wearing them.
E- exercise: I like having a bit more time for exercising in the summer. That being said, I think I’m better about getting workouts in during the school year when I have a bit more of a routine going. I definitely go on more walks in the summer though.
F- fireworks and fire for s’mores. The 4th of July is one of my favorite days of the year. S’mores are definitely a summer (and fall) treat, but we haven’t made any just yet.
G- goggles: This is Hadley’s first summer not doing swim team, but the kids are still usually looking for their goggles.
H- Homer’s “gotcha day” – We always celebrate getting Homer on June 8th…4 years and counting..
I- ice cream: Summer is the best time for a sweet treat.
J- June/July before thinking about school in August. To me, summer is only two months long. Once August hits, I always feel like I need to focus on back to school.
K- Kindle – Of course, I use my Kindle year round, but I love having the time to read at the pool, the beach, or on the patio.
K- Kayak: We went kayaking this past weekend which was fun.
L- lake: We love time at the lake. Last summer, we went to the lake twice (once in KY and once in Missouri) and those were some of our best memories.
M-Margaritas: I enjoy a skinny marg in the summer or the margarita pack of Trulys.
N- nature: Having some extra time in nature and fresh air is always great. We usually find time for a hike or two.
O- ocean (beach) – Most of our summer vacations include a view of the ocean.
P- pool, patio, and peonies: Of course, our main source of entertainment in the summer is going to the pool. We also love patio weather, and then I can’t wait for peony season at Trader Joe’s.
Q- quiet mornings …while the kids sleep in. I’ve always loved my morning times, but in the summer, I usually get more time to myself before starting the day.
R – road trip: We usually hit the road at some point in the summer. Travis and Hayden have already been to St. Louis, Travis and I went to Georgia/NC, and we usually drive to KC at some point in the summer too. Thankfully, now that the kids are older, road trips are easier.
S- strawberries: strawberries are my favorite fruit…even better is when we get to pick them ourselves.
T- Trav’s birthday: It’s almost time to celebrate T-rav.
U- umbrella: I love pool time, but I always try to snag a spot in the shade under an umbrella.
V – vegetable garden: We’ve only planted a garden a few times, but it’s always so fun to see what’s growing. When we were gone just a couple days last week, Hayden was excited to show us what was growing. We’ve pulled a couple of cucumbers, and the green peppers are starting to grow too.
W- watermelon: The best summer side dish.
X – eXtra sunscreen: Of course, I always wear sunscreen at the pool. These are my faves:
Y- yard work (and flowers). While I don’t love yardwork, Travis does! Also, Hayden has done an amazing job mowing the grass (as well as a few neighbors’ yards) this summer. I always look forward to watching the flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer.
Hydrangeas are my fave in our yard.
Z–ZZZ’s extra sleep/sleeping in. It sure is nice not setting an alarm in the summer. Truthfully, while I haven’t had to get up super early like during the school year, we have had somewhere to be most mornings it seems. That being said, it’s still nice to stay up a bit later and ease in to the mornings.
This was a fun to post to write. I might do one for fall, winter, and spring too!
What did I miss? What are some of your faves for summer?
Why do the summer weeks already feel like they are flying by? Probably because these first couple of weeks of summer have been busy.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
At the end of last week, Travis and Hayden traveled to St. Louis for a race that Hoka put on. Hayden ran in the middle school mile, and ran a great race. The winner of the middle school race that Hayden was in ran 4:22! There were some of the best runners in the nation there, and it was good for Hayden to end his outdoor season on a “high” note.
I think Travis and Hayden were most excited about watching the professional races, and then Hayden got autographs and met some runners that he follows on social media.
It was a good “guys” trip, and I was glad to see Hayden smiling.
Last weekend was busy around Lexington/UK with the Railbird festival along with high school state track meet, and Kentucky was hosting the Super Regional for baseball.
On Saturday, Travis and the kids went to the high school state track meet. Hayden wanted to see the mile, and Hadley wanted to see the 400m race.
Then, Hayden went with friends to the UK baseball game Saturday night. Then a group of them went to both Sunday games with a trip to the pool in between. After the loss Saturday night, UK won both games on Sunday and then on Monday night too. Travis and Hayden went to the Monday night game.
On Sunday, Hadley had pool time with her friends and then went to the UK volleyball serving camp on Tuesday. They all had lots of fun as well.
I finished another Bodi program…Sweat and Sculpt. This was one of my favorites that I’ve completed in a while. I’ve mentioned it before that it’s probably not one that I would do in a class, but I loved being able to do these workouts in the comfort of my basement.
I have a couple of Trader Joe’s favorites from the week. This candle and body wash both smell so good. I’m bummed that I missed out on the body butter. I think my store put out what they had, and it was gone by the time I got to it.
These Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Bites are a sweet little treat. I’ve shared this recipe before, and they remind me of those….without the butterscotch flavor.
The weather has been really great this week. I’ve eaten most of my lunches on the patio, and we’ve eaten a few dinners out there too.
Hadley and Homer had patio time as well. she was listening to some music and said they were having their own “mini Railbird” festival. haha
Speaking of Homer, his 4th “gotcha” day was yesterday. So, of course, he got a scoop of ice cream and a picture in his birthday bandana.
Hadley had recital pics yesterday, and of course her least favorite costume is my favorite.
Favorite clothing item:
We had a little bit of pool time this week, so I was able to wear my new favorite cover up from Shop Style Your Senses.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Bahaha…this one made me laugh and is very relatable.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Since we are celebrating our “Homerversary,” I’ve always loved this pic of him with the kids in 2019 after we first got him.
On Monday, we have our monthly Not Just a Mom link up.
We’d love for you to link up with us. I can’t wait to read everyone’s posts about how they became a mom.
What are your weekend plans? We have some family things going on and Hadley’s dance recital….but first ortho/dentist appointments for the kids this morning. Why do I always think early morning appointments are a good idea when I schedule them?
As I’ve gotten a bit into “summer mode,” I’ve taken note of some of my “must haves” for summer. I’m sharing those with you today!
I picked up this pool bag from Walmart this spring, and I have zero regrets. I’ve used my Scout pool bag for at least five years, but picked up the one at Walmart to use when I just need to pack a few things. So far this pool season, it’s the only one I’ve used as the kids tend to bring what they need in their backpacks…or if you are Hayden, you just throw the towel over your shoulder, and that’s all you need.
I’ve had these sunglasses since last year, and they are the ones I tend to use the most.
This cover up is absolutely one of my favorite Amazon finds last season. I have it in light blue and navy.
I bought this pair of Turkish towels last year, and they are perfect. I bring them to the pool the most over any towel because they are long enough to cover the whole lounger, and they dry quickly.
Of course sandals are a summer staple. While I have many sandals, I love my rose gold sandals (and Hadley has them in white). I also picked up these “comfort slides” a couple of summers ago. I have them in pink and white and wear them often. They are perfect for the pool, hot baseball games, and yard work. Plus, they are comfy and cute.
(I did size up a full shoe size in both.)
While I will often wear a ball cap, I have a couple of hats that I love. I got the hat below from Nordstrom almost three years ago. It doesn’t appear to be in stock, but I’ve had this similar Amazon one saved for quite some time.
I did order this one last year as another option, and I like that it has a strap if needed. I keep it in my pool bag.
It’s also perfect for a day on the boat.
It’s no secret how much I love my Kindle. It’s always with me poolside.
I went to the pool on Monday and had so many of my summer staples with me.
What are some of your “summer staples?”
{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Hadley and I had a lot of fun at her dance competition last weekend.
She was in four dances, two large musical theater and two small group (lyrical and jazz), and they were amazing performances. I love watching her dance.
I can’t wait to see all the dancers accomplish this season.
We stayed at the hotel connected to the convention center where she was dancing in Cincinnati, and the hotel was so nice and convenient. Our room had a really nice view!
I’m not trying to be dramatic, but letting go of my “guilt” for not cooking on Sunday and ordering Thai food instead may have been the single best decision I made all week. From our orders, we had dinner for two nights! Plus, my beef pad thai was delish.
No photo, but on Tuesday, I went out to dinner some neighbors to meet a new neighbor. It was nice catching up with them and meeting our new neighbor.
Hayden had lots of basketball this week. His team won their last regular season game, but lost in the first round of the tournament. The end of a season gets me every time. I know they always give it their all, and it’s a bummer to see heartbroken players.
We’re proud of him and his whole team. They were so fun to watch over these past couple of months.
Speaking of basketball, my MU Tigers have had such an amazing season. Listen, when you live where everyone “bleeds blue” with the CATS, it’s nice when your own team has a winning season! I stayed up late on Wednesday night to watch their comeback victory.
On Wednesday, it was over 75 degrees! The temps have been amazing. I decided to run an errand before picking up Hadley, and realized, while in Walgreens, that I was wearing my slippers!
Favorite Mom Meme:
My kids like to test my patience…haha
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
Well, now that it’s March, and I’ve talked a bit about basketball in this post, it made me think it’s about March Madness…
I usually do throwback photos of the kids but…this memory for 2012 is a fun one for Travis and me. We went to Atlanta to watch the CATS play in the sweet 16 game. Then, we spent the night in Knoxville the next night and enjoyed a dinner out.
I love the pic of us on the left. I had it framed in our room forever.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week! They include a little bit of everything.
What are your weekend plans? Well, our weekend is starting a bit early. We’ve been hearing about the potential for severe weather all week, and last night they decided to cancel school due to high winds, rain, and the potential for tornadoes…and it’s not an online learning day!
We also have another dance competition and track meet on tap.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Like last week, we had a pretty slow week with not much in the evenings. That’s all about to change starting next week, but it was good while it lasted.
Anyway, here are some favorites from the week.
I stumbled upon Chris Harrison’s new podcast: The Most Dramatic Podcast, and I’ve really enjoyed the first few episodes. I used to love the Bachelor and Bachelorette and watched it pretty faithfully through the years. I haven’t watched it in a few years even before Chris left. I follow him and his fiancée on Instagram, and they seem like such a fun couple.
Anyway, the first couple of episodes were pretty serious talking about why he left the Bachelor franchise and what he’s been up to (and thinking, feeling, doing) during that time. Episode two, he brings his fiancée Lauren on, and she shares her thoughts and what they’ve been up to. Then, the third episode was mostly filled with fans calling in with questions which I really enjoyed too. It’s been a good new podcast to fill the time on my walks.
Santa put Scrabble Slam in Hayden’s stocking, and Hadley and I played it the other night. I love games that are quick and only need a couple of people. That way, we can try to play when we have a few moments. Travis joined us for a couple of rounds too. To start, you think of a four letter word and put those cards on the table. Then, you split the remaining cards amongst the other players. After everyone gets their cards, you say, “Ready, set, slam!” and start putting down cards to make other four letter words until you run out of cards. At one point, I told Hadley I felt sorry for her because she’d never beat me. Then, she beat both Travis and me the round that he played. haha
I got a new lunch idea this week, and I’m obsessed. With this meal prep, a little goes a long way, and I had enough for three lunches…and only a four day week! It’s Banza rice, romaine/arugula, chopped cucumbers, grilled chicken, edamame, and then some Asian dressing. I picked the Panera brand from Kroger. For lunch, I heated up the chicken, rice, and edamame and added it to my bowl of lettuce and cucumbers. Then, I drizzled it with the dressing. Easy, delish, and healthy.
How cute is this bag that my friend got me for my birthday? We share a love of the Golden Girls. I’m using it as pencil bag (with sticky notes, highlighter, etc) for my school bag.
I always have dry skin in January. Then, I always remember to do a better job moisturizing and feel better by February. Haha
Anyway, Amy shared this Jergens Weightless Wet Skin moisturizer a few weeks ago, and I found it at Target. You apply it before toweling off. I’ve been using it, and it’s helped my skin so much.
Favorite Kid Quote:
Remember the jar with slips of paper my kids gave me for my birthday? Everyone knows I’m not a big hugger. Of course, I hug my kids and Travis (and others!)…it’s just not my natural inclination to hug all the people. Anyway, at bed the other night, Hadley gave me a big hug and then whispered in my ear, “There are lots of these in the jar I made.” and I literally LOL’d. 😂
Favorite Mom Meme:
Why is this always the case? Lol
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
2013.
Besides Hadley’s Hello Kitty necklace and the little sticker on Hayden’s hand, I remember the kids coming home from the sitter and them thinking they were a princess and prince in their little crowns. Too cute.
Weekly Recap:
I’ve even been blogging on the weekends! I’ve enjoyed some of the Bloganuary topics along with my regular content.
What are your weekend plans? On Saturday, we’ll be cheering for Hayden at his first basketball scrimmage of the season, and then we’ll be cheering for the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon as well. Otherwise, I have a few errands and a bit more of the house to put back together post-Christmas. Sigh — I’m still working on getting things back to “normal.”
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