Happy Wednesday! This is one of my favorite blog posts of the month because I’m curious. I love to see what people are up to and get some good dinner, tv, book, clothes, and activity ideas. Let’s get to the questions.
WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK…
I’ve been taking a different approach to meal planning. In the past few weeks, I’ve been making some sort of protein (chicken, beef, sausage, shrimp) and leaving it up to my family to eat it how they like it best. We are eating it with salads, rice, plain, over pasta, and other ways that make sense – chicken with BBQ sauce or chicken salad, etc. I have been consciously stocking our fridge with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables so there is a lot to go with the proteins. So our meal plans look a little different.
WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT…
I am reminiscing about meeting authors and hearing them talk about their books! Reunion Beach came out yesterday and it got me thinking about meeting Dorothea Benton Frank. I was so excited to meet her!
Elin announced that she’s going to do a few in person events and I am going to do my best to get there!
We have a virtual author coming to my school and the kids are excited but they are missing all the live authors we usually have, too!
WHAT I’M LOVING…
I am absolutely loving the weather we had yesterday and the forecast for today! We are looking at mid 80s and sunshine. It is so perfect for a work from home day, too! I know that it won’t stay, but that sunshine and warm weather will be here to stay soon. Last night’s sunset was gorgeous! We hold true to the saying “Red in the morning, sailor’s warning. Red at night, sailor’s delight” and this was a red sunset! 😍
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO…
I’ve been spending a bunch of time in my mobile office, aka minivan. And if it has a ball, we’ve been doing it! Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and golf have been filling our evenings and weekends.
WHAT I’M DREADING…
Once or twice a year I do a juice cleanse. I tend to do it around this time of year because it really resets my sugar craving. Typically I do a 3 day cleanse or a 3 day cleanse with protein, but I am trying a 1 day cleanse this time and hoping it’s enough to reset it. I don’t usually lose any weight on the cleanse but it is a chance to reset any less than desirable eating habits that I’ve started. I’m juicing today. Here’s hoping it goes well.
WHAT I’M WORKING ON…
I am working on one of my favorite blog posts of the year – Summer Beach Reads!! These are favorite books of the year and I love having them all in one place! Be on the lookout for it next week! If you just can’t wait for a beach book, check out last year’s post!
I’ve been working on my new planner. I took a leap of faith last year and tried the Erin Condren Daily Duo planner. It has 2 books with 6 months in each one. There is a page-a-day and I thought it would be great for keeping track of our activities. Here’s what I’ve learned: I need more than 6 months in a planner if I am to do any sort of planning. A page a day does me no good if it is hourly because everything we do is in the evening. I finally got sick of it and ordered a monthly planner to get me through until the new life planners start. I fully intend to go back to my weekly vertical set up.
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT…
I am finishing up helping some people shop the BeautyCounter Friends and Family stock up sale! Today is the last day to get 15% off your order and 20% off if you spend $250. This is a great time to check out a skin care regimen, try a new serum or peel, or try our new clean deodorants! I love that I can feel good about putting these products on my skin and my family’s skin! Some of my current favorites are the Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel, the Counter+ All Bright C Serum, and the Countermatch night cream.
The Countersun line isn’t on sale, but this is a good time to stock your pool or beach bag so you know you have it ready. Our pools open in 31 days!!! This is a great time to get a great deal on great products for your family!!
WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING…
I am watching season 4 of the Crown and I love it. It feels very timely with the passing of Prince Phillip and all the Harry & Meghan drama.
We watched two comedy specials on Netflix by Nate Bargatze and laughed so hard!
You can check out what I’ve been reading lately here. I am on the committee to select books for our Battle of the Books 2022 so I will be reading a lot of middle grade novels and graphic novels in the next month.
I visited my favorite indie bookstore last weekend and picked up quite a few books to keep the whole family reading!
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO…
I started listening to Even the Rich podcast again and I always enjoy it. I listened to the JFK and Jackie O season this week. They curse a little so it’s not a family podcast but I love the stories they tell.
I’ve also been listening to What Should I Read Next podcast. I just love hearing what books people are reading and what Anne recommends for them.
I listen to Radio Margaritaville every day in the car. They’ve always had the Buffett Buffet at 11 am and 7 pm, but they just added a third hour at 3 pm. It’s perfect for our middle school pickup time!
WHAT I’M WEARING…
I am trying to wear as many of my spring clothes as I can. If I don’t wear it this year, I am going to take a hard look at donating it. I’ve been wearing a lot of bright colored tops with black or navy cropped pants. I also picked up these two comfy rompers. They are going to be perfect for work in June, running around town, and as coverups.
WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND…
We have a pretty low key weekend for our family. Luke has an early lacrosse game on Saturday and a soccer game on Sunday. Jack has a baseball double header on Sunday.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH…
May is typically one of our busiest months of the year. While this year isn’t as busy as usual, we still have a lot going on. I am excited to go visit my sister!! I get to see my sweet niece and my brother-in-law, too!
I am looking forward to a little change up in my workout routines next month, too. The sun will be up early enough that I can start incorporating outside run/walks before school. I’ve been running sporadically the past few weeks, but I am looking forward to a more intentional running plan.
If you need me today, my plan is to teach and read children’s literature on my deck all day! Have a great day full of sunshine and books!!
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Are you going to do a post on the middle grade/graphic novels you’ve been (will be) reading? My kids are Gr 6 & 4 and I need some new recommendations for them! And those sunsets are amazing! Thank you for sharing them.
I sure will!
Cannot wait for your Summer Beach Read post- yeah! We loved The Crown too- Prince Phillip in Season 1 and 2 was my favorite- I thought he looked, talked and walked just like him! Also excited to get outside in better weather for more outdoor workouts!
The Crown is so fabulous!! I agree that Prince Phillip was spectacularly portrayed!
I am intrigued by the juice cleanse & have been wanting to do that soon. We saw Nate Bargatze this month and he was just as hysterical in person. Have a good day!
I bet he would be so funny live!
I love your rompers! The Even the Rich podcast is so great! I continue to be jealous of all the awesome authors you’ve met. You are such a great librarian!
Thanks! The rompers are so comfy!!
Oooh… Reunion Beach looks fantastic. I hadn’t heard of that one! Your rompers look so adorable. I can’t wait to be able to wear some of my more summery outfits.
I so love the Even the Rich podcast too! We are also deep into The Crown.
Patty
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