Friday Favorites ~ August 30, 2024

 Happy Friday everyone! Let's close out August with a few favorites from the week.  

Monday - It had a few rough spots, but the favorite of the day was stopping by a friend's house, getting a hug and we prayed together.

Tuesday - I worked and made these delicious donuts & included my sourdough discard in the recipe.  We are still eating on these this week.

Wednesday - I worked from home then went to Panera twice! I met my parents for an early lunch and had my favorite salad again.

I went to run a few errands...I went into Marshalls for a few minutes and just seeing the fall stuff out brings a sense of peace.

I also tried to sell some clothes at a re-sell shop.  I only sold 4 items, so it wasn't a great return, but I traded my earnings for this Nike NBA Grizzlies pullover. I will be so glad to wear this soon! It hasn't been the hottest summer on record at all, but this week was probably one of our hottest.

I also was influenced this week (I saw this on several reels by different people) and bought some goodies at Trader Joe's.

The first item are facial cleansing pads.  This wasn't on the reel, but it caught my eye in the store and I thought it woudl be great for travel.

The next item I bought is Trader Joe's facial sunscreen.  I used SuperGoop for a while, then discovered I like the E.L.F. and Cerave brands just a much for $14.00 instead.  Trader Joe's has this version for $9.  I will try it and see if I like it as much.  After rinsing my face each morning with just water, I apply sunscreen before I ever apply any other makeup.  

The last item is Trader Joe's marcula facial oil.  This is a dupe for Drunk Elephant drops you mix with your moisturizer.  I have only used it for 2 nights so far, but really like the feel of it.  

After errands, I went back to Panera to meet a friend for tea.

Wednesday evening, I went out to a Mexican restaurant with a group of ladies from church to celebrate a new baby coming for one of the moms.  It was fun to get out with a group of ladies &  I am so thankful such a great group of people!

Thursday - I went to work and had my late evening as I served dinner at the hospital.  I also got my stitches out and feel so much better!

Friday - As of today, I have no big plans other than work this morning and my goodneess, I need to pick up a few things around my house.  I hope to do that and catch up on some reading too.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!  I will see y'all in September!

Monthly Musings ~ August 2024

 Oh, we are so close to Friday!  Until then, here are this month's Monthly Musings....

1.  Meal planning -

I certainly think all day long about what I am going to eat, but I really don't meal plan a lot these days.  In one more week, it will be just me living alone, so food is very low key for me.  I probably eat most of my food consumption by 1pm, unless if I am going out with friends/family at night.  By the time the end of the day comes, I usually will just eat a snack.  My foods I eat earlier in the day consists of a mix of protein bars/shakes, cheese sticks, fruit, yogurt, and crackers. 

2.  Back to school traditions-

When my girls were at home, I would let them pick out the meal for that first night.  Even though we homeschooled for most of the years, we still tried to make it special.  My youngest did attend traditional high school.

3. Back to school shopping-

Because I did this all before internet shopping was a huge industry, I shopped primarily at Walmart or Target or educational stores.

4.Transition wardrobe to fall -

I will usually start by adding a cardigan, military or denim jacket once the temperatures turn a little cooler.  

5. End of summer trip-

Yes!  I have a trip next month and am looking forward to it so much!

6. School start-

All schools here start at different times depending if they are charter, public or private schools, but they all start before Labor Day.  My daughter's university is the only school I am aware of that begins after Labor Day for a university.  I have mentioned it before, but she is on a quarter system.

7. Labor Day plans-

Nothing as of yet!  If nothing comes up, I will try to spend that day organizing/cleaning the house. I know I mention that all the time it seems, but this is so ongoing for me.

8. White after Labor Day-

I will wear some off white clothing, but I am usually ready for my fall clothes by Labor Day.

9. Pumpkin spice-

I don't drink pumpkin spice specifically, but I do love making pumpkin bread.

10.  Back to school life hacks-

Say no to some things, get rest and try to stay as organized as possible.

What's Up Wednesday/Hodgepodge ~ August 28, 2024

 Hi friends!  I am joining up with 2 favorites today....What's Up Wednesday and Hodgepodge!

What I'm eating this week.........

I am not the one to follow for food these days!  The past 2 nights, I have had crackers and these Strawberry Donuts for dinner! They were delicious.  

Tonight, I am going to get Mexican food and have plans for Thursday.  I am not sure what the weekend food holds for me.

What I'm reminiscing about........

I am not honestly trying not to reminisce too much these days.  

What I'm loving.........

I am loving my 2 new chairs in my living room!

What I've been up to.........

I have been doing some little painting projects around the house.  First, I painted the stair treads. Before....

After.....

Then I also painted the upstairs bathroom cabinet. This is the before...(I had sanded it at this point)

After....

What I'm dreading.............

Brook leaves for college year 3 next week.  I am so excited for her and she is excited to go back this year.  Her school is on the quarter system, so she doesn't start classes until after Labor Day.  I will miss her so.  I will miss knowing she is here when I wake up and go to bed.  Don't worry, I will remind you to pray for me after she leaves! She is trying to finish up a painting before she leaves and I was just hanging out in her room as she painted.

What I'm working on...........

I am still working on organizing and cleaning the house. I am trying to go through drawers, closets, bins and see if there is anything I can throw away or donate.

What I'm excited about......

I am very excited about a road trip I am taking next month!  I will get to see my best friend, have time with my older daughter, and have a night to myself to go exploring. I am hoping the weather will be a little fall-like. I am also excited for lower temperatures.  I think we are having our hottest week yet here.

What I'm watching/reading............

I have watched the first 5 episodes of Emily in Paris.  Oh the fashion! 

Come join us next Thursday for Share Your Shelf to link the books you have been reading.

What I'm lsitening to.......

All the podcasts!  

What I'm wearing.........

Anything cool!  

What I'm doing this weekend.........

I have no plans as of now.

What I'm looking forward to next month..........

Out of the 30 days in September, I have 15 nights that I have plans.  I am hoping I can make plans for even a few more nights.  I am hoping to stay busy as I adjust to Brook being back at school. These nights include a trip, church events, book club, dinner with my sister's family and a work event.  

What else is new...........

Hodgepodge! It was another fun time last night to ask these questions to Brook and her boyfriend.

1. What is one cliche you think is nonsense? What's one you think holds truth? 

My brain was too tired to answer this one :)

2. What's the last thing you broke and how did it happen? 

I broke my glasses last Saturday at the car wash when I tripped and fell.  This is what caused me to get 3 stitches Saturday afternoon!

3. Are you a fan of s'mores? Have you had a s'more this summer? Last thing you ate that you wanted to ask for 's'more of'? 

Yes, but I haven't had any this summer.  I would have asked for more dessert over the weekend at an event, but I tried to just eat half of my brownie.  It was delcious!

4. A mode of transportation you've never tried? Will you someday? 

The first thing that came to mind was a hot air balloon.  I used to want to do this, but now am not so sure I would.  I think I would panic honestly and not really be able to enjoy it.

5. Believe it or not, next week's Hodgepodge lands in a brand new month. What's your happiest memory from the month we're bidding adieu? 

My 2 happiest memories were my trip to Virginia, especially the day spent at Virginia Beach, and dinner with Brook at her boyfriend's parent's house.  That was really a special night to be invited there.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Please continue to pray for me during this season of life.  Please pray for peace of mind, wisdom moving forward and sleep!

Hello Monday ~ August 26, 2024

Good Monday morning to you!  Oh, another eventful weekend was had here.  How was yours?  Here is a recap of goings on.....

Friday, I worked in the morning from home with my 2nd part time job and worked in the office that afternoon with my 1st part time job.  It is rare I have to go in on a Friday, but we had a big event Saturday.  More on that in a minue...

Friday evening, I came home and prepared my favorite frozen pizza.  This is Milton's veggie pizza on a cauliflower crust from Costco.  It is my favorite of the cauliflower crust pizzas.  I added turkey pepperoni and some additional mozzerella cheese and it taste delcious.  

It was even better when shared with Jenn! She came over Friday night and we enjoyed pizza, chocolate chip cookies and wine.  The cookie box picture is sideways, but that is appropriate for my life and weekend!  

We talked about everything from relationships, recipes, furniture, kids, worship music, and beginning to plan another blog trip!

Saturday morning, I left my house at 5:30 and helped set up for a 5K.  This is our annual fundraiser for the non-profit where I work.  It was beautiful to watch the colors of the sky unfold as the sun appeared.  The weather could not have been more perfect for a Saturday in August.  It was our best weather yet!  This is my 4th year to work this event.  We even had breezes throughout the morning & were so thankful.

We had over 1000 people registered for the race!

Brook came to see me for a ittle bit.

After cleaning up the race and going home to eat lunch, Brook and I headed out to get a car wash and go to the grocery store.  Right after this car wash, I also vacuumed the car.  When I was walking to the passenger side, I tripped over the curb and that is when I face planted on the concrete.

I fell on my knee and then my face.  My knee was scratched up and my glasses broke.  I hobbled over to Brook in the passenger seat and she saw I was bleeding.  My head was just throbbing.  I took her seat and she drove to urgent care.  They advised I did need stitches, but they don't do them, especially for a woman on her face.

That is when I ended up in the emergency room.  I had 4 shots at my eyebrow for them to give me several stitches.  I also have a decent scratch on my nose and forehead.  I think it was my glasses that caused the gash, which is right at my eyebrow.

After all of this, sweet Brook treated me to frozen yogurt.  She held my hand as the doctor did the stitches.  It was now late afternoon before we got back home and I rested on the couch.  I was so tired after such an early morning.  Brook went out and I was lazy and just pushed off everything on my to-do list.  I have learned to pivot with most plans these days.  I hold them very loosely, which has been a good lesson for me.

She did a great job at camoflouging my scars for Sunday morning and we went to church.  We went to Panera afterwards because we didn't want leftovers and it had been a while since the 2 of us went out to eat together.  We ran into 3 different people I know, so that was fun.  I am feeling much better now and will get stitches out later this week.  I just had my share of Tylenol and ibuprofren this weekend! Here is my favorite salad from Panera, the Strawberry Chicken Salad with fruits & pecans.  It is so good!

I will do a little work this morning and hopefully get a few more things done this week on my to-do list.  

Stay cool this last week of August!  

Friday Favorites ~ August 23, 2024

 Hi friends and Happy Friday!  I am so glad to see this week come to an end.  Here a few little favorites....

We had some lovely temperatures a few nights this week, so Brook and I took a long walk one evening in the neighborhood.

I went to watch a friend's daughter play soccer last night.  I love capturing the evening sky!

Wednesday afternoon, Brook and I went to run some errands.  I went into a thrift store to look for a t-shirt.  I came out with these 2 new chairs!

I had been looking for swivel chairs for over a year now.  This set is in great condition and was half off retail price at the thrift store.  I was so pleased!  

I eventually want to get a new sofa and get a round coffee table, but one thing at a time.

I am so pleased with these new chairs.  It has been a long time since I have made a big purchase on my own.  

I have a busy weekend planned, but hope to be back Monday to re-cap it.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Hodgepodge ~ August 21, 2024

It's time for Wednesday's fun hodgepodge post with Joyce! 

1. What's the last thing you completely overreacted to? 

Oh mercy.  I have probably overreacted in little ways at work to little things.  For example, the printer at work will not sync up with my computer.  I have to use another computer that belongs to work if I want to print anything.  And sometimes, that doesn't work on the first try, so my patience is pretty short with the printer!  

2. Your top five snacks? 

This is fun!  

1.  Frozen yogurt

2. Caramel M&M's

3. Protein Bars

I usually eat a Built double chocolate bar or...

a Quest bar every day.  For Quest, I go back and forth between double chocolate chunk or chocolate brownie for the flavors. I don't like protein bars with nuts :). Both of these brands taste so good. 

4.  Cheese sticks

I eat a low fat one many days for a snack.

5. Chips and salsa/guacamole

How can one go wrong with this choice??

3. What smell always brings back some type of memory? Elaborate. 

The first thought that came to my mind is honeysuckle.  We use to have a honeysuckle plant on the side of our house and I vividly remember standing there with friends to tast the honeysuckle.

4. What's something you learned from the last book you read? 

Oh, there was so much from the book, Still Standing.  Here are two quotes:

"The enemy wants you to feel alone and to stop praying.  He wants you to give up.  He wants to keep you stuck in his darkness and confustion. He wants your to lose your faith & joy.  Don't believe his lies."

"Take it one day at a time.  Just for today, put your hope in the Lord.  And then tomorrow, do that again.  Every day repeat your hope in the Lord.  "

5. What's the next thing on your to-buy list? Will you make that purchase before the end of the year? 

I just put an oven liner in my Amazon basket this week.  I hope to order it soon.  I tried cleaning my oven this week and it did help, but it still needs some work.  The self-clean doesn't make it spotless at all.  I want to get a liner to help avoid any more build up.  However, 99% of the time I use my oven now, it is just to bake bread! Do any of you use an oven liner?

Oh, and I also want to buy a water bottle to encourage me to drink more water.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Truthfully, my random thought is sleep.  I am hoping I get some sleep tonight (finishing this post Tuesday night).  This will be fun blog posts to read with these questions!

Talking About it Tuesdays/Elvis ~ August 20, 2024

Today's post is all about Elvis, the King of Rock-n-Roll!  

If you are new here or maybe not, here is a refresher on me and my connection to Elvis.  I was born in Memphis, TN, actually in the same hospital where Lisa Maire Presley was born and where Elvis died.  I grew up listening to Elvis music and he was my first concert I attended in July 1976, which was his last concert in Memphis.  Elvis passed away August 16, 1977, 47 years ago last Thursday.  Every year, there is a candlelight vigil at Graceland on the eve of his death.  Thousands of people line up and walk up the driveway with a candle to see where he is buried.

When I was in college, I worked at Graceland as a tour guide during my summers.  It was such a fun summer job!  A lot of people in this area did that as summer jobs.  If you tour now, there is a headset you wear and listen to information as you go throughout the mansion tour and other areas.  So much has changed, including the price of admission!  

Now to current day, my daughter and I decided last week we would go to the candlelight vigil.  I had only been once before, and that was when I worked at Graceland.  Here are pictures from last Thursday night!

Prior to going, we had been to dinner at my sister's with all the kiddos.  We listened to Elvis radio of course on the way to Graceland and this classic was playing.  Do you know that Elvis was nominated for 12 Grammy awards and the 3 he won were all for his gospel music?

We are coming for you Graceland!

Oh the sights we saw...lots of people who were dressed the part in addition to some sidewalk art

We stood in line outside the fence for an hour, then another hour in the driveway.  It was a hot night, but there were water stands along the way.

I had my neck fan with me!

They gave everyone candles and there was a torch to light them once you entered the driveway.

Notice how much our candles had burned down quickly!  I blew mine out halfway up the hill and re-lit it once I got to meditation gardens.

Here we are in our shirts in front of Graceland.

Elvis's grandmother and parents are buried here too and there is a marker for his twin brother that died at birth.

This is Elvis' grave below.  There are so many flowers and stuffed animals that are left during this time.

Our sad faces

As you circle around, this is where Benjamin Keough, Lisa Marie's son, and Lisa Marie Presley are buried.  

So many fan clubs from around the world send flower sprays.  This attracts so many international fans, which is so interesting because Elvis never toured outside the USA.

We made it down the hill back to the famous musical gates around 11:30.  When we got home at midnight, I took a shower because although there were some breezes, the humidity was so much and we just felt gross after standing outside for 3 hours.  There had been a pre-show before we ever stood in line.

It was a fun memory to make with Brook and she can check that off her bucket list!  Although, I'm not sure it was ever on her bucket list, ha!  

Are you an Elvis fan?