Monthly Musings: August 2025

 

Hi Friends!  I am here with Patty for our monthly linkup.  We hope you will join us! We are talking all things Fall and Back To School and answering the questions below...

Here we go...

 

1. Any back to school traditions?

 

We go Back To School shopping for some new clothes and school supplies and Mama meal plans for the month of September in advance

We also have our obligatory pictures on the first day of school on our front steps and always a special meal at night to commemorate the start of the school year

 

 

2. How do you celebrate Back to School?

 

 

See above!

 

 

3. Favorite Early Fall/Back To School Meals?  Can you share a Recipe?

 

Frito Pie HERE

 

Crockpot Queso Chicken Tacos HERE 

 

My Chicken Broccoli and Ziti HERE 

 

 4. What Are Your Go To Outfits For Early Fall?

 

Jeans with Sneakers or Wedges and Fun Tops and Sweaters

I usually go with layers in early fall because by the afternoon it gets warm and a tee shirt or tank works just fine! 

 

 

5. Do kids go back to school before or after Labor Day where you are?

 

 

Unfortunately before...wish it was after like when we were growing up!

 

 

6. When do you start to decorate for early fall?

 

In September...slowly bring out the pumpkins and decorate the yard

 

 

7. How do you get back into the fall routine?

 

I start by meal planning and populating the family calendar.  Once school starts, it takes me a good two weeks to get into the groove and into the new routine 

 

 

8. What are you most looking forward to this fall?

 

Friday Night Lights of course! 

 

 

9. Do you decorate for fall?  If so when?

 

 

See # 6

 

 

10. What feels like fall to you?

 

Sitting by a fire- drinking a caramel apple martini- the frost on the front lawn and of course FNL 

 

 

 

 

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Thursday is Monthly Musings!

 

 

 Hi Friends!  I am bopping in today to let you know that Thursday is Monthly Musings with Patty and me!

 

 

This Month We Are Talking All Things Back To School and Fall....we are answering the questions below... 

 

 Hope you will join us!

Monthly Musings: July 2025 "How We Summer"

 

Hi Friends!  It is that time of the month!  Time for Monthly Musings with Patty and me!

 

This month, we are talking about one of my favorite things and sharing "How We Summer"

 

 

Hope you will join us by answering these questions...

 

Let's get to it!

 

1. Favorite Thing About Summer 2025?

 

The extra time I have been getting to spend with my girls...in the car...on the rail trail...sharing time with our family and friends...I don't take these days for granted one bit!

 

 

2. Favorite Thing You Ate This Summer?

 

 It would have to be both the lobsters over 4th of July weekend AND the Escargot in the Popover at Figaro's...so delish!

 

 

 3. Did you see any summer movies?  Stream or theater?

 

Not yet BUT a group of us are going to see Jaws in the theater in August to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary-can't wait!

 

 4. What books did you read this summer?

 

It's been all about Nancy Thayer this summer for me...thus far anyway..."Summer Light On Nantucket" in June and "The Summer We Started Over" in July both by Nancy.  My August book, however, is "Murder At The High School Reunion" by Lee Hollis- Book #4...I think...in the series...just love them all!

 

 5. Ready for Fall or Hold Onto Summer?

 

I am holding onto summer!

 

 

 

6. What is different about your summer schedule than the rest of the year?

 

 

My kids are home from school...Diana spends her time working and sunbathing and reading, hanging out with friends and going to her cheer gym and open gyms at WHS for cheer...Eva has spent most of her summer in theater camps and playing softball and hockey...we are all looking forward to some more downtime in August when we can finally hit the beach and relax a bit before the rat race begins again

 

 

 7. How do you take a break/relax in the summer? 

 

Can't wait to read your replies because I have yet to relax this summer and hoping to take off a few days in August to do just that...first goal is THE BEACH

 

 8. Any trips still on the calendar for the rest of the summer?

 

Just an overnight for a college tour to URI with Diana...looking forward to our alone time and this tour more than others...I have a good feeling about this school! 

 

 

9. Any summer concerts this year?

 

YES!  A few actually....we went to see BNL with our friends and Shania of course!  Even though it wasn't a concert, Diana and I enjoyed a quick overnight to NYC to see Bombshell before it closed on Broadway- that was a big adventure!

 

 

10.  When does summer end in your world?

 

 

Typically when the kids go back to school at the end of August...sigh

 

 

 

 

 

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Monthly Musings is Thursday!

 

Hi Friends!  Bopping in today to remind you that Thursday is Monthly Musings with Patty and me.

 

We are talking about one of my fave topics of all time...

How We Summer!

 

We will be answering these questions below...

 

 Hope to see you back here!

Monthly Musings: Summer Vacation Guide Edition

 

Hi Friends!  I am here with Patty for our monthly linkup where we talk about different topics and ask you all for your thoughts.  

 

This month we are talking "Summer Vacation Guide"...we can't wait to read all about your tips, tricks and traditions...so let's go!

 

Here are the questions we are answering...

 

 1. Share your summer trips for 2025

It is what I call a "simple summer" here...no big trips but little overnights and glimpses of JOY.  Diana and I had a quick overnight in NYC when we went to see Smash.  The four of us will be spending two nights over the 4th of July at the McLain's lake house- one of our favorite traditions!  Lastly, Diana and I will be staying with Cass and Alexis back up at the lake when we go to see Shania Twain.  Who knows what else may come up!  That's it for now...looking forward to it all :)

 

 

2. How do you manage the post-vacation laundry?

 

I don't- ha!  Robby B is our Laundry Master.  We immediately make piles and get clothing in the laundry upon our return.  I like things done quickly and put away.  Clutter stresses me out

 

 

3. Most memorable summer vacation?

 

Growing up, it was our family road trips...some of my favorite memories...we did Niagara Falls, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Maryland and Virginia to name a few. My mom would pack a huge cooler and half of the fun was eating cereal out of the little boxes in our hotel rooms then jumping in the pool of course! :)

 

As an adult, I would have to say the same...we took the girls on a road trip to Niagara Falls (not summer vacation but April vacation) and I remember I had a pain in my heart because it truly felt like the next generation and the torch being passed...they are such great travelers and it was another great trip!

 

4. Do you cook or eat out on vacation?

 

We pretty much eat out for dinners...it is a toss up with breakfasts and lunches...depends on the destination.  With kids, I prefer all-inclusive resorts because it is so much easier and cost-effective.  When we go to the lake, we go out one night but every other meal is brought by all of us.    

 

 5. Are you an Overpacker?  Underpacker?  Or Just Right Packer?

 

Patty wrote this question and I laughed hard.  Anyone who knows me knows that I say, "I need options!"  So...you guessed it...guilty of overpacking here ;)

 

6. Beach, lake or mountains?

BEACH ALL THE WAY...but don't get me wrong...love the lake and mountains too just would choose the BEACH FIRST every darn time

 

 

 7. Road trip or fly?

 

It really depends.  I would probably say road trip.  I have flown more often in the last few years...have never been crazy about it but have conquered my big fear and just have the desire to see the world now. 

 

 8. Favorite vacation activities?

 

Anything that includes a boat ride- love being out on the water!

 

 9.  Best packing tips?

 

Packing cubes...nuff said 

 

 

10. Favorite Road Trip Songs?

 

Shuffling the songs on my phone...or Taylor Swift...or Shania Twain or our famous playlists :) 

 

 

 

 So how do YOU summer vacation?

 

 

 

 

 

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Thursday is Monthly Musings!

 

Hi friends!  I am bopping in today to let you know that Thursday is Monthly Musings with Patty and me!

 

This month...we are talking Summer Vacations and sharing our tips and traditions...we would love for you to join us as we always get the best advice from all of YOU!

 

Here are the questions we will be answering...

 Hope you will join us!

 

Here is our schedule for the rest of the year as well :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Musings: May 2025

 

Hi Friends!  I am here with Patty for our monthly linkup where we answer different and fun questions.  This month we are talking about how we Kick Off Summer...woohoo!  We are answering the questions below...

 

 So let's get to it!

 

1. What are you looking forward to most this summer?

 

Time with my girls....can't believe Diana will be going into her senior year this fall...enjoying every moment together...as always

 

 

2. Any favorite summer traditions?

 

Watching our town fireworks with friends- going to the beach- our Annual Mommy Daughter Boogie Boarding Day- going to Tom and Laurel's Lake House for 4th of July Weekend

 

 

 

3. Any summer travel plans?  Please dish!

 

 Not outside of the lake over the 4th- it will be another simple summer in these parts but this is one of our favorite weekends all year!!

 

 

4. How do you red, white and blue?

 

 Oh just LOVE red, white and blue and anything patriotic- I try to tie it all in with decor around the house...plants outside and fashion of course

 

 

 

5. Beach, Lake or Pool?

 

 All three please!  If I was forced to pick, I would always pick the beach...at the ocean of course :)

 

 

6. Favorite Summer Sweet Treat?

 

 Ice cream or gelato and of course, my "crack bars" which have become a favorite sweet treat around here

 

 

7. Favorite Sunscreens and Self-Tanners?

 

 I like Banana Boat sunscreen products because they smell like summer to me...banana'y and coconut'y and just perfect!  For self-tanners, I use my tried and true Quicktan spray that I buy on Amazon

 

 

 

8.  Best flip-flops or sandals?

 

 My fave pair of all time...still going...I take care of them because they are not available anymore and I LOVE them so much!  Reefs...black crystal...

 

 

 

 

9. How are you staying fit this summer?

 

 The Rail Trail of course...and some gym classes mixed in too

 

 

10. Favorite summer-themed movies? 

 Vacation- Shag- Jaws

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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