What's Up Wednesday/Hodgepodge ~ October 30, 2024

 Where did October go?  I feel like these months get shorter and shorter as we approach the end of the year.!

What I'm eating this month

I had some grilled chicken and topped it with salsa, onions and peppers and shredded cheese.

Steak and broccoli in the air fryer

Dinner out - kale salad with zuchinni noodles & veggies

Pumpkin Chocolate Bread

Egg Bites

I made these for breakfast one morning and froze some to warm up later.

Chicken Chili

What I'm loving

I am loving fall colors on every drive, even to work and everyday errands.  I am also enjoying cooler temperatures, even if October has been a little warmer than usual.  It is still so nice to not be sweltering hot and have cooler mornings and evenings.

What I've been up to

I have been busy with work this month and having an event almost every night.  Nights I have been free, I have enjoyed the down time at home to watch tv. 

What I'm dreading

I may have a few things on this list, but I'm really not trying to dwell on those things right now.

What I'm working on

I am working still on going through a few more areas of my house to clean out some things.  It felt good to have 4 garbage bags picked up this week of clothes and household items to donate.

What I'm excited about

I am excited about celebrating my birthday next month at a party with friends!  

What I'm watching/reading

I am watching lots of Christmas movies on Hallmark and Great American Family.  I am also getting caught up on Only Murders in the Building season 4.  

What I'm listening to

I am listening to podcasts every day and have been throwing back to some of my favorite 80's music band, Duran Duran.  Were you a Duran Duran fan?  I had a huge crush on Simon LeBon back in 8th grade. 

What I'm wearing

I am wearing this new brown nail polish.  I have let my nails been natural the past few months, but decided to try this polish and top coat.  The first time I used it, it stayed 4-5 days without chipping.  The 2nd time, it only stayed a day before some chipping.  It is still a pretty fall color I think.

What I'm doing this weekend

I have a work event and hope to see some fall colors too!

What I'm looking forward to next month

November is my favorite month!  Things I am looking forward to are a girls trip, both girls being home for Thanksgiving, my brother and family coming to town for Thanksgiving and my birthday!

Now I am happy to join in with Joyce with this week's Hodgepodge!

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

Oh boy.  So many thoughts here.  My priorities are to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other.  The days I can't, I am okay with just laying on the couch. I have experienced Trauma that no one should go through but too many do.  Life is full of little t traumas and sometimes, we experience the capital T Traumas.  I have experienced betrayal Trauma the past 3 years that I may talk about more another day on this platform.  There is not an area of my life untouched.  I am thankful for the healing that has happened more these last 6 months within me thanks to support of friends, love of my family and promises from Jesus. My priorites are to care for my daughters as best I can, to have a bright future ahead of me, and enjoy each day God gives me.

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of? 

Hugs, sleep, a neck massage, oh, and money.  :)

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year?

When the girls were little, I would go trick or treating with them and it was always a favorite night.  I make chili that night and we ate candy!  In the past few years, we have gone to a friend's house and last year stayed home for a porch fire pit and handed out candy.  This year, I am thankful to be doing something different.

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? 

I made my pumpkin chocolate chip bread last weekend (see pictures above).  I also eat a built chocolate protein bar daily.

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

I like a little of both.  I like having plans with friends or family, but I also enjoy a Saturday morning at home to not have to get up and go to work.  My last Saturday was spent with family, but Sunday was spent mostly alone.  I am being pro-active to make plans for future Sundays.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Please Yankees, win a game of the World Series.

What's Up Wednesday + Hodgepodge ~ September 25, 2024

 

1. It's officially fall y'all...in the northern hemisphere anyway. What are three of your favorite things about this particular season of the year? 

Cooler weather

Fall colors of leaves

Wearing boots

2. Your favorite fall fabric-denim, flannel, tweed, corduroy, tartan, polar fleece, leather? Do you own something made with your favorite fall fabric? 

Sweatshirts would be my favorite fall fabric!

3. According to Everyday Health here are ten healthy fall foods- apples (flavonoids may improve brain health), pears (for heart friendly fiber), cranberries (helps your body fight oxidative stress) winter squash (for eye health), pumpkin (another great source of Vitamin A), leeks (an anti-inflammatory food), brussel sprouts (full of fiber and anti-oxidants), sweet potatoes (loaded with Vit A and C), parsnips (keep your bones healthy with Vit K), and broccoli (may help prevent cancer). 

How many on the list do you eat on a regular basis? Which one is your favorite? Which one gets a big no thanks from you? 

I eat apples on a regular basis. I also like squash, pumpkin (in bread :)), brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and broccoli.  No thanks to pears, parsnips and leeks.

4. Tell us about the last time (or a recent time) you experienced a wave of nostalgia? 

I was at Dollywood this week and it reminded me of when our family went there 11 years ago.  I was thankful to have a fun day with my oldest daughter this time.

5. Sept. 22nd was National Daughter's Day. Like mother, like daughter...does this idiom ring true for you? You may answer in terms of your own role as a daughter or, if you have daughters, then your role as a mother of daughters. 

Well, I had no idea it was national daughter's day.  My daughters are my lifeline.  I love them with all that I am.  Each of them are like me in different ways.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am going to transfer into What's Up Wednesday for all my random thoughts!

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

I skipped dinner Sunday night because I ate so much over the weekend!

Monday, I had a smoothie after a day at Dollywood.

Tuesday's dinner was frozen yogurt and a quest bar. My day started though with a brisket egg taco from Buc-ees!

I have no idea what I will have the rest of the week.  

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

I am loving the cooler weather!  I loved sitting in a sweatshirt outside Saturday night in the mountains of North Carolina.

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

I spent the 6 days traveling and I so enjoyed the time away!  

Here is part 1 of that recap...

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

I still have some hard conversations to be had soon and some upcoming legal things over two different cases. Life is hard right now.  

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

I am catching up on work after being off a few days. I am thankful for the flexibility to be off work though and be able to go on a trip.

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

I have a few things on the calendar the next week, so that is good for me. I enjoy a little time at home, but I'm excited for things to do too.  

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

I started watching the Golden Bachelorette last week.  Yes, I did.  I am trying to catch up on Only Murders in the Building and Emily in Paris.  I also just started watching season 2 of The Old Man.

I am behind in reading.  I went on a 6 hour trip and honestly had no down time to read.  

What I'm listening to..........

I got caught up on all my podcasts while traveling and am listening to my playlist called " Serenity".  It is a good calming playlist for night.  

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

Today I am wearing this new outfit from Amazon.  It is so comfy!

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

I hope to hang out with Jennifer at some point and go to my great niece's soccer game.

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

My youngest daughter is flying home for a weekend visit!

Have a great day!

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!

What's Up Wednesday ~ July 2024

 Here we go...another month down in 2024.  Anyone else ready to celebrate 2025 with me yet?  Here is a recap of July and I'm thankful for God's goodness in the midst of a difficult year. 

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

Brook has been sending me lots of random recipes this summer.  One was a croissant stuffed with a cookie.  I took a Sweet Loren's chocolate chip cookie along with a Pillsbury croissant and created this!

If you are looking for dinner recipies, I have cooked twice this summer, so I'm not the best one to go to for new ideas.  I eat leftovers from random meals out for lunch and usually eat a bar & crackers or something exciting like that for dinner. 

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

Childhood pictures that come up of the girls get me all the time.

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

I am enjoying planning an early fall trip for me.  You can take the girl out of the travel agency, but you can't take the travel agent out of the girl!  I even went old school and received 2 travel guides in the mail over the weekend!  I still like to look through a paper magazine/guide to help plan.  I am going to an area I have been to many times, but it has been so long since I have been there.  

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

Last week was busy checking on my mom and dad when she had 2 surgeries.  Thankfully, she is home now, so thank you for the prayers!  Funny thing, this is the book my dad brought to read at the hospital.  Backstory, my dad taught anatomy for 45 years, so this is his passion.  Again, you can take the anatomy professor out of the medical school, but you can't take the anatomy professor out of the man!

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

Brook returning to college this fall, but yet I'm excited for her too as she will be living in a new place and going back to study something she really enjoys.

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

This month was all about cleaning out drawers, cabinets and going through bins in the attic.  I still have more work to do, but it felt good to throw away some things this month and give things away.

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

I get to meet my new great niece in a few days!

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

I am watching the Olympics!  

Brook and I also watched the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders documentary on Netflix.  I also watched season 3 of The Bear this month.  

What I'm listening to.........

I am listening to lots of podcasts and audiobooks!  You can click here to read about podcasts I listen to on a regular basis.  I also added the podcast, Women in the Middle: Loving life after 50 to my list.  I have only listened to one episode, so we will see if I continue or not with this one. 

For books I am listening to, come back tomorrow to read about those and link up with us for Share Your Shelf!

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

Dresses most days!

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

Brook and I have some fun plans for the weekend, which I will post about next week. 

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

I am looking forward to a vacation, which will hopefully include a few days sitting on the beach!

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

Brook and I have been to 3 estate sales this summer and this week, they featured us on their instagram page.

I purchased this table, a shelf to put under a cabinet and tissue paper for Christmas.  We went on the last day of the sale, so everything was half price!

Come back tomorrow to join us for Share Your Shelf!

What's Up Wednesday ~ June 2024

 Here we go finishing up half of 2024....And usually, the second half seems to go by fast.  That being said, the fall seems like a long time away as we have such hot weather this week! I am joining up with What's Up Wednesday and Hodgepodge.

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

Sunday - frozen pizza

Monday - celebrated with my parents for my dad's birthday

Tuesday - enchiladas

Wednesday - ravioli or chicken nuggets

Thursday - out

Friday - out

Saturday - ??

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

A part of my job is collecting children's books and we are always in need of baby/toddler books.  Yesterday, someone dropped off donations and one of the books was "Pajama Time".  I read through the book again and it brought up such sweet memories of reading this to my girls when they were little.

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

Brook being at home for the summer!  I love every minute of her being around. 

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

I have been keeping my 2 year old great niece this week, with Brook's help of course!

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

Holidays and a few other major things sadly, however, I'm pressing on in this hard world with hope.

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

I am working on blog posts, reading a book, regular work stuff, cleaning up around my house and trying to maintain the yard in this summer heat.

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

I have planned a trip for myself this fall!

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

I am excited that the new season of The Bear comes out today!  I also resumed watching When Calls the Heart this season and enjoyed it.  I had taken 2-3 years off from watching this. I have also been watching a little bit of baseball on tv.

I am reading a book for book club next week!

What I'm listening to.............

I am listening to podcasts and a few random audiobooks, but more about those in next week's book post!

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

I am wearing dresses, dresses, and more dresses. I just don't photograph myself often to show what I've worn.

What I'm doing this weekend.............
We have a fun wedding to attend of a dear friend's son. I also hope to do a little more house organizing/cleaning. 

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

I have just a few things on the calendar next month....another wedding to attend, a baseball game and a soccer game.  I always enjoy watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics too! 

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

New today is this week's Hodgepodge:

1. What do you think has remained the same about you your whole life? How has your perception of yourself changed over time? 

I am a loyal person and love to keep in touch with people. I love keeping up with old friends!

I realize I am valued and worthy of love for who I am & my identity is in Christ, not fulfilled by anyone else.

2. What was the first thing you learned how to cook? Do you prefer to cook or bake?

The first recipe I learned how to cook is a chicken and rice casserole.  That was my standard go-to for so long. I probably prefer cooking, because I am more nervous about if my baking will turn out okay or not.  But I do enjoy doing both and bake more now since I bake sourdough every week.

3. What are some of your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate. 

My current priorities are to care for myself. I am caring for myself by trying to get rest, not put pressure on myself to do too much, freedom in saying yes and no's, and by reminding myself of God's promises towards me.  A part of caring for myself helps me to care for my daughters as best I can. 

4. How much time do you spend on your hair each day or, put another way, what's your hair care routine? Do you get it cut regularly or just whenever the mood strikes? Do you go to the same stylist every time? Do you tell your stylist everything? Any other beauty treatments you indulge in throughout the year? 

It depends on the day as to how much time I spend.  If I shampoo/condition my hair in the morning, I usually just dry it, brush it and go.  If I am using dry shampoo, I may using a styling tool, like a straightner to smooth my hair or a curling iron.  Sometimes I will use hot rollers and a few times, I have slept in curlers to have wavy hair in the morning.

My next door neighbor/friend is a hair stylist and has a studio in her home.  I literally walk right next door to get my hair cut and usually just do it when I feel like a I need a haircut.  She is the best neighbor!  

I have just recently seen a few grays appear,so I will spray some highlights in my hair and have started using some styling powder, but I don't use super expenisve products on my hair.

5. What is the most awe-inspiring place you've visited? 

I have been to some beautiful places, but two places come to mind....

In the USA ~ Glacier National Park, Montana

Outside the USA ~ Machu Picchu, Peru *one of the 7 wonders of the world*

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am tired. I have been going to bed by 9pm every night this week after caring for a 2 year old.  Shout out to all the moms.