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!

Monthly Musings ~ January 2025

 Today's Monthly Musings is winter self-care.  I am linking up with Patty and Holly for this.  

1.  What do you do to stay warm in winter?

I wear my blardigan a lot and will use a cozy blanket on the couch.  It is rare I turn up my heat to 70.

2.  Favorite wintertime activity?

My favorite activity is probably just staying in and watching tv honestly!  Another activity is January is a good time to de-clutter, but I may not say that is a favorite.

3. Any different beauty routines in winter?

I tend to use more lip products to prevent chapping, but most of my beauty routine stays the same.  I use sunscreen year round.

4. Skaing, sledding or skiing?

I honestly don't participate in any of these on any regular basis.  I did enjoy ice skating a few years ago in Bryant Park though!

5. Favorite winter recipes?

I enjoy soups in the winter with chicken tortilla and tomato soup being my favorites.

6. Favorite winter hot beverage?

I like a sugar free hot chocolate or a hot tea.

7.  Best winter memories?

My best memories would be playing in the snow as a child and with my girls when they were little.  

8.  Coldest day that you remember?

Two years ago, we had an extremely cold week in January when the temperatures were below freezing for a week with highs in the teens. That is the most recent memory I have had of consistent cold below freezing.

9.  How are your practicing self care this winter?

I am lifting weights once a week, going to a dance class, got a massage and spent time with friends so far.

10.  Flannel sheets, yes or no?

Before menopause, I would use flannel sheets, but I have not used them this year.  Maybe I will again in the future though because I do like the coziness of them, but don't want to get hot while I sleep.

Hope you all have a good day!  And good news, only 1 more day of January!

Monthly Musings ~ December 2024

 Good morning!  I am joining up with Patty and Holly for this month's Monthly Musings.

1.  What do you about last minute gifts you forgot to buy?

Thankfully, I don't have any last minute gifts to buy this year.  In years past, I pick up little things at Target.

2.  Favorite last minute holiday recipe?

Pizza, ha!  That's the first thing that came to mind, even though it isn't a holiday recipe.  

3.  Favorite part of the holiday season so far?

My favorite part so far is going to Christmas parties and eating good food!

4.  Best stocking stuffer/small gift?

Some small things I put in stockings are jewelry, gift card, hair products, and candy.

5.  Favorite holiday sweet treat?

I went to a Christmas party last week and someone brought Oreo balls.  They were so good! Another favorite is the pretzel/rolo snack with M&M's.

6.  Will you make a New Year's Resolution?

I will definitely plan on making some changes for 2025, but I give myself lots of grace with everything.

7.  Do you use a planner? Paper or electronic?

I use my phone calendar for my planner.  I like paper for most things, but practically speaking, my phone works best for keeping up with my calendar.

8.  Stay up until midnight or sound asleep when the ball drops?

My prediction is I will be asleep this year!

9.  What do you do on New Year's Day?

Typically, I eat black eyed peas, ham and cornbread.  This year, I want to do something completely different.  I am not sure what that will be yet.  

10.  Are you taking time off in December?

Tomorrow is my last day of work for the year!  I am so looking forward to the break and being lazy each morning in bed.  I have really struggled to get out of bed in the mornings, which mostly is because of poor sleep.

Monthly Musings ~ November 2024

 I am joining for the Holiday Fun edition of Monthly Musings with Holly and Patty.

Any holiday parties on tap?

I will have a gift exchange party with the ladies from my church.  It is always a fun night of laughter and good food!

There will also be a time of gift exchange with my co-workers, but it will be a low key event.

Best holiday prep advice?

Do a little bit at a time from grocery shopping, buying gifts and wrapping gifts.  Take a deep breath and enjoy the season!

Share a holiday appetizer recipe that is a crowd pleaser.

For something sweet, I love rolo pretzels with M&M's.

For something non sweet, I like to make thses stuffed mini peppers.

What holidays do you celebrate in November and December?

I celebrate Thanksgiving in November and Christmas in December.  I also celebrate my birthday in November, which falls on the holiday of Veteran's Day!

Favorite holiday beverage?

I have made this drink the past several Christmas mornings

Ingredients:

2 cups orange juice

2 cups cranberry juice

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup ginger ale

Mix everything together in a large pitcher and serve over ice.

Want to make this boozy? Pour it over Champagne or Prosecco to make a holiday mimosa, or use it as a mixer with vodka. 

What part of holiday prep is a total struggle for you?

The struggle this year will be facing my first holiday without my spouse.  I am taking it one day at a time, one event at a time, one memory at a time. 

Go-to holiday outfit?

My go to is something sparkly, leather pants, or red/green, depending on the event.  I still love comfy though!

Do you send out holiday cards?

I use to send out cards, but I haven't the past 2 years due to some hard years.  I now look at it at from the aspect of all the money I am saving!  Trying to have a positive outlook! 

Black Friday shopper?

Yes, I have always been a Black Friday shopper even back when it was actually on Friday, ha!  I try to get most of my shopping done the week of Thanksgiving and usually spend any birthday money I have during the sale.  

Do you listen to holiday music before or after Thanksgiving?

I haven't exclusively started listening to Christmas music, but I don't mind it when I walk in a store and hear it! I will start next week probably listening to it more.  I like to find the channels on XM radio and listen. 

This was a fun post to talk about the holidays!