How has your weekend been? We’ve had a little bit of everything going on. Hadley’s been at the lake with her friends, Hayden had a race yesterday morning, I’ve been working on school stuff, but I also enjoyed a bit of time at the pool yesterday. We all have been watching the Olympics. I’m sad to see it end!
Anyway, I had time to throw together another Summer Sunday post, and I’m sharing a few side dish ideas for summer.
I know I’ve been acting like summer is over, but that’s just because we’re back to school. We’ll still have warm summer weather through September, so there will be lots of time to keep enjoying summer foods.
We grill out from time to time, and I always enjoy making side dishes while Travis is in charge of the grilling.
Here are a few ideas:
Pasta Salad:
I use the Betty Crocker pasta salad from the box quite often, but this pasta salad with cucumbers, mozzarella, and more is a favorite that I make a few times in the spring and summer months.
Baked Beans:
I love baked beans, and usually “cheat” and just warm up some of the canned baked beans as a side dish for dinner.
I’ve shared this recipe before, and it’s one that my kids request during the summer months. These asparagus fries are SO good.
Salad:
Like all of these other recipe ideas, I usually “cheat” which means I often buy bagged salad. I haven’t made this arugula salad recipe, but it looks delish! I hope to make it soon.
C/o inspiredtaste.net
Watermelon:
One thing I love about summer is using fruit as an easy side dish. We always have strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple and other fruit on hand. I take advantage of watermelon being so good during the summer months and often have it for lunch or dinner as a side.
I’m back with another “Summer Sunday” post thanks to my candle collection.
I have a shelf in my hall closet where I keep my candles. One thing about me is that I refuse to throw a candle away unless I’ve burned it completely. Another thing about me is that I think certain candles can only be burned during certain times of the year. Vanilla bean is about the only candle acceptable year round candle.
Why am I the way that I am?! haha
Well, when I think of summer, I automatically think of citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit. Coconut is another scent I love in the summer but usually think more of body wash or lotion for that.
The seasonal scents in my house usually center around candles and even hand soaps. I buy most of my candles and soaps from Bath and Body Works, and I appreciate their coupons and deals. That being said, I also love Antique Candle Co and Life in Lilac candles too.
Here are some of my favorite summer scents:
These candles are in my current rotation:
Strawberry Melon
Raspberries and Whipped Vanilla
Vanilla Cloud
Summer Rose Bud (This one has been a favorite of mine this summer)
I picked up these in the spring, but I chose them knowing I’d burn them in the summer too:
Sugar Lemon Zest
Lavender Vanilla
Pink Apple Punch (another fave!)
Sunshine Glow
It’s hard for me to resist Trader Joe’s cute little tins:
Mango Tangerine
Grapefruit
Peony Blossom
My current hand soaps:
I love having lemon in the kitchen, and then “White Waves” and “LavenderCloud” are in our two upstairs bathrooms.
Pretty soon it will be time for me to transition the candles and soaps in my house to apples and pumpkins.
I’ve missed a couple of months of musings, so I’m happy to be back with Patty and Holly for this month’s link up.
This month’s topic is “late summer fashion and fun.”
1. Summer travel – where have you been and what trips are still coming up?
We kicked off summer by going to KC to see family. We went to the Royals game, and they had a big comeback win which was fun to experience.
Then, had our big vacation to the PNW which was for sure a highlight of the summer.
We don’t have any trips planned as back to school time is approaching.
2. Favorite things you have done so far this summer?
Our vacation was definitely a favorite. It’s been nice to have some pool time too. I’ve been able to read more than ever which has been great.
I don’t feel like we’ve done much with friends (like impromptu get togethers) or done some of our traditions like making s’mores or going to the movies.
The kids have been able to hang with friends quite a bit, but they’ve also been very busy with their extra curricular activities, so it’s been a different kind of summer. Or…maybe this is the “new normal” of summer.
3. Share your go-to summer outfits this summer.
I honestly feel like lazy bum outfit-wise this summer. If I’m not in PJs, I’m at the pool or just dressed in my typical athleisure.
This “tent top” is one of my favorites. It’s lightweight, soft, and easy to throw on and go.
I also have this Amazon shirt in pink and gray, and I love it. (It’s currently on sale and has a 20% off coupon)
I have dressed up a few times….
And…just this week my Time and Tru dress from Walmart arrived. It’s lightweight, comes in a few colors, has pockets, and is less than $15! This dress also comes in plus sizes too.
Please forgive my messy hair, I was in the middle of my closet clean out (finally!), and remembered that I hadn’t tried the dress on yet.
4. Summer accessories you are never without?
I say the same thing every time there’s an accessories question, but I typically wear the same jewelry every day. This summer, I’ve been wearing this initial necklace, and I love it. I haven’t taken it off in over a month when I got it.
My necklace is rose gold, but it comes in gold and silver as well. Also, it’s actually two necklaces, but I only wear the initial one since I have another necklace I wear.
Sandals are my shoe of choice in the summer, and I have so many favorites.
6. Share anything spontaneous you did this summer. Big or small.
This question made me feel so lame! haha
It’s just been kind of nice to do whatever the kids want in the summer. Now, don’t get it twisted…they don’t necessarily want to hang with me all the time, but it’s nice going to get a Sonic cherry limeade after their workout or making a dessert of their choice after dinner.
I “spontaneously” added a couple of days to my second KC trip of the summer, but that’s because my dad needed a couple of extra days of help after his knee surgery.
7. Have you seen any summer movies this year?
And…I’m continuing to be lame…I haven’t seen any summer movies this summer. That being said, I’ve caught up on some of my favorite shows and watched other shows like America’s Sweethearts and Presumed Innocent.
I do want to see Twisters in the theater, and I’m hoping to get that accomplished before we go back to school.
8. Favorite summer sweet treat?
I’m still loving these frozen Kind bars. I get them at Target, but I also found them at Walmart last time I was there.
9. Summer slow down or ready for fall?
Again, I’m probably a broken record, but summer goes by too quickly. I wish our summer was Memorial Day to Labor Day like the “good old days!” haha
I definitely wish summer would slow down. Once it’s September though, I will be ready for cooler temps and fall!
10. Ready for back to school, if you have kids in school?
I’m not ready to go back to school…but I’m never ready. Then, once the school year starts, I’m fine. If we could just show up on the first day and start teaching, I think I’d dread it less. I just don’t look forward to professional development days and meetings when there’s just always so many other things we need to get done.
I have purchased my desk calendar and planner, and I always enjoy writing down dates and activities to start the school year as organized as possible.
That being said, I think the kids are feeling somewhat ready to start school. I know the transition to high school has them feeling a little nervous, but I’m glad they’re starting the school year already involved in sports, so being up at school has eased some of those nerves.
I’m excited to have them at school with me. It should be interesting!!
I love this link up about seasonal questions; I’m happy I was able to join this month.
I hope you’ve been having a great weekend. I think I’m getting a little peek at our future because this weekend has mostly just been Travis and me. Hayden will be home from running camp today, and Hadley has had volleyball late every night last week (including Friday), and then yesterday she went to the lake with a friend. So, we’ll all be reunited today, and I can’t wait for that.
My apologies that I feel like a theme of this summer has been me realizing how big my kids are getting. In turn, that has made me a little reminiscent on the summer days gone by which goes with today’s blog topic.
Oh…I remember the days of trying to keep my kids busy during the day. Of course, nap time helped pass some time when they were little, but we’d always have a mix of downtime and activities to pass the time until Travis got home from work!
I’ve had Pinterest for over ten years, and I have a ton of boards, a few of which still apply to the younger years with the kids. Like many of my Pinterest ideas, I’ve only saved the ideas and not done anything with them. Here are a few cute crafts I’ve saved through the years.
1. Egg Carton Flowers
So, this is probably the last craft Hadley has ever made, but she made these flowers during the 2020 Covid months when we were at home.
**ok –so I was just going to share those five ideas, and then Pinterest was spamming me with more ideas including…tacos and ice cream cones…so of course I had to share those ideas too.
Fun fact: I sponge painted the walls of my bedroom in high school. That technique was all the rage.
This ice cream cone craft is too cute.
Idea from Happy Toddler Playtime
**My apologies for how many times I used the word “cute” in this post. I tried to restrain myself!
How crazy would my high school students think I am if I incorporate a craft or two into my lesson plans?!
While I’m thinking my “target audience” for this blog is readers who have kids my kids’ ages or older, who knows…maybe one of these will be a fun summer craft for a mom or grandma who needs an idea.
How has your weekend been? Yesterday, we spent most of the day watching Hadley play in a sand volleyball tournament which was really fun. We also had dinner out with friends. I’m hoping for a little more downtime today…and maybe we’ll even “beat the heat” and go to the pool.
Today, I’m sharing another…
…and I’m talking all about s’mores. To me, nothing says summer more than s’mores. Of course, we’ll make s’mores in the cooler months as well, but summer and s’mores also go together.
My mom made this patriotic s’mores dip…(I’m not sure the exact recipe she used, but these seems like the directions she told me)…which got me thinking about s’mores recipes I have pinned on Pinterest.
How do you like your roasted marshmallow? I think I’m a “B3” girl.
This meme made me laugh….(if only it was that easy to burn calories!)…
…this one made me chuckle too!
Anyway, here are a few s’mores recipes I have saved on Pinterest. I haven’t made these yet, but maybe I can try a few new s’mores dessert recipes before the summer ends.
‘Tis the season for travel! I’m keeping up with my Summer Sunday series to share some of my favorite travel items.
Here are a few of my “go to” items when we travel:
These TSA approved travel bottles are perfect for lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and more.
I bought them two years ago when we went to Mexico, and we still use them.
I bought these clear bags with handles for the same trip, and again, we still use them. We put various things in them including snacks, toiletries, chargers and more.
Hadley loves these cute toiletry bags for a a variety of her needs.
You know I love my packing cubes. I’ve shared them many times before, and we have them in blue,teal, and gray.
You know I don’t leave home without my eye gels! I have been using these, but I still love these gold ones…and they are probably easier to travel with as I can take a few packs with me rather than the jar.
I actually purchased this pack of toothbrushes when I started my Invisalign journey, but they have come in very handy for travel. Everyone in my family has one, and they know which one is their color of toothbrush.
I’m new to these sponges, but I love them. I brought a few with us on our trip to Washington, DC, and I use them at home as well. I liked packing things that when I use them, I throw them away which means I come home with less than I packed!
I bought this belt bag last year, and it’s still one I use especially when we travel. It holds quite a bit, and since it’s a cross body, it’s easy to wear and not have to carry or keep up with it.
This mini speaker isn’t a “must have” for travel, but I got it for Hadley last year (maybe for her birthday?), and it comes in handy for listening to music at the beach or hanging out.
I gave Travis this charging strip in his Christmas stocking a couple of years ago, and it’s great because you can charge so many things at once.
One of the first times we actually used it was spring of 2023 when our power went out. We went to my brother’s house a couple of time to charge everything, and we can do so when we plugged in this charging strip.
This travel bag is great for keeping all of the chargers and cords organized.
We’re off on a fun trip this week, and are using most of these items.
What are some of your travel “must haves?”
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
…and it’s Father’s Day! I hope all the dads are feeling the love today. I know there are many missing their dads. My thoughts and prayers are with them as I can only imagine how their heart feels today.
As our summer continues on, I’m sharing another Summer Sunday post.
While the summer provides some more time for reading and catching up on shows, my family also seems to watch quite a few movies when we can.
Today, I’m sharing my top 5 faves plus a few more movies that are perfect for summer.
1.
My #1 favorite movie of all time is The Parent Trap…the Hayley Mills version.
I’ve seen this movie a countless number of times, and it’s my favorite movie from my childhood (and it was a classic movie then!)
The Lindsay Lohan version is great too.
2.
A League of their Own is another one of my faves, and my kids love it too. “There’s no crying in baseball!” Classic.
3.
The Goonies is one of my brother’s favorite movies, and I’ve seen it so many times. Just a couple of weeks ago, Hayden was watching it, so I stopped what I was doing to watch it with him.
“Goonies never say die!”
4.
Top Gun (the original) is one of those movies that I remember watching as a teen and feeling like a big kid. It was just more of a grown up movie, but my friends and I loved it.
We enjoyed seeing Maverick a couple of years ago as a family (with some of our friends), and it’s really great too.
5.
I remember watching Overboard at my friend Jeanna’s house when we were kids. We watched it over and over. It still brings me a sense of nostalgia when I watch it.
Other great summer movies:
Here are some other movies that are faves from my childhood (and some of my kids’ faves) that are all around classics to watch in the summer:
This week, I’m sharing some things I do for “self-care” in the summer.
Here they are:
1. Quiet Time
My biggest form of self-care all year long is my quiet time in the morning. Unless we have something going on, I probably get more quiet time in the summer because my kids really know how to sleep in.
Now, my coffee time is sometimes on our front porch our back patio; it’s nice to change up the routine.
2. Bedtime/Sleep/Nap
While I don’t tend to stay up super late in the summer, I might stay up until 11:00 instead of 10:00 like during the school year. That being said, I love just going to bed at 10 knowing I don’t have to set an alarm.
That means, that sleeping in (or at least not setting an alarm) is another form of self-care for me.
Also, to me, there’s nothing better than an afternoon nap in the summer!
3. Read
While I make a Summer Reading List, it’s just a guide. It’s ok if I don’t read all of the books, and of course, I will read books not on the list too. It’s just nice to have a bit more time to read, especially when we are on vacation.
4. TV time
That being said, I tend to have more time to watch TV in the summer, so I will get caught up on shows that I’ve fallen behind on or watch series that I haven’t had time to watch during the school year.
This week, I started Under the Bridge on Hulu, and I only have a couple of episodes left.
I also want to finish watching episodes of some of my favorite series like The Rookie and NCIS Hawaii (which got cancelled) 😦
5. Workout
I am pretty consistent with my workouts, and I think it’s important to keep up my workouts in the summer. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier for me to workout during the school year because of having more structure/routine.
I still love my Bodi workouts in my basement, but in the summer, I might go to the gym to use the elliptical, take a class, or go for a walk. Since I usually have more than 30 minutes to spare, I have time to change up my routine.
My goal in the summer is to workout five days a week.
6. Pool time
I still enjoy going to the pool even though my kids don’t need me like they used to. When they were younger, we used to go for three to four hours, and now they stay at the pool if I want to go after a couple of hours.
I enjoy reading, working on my tan, and chatting with my mom friends.
We also like to go to the pool in the evenings when we can. Again, we’ll see friends, have a drink, and enjoy dinner at the pool.
7. Be productive
Now, I don’t get too carried away with productivity…haha…but…I do use the summer to do things that I slack on during the school year. I typically make a list of things I want to accomplish in the summer and chip away at them week by week. The list is usually organizing and cleaning out areas like my closet, the basement, our office cabinet and more. Also, I don’t want to work on school during the summer, but I do find that it’s easier and less overwhelming for me to start the school year when I’ve chipped away at some school tasks in the summer.
8. Not cooking
It’s nice to mentally and physically take a break from the grind of the school year which does include meal planning, meal prepping, grocery shopping and more.
I love when a few hours at the pool turns to dinner at the pool and just hanging out with no definite plans. I love impromptu plans when neighbors get together for a casual patio dinner or dinner out.
Our pool has a great covered patio, and it’s nice to hang out there while the kids play volleyball, swim, and socialize.
9. Get a pedicure
I still don’t get pedis as often as I’d like to, but it’s such a treat when I do!
10. Go with the flow
I feel like during the school year every hour is accounted for, so in the summer, it’s nice to relax our schedule a bit more.
Honestly, we’re still busy, but it’s obviously less than during the school year.
Even our dinners are more relaxed. I do like when we all eat together, but if they kids are out with friends, they can have leftovers when they get home. If I planned on coming home from the pool at 4, but stay until 7:00, that’s ok.
Sometimes, we stretch leftovers to a third day, and I don’t have to cook.
Shew – I might even go wild and not pick up my Kroger order on the weekend. Isn’t that what Mondays are for?
My “type A” personality almost needs permission to chill, and summer is the time to do that.
What does self-care look like for you in the summer?
I’m not sure what my blogging schedule will be in the summer. I’m sure I will post regularly, but just kind of want to “go with the flow” these next couple of months.
Anyway, I thought I’d try to write some summer related posts on Sundays.
For this first Sunday post, I’m sharing some favorite pool/beach bags that I either own or have found.
On Friday, I had my first official pool day which meant I got out my pool bag for the first time this summer.
I shared this pic last summer with some of my “Summer Staples,” and I already know that I will use it a lot this summer too.
Walmart:
So, I picked up this Canvas tote bag from Walmart last summer. It was the perfect size for packing just what I need for the pool. Last summer was the first summer, I wasn’t packing all the things for the kids. Now, when they go to the pool, they typically take what they need, or pack very minimally — Hayden throws a towel over his shoulders, hops on his bike, and that’s all he needs. haha
I loved this bag so much that I took it with me to Florida and California last summer.
Anyway, Walmart has this summer’s version of the tote that comes in a few cute patterns…and it’s only $15!
Scout bag:
We’ve belonged to our pool for eight years, and my first summer at the pool, I saw all the swim team moms with Scout bags.
I ordered one, and it’s still in great shape! I believe mine is the “original” size large. Mine doesn’t have a top zipper, but they do make ones that do zip.
It was perfect for the years I was lugging all the things to the pool…multiple towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys and more.
I still keep the bag to use when I do need to bring more things or if we are all going to the lake or the beach.
Bogg bag:
Bogg bags still seem to be all the rage. They come in a few sizes and lots of colors. I know they are nice because they are sturdy and can hold quite a bit.
I don’t have one, but we gave one to a friend for her birthday a couple of years ago.
Target:
I don’t have it, but the “Caning Tote” seems to be really popular this summer.
The brown one was the first one I saw shared as well as the crossbody purse.
The brown tote seems to come in and out of stock, but there’s also yellow and black.
Amazon:
I was clicking around Amazon and saw this beach tote. It’s a good size, water and sand proof, comes in a variety of colors, and has pockets on the inside.
It’s just $22 and has lots of good reviews.
Oh the pool days sure look different than they used to!
So, I had this post in mind last week, and thought if I wrote it, maybe Mother Nature would take the hint and throw some snow our way….but then we actually got snow yesterday, so this post is really timely! Anyway, here’s what a “perfect” snow day would look like:
1.
First of all, there would actually be snow…
We’ve had many days off in the past for cold temps, flu, ice…I love a good six inch snow. With that kind of snow, it’s pretty to look at, the kids can play in it, and we can make snow ice cream.
2.
Sleeping in is amazing on a snow day. We’ll take a day off when we can get it, but it’s great to know the night before, so we don’t have to set alarms when we go to bed.
I did love when the kids were little and they’d sleep in a bit and then rush out of their rooms thinking we were late for school. So sweet.
Now, if we we find out the night before, they find out via text like the rest of us.
3.
On an ideal snow day, Trav would be home too. It’s pretty rare for him to miss work due to the weather as it doesn’t take much snow for us to get a day off, so it’s probably ok driving conditions for him.
There have been years where we’ve gotten a lot of snow or ice, and he’s stayed home or come home early.
Although, if he’s home for more than one day, he wants to be productive…and that’s not the energy I’m looking for on a snow day 😆
4.
Snowman pancakes are a tradition on the first snow/ice/day off of the season. I started this tradition when the kids were in preschool, and I plan on carrying this tradition on until they graduate high school!
5.
The kids will get bundled up and go play outside.
While I miss the froggy hats, I am content with the fact that the kids are old enough to dress themselves and go play outside with friends without an adult!
6.
Homer can go outside and have fun too! Part Husky Homer loves the snow. (Once he gets down the back steps…He’s always hesitant to go down the steps the first time it snows!)
7.
Sledding! The kids have logged lots of memories sledding through the years.
It doesn’t take much for them to want to go sledding…
…and sledding is always more fun with friends.
8.
Snow angels are fun too. Well, for them…not for me.
…and who doesn’t love building a snowman?
9.
Hot chocolate after playing in the snow is perfect on a snow day whether you are 4 or 14!
10.
A fire in the fireplace and time to read makes for a perfect snow day for me.
11.
Winter movies (and maybe a nap!) are great on snow days too.
12.
Snow ice cream is a treat when we get lots of snow. We don’t always think to do this one, but when we do, we never regret it!
I will say that snow days now “hit different.” The past couple of years, we had NTI days (non-traditional instruction) where students have homework to do that’s posted online. But…we also had a few days off that were just snow days.
This year, they announced that any snow/ice day will be an NTI day. (unless there are power outages or it just makes sense to have a traditional day off) I really don’t want to be in school any later than we already are, so I can appreciate NTI as an option. Our students got an extra week of summer this past year, and we get a week at fall break, so NTI days are what we need to do to still get out around Memorial Day.
That being said, I hope that teachers strike a balance in what they ask students to do. In general, students shouldn’t have more than three hours total of work per day, and I feel like my kids have had a lot more than that in the past.
I guess we will see how today goes…It’s NTI day #1.
This post also made me a bit nostalgic because sometimes I really do miss when the kids were little…and these snow day memories have me feeling that way.
I know not everyone gets a snow day off, so I don’t take for granted not having to drive in the elements and being able to stay home in my pjs when the weather is bad.
showmeandsweettea.com 