Monthly Musings ~ August 27, 2026

Happy Thursday!  I am linking for this month's Monthly Musings all about cleaning and life hacks. 

Are you good at managing the weekly laundry at your house or do you need help?

Yes, laundry is pretty easy here at my place.  I live with my daughter, so it is just the two of us with laundry.  I do a load of clothes midweek and sheets/towels on the weekend.

Best tips for containing the kitchen and dishes chaos.

Clean as you go, or at least put items in the sink.  That allows for the countertops to get cleaned and you can load your dishwasher at night or the next morning, whatever your preference! For casual meals with guests, paper products are nice to use so you are only cleaning up serving and cooking dishes.

What grocery items do you always have on hand to make a quick meal? 

I always have cooked meat in my freezer.  I bring home some food from some of my work events, but have always had cooked chicken and ground beef in the freezer that I can defrost to use for recipes.  

 

Best tips for saving money on groceries.

As probably most of us do, clip the coupons online from your regular grocery store and stock up on frequent products when they are on sale!  

Cleaning service. DIY or is house cleaning overrated?

I think there is a time and place for it.  For people who aren't working full time, I honestly haven't understood the need for that expense.  Those who work or have some physical disabilities, it seems like a more practical need, but to each their own.  I think it is nice to gift someone a cleaning service, especially if it is before or after an event or company.

Favorite cleaning products?

I still use a Thieves for cleaning my countertops in the kitchen.  I also use Lysol wipes.  

Do you try to use "green" products in your house?

Thieves is a clean product that is purchased through Young Living.  The bottle lasts forever and I mix it with rubbing alcohol and water to make my own cleaner.  I also have Five Guards, which is a much affordable option.

Do you schedule certain tasks for certain days of the week?

I try to wipe down my countertops most days and clean my bathroom as needed.  Laundry, as mentioned before, I do once during the week and once on the weekends.  The rest I do as needed! 

What is the most overwhelming part of your week that you think you need help with right now?

 I live in a relatively small space and love it, so from a cleaning/organizational standpoint, I am at a good place.  Moving twice in a year helps to consolidate items, especially when you downsize.  I do need to organize some papers and recipe pages, but that may be a fall project.  

What part of your week do you think you excel at?

Excel is a strong word, but I think I do well in spending a lot of time at home by myself.  I have come to accept, embrace and enjoy it for the most part.  

Linking up with Patty

Monthly Musings ~ March 2026/Spring

 Hi friends. I am linking up today with Patty for Monthly Musings on a Spring theme!

1.  Does it feel like spring yet where you are?

Yes!  Since a cold front the first of last week has passed, it has been spring weather here.  I am in no hurry for heat yet.

2.  What spring holidays do you celebrate?

Officially, in the Spring season, I celebrate Easter and Memorial Day.

3. Any spring trips planned?

I have 3 trips planned for the spring season.  First, will be our 3rd annual bloggers trip.  I still remember going to Jenn saying, what do you think if I reached out to some bloggers for us to meet in real life?  It was a fun risk and I am so thankful for these friendships we have made! I have a work trip and then will travel for my daughter's college graduation.

4.  Favorite foods to eat share for spring holidays?

Two of my favorites are broccoli salad and salmon, both of which I made this week.

5. Are there any spring festivals in your area?

There is a spring festival in May & I have seen a few other things advertised, but my April is already pretty booked on weekends.

6. Best spring allergy relief tip?

An air purifier & over the counter medicine are the 2 things that come to mind, but I don't suffer too bad from allergies.

7.  What makes you think, "ok, now it is finally spring"?

When I see flowers in bloom and all the pastel colors, it says spring to me.

8. Spring rain....love or dislike?

I love a beautiful day, but I know we need the rain too to have the flowers in bloom.  It is nice to have a break from the rain though!

9. Special spring holiday dessert or treat?

My favorite Easter candy are robin eggs, but I try not to eat them because they are addicting for me!  I love a key lime pie or anything key lime.

10.  Favorite spring cocktail or mocktail?

I am always a fan of a frozen strawberry margarita!

Thanks for reading & enjoy your day!

Monthly Musings ~ February 26, 2026

 Good morning.  I am linking up with Patty for this month's Monthly Musings about ways we make our weeks easier.

1. Paper planner, digital calendar or other option?

I have used a paper planner in the past, but I mainly plan my schedule and to-do list straight from my phone's calendar.  I can view my personal and work calendar there.  On my desk at work, I do have a large paper calendar where I will write some work events.

2. Meal planning, meal prep, or wing it?

I do a little bit of all 3 at different times.  On Sundays, I will try to think of my week ahead if I have any night outings.  I have had very few this year during the week.  I have been trying to eat from my freezer.  From a meal prep standpoint, I have a lot of cooked meats in my freezer that I can use for meals.  There are some days/nights when I am at home and will wing it with just eating snacks though, which is not always a good thing.  

3. Do you choose your outfit the night before?

I usually do have an outfit in mind, but I often will change my mind!

4. Tips for managing laundry and ironing.

Keep in mind, all of my answers are based on a single adult living alone, so most of you are not in that situation, or probably not any of you for which is a good thing!

My laundry is easy to manage.  I do 2 loads a week...one of clothes and one for towels/sheets.  As far as ironing goes, it is on a need to basis.

5. Grocery shop instore or online?

I still do grocery instore shopping.  I have done a pick up order a handful of times.  If this service was an option when my kids were younger or when I was working out of the home full time, I think I would have done this more often.  I get every other kind of package at home, but I have never had groceries delivered.

6. Best tips for getting out the door in the morning without chaos?

Again, it is just me getting out the door and I only go to the office 2 days a week, so thankfully, I don't have to get out the door early every day. However, I do sometimes still rush out the door!  I try to have my lunch planned the night before so I just have to put it in my bag and get out the door.  My biggest struggle is getting out of bed.  I don't drink coffee or have pets, so I don't have anything getting me out of bed. I wake up early, but getting out of bed to get ready is a slow process for me.  This is a newer thing for me as another thing that has changed for me in the past few years. 

7. Share your easiest dinners for crazy weeks.

An easy dinner for me would be opening a box of tomato soup (from Trader Joe's is my favorite), a frozen pizza (Milton's brand is my favorite), or a protein bar!  

8. Best tips to keep your house organized during the week.

I think the easiest way for organization is to watch the paper intake that comes in the house, including receipts and mail.  Obviously, cleaning countertops helps a house feel organized too.  

9. Share your easiest breakfast.

I love a protein smoothie, sourdough bread, protein bar/shake,  I also like some of the chicken sausage that you can buy pre-packaged from Costco.

10.  Share your best overall tip not covered yet.

Balance as best you can work/home life.  I recommend to not do work outside of working hours.  However, if I do have something quick to do, I make sure to schedule send an email or not let it interfere with someone else's time off work.  I am big about being respectful of that.

Thanks for reading along and hope you all have a great day!

Monthly Musings ~ January 2026

 Happy Thursday!  I am linking up with Patty for January's Monthly Musings where we are talking all about winter fun and Valentine's Day.

1. Describe your winter so far in one word.

lonely....I know that sounds sad and I am not trying to get any pity, but that is the word that comes to mind. I'm really doing okay, it just gets lonely living alone and not dating.

2.  What winter activities have you never tried but wanted?

I haven't ever been snow skiing out west, but now I think I am too nervous at my age I would break a bone!

3. Favorite winter beverage?

Typically, I would say a good cup of hot chocolate, but I have also become of a fan of a London Fog tea this year.

4. Least favorite winter chore?

Hmm...This is not a chore, but maybe all the layers it takes to put on/take off to go outside in the snow.

5. Soup or chili?

I like both if it doesn't have beans in it! This is my go-to chili recipe:

1 lb. ground beef

3/4 c. chopped onion

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can Ro-tel

1 can tomato sauce

1 cup water

Cook beef and onion in saucepan over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until beef is crumbled and no longer pink.  Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes.

6.  Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

Dark chocolate for me please!

7. Share your Galentines/Valentines plans.

I am hosting Galentines at my house for myself, Jenn and Kendra.  I have some decor, food & game ideas, and we are going to work on vision/bingo boards for 2026.

8. Do you dress festive for Valentine's Day?

I had a LOVE sweater, but it is in my pile to donate. 

9. Do you make any sweet treats?

I do have some dessert ideas I will make for Galentines.

Valentines Chex Mix

Red Velvet Brownies

10.  What is your love language?

It use to be acts of service.  but now it is all of them!

I leave you with this reminder today....

Monthly Musings ~ October 30, 2025

 I am participating in Monthly Musings today with Patty and Holly all with a Halloween theme.

1. Favorite Halloween traditions

When my girls were younger, I loved walking with them door to door in my neighborhood to trick or treat.  Now, I do enjoy seeing all the yards decorated, although I don't decorate my yard for Halloween.

2.  Any special Halloween dinner and snacks

I always make chili, Texas style (with no beans) on Halloween.

3. What do you typically do on Halloween

In the past few years, I have either gone to a friend's house for dinner and trick or treating, met up with my niece and all the greats for dinner and trick or treating, a fire pit and giving out candy at my house and last year I was actually out of town on Halloween. I am not sure what I will do this year.  

4. Do you carve or paint pumpkins

I have done both in the past and enjoyed it with the right company

5. Favorite Halloween candy

candy corn/autumn mix

6. What are giving out for Halloween this year

I bought individual pretzel bags from Whole Foods...something different and non chocolate!

7. Full size or fun size

fun size

8. Favorite Halloween costume of all time

I have dressed up a few times as an adult, but can't really think of a favorite to share.

9. Favorite Halloween movies

Honestly, I can think that I have a favorite movie, but I do like the Charlie Brown Pumpkin special.

10.  What are the trick or treat hours where you live

5:30-7:30/8 would be average times in this area.  

Monthly Musings ~ July 2025

 Happy Thursday!  Linking with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings on How We Summer....

1.  Favorite thing about summer 2025?

Having Brook home and seeing Isabella

2.  Favorite thing you ate this summer?

Key Lime Pie!

3.  Did you see any movies this summer?

I saw Mission Impossible at the theater and enjoyed it.  

4.  What books did you read this summer?

Um, none!

5. Ready for fall or hold onto summer?

Ready for fall please!  I am tired of the bugs and want to sit outside more and take walks.

6. What is different about your summer schedule than the rest of the year?

Due to no school in session, traffic to work is so much better for me and I can leave a little later from my house.

7. How do you take a break/relax in summer?

I take a vacation and also have learned to lean into my Saturday mornings and use that as a time of relaxation.

8. Any trips still on the calendar for the rest of the summer?

I don't have any specific ones for the summer, but I may try to take a weekend trip in September.

9. Any summer concerts this year?

I went with Jenn to see a group ( I don't even remember who it was) and we will go see Teddy Swims in a few weeks!

10.  When does summer end in your world?

I would say it ends at Labor Day when Brook goes back to school.  

Monthly Musings ~ June 2025

 It is time for June's monthly edition of Monthly Musings talking about Summer Vacations.

1.  Share your summer trips for 2025.

I had a quick visit this week to see my oldest daughter in Chattanooga and a trip to Kentucky to see a friend of mine I met while living in South America.  She is in Kentucky this week for a visit and I drove to see her.  More on this trip coming soon!

My other trip will be a quick beach trip with Jenn!  We are excited to get away for a few days!

2. How do you manage the post vacation laundry?

It is pretty easy for me now.  I just empty my packing cube into the hamper and wash sometime soon.  When the girls were living at home, I would wash the next day or so and it was somewhat like a normal laundry day.

3.  Most memorable summer vacation?

This has my head spinning in a good way because I have so many great vacation memories.  As a child, most of them included camping trips in our camper.  Once married, we traveled a lot and took our kids a lot of places as well.  We had a camper for a few years when the girls were little which made traveling fun and easier.  Since I worked as a travel agent on and off over the past 35 years, I use to receive some good benefits.  

Any trip to NYC is memorable & probably the most memorable summer trip there was the first one with both my girls. 

4.  Do you cook or eat out on vacation?

I cook if I am at a place that has a full kitchen.  Otherwise, I eat out most of the time.  Regardless, I always bring snacks!  If I am on a road trip, I will bring a bigger supply of snacks.

5.  Are you an overpacker, underpacker or just right packer?

For the most part, I think I am just right.  Sometimes, I do take an extra outfit I don't wear, but I would rather have it than not.  That being said, if I know I am going somewhere I can easily purchase something, I don't worry too much if I have forgotten something.

6.  Beach, lake or mountain?

I enjoy all 3! I think of the beach and lake more for the summer months and the mountains in the fall.

7.  Road trip of fly?

If it is under 8 hours, I will drive.  If it is much longer, I will probably fly.  If I had someone with me and we had stops along the way, I could take a longer road trip. I enjoy both!

8.  Favorite vacation activites?

I like to relax and sleep in, but I also like to be on the go!  I like a plan, but I do also like a flexible schedule.  Depending on the location, I enjoy a national park trail, whitewater rafting, an art museum, a broadway play, a wax museum, different restaurants, looking at local houses, an amusement park, a baseball game or other museums. 

9.  Best packing tips?

My best packing tip is one that probably so many of you do....packing cubes!  I have had mine for years and originally bought them through a website that sells travel gear before Amazon or others had a version of them. I use them for hair items, different types of clothes, different days of clothes and then re-use them as dirty laundry bags midway through a trip.

10.  Favorite road trip songs?

I like a mix of songs - it can be anything from worship, 80's, current music, country or broadway.  I also listen to podcasts and a book if I am traveling alone.

Have a great day!

Monthly Musings

 Hi!  I am linking up today for the Monthly Musings for May of 2025 all about kicking off summer!

1.  What are you looking forward to most this summer?

I always love the slower traffic on my way to work in the summer.  However, the thing I am looking forward to the most is having Brook at home for the summer!

2.  Any favorite summer traditions?

The tradition would be a vacation and time at my sister's pool with family around. 

3.  Any summer travel plans?

I will go visit my other daughter for a night and then will spend 2 nights in Kentucky meeting a friend. I would love to have a night or two at the beach, but no plans yet.

4.  How do you red, white and blue?

I have some 4th of July decor, but I pull out less and less each year honestly.  This year, all my holiday decor is packed, so I won't be decorating this year.  When the holiday comes, I will wear some of these colors though!

5.  Beach, lake or pool?

Must one pick?  I prefer the scenery of looking at a beach, riding a boat on a lake and swimming in a pool.

6.  Favorite summer treat?

My favorite treat is frozen yogurt!  Who I am kidding....that is a year round treat!  I also love fresh strawberries and desserts with strawberries or key lime.

7.  Favorite sunscreens and self tanners?

I have used several others in the past, but this is my current self tanner I am using this year.  However, I only use this on my arms and legs. I use to use the face drops by this same brand, but I found it seemed to bring attention to my sunspots, so I no longer use tanning drops on my face.

8.  Best flip flops or sandals?

I don't have any favorite of these honestly.  I will be curious to read some of your recommendations!

9.  How are staying fit this summer?

I need to drink more water and stay moving so I don't overeat. I also want to eat more fresh vegetables.  That's the plan for now!

10.  Favorite summer themed movies?

The first one that came to mind was the classic "Vacation" with Chevy Chase.  

Monthly Musings ~ April 2025

 Good morning and Happy Thursday!  I am enjoying the week so far and have a long work day ahead of me today.  However, I am very much looking forward to a great weekend too and am so thankful!

Today, I am linking up with Monthly Musings talking about Spring hosting, decorating and gardening.

1. I do celebrate Easter every year.  I am so thankful to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that brings.  I have a good friend who is Jewish, so I do respect the Passover holiday and have been learning a lot about that too.

2.  I don't plant a garden, but am fascinated by those who know when/how to plant food items and more than that, keeps them growing and thriving!

3.  I have a few simple Easter decorations, but I honestly didn't decorate this year.  I am slowly packing up my house to sell sometime this year, so all my holiday items are packed already. Here are a few pictures from a few years past.

4.  I love any key lime or strawberry dessert for the spring.  They are so light and refreshing to me!  Of course, I love frozen yogurt, but I enjoy that year round.  I haven't had any in a week or so though!

5.  My favorite spring flowers are lilies, roses, hydrangeas, but really, I love any spring flower!

6.  My best tip for hosting a spring event is fresh flowers, spring pretty napkins, and if you are outside, fans and bug spray!

7. My favorite beverage is sugar free sweet ice tea and flavored waters for the spring/summer.

8.  I am planting flowers in pots more this year and last year vs. planting anything new in my flower beds.  I want the flexibility to take a pot with me whenever I move, so I will invest in some plants for my flower pots.

9.  My favorite Easter candy is definitely Robin eggs.  I also love some strawberry Starburst jelly beans, but haven't had those in years. My sister gave me a bag of them to take on the plane with me the day I moved to South America. Here I was the day of one of the greatest adventures of my life.  Speaking of which, this was actually 11 years ago today! If we are just talking favorite candy, it would be caramel M&M's!

10. I am not a fan of marshmallow peeps, but they are cute for decorating.

Enjoy this spring day!

Monthly Musings ~ March 27, 2025

 Good morning!  I am linking up with this month's Monthly Musings talking about Spring Fashion!

1.  Favorite Spring outfit

I tend to wear a lot dresses and layer with a denim jacket.  I feel like my spring wardrobe is basically the same as my summer wardrobe!

2.  Favorite Spring fashion staples

A good pair of sandals is is staple as I begin wearing open toe shoes again.

3.  Favorite colors to wear in Spring

The main color in my wardrobe is blue and white, not necessarily together though!

4.  Do you change up your hangbag for a new season

No

5.  Favorite Spring scents

I just got a new a new body scent oil from Target I got last week.  Jenn and I bought this scent.

6. Favorite stores

Amazon, TJ Maxx/Marshalls

7. Favorite thrift

One where I have found some clothes is Clothes Mentor.  There are a few other local ones which have home items and furniture.  My youngest is queen of thrifting and this sweater she wore last weekend was a thrift find!

8.  Styles you aren't feeling this Spring

cropped tops...nor any other season!

9.  Any dress up events this Spring

I have a Spring Gala with work to attend in a few weeks.  I recently purchased a new dress and will share it here after the event.  

10.  Complete wardrobe overhaul or a few pieces

I am doing a little of both.  I am slowly getting a mostly new wardrobe but just a few pieces at a time.  

I recently set aside several dresses to donate so I am slowly looking for a few dresses for this spring/summer.

Hope you enjoy this spring day!

Linking up with Holly and Patty

Monthly Musings ~ February 2025

 Good Thursday morning to you all.  Is it just me, or did February feel really long for the shortest month of the year?  I always enjoy the first week because it is my daughter's birthday!  I feel like that was 6 months ago now.   On to this month's musings.....

1. What is your love language?

At this point, can I say all of them? I would take any of them at this point of my life.

words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service

2. Favorite love songs?

My first thought is honestly the song "First Love" by Hannah Nall.  It sings about our first love being with our heavenly father.  

3. Flowers, chocolate or something else?

I would vote flowers or something else.

4. Favorite romantic/romcom movie?

I mentioned this movie on the blog a few weeks ago, but my favorite is "Sweet Home Alabama" with "The Proposal" being a close second.

5. Favorite childhood Valentine's memory?

I am going back to when my daughters were little.  We would always decorate for every holiday and Valentine's Day was a fun day to decorate with hearts & candy.  This year I sent my girls a card in the mail and then a Venmo.  I have learned they would rather have that than me send them random stuff in the mail!

6. How did you celebrate Valentine's Day?

I spent it with my sister and great nieces and nephews!

7. Any love or romantic traditions?

It is a fun to time to give a gift post the holidays.

8. When do you feel most loved?

See above for how I celebrated Valentine's Day!

Other than time with those little people, when I receive texts from daughters saying " I love you".  It never gets old. 

9. Big night out or chill at home?

I would vote to chill at home, but wouldn't be opposed to going out since that is something I haven't done in the past.

10.  Do you wear red/pink on Valentine's Day?

I have in the past, but my sweater that has LOVE on it is actually green and black and I love that it isn't traditonal colors.

Thanks for reading today and hope you enjoy your day!