Let's Look: Managing Teenage Life

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Shay and Erica HERE and addressing a very important topic- Managing Teenage Life.  Now I decided to join in not because I am an expert by any means but in hopes of sharing some info and getting some good advice- I feel it is the season for us...with our 17 year old senior....and we have another girl coming up...though she is a "tween" currently...we will be back here in the blink of an eye and I could use some tips.  

 

Here is my random list of thoughts as it relates to managing teenage life

 

The Phone

 

It can be your best friend and worst enemy right?  I have learned to use it to our advantage.  When I want to share a prayer or inspirational quote or just send an encouraging message, I will text or send through IG or Tiktok because I know it will be seen and absorbed even when she doesn't realize it.

 

I also like to use the app iSharing- it is like Life360 but works better for us- never goes offline, etc.  We track her location, especially if she is out late with friends.  We want to make sure she is safe and where she says she is going to be.  We can also monitor car speed on this app and a few times, we have called her to tell her to slow down OR tell her driver (whichever friend it may be) to slow down.

 

Coffee Dates/Tea Dates/Shake Dates/Walks on the Rail Trail/Jeep Drives

 

Whichever you decide...it is about the activity and not exactly what you choose...it is the one on one time I choose, doing something she enjoys.  I find she opens up more during these times, whether she is sharing a funny story or sharing her thoughts or telling me her concerns...they always come out during this one on one time when she feels more relaxed and calm.  Little does she know, it is good therapy for both of us

 

 

 Trusted Friend/Professional/School Advisor

 

We are lucky, one of our dear friends is an Executive Functioning Coach at our high school.  She was a friend but she also became our trusted expert when dealing with the course load, exams and course of action with some tutoring and services to help our daughter.  It is a unique situation however I think any parent should build a trusting relationship with a school staff member. It helps to keep the lines of communication open and shows your kid you are all on the same page and pulling for them to succeed 

 

 

 When all else fails?  Pray

 

Pray hard....each year, I pray harder and harder...it has helped us through some very dark times as it related to her heartbreaks...struggles...rejection...just pray

 

So looking forward to gathering your advice...appreciate it all! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Look: My Travel Bucket List Edition

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Shay and Erica for their monthly linkup!  This month we are talking about our Travel Bucket Lists- so fun!

 

Here is what my little list looks like

 

 

Italy

 

Yes, we went two years ago.  We did Rome and the Amalfi Coast.  I am adding it right back to the top of my list because I want to go back.  I would do Rome for 1-2 days again and then head up to Tuscany, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore where my Dad's Family is from

 

 

London, England

 

This is on Robby B's List.  He wants to see Abbey Road for obvious reasons and we want to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey,  and all of the historic locations the city has to offer.  We may try to go for Rob's 60th and our tour guides Tom and Laurel have suggested combining Italy with London the next time- we shall see!

 

 

 Paris, France

 

 

 I studied French for 7 years in high school and college.  I became fluent at one point.  I loved everything the language had to offer and all I learned about the culture of different areas in France.  I would love to get to Paris to see all the important destinations like The Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triumph and more.  I want to drink coffee and eat a croissant at an outdoor cafe and sip champagne looking at the lights at night! Ahhh :)

 

 

There are locations in the U.S that I have added to my list too.....

 

 

Hawaii

 

 

 

 Malibu

 

 

 

 The South

 

I envision an epic road trip that would include Atlanta and Savannah Georgia, Charleston South Carolina and New Orleans Louisiana to name a few destinations...maybe someday...after the college years...woosh

 

 So what places are on your travel bucket list?

Let's Look: Low Level Goals for 2025

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Shay and Erica for their fun link up this month.  The topic is low level goals for 2025.  I came up with a few so here we go

 

 

 Read One Book A Month

I know...not a lot...but I decided that is an aggressive enough number with having to produce at two jobs...raise my kids...and start the college process with Diana.  If I read an extra book here and there, so be it.  I will be doing it for me and my me time.  I am already off to a great start in 2025 and feel like this year is going to be promising with reading.  My first book of the year was Book #4 in the Maya and Sandra Mystery Series "Murder At The Spelling Bee" by Lee Hollis- another great one- love mysteries and this series is so light and fun

 

 

 Exercise 4-5 times/week

I have been actually moving 6-7 days/week for both my physical and mental health...have never been so consistent in my life and have never needed it more.  Loving the rail trail and mixing in gym days

Meal Planning

This is a given for me every year but I must write it down to remind myself to keep up with this.  It eliminates so much stress and helps to keep us on track with groceries too

Short and Sweet...My Ultimate Goal this year is to THRIVE

and if you are looking for a way to help/reputable place to donate to help those affected by the wild fires in California, my blogging friend Patty shared this wonderful organization.  They feed those in need and they are doing great work in California right now. It is World Central Kitchen.  Check them out HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Look: Decemberr 2024

 

Hi Friends!  Today I am here with Shay and Erica for their fun Let's Look linkup! This month we are talking about the ways we unwind during the holidays...this is a fun one!

Here are a few ways I unwind....

Hallmark Movies

Just the perfect mix of romance...cheesiness...and festiveness...truth be told I haven't watched many this year...just haven't been feeling my normal spirit but dialed in this week and really enjoyed a new one playing "Leah's Perfect Gift"

 

 

 

 Christmas Carols

All types of Christmas songs/music for sure...but the religious ones are my jam and help me remember the true reason for the season

Reading

Well as always...but really enjoying sneaking in a holiday story this time of year.  This year I made it happen and really enjoyed the book.  It was The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley

 

 

 Getting Cozy

Sure I love the holiday gatherings...I enjoy dressing up and toasting my people but this time of year, when it is chilly, I also love getting under a blanket and watching something great while basking in the glow of a Christmas Tree :)

Jammie Christmas

 

I always love the night we put on our holiday pj's...grab a treat like a cocoa or a peppermint shake from CFA and drive around looking at Christmas Lights...it is a special time for our little fam...one of my favorite traditions...and a relaxing night for sure :)

 

 Then....

 Last Year...

How do you unwind this time of year?

 

Let's Look: How We Prep For The Holiday Season Edition

 Hi Friends!  I am joining Erika and Shay for their fun link up.  This month's edition of Let's Look is asking us how we prep for the holiday season- so much fun!

 

 

Let's get to it!

 

 

Hosting/The Calendar

 

 I always decide the hosting I like to do.  Truth be told, because of our blended family situation, it ends up being easier for most if I just host.  That way all sides of the family can come to us and everyone stays happy.  I am looking forward to not hosting as much in the future but for now, I feel it is my calling.

In addition to hosting the holidays, I decide on what little extras I want to throw together for fun.  For example, most years, we host a Thanksgiving Eve/Friendsgiving the night before Thanksgiving.  That is always one of my most favorite nights.  I feel as our kids get older too, it will be a nice time to celebrate them coming home from school!  We have one college kid coming back this year (Caden) and can't wait to see him!

We are also hosting Halloween this year!  Looking forward to it.  It will be a fun night for the kids and adults and a nice mix of family and friends :)

 

I host an annual Ladies Night/Favorite Things Night at Christmas time for my besties too.  We love enjoying apps,cocktails and desserts on that night and I make sure our home is already decorated for Christmas!

 

 When all is said and done, we plug everything into that family calendar so everyone knows the drill.

 

Menu Planning

 

 I always plan a menu.  So here is what I am planning for Halloween Night:

Mummy Dogs

Mummy Pizzas

Monster Mac N Cheese

Creepy Calzones

Lizard Chicken Fingers

A Festive Veggie Tray

A Spooky Charcuterie

and whatever spooky snacks and treats our friends and fam add to the mix!

 

Invitation Lists

 

I make a list to get a basic idea of how many people- large crowds don't scare me- the more the merrier.  I typically go to Evite to send out a mass invite for one of our events

 

 

Decor

 

The decor is the center of all of our planning though isn't that always true?  For Halloween, we are already decked out in both spooky decor (inside) and festive fall decor (outside).  It just sets the tone and ensures everyone gets into the spirit!

 

 

 So how do you prep?  I am looking forward to hearing your tips and advice!  Always love tweaking our systems here :)

Let's Look: Our Quick Weeknight Dinners

 

Hi Friends.  Thanks for stopping by.  I am joining Shay and Erica for their Let's Look Linkup and sharing some of our easy weeknight meals.  I think I have this subject mastered.  As I have said several times before, meal planning always helps to minimize stress during the week and another way to make your weeknights more simple, is to have some go-to recipes that don't take you long to whip up!  Here are a few of mine...

Walking Tacos

Find the Recipe HERE

BIG hit at our house

  

 

 Popcorn Chicken

Find the recipe HERE

 I serve this with either mashed potatoes or rice and broccoli- easy peasy!

 

 Turkey and Rice Skillet (but I always substitute ground chicken for the turkey)

Find the recipe HERE

 

 

 

 Breakfast for Dinner

We will typically do this once/week

Here is a great recipe for this night.  Find the frittata HERE

 

 

 

 and Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

Find my recipe HERE
 

It's always a good idea- everyone cleans their plates!

 

 

What are some of your easy weeknight meals?

Let's Look: Podcasts and Shows We Binge Edition

 

Hi Friends!  Today I am joining Shay and Erica for their "Let's Look" Linkup. This month we are talking our favorite Podcasts and Shows we binge.  Since I really haven't done the Podcast thing yet...I am sharing my favorite shows to binge...here we go.....

The first one is the easiest...since I am binging it for the third/fourth time..not sure...I lost count but ask Eva...she does the best impression of me saying "There is NOTHING like high school football" AMEN ;)

Friday Night Lights

 

The second show we ever binge-watched...first and second recommended by my wonderful stepson Zach...this one kept us laughing!

How I Met Your Mother

 and this one was recommended by my HS bestie Dawn..she said it is me and her in Middle School..pretty close..some things way off and too gross but other things DEAD ON...laughed so hard...as Diana would say nowadays...it's so "CRINGY" ha!

Pen15

and what woman hasn't binge watched this gem?  Girl Power am I right?

Sex And The City

and one of my faves of all time...my favorite show growing up....

Beverly Hills 90210

Let's Look: Our Summer Schedule Edition

 

Hi Friends!  Thanks for stopping by.  Today I am linking up with Shay and Erica HERE and taking a look at our summer schedule this year

 

 

This is what our little summer will look like...for the most part...a schedule to build on I guess :)

School ends on Friday so after that, we have some more freedom- woohoo!

 

Diana

 

Diana started Driver's Ed last night but classes switch to mornings next week!  We are excited for her.  Her days after classes will consist of working out and I am sure sunbathing, swimming and socializing.  She will work her weekend shifts and hopefully pickup a week night shift at the restaurant too.  She will be working out with a specific team this summer too (not ready to share) and most likely doing a DRT theater camp

 

 

Eva

 

Speaking of theater camp, this is our first year in about 8 years that the girls won't be doing Triple Threat Theater Camp.  Since we moved on from that studio, we have committed elsewhere.  Eva will be doing one week of Ovations Theater Camp and 4 weeks at Derryfield for DRT- she is excited!  In addition to theater camp, she will play on her Tournament Softball team and mix in some pool and beach days and play dates.  We will have to get working on our summer list this weekend too so we can plan some more summer fun!  

Mum and Dad

We be workin'...how boring right?  Sigh....we will mix in as much simple summer fun as we can.  We have a few weekends planned with friends at their lake houses and then we need to figure out how we can celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary in August...time will tell....

What does your summer schedule look like?  Anything new and exciting this year?