Currently #80

Hello everyone!

It’s the end of August, summer is coming to an end, the seasons are changing, people are heading back to school, and I’m sad for the change.

This was such a busy and packed summer with so many good things. I'm so sad to see it go, but I'm looking forward to the new season and what comes with it.

Before we say goodbye to August, let’s look back on this month with a full and grateful heart. Here’s what I’m Currently Up to!

What I’m Up To:

The month started off busy with full blooms and time outside.

I made it to our local zoo again this month

SO many animals were out!

We enjoyed an outdoor movie night and are hoping to do another one before summer is over.

We enjoyed a Seafood Boil spread on a Sunday night and it was a hit with everyone!

August led to full blooms in our gardens! It makes morning and evening walking so relaxing!

I got married at the beginning of the month and am getting used to married life!

My husband and I went away for our honeymoon. You can read all about it here. We did England, Belgium, Switzerland, and France.

We also enjoyed family meals out before summer ends!

We enjoyed bonfires and S’mores before we said goodbye to summer.

Plus, new places to hike and explore!

And you can’t forget our weekly ice cream runs to new spots!

What I’m Wearing:

With the last month of summer, I tried to wear as many bright colors and summer patterns as possible!

I tried to wear look clothes while in Europe! Here’s what I wore!

What I'm Reading:

It wasn’t the best reading month, but I did my best to make the most out of it.

The Courage to Commit- The Courage to Commit by Shawn Johnson and Andrew East was a book I pre-ordered and got a signed copy of because I was so excited to read it. This book didn’t disappoint. I thought it would focus more on relationships and marriage, which it did, but it focused more on commitment and dedication. It highlighted doing hard things, setting goals, and accomplishing what you set out for. As someone who is currently training for a marathon, I devoured this book about putting in the long days and hours to accomplish your goals. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the midst of a training season of life.

Slow Productivity- I was recommended this book by Shay Shull. It’s all about taking the slower way of life and not rushing through life and how that makes you a better worker. I found this book to be fascinating and it really made me re-evaluate how I go about tasks.

The Housemaid is Watching- This is the third installment in the Housemaid series. It’s the conclusion of Mille this Housemaid and what her life is like years later. I don’t think ia sequel or third book was needed, but after reading it, I’m glad I listened to all three.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion- Beth Brower’s The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion is a popular summer series. It’s a series of short shorts and books about Emma, a young woman who moves to a new town in England and the drama and life lessons that come with it. The first book is short, only about 100 pages, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and already have book two reserved at the library.

June Baby- Shannon Garvey’s June Baby was a Read with Jenna book club pick. It’s all about a young woman who returns to her favorite summer island after a family figure dies. She must come to terms with her past and uncovered secrets. It was more of a heavier book and not so much of a light and fluffy summer read. I thought it was good, but more dense than I was looking for in a book, but I’m glad I read it.

The Shampoo Effect-The Shampoo Effect is the second book I read by Jenny Jackson. I really liked Pineapple Street and was excited to read this one. It follows a group of adult friends who grew up with each other and the relationships and dynamics among them when a new person enters the group. It’s funny, but also serious, heavy, but relatable. I really got to love and enjoy the characters and can see why so many people read it this summer.

What I'm Watching: 

I started the month by watching ALL the wedding movies I could get my hands on. From brand new ones, to the classics.

What I’m Cooking and Baking:

 Easy meals were the name of the game this month.

Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Nachos- This was an easy meal to throw together. I put the chicken in the crockpot in the morning with barbecue sauce and let it simmer. When it was time to serve, I layered chips with shredded chicken, cheese, red onions, pineapples. Such an easy meal to enjoy that was tasty and fairly healthy.

Avocado Toast- Another easy meal. Get some flavorful bread, layer with avocados, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, feta cheese, everything bagel seasoning and then a fried egg if you are feeling like some extra protein!

Strawberry Cornflake Muffins- I must admit, these are from the Trader Joe’s box mix, but they were delicious! I love a good muffin top with a bit of crunch to it. They were moist and flavorful and perfect for summer!

Seafood Boil- We had family and friends over for a dinner and I cooked a seafood boil. It included sausage, shrimp, lobster, baby potatoes, crab, and corn. It was delicious and a great crowd pleaser!

Easy Quiche- This was an easy meal to make on a busy night from the Simplified cookbook by Emily Ley. It Was packed with protein and very filling. Plus you can add your favorite additions too! Yum!

Chicken Parm Stuffed Peppers- This was a recipe I found on Pinterest. They taste juts like stuffed peppers, minus the ground beef. Still very healthy and flavorful!

What Inspires Me:

I’ve been inspired by savoring the summer days. 

Plus enjoying the early morning sunrises when I can.

What I Accomplished: 

A lot! I got married, went on my honeymoon, and settled back into a new routine.

I also enjoyed lots of end of summer fun!

Goals from Last Month: 

It was a busy month between getting married, seeing family, traveling, and getting settled into a new routine. I got a lot of things checked off my summer bucket list too, like baseball games!

Plus, my pup was happy to have me home after lots of travel!

Goals for this Month: 

New month, new season, new routine. After a BUSY summer, I am looking forward to a slower fall.

But the top thing in September is running my first marathon! I have been training for months and am so close to the finish line.

What a month August was! 

How was your month in review? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy end of August! I’ll see you back here on Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!