Currently #79

Hello everyone!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week. I can’t believe we are at the end of July. This has been a busy, busy month! The front end of August will be busy, but hopefully, the back-end will quiet down, unfortunately, by the end of summer. But, we are focusing on the positives here. 

July was such a great month and I want to catch you up all on it.

Let’s dive in!

What I’m Up To:

I ended June and started July with a fresh mani/pedi for summer. Nothing better than a fresh coat of polish for the summer.

The month started out with LOTS of outdoor time. From the seas to the land, I tried to capitalize on as much sunshine as possible.

I enjoyed sunsets by the beach and ice cream nights.

I also introduced my pup to some new spots too! We took walks by the water and the beach!

I spent a lot of time logging my miles. I’ve been putting in the work for my marathon training.

I enjoyed meals and sunsets by the water.

June also brought family celebrations. 

Plus, classic summer staples, hello, burgers and ice cream!

We also introduced my pup to new places to walk, the beach and the water!

I also checked things off my summer bucket list, like mini golf!

My job took me to some fun places this month, like being on the water!

The start of the month also brought the Fourth of July!

We went all out for America’s 250th Birthday!

We were covered for both food and drinks!

More Fourth Fun!

The summer also brought picking fresh flowers daily or weekly.

I made another haul to Trader Joe’s this month!

This was a part of a day trip to Cleveland where my mom and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and brought home some dessert too!

I checked more things off my summer bucket list like Blueberry picking!

And I made it to a few ethnic festivals too and picked up some goodies!

Our summer nights have included ice cream runs!

And lounging and reading by the pool!

And delicious summer salads and stir frys!

This month also brought smokey and hazy days, which meant time indoors!

I enjoyed time by the water in the summer mornings!

I took trips to the zoo both during on and off hours.

Took walks in new places.

Even extra early morning walks and runs

Between intense running days, I also enjoyed slower walks by the water.

What I'm Reading:

I had a pretty good reading month.

One Golden Summer- I finished Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer on audiobook. It was so good, especially since I had been watching Every Year After this month, a series based on Fortune’s other book. They both take place in the same universe, so I would recommend reading Every Summer After and the One Golden Summer as there is a crossover of characters. But I recommend both of them.

The Bright Years- The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff was heavier, but it was a fast read. It tells the story of a family and how their story is told across generations. Each part of the book is told by a different perspective. The wife’s, husband’s and daughter’s. It covers hard family topics like addiction, loss, strained relationships, and recovery. It was a good book, but definitely heavy.

Life and Death and Giants- Ron Rindo’s Life and Death and Giants was a book I kept coming across. I knew I had to give it a read after Brady Lockerby read it and recommended it. It’s all about a man born into an Amish family, but then lives in the secular world. The other plot twist? He’s a literal giant, towering over 8 feet tall. The story is told from different people in his life and the book spans across his whole life. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started this book, but really ended up enjoying it and would recommend it to others!

Mad Mabel- I love a good Sally Hepworth book and this didn’t disappoint. Mad Mabel is all about an older woman who is accused of murdering her neighbor. Why you may ask? Because she has a track record of being accused of murder. This was a witty and funny tale, a bit of who done it, and great casting. I always love when Hepworth comes out with a new book!

The Widow- John Grisham’s The Widow, was the first book I read by him and I really enjoyed it. It has suspense, mystery, intrigue, good writing, well developed characters and good plot twist, all qualities I look for in a novel. I listened to it on audiobook, but I think I will try and read my next one. What do you recommend for good Grisham books?

Once and Again- Rebecca Serle’s Once and Again was on my to-be read list for a long time and was on hold at the library. When it was finally my turn to read it, I couldn’t wait. Serle always has a love story, typically a great mother/daughter storyline and a twist of magic. This book checked all those boxes for me. It’s all about a woman who has one chance to change time and get a do over, the question is, what will she use it on. I really enjoyed the book and concept and think you will too!

What I’m Wearing: I have been wearing all the bright colors this summer!

I also had to go all out in my red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July!

Another dressed up look for work.

What I'm Watching: 

The West Wing- I have continued to make my way through the West Wing which has been a good background show to watch when I am getting ready in the morning. I am hoping to finish it by the end of the summer, but we will see.

Sweet Magnolias- The new season of Sweet Magnolias came out this month. I really loved getting lost in this show as a way to unwind at the end of the day. The sweet friendships, the scenery, and storylines makes this show enjoyable. It is cheesy at points, but it helps make the time go by.

The Five Star Weekend- I loved this series, The Five Star Weekend, especially after reading the book. I think they did a pretty good job keeping it in line with the story. I think the casting was spot on. I loved all the references to Nantucket and of course, I loved the storyline! It gets 5 Stars from me!

What I’m Cooking and Baking:

Strawberry Burrata Chicken Spinach Salad- This was such a tasty meal for summer. I love a good protein and salad for a meal and this was so tasty. I loved the taste of the cheese and the spinach. So healthy too!

Guacamole Salad- I made this guacamole salad one night for dinner as a side, the only downside? I forgot to add the avocado for the picture. I got the recipe from Ina Gartner. Perfect for summer!

I did lots of baking this month too! Who says you can’t have cookies all year long?!

Some jelly-filled cookies too! Yum!

Chicken Caesar Flatbread- In the summertime, I am always looking for easy meals that don’t require a ton of cooking or heat. These flatbreads were tasty and filling and easy too!

Barbecue Chicken Nachos- We love to eat Mexican in our family, so I am always on the hunt with different recipes to try. I found this easy recipe for a busy night. You put barbecue chicken in the slow cooker and when it’s ready, you make nachos with all your favorite toppings! I used chicken, cheese, red onions, pineapples, and cheese! Easy and tasty!

What Inspires Me:

This has been a busy month for me, so I have been really trying to savor the little moments of peace and quiet and the simple things, like picking fresh flowers.

These quotes have kept me inspired.

We love the motivation!

What I Accomplished: 

SO MUCH! From summer bucket list items, to Fourth of July, family time, marathon training, and wedding prep. It’s been a busy season of life.

Pre, during, and post-run fuel!

Ice cream nights are a must in the summer time!

Goals from Last Month:

In the midst of the craziness, I really tried hard to focus on savoring the summer.  That included celebrating holidays and enjoying traditions with family and friends!

And my pup too!

Goals for this Month: 

Another big month…I have some pretty big life events coming up so lots to look forward too! But I am also trying to savor the quiet, every day moments.

Our weekly ice cream runs to different stands has easily become a new favorite summer tradition.

That’s a look into life lately and this past month. Tell me, what have you been up to this month?! Let me know in the comments below!