Hello Monday (July 20, 2026)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  As always, I am with Sara and all of YOU!  We are chatting about our weekends and hope you will join us....

 

Here is what our little summer weekend looked like...I must say it was one of my favorite recent weekends!

 

Friday Night

 

It was time for a dinner date with my hubby at one of our fave places...

 

 

 

and then I ran an open house for my real estate boss

 

Rob had a gig at BWG and was surprised when a bunch of different friends showed up!  I got several texts with pics of him :)

 

 

Diana was at another Grad Party 

 

 

Saturday

 

We were up bright and early and headed out to finally use the AllTrails app I read up on.  We headed to Foster's Pond in town

It started out ok when we went in one direction.  Once we completed the first loop, we ended up back at the entrance and decided to try the second loop and that's when things went south and we got lost in the woods- ha!!

 

It's ok...we are alive and we finally figured things out.  Our hike just ended up being much longer than planned but I am not complaining for the extra exercise and extra steps- it felt great!

I did decide, though, when I try new trails in the woods, I will save those hikes for when I am with my hubby

 

After that, Eva headed to a rehearsal and Diana and I headed to a fun coffee shop we saw on TikTok.  It was about a half hour away in North Reading, MA and it was fantastic.  The iced lattes were to die for and we even tried their Brazilian pastries- they were not sweet at all like you would think- they were almost like a smaller and lighter popover- delish!  

 

When we got home, Diana headed to a rehearsal and then another Grad Party and I headed to a nail appointment.  Robby B got some yard work done.

 

 

We spent the afternoon/few hours chilling and then headed to the next Grad Party of the season- Remi did not want us to leave- sorry Bud- but we quickly captured our party "fits" and headed out. (working on TikTok content so more pics and videos are needed I guess- per my editor)

 

 

We had an absolute blast and I got to catch up with my fave senior Mamas who helped get me through this year!  Our laughing is so good for the soul. We also got to hang with Diana and her friends for a bit which is always so much fun :)

 

 

Eva and a bestie headed to a show in town and Rob picked them up after and picked Diana up late night- he is a gem!

 

 

Sunday

 

We were up bright and early again and headed to mass.  Then it was time for meal planning, grocery ordering and blogging.

 

Then we got one more day of softball in for the season!  Eva got to play in a tournament with her town team!

 

 

and for her second game, a few of her friends from her club team came to support her!  We were so touched- these girls are fantastic :)

 

 

After that, Rob and Eva headed to a softball meeting and I whipped up dinner for us.  Diana was working.

 

Lovin' the Blackstone!

 

 

We crashed pretty early after a great summer weekend.  What were you all up to?

 

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Share Four Somethings: July 2026

 

Hi Friends!  BONUS POST THIS WEEK!  I am linking up with Jenn and sharing Four Somethings!  We are sharing something you loved, something that sustained you, something you're carrying forward from this month to the next, and something you're making space for! So come follow along...

 

 Loved

 

The Parke tumblers I scored at Dunks yesterday for my girls!  Yesterday only, they were offering free Parke tumblers with a purchase of their new Strawberry Daydream Parke Refresher.  It was technically one per customer but the lovely manager let me do two separate transactions so I could get one for each girl!  Aren't they cute?  They each have their own Parke sweatshirt now too and Mama and Eva get to share hers :) 

 

 

 

Sustained Me

 

 

 

Carrying Forward

 

 

Will be carrying all of this and more when we move Diana into college next month...praying it all goes smoothly :)  I know Remi....I know Bud...

 

 

 

Making Space For 

 

 

 Another ingredient in my morning teas. It is not just basic collagen- it has so much more in it and it is essential for bone strength, skin elasticity and moisture for women my age.  I scored it on Amazon.  You can find it HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Favorites (July 17, 2026)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Friday!  We made it!  As always, sharing some faves from our week...

 

 

 

 

Rail Trail!

 

 

I finally felt better this week and got my butt back to the rail trail- felt so good- even in the 90 degree heat- I really am a summer person! 

 

 

 

That Tiktok Channel is Up!

 

I am excited to create content with my youngest and post and share etc.  She is amazing me with her technical prowess and passion for working on this with me.  It is an excuse to spend some extra time together too!  So far I have posted an intro and my first recipe/cooking demo...next up will be a multi-part series as we attack the "Dorm Haul!" So excited!

You can follow along at "Holly Helps Mamas" 

 

My Earth Angel

 

I would call her a guardian angel..but we are walking this earth together...working side by side as we have done the last 11 years...she always knows when I may need the extra love or push...when business decisions get me down...and just like that...she brightens my day and reminds me why I am lucky and need to smile and push forward 

 

TTTC

 

My Girls are still having a blast- squishes my heart- just grateful! 

Strawberry Jam!

Even after making the Galette, I had some leftover strawberries so I whipped up a batch of our homemade jam.  Everyone in this house loves it so I knew I wouldn't get any complaints.  This recipe is sooo easy and it does not require pectin so we make it FTW.  You can find the recipe HERE

 

 

MEMEs

 

 That's a wrap!  Have a sensational summer weekend friends!

 

Hey....psst...I will be back tomorrow with a bonus post too as I link up with Jenn for....