Hello Monday (July 13, 2026)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  I am here with Sarah and we are chatting about our weekends.  Hope you will join us!

 

Here is what our little summer weekend looked like...

 

Friday Night

 

Still battling sickness but, I couldn't miss supporting my girl.  We headed down to Tyngsboro MA for the start of Eva's last tournament of the season with GSE.  It was a great game and they cam up victorious!  

 

 

After the game, we had to bring her back to the LDA studio as the TTC Campers were filming their Thriller Film that night.  The girls had so much fun.  Diana did a great job with their hair and makeup.

 

 

Side note: Diana got cast in Waitress and cast as her dream role of Dawn.  We are THRILLED for her- this may very well be the last time we see her in a production like this and we will all be there with bells on!

Eva got cast as Alice in Bye Bye Birdie- we are so excited to see her in that production- especially in the Telephone Hour!

 

 Saturday

 

We were up bright and early.  We all headed to Eva's first game of the day.  They won again!  I must say I am loving this HOT WEATHER...after our brutal winter and cold and rainy spring, you will never find me complaining about the sun and heat we are experiencing this month- it is divine! 

 

I took off for home and Rob and his dad stayed for the 2nd game.  (I had started 5 Star Weekend the night before.  It was just released on Peacock and it is a series based on the great Elin Hilderbrand's novel.  It was INCREDIBLE- just as wonderful as the book.  HIGHLY RECOMMEND)

 

I headed to the neighbor's house to celebrate a clean bill of health for their daughter after her battle with cancer.  What a wonderful reason to celebrate.

 

Eva and her team won the 2nd game and Rob quickly showered when they got home and he and I headed to our friends/other neighbor's house for their daughter's graduation party. (As you can see, I wasn't great at snapping pics this weekend- I did happen to snap one pic of the grad party because I loved Tom and Keith's Patriotic Hey Dudes and need to get Rob a pair!)

After we left the party, we and the McLain's headed to Red's for some drinks and apps outside- it was an awesome night and guess who got to seat us?  Maybe just our favorite little hostess 

This is her and her work pal Nancy :) 

 

 

 Sunday

 

It was an early morning.  We headed back down to Tyngsboro MA for the next game. The girls won and it was another beautiful day.

 

I headed home after the first game to do the meal planning, grocery ordering and some cooking for the week.  Then I headed to bed to rest up and try to get rid of this thing once and for all.

 

The team lost the 2nd game- seemed to be the trend this season.  Oh well!

 

When they got home, I got up and Eva and I went through her clothes and got her closest organized. She really wanted to do it and I didn't argue.  Funny how she is organized before we have organized Diana who leaves for college in August!  Ha! 

 

A certain someone snuck off to the beach for a bit before she had to get to work.  Of course, she snuck in a photo shoot too ;)

 

Anyway- I finished 5 Star Weekend and already started it again- YES that good!

 

Rob made us dinner and we crashed pretty early.  What were YOU all up to?

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Favorites (July 10, 2026)

 

Happy Friday Friends!  I am so happy to see this day.  I have been sick all week with a sinus infection...completely run down so I am looking forward to some rest and recovery with just a few things on the calendar this weekend.

 

Before the weekend is upon us, here are a few faves from our week... 

 

Triple Threat Theater Camp

 

and...we are back!  My girls are LOVING their time there... 

and friends?  I haven't seen this kinda happiness in awhile...warms my heart!

 

 

Lunch Date!

 

Rob was off on Monday...I wasn't...so to do something special together we enjoyed a lunch date!  It was just what the doctor ordered.  We had a nice outdoor meal at Tuscan Market.  I got the Chicken Milanese and Rob got the Chicken Parm...it was so yummy and I got another meal out of mine! 

Then he wanted to try this ice cream place at the village too- Salt  & Straw.  Do you have one near you?  They have such unique flavors and most are only for a limited time.  He chose the "Strawberry Pretzel Salad".  It was a cream cheese based ice cream with strawberry jam and graham crackers in it- he loved it- I took a bite and loved it too- yum!

 

 

The Blackstone

 

 

Friends?  This has quickly become a family and friend fave.  Highly recommend...so so easy to whip up dinner on this bad boy.  This is only a tabletop version. They have large, stand alone versions too that can cook so much food on them at one time!

 

 

 

My Patriotic Tea Cup

 

Nuff said ;)

 

 

College Dorm Organizing

 

Almost have enough courage to start recording our dorm haul- Eva is prepared to film it all and do the editing for me so I can post and share.  We were thrilled to find that the fridge and microwave we got Diana fit on this shelf.  All three purchases were scored during Amazon Prime Days FTW!

 

 

 

 

Fave Bible Verse of the Week

 

 

 

 

 Best for Last!

 

Our 2026 Windham Blackout Tee Shirt Video was released this week!  I had a WHS student help me this year.  I did the filming and he did the editing and we love the finished product!  This is our WHY...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  Happy Wednesday!  I am joining Joyce for her fun linkup as always!  Let's get to these questions...

 

 

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

 

 Technology. We didn't have any of it- cell phones- iPads- On Demand TV- all the conveniences nowadays that I have come to depend on and enjoy!  Sometimes it is mind boggling to think I never had any of this up until the end of college!

 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

 

 I am writing this on Monday evening and today was the first day both of my girls went to theater camp.  The house was nice and quiet and I got into my work zone and felt busier which always gives me a buzz and makes me happy! Being busy at work, as funny or as weird as it sounds, brings me peace.

 

 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

 

I LOVE blueberries!  Blueberries and lobster signify summer for me.  I prefer blueberry anything and would pick them over raspberries and strawberries any day!  Out of the list above, I guess I would pick a warm blueberry muffin! 

 

 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

 

 Yes I could use a little break and a little staycation to rest, relax and get some beach time in but I am not sure that will happen this summer.  We are in a busy season.  Some day I will miss this believe me but I do desperately need a break from work, stress and all of the worrying about where my business will be coming from.

 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

 

That I have more energy now and feel better than I ever have in my entire life physically. It is a gift I am not taking for granted! 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

On that blueberry note, here are a few fun blueberry recipes.  Thank you for inspiring me Joyce!

 

Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Puff HERE 

Blueberry Caprese Salad HERE 

Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla HERE 

Baked Brie with Balsamic Bacon Blueberries HERE 

Grilled Chicken with Blueberry Relish HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viral Turkish Pasta

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am coming at ya today with another new recipe.  This one was a hit here and when I have an occasional hit I always want to share it with you!  The recipe is pretty viral- I have seen people post it on TikTok and share recipes on Pinterest.  Here is my version- let me know if you try to make it!

 

 Ingredients

 

2 cups Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it serves as the base for our garlic sauce.

4 garlic cloves (grated): For that aromatic punch.

Juice from ½ lemon: Adds brightness and balances the richness.

Salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors.

1 lb ground beef: The heartiness of the dish.

1 yellow onion (diced): Sweetness and depth.

1 tsp sweet paprika: A warm, smoky flavor.

1 tsp garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlicky goodness.

½ tsp cumin: An earthy, fragrant spice.

3 tbsp tomato paste: For a rich, umami kick.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning to elevate the dish.

¼ cup butter: Adds richness to the sauce.

1 tsp sweet paprika: A second hint of sweetness and color.

Cherry tomatoes (halved): Freshness and a pop of color.

Fresh parsley (chopped): A final touch of brightness.

Feta cheese (crumbled): A tangy topping that complements the dish perfectly.

12 oz cooked pasta (like fusilli or penne): The base of this hearty meal.

 

Instructions

 

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Cook the Spiced Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Make the Paprika Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add sweet paprika and stir until it begins to bubble gently. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Dish

In a serving dish or individual plates, add the cooked pasta.
Top the pasta with the prepared garlic yogurt, followed by the spiced beef mixture.
Drizzle the warm paprika butter over the top for an irresistible finish.

Add the Toppings

Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve and Enjoy!

Hello Monday (Fourth of July Weekend 2026)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  I am here with my blogging partner Sarah and we are chatting about our weekends!  If you celebrated, how was your 4th of July weekend?  Ours was one of our favorites yet!  Even though the older kids did not partake in our festivities, and that made me kind of sad, we enjoyed the weekend with some of our closest friends and family!

 

Here is what we were up to!

 

Thursday Night

 

Rob and I kicked off the holiday weekend with Lea and Mike.  We had a great dinner at Beck's in town!  Always a great time with our besties.

 

 

Friday

 

We were up bright and early- packed up the Jeep- and headed up to Tom and Laurel's Lake House.  The weather was FABULOUS!

 

When we got there, we chatted for a bit, Rob cooked hot dogs on our Blackstone (that we brought with us) for lunch and then we unpacked and headed down to the boat to the best day we have ever had on the lake. It was so hot and sunny and we soaked it all up and spent so much time in the water!

 

Eva and her flag!

A Bald Eagle Sighting!

When we finally came back in, it was after five and we headed home to shower and make dinner on the Blackstone. 

We had an awesome dinner out on the deck and played a little trivia.  We finally crashed around 11 after this fabulous day.

 

Saturday

 

We were up bright and early again.  Pidge and I headed to Dunks then we had a leisurely morning waiting for the golf cart parade and for the Fourniers to arrive.  The parade was the best yet- we noticed the popular themes for the golf carts this year were: World Cup, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream and all of the Patriotic Goodness.

 

Once the Fourniers arrived, they quickly unloaded and we all headed down to the boat.  It was another great day- not as hot and rather cloudy but we still got in the water for a bit.  It was such a relaxing and wonderful day!

 

We headed back home after five to change up and make dinner- we enjoyed our traditional lobster dinner and wonderful sides then spent so much time out on the deck.  We played some trivia and then enjoyed the fireworks around us.  Such a great time!

 

We crashed earlier this night.  Once we were in bed, Diana wanted to chat and get my advice so I chatted with her before falling asleep.  I missed her terribly this weekend but she stayed busy working and having some fun with friends. We also missed Caden and Alexis.  Again- made me sad but we are moving into this next phase of life whether I like it or not!

 

Sunday

 

We were up bright and early and packed up the Jeep.  We hugged Laurel and Tom goodbye and thanked them for such an amazing weekend then we headed home.  We made a pit stop for a few things then got home to unpack and get the laundry going.

 

It was great to catch up with Diana.  She and I took a quick drive to listen to music and grab teas.

 

Then we all headed to Sylvie's 3rd Birthday Party!  Woohoo! It was K Pop Demon Hunters themed- so fun!

 

I had to take Diana to work so couldn't stay for cake and presents.  Boo.  I had a blast while I was there though.  They did such a great job celebrating this beautiful girl!

 

 Once home, Diana headed to work and I caught up on blogging, did meal planning and grocery ordering and  got the girls all organized for Triple Threat Camp which starts today!  Woohoo! 

 

Happy 250th Birthday America and Happy Birthday Sylvie Girl!  Also...a very Happy Heavenly Birthday to Grammy :)

 

It was a patriotic and wonderful weekend with the greatest peeps!  What were you all up to?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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