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....

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberry Galette

 

 

 Well friends I did it!  Well Eva and I did it.  We created a TikTok Channel for me and my content.  She is not only an amazing editor but she is great with socials and marketing.  My little 7th grader is becoming such a Branding Wiz.  She helped me create my intro video and a few more to get started with.

 

The first recipe I shared is for this amazing Strawberry Galette.  Truth be told, I didn't even know how to pronounce Galette until I watched Five Star Weekend and now I am obsessed!

 

I think if you have been following along for awhile then you know I am not much of a baker.  I consider myself a cook.  I love to cook.  It is therapeutic and helps me to decompress.  I meal plan like a ninja and try different recipes all the time.

 

I am working on my baking game and this galette came out great so I wanted to share it with YOU.  If you are on Tiktok and want to follow along, my channel is "Holly Helps Mamas".  The video below was posted yesterday.  

 

Here is the recipe and instructions and the video goes over how to put this bad boy together.  If you try it, let me know and enjoy! 

 

 

 

Ingredients

1 16- ounce carton strawberries sliced 

3 tablespoons granulated sugar. 

 1 small lemon zested 

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 

1 refrigerated pre-rolled pie crust 

1 egg 

1-2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar

 

Instructions

 

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
 

Add the sliced strawberries to a bowl along with the granulated sugar, lemon zest, cornstarch, and vanilla. Toss several times so that the berries are evenly coated.
 

Carefully unroll the pie crust onto the parchment lined baking sheet. It's okay if it's slightly too large to fit as you'll be folding the edges over.
 

Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the dough. Arrange the strawberries in an even layer leaving a 2-inch border free. 

 

Fold the edges of the dough toward the center over the berry filling, overlapping as needed. Gently press any folds to help them adhere.
 

Beat the egg in a small bowl for the egg wash. Brush the crust with the egg wash then sprinkle with the Turbinado sugar.
 

Bake in the preheated 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. 

 

Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Slice and serve with ice cream or freshly whipped cream if desired. 

 

Enjoy warm or at room temperature

 

 

 

The Dorm Haul is coming next...

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday! Once again, I am here for the fun linkup hosted by the lovely Joyce so let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

 

 

 

I feel guilty relaxing any time of year...I chalk that up to the traditional Italian Catholic guilt that I was born with/raised to have (insert eye roll emoji here)

 

 

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset?

 

 

I get quiet...and I am never quiet...processing my emotions...putting my guard up...either that or I raise my voice because I get extra emotional...again Italian Catholic...blah blah blah...ha!

 

 

 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

 

 

 For a Recruiter like me, when it first started entering my newsfeeds and message boards, I got a bit nervous.  You know the naysayers saying it was going to replace humans and in particular, recruiters.  I made sure I read up and started playing with Chat GPT.  Well friends?  I am happy to report that AI is a great tool for Recruiters and professionals in general.  We are utilizing it to help make our jobs easier and make us better at what we do.  I have embraced AI and I am constantly playing with tools to make sure I remain current and cutting edge.  Now learning this makes me excited.  I always love to learn and become better!

 

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

 

My friends always request my "crack bars." That is what they actually have dubbed them.  They are really "Rolo Ritz Bars" and you can find the recipe HERE.

Other than that, I tend to go for appetizers.  I love trying new recipes.  This corn salad/dip is a new fave.  You can find it HERE 

 

 

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

 

 

Swimming!

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 I drink seltzer water all year long.  Anyone who knows me knows that the Polar Orange Vanilla is my favorite flavor.  Drinking seltzers helps me hit my water goal every day.  Hey!  It also keeps my life more interesting...anyway, I digress.  Polar has a limited time summer flavor that I am crazy about!  It is Poolside Grape Pops and it is outstanding- give it a shot!  It will bring you right back to childhood AND help you add another glass of water to your daily total ;)

 

 

Everday Images: June 2026

 

 

Hi Friends!  I decided to join Kym at A Fresh Cup Of Coffee for her monthly linkup- a linkup that prompts us to take more photos of our beautiful every day lives. Here goes nothing!

Everyday Images #91

~~~~~

 

At Home

 

 

Lunch Break = Wasa Crackers with Cottage Cheese Mixed with Truffle Hot Sauce and Topped with Pickles and My Grape Seltzer of Course!

 

 

Who I'm Spending Time With

 

 

 My Sweet Boy!

 

 

 

What I'm Working On

 

 

Working hard to bring in more Blackout Sponsors this year! 

 

 

Where I'm Going

 

 

LDA again...picking up Eva from camp when Diana has to get to work...love this little ride...reminds me of days of past...when my girls were younger...always loved making the drive to and from

 

 

 

 

When I'm Taking a Break

 

 

I try to make dinner during my lunch break and on Monday I was extra inspired after watching 5 Star Weekend and whipped up my first galette!  This is a strawberry galette made with the strawberries we got fresh at Sunnycrest Farms! That is also my homemade Red, White and Blue Flower Arrangement because I am a little extra...always 

 

 

 

Why I'm Happy Today

 

Though there are many mixed emotions right now and I am worried...I am proud of us for being so organized with the college "stuff."  Last night, Rob built this night stand/shelves for Diana's Dorm Room for me...my heart was full :) 

 

 

 

 

 

Signs

 

 

 

Softball/Proud Mama Alert