Hello Monday ~ August 18, 2025

Hi friends and Happy Monday!

I am sharing a little about my weekend with you today.

Thanks for reading!

Friday, I had a doctor's appointment then met my parents for lunch afterwards at Humdingers. Are you familiar with this chain?  It serves fish and chicken and I have been a few times.  Each time, the food has been really good.  I had redfish with pineapple salsa and salad, which was delicious.

Later that evening, I had an early dinner with Jenn, taco soup and a margarita.  She went out afterwards and I came home to relax.  I have had a lot of things going on behind the scenes that are quite intense at the moment, so my bandwidth is pretty small these days.

As a Memphis girl, Saturday was the 48th commemoration of Elvis' death, so it is something I always  recognize on 8/16.

I stayed inside all day Saturday trying to catch up on a few things at home.  That night, I went with Jenn to see Teddy Swims.  It was hot, but we had our fans and it was bearable. He puts on such a great show and has an incredible voice!  His songs are full of big emotions and seem to come from a lot of hurts and joys as well.  It had my mind and heart spinning.

The name of his tour is called, "I've Tried Everything but Therapy" since that is also the name of his most recent album.  They had this wall there where you could write in your answer with chalk.

Jenn spent the night at my house since I still have an extra room for guests.  We parted ways Sunday morning and both went to church.  Afterwards, I went to a wedding shower for a former co-worker with my current co-workers.

I love what butterflies represent with new beginnings and love seeing them around the butterfly bush at my mailbox.

Can you see the one on the bush and the one that flew away?

I hope it is a beautiful day for you!

 

Hodgepodge ~ August 13, 2025

 Happy Wednesday friends!

1. August is National Golf month...do you play? Do you enjoy following golf? Have you ever been to a professional tournament? 

I took golf lessons one summer way back when I was in my mid 20's, but I don't play golf.  The Fedex Golf tournament just ended in Memphis this week, but I have never been to watch.

2. Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday. Are you interested in outer space and what's happening today in terms of space exploration? If space travel became common in your lifetime would you go? How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious...does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else? 

Oh my goodness!  I actually had this picture to share as my random thought this week and here it is as a question!  I have been a space fan for the past 15 years.  Brook had an interest in space and we visited 3 space centers in one calendar year (Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Cape Canaveral, FL). I have shared this before, but she had a space birthday party one year. I had a poster of the International Space Station that use to hang in my laundry room and we would watch all the departures and arrivals of the Soyouzs to the ISS on the NASA channel.  I am so interested in space travel and if I didn't health conditions, I would definitely go. 

3. Describe your communication style in three words. 

Well, I did a deep dive on communication styles and they are passive, aggressive, passive aggressive and assertive.  I feel like I am a mix of a few of these, depending on the audience. But 3 words?

4. Do you have a favorite cookbook? A favorite celebrity chef? Do you watch any cooking shows on TV? 

My favorite celebrity chef is Ree Drummond. I like to watch the Pioneer Woman, but I haven't watched it this summer.  I went to her lodge and the mercantile in 2019 and loved it.

5. As a child did you have any back to school traditions? If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children? Do you have any back to school traditions you've started on your own? 

I feel like we did the typical school shopping for supplies and had a new outfit.  My girls were homeschooled, so it was a little different.  We did try to have a special dinner and fun activity on the first day of school.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whenever I do my Amazon post, I will mention this, but I love my vibration plate I recently ordered.  I try to get on this 3-4 days a week.  Are y'all familiar with this device? In case you are wondering, from the internet, here are some benefits of using this: 

Vibration plate machines offer a variety of benefits, including increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved bone density, and enhanced circulation. 

That's all for today....thanks for reading!

Tuesday Talk ~ Weekend Recap/August 12, 2025

Good morning friends!  I didn't make it around to blogging yesterday.  I am a little in a weird state and blogging took a backseat, but I am back today with a little weekend recap.  

Friday night, Brook and I went to a baby shower for my niece.  Yes, I have another great niece joining the family next month! It was a family shower, so it was sweet to be with all the adult and little girls too.

I helped with a workday at my church Saturday morning for about an hour, then met Jenn at Salad Station. I needed to eat healthy after good shower food the night before!

We went to the paint store afterwards for me to get some samples. The paint store is so inspiring!

Later Saturday afternoon, a friend came by to look at some work I need done at my house.  He brought his 5 year old daughter with him and I gave her a quick manicure.  We go to church with this family, so I have known this sweet girl since she was a baby.

After this, I went and met my oldest for dinner!  She came into town for a few days!  Outside of a 18 hour visit last month, this is the only time she has been here since Christmas.  

We went into Anthropologie and loved seeing all their fall decor!

After dinner, we took a walk at our local park.  It was a beautiful sunset.

After church Sunday, we went to my sister's house for a cookout and watched the littles swim.  They are all so funny!

Monday morning, I took Isabella to my favorite breakfast place, Eggs Up Grill.  

We went to a lot of boutique stores aftewards and spotted more fall decor.

And of course after that, we went to Menchie's for yogurt.  It was a good day with her (Brook was working).

I have loved having time with both my girls this week.

Hope your week is going well and thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites ~ August 8, 2025

 Happy Friday friends!

I hope it has been a good week and here we are at the beginning (almost) of a new weekend!

Here are a few favorites of mine from the week.... 

I was able to be a little lazy Monday morning then ran some errands and got a few things done around the house.  I have a punch list of a few things I need done at the house.  I am trying to do a few things myself, hire some people for other things and maybe ask a friend to do one or two things for me.  One thing I needed to do was to put a transition piece upstairs between flooring and carpet.  The carpet is old and will eventually need to be replaced by a new owner, but it still needed a transition piece. I bought a piece at Lowe's and was able to install it.  I have a miter saw at home to help me with this easy project.  I put a light coat of stain on it and am calling this done!

Before:

After:

This verse was just what I needed to see this week!

I worked Tuesday then went to see my parents and had dinner with them and my sister.  I spent the night at my sister's house so I could be at my nephew's house at 6am Wednesday to keep 2 of their 3 kids.  My nephew and his wife are both nurses, so they go to work super early.  I spent the day with these cuties who are 3 1/2 years old and 10 months old. It was a non stop day! I had 2 protein bars and an energy drink before noon, ha! (and that doesn't include breakfast).  I was happy to help them and spend time with my great nephews.  As a bonus, one of my nieces came over with her 3 for about an hour to play too.

After the day, I met up with Jenn and some ladies from church for dinner at Newks.

Thursday, I was back at work and went by 7Brew for a drink after work with 2 of my co-workers. Thursday night was low key at home and then I am working again this morning.

I hope you all have a fun weekend ahead!

Hodgepodge ~ August 6, 2025

 Good morning!  I am beginning the post linking up with Joyce for Hodgepodge!

1. The midpoint of summer (believe it or not) is August 7th. Describe a perfect summer day. Have you had one this year? 

I wouldn't say I have had a perfect day this year, but I have enjoyed some moments for sure.  What would that perfect day be? 

Maybe sleeping in after a good night's rest.  Waking up in a new place with my girls with me. We would eat a good breakfast, spend the afternoon swimming and playing with my great nieces and nephews.  An evening boat ride on a lake with a picnic dinner and a cute date would be a great ending.  Keep in mind I don't have a boat, lake or a cute date, but just dreaming :). 

2. What's one thing you wish you knew before starting high school? 

You won't remember 99% of the things that happen to you during this time!

3. What's something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly? 

I am thinking of breakfast foods.  I like scrambled eggs well done and bacon crispy!

4. What's the most overrated food you're convinced people are just pretending to enjoy? What's a trendy food you actually do enjoy and would say is definitely not overrated? 

sushi? I don't eat sushi, but I know a lot of people do like it.  

I enjoy blended cottage cheese in recipes and I feel like it is definitely having a moment with the push for us all to get extra protein.

5. Wrapping it up this week with five fun this or that's...

personal stylist or personal chef? 

Personal Stylist!  I would love to have a professional color analysis.

dance like nobody's watching or sing like nobody's listening? 

Dance like nobody's watching!  I love to move to the music.

unlimited tacos or free pizza? 

Free pizza

bookshelf organization-by size or by genre? 

genre

ten minutes late or ten minutes early? 

10 minutes early

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My random leads me into this month's Currently prompts with Jenn!

Loving

I am loving the temperatures being back to normal, manageable summer weather this week and the cooler weekend we had.  I am loving having Brook home.  I know I say that a lot, but it is so true.  

Looking to

I am looking to others to help me with a few house projects.  I have a list of things I need to do to get my house ready to sell. I still don't know when that will be, this year or next, but I am trying to get a few things done here and have to hire people :(.

Scheduling

 I am always trying to schedule a trip!  I may try to have a quick trip in September.  This usually helps me as I adjust to not having Brook home. I always schedule little things on my calendar and write down most things so I don't forget!! 

Buying

I did a lot of Amazon buying this summer and still am working on that post to be released soon! Other than Amazon, I am buying food and that's about it.

Gearing up for

I am gearing up for the fall and lots of little things to bring me joy in the midst of dreading some hard things.  I am always trying to hold both joy and grief.

Sending lots of love to you on this Wednesday and thanks for reading!

Hello Monday ~ August 4, 2025

Good morning to you!  I hope you had a nice weekend.  Here is a little recap since Friday...

I worked Friday morning and then went to sit with my sister at her infusion and got a kick out of this crossword puzzle in the waiting room.  I guess this was going to help her pass the time?  I did enjoy spending some time with my sister.

Friday night, Jenn came over, we ate frozen pizza and we went to a place to learn line dancing.  We were excited and nervous. Apparently so because Jenn left her wallet at my house afterwards and I left my car keys in her car!  And all we had were diet cokes to drink!

We did a group lesson and then I got back out there 2 other times to dance with random people and then participated in another group lesson. It was a fun night!  Most of the people were younger, but there was a small group that was around our age still having fun and kicking up their heels!

Oh to have the confidence of this man on the dance floor who did not care who was watching him!

Saturday morning was lovely with the temperatures lower and a tease for fall.  Brook and I ate breakfast on the back porch.  

I got a kicker of an email with an update on some legal things and it was for sure another dragon for me.  I took to the bed for the rest of the afternoon and Jenn came over.  We did eat a crazy early dinner, she left, I was home by myself in pajamas pretty early and watched the first episode of Sullivan's Crossing.  I also finished season 4 of The Bear.  Do any of you watch it?  It is not for the children with the language, but I am hooked.  I loved the wedding episode and the end episode was sad for me.  

Sunday, I went to church then met Jenn for lunch. Afterwards, I walked over to Trader Joe's for a few basics and picked up these flowers for myself to have for the week. I spent the rest of the day at home being pretty lazy & catching up on a few things. Other than Friday night, the weekend was really low key for me. 

Have a great Monday!

 

Friday Favorites ~ August 1, 2025

Happy August!  It's the month of back-to-school, routines, meal planning and shopping for the fall! Here are some random highlights from the week...

So the highlight of my week was not eating healthy.  It started with me treating myself to a bag of my favorite type of M&M's....the caramel.  This is a sharing bag.  I shared it with myself.

Tuesday, we had a staff lunch at a nice restaurant located on the Mississippi River. My meal was delicious and we split several desserts. Thankfully, my meal was somewhat healthy.  I had redfish with crab meat on top and it was served over mashed potatoes and a side of squash and other veggies. It was delicious!

A friend of mine had a house concert at her house Wednesday night where some friends who have a band played their music.  It was so hot outside, so I didn't stay long.  However, I did find the snack table and couldn't resist the cookies and the veggies and hummus.  I'm trying to tease my brain I had balance here.

Thursday evening, Jenn came by since I hadn't seen her all week with her new job.  

This week was low key, but better for me.  I worked every day, although not full days.  Today is much cooler, with a high of 85, so I will gladly take it for the first day of August. My weekend will be low key and I am okay with that too.

Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for the encouragement this week and for reading the blog my friends!