Monthly Musings August 2025: Back to School/Fall Preview

 

Hey there Besties. I am starting this post off in a non-typical way. When Holly and I chose our topics way back in the beginning of the year, Back-to-School and a Fall Preview seemed perfectly appropriate for late August. Flash forward to the events in Minnesota yesterday and I am honestly feeling pretty sad. If there is one thing I try really hard to do on this site, it's not to be a tone deaf a-hole (yup, I just semi-cursed on this site). I know it's a little hard to push out a back-to-school post like nothing happened yesterday. 

All school shootings are horrible, they need to stop, and they are totally senseless. I wish I had the answers on how to stop these senseless acts of violence. This one hit me even harder because this was at a Catholic school, much like we have been part of for close to twenty years. Two of my friends are Catholic school principals, I have numerous friends who are Catholic school employees, including two of my Best friends. This one just hit harder. 

What 's Up Wednesday: August 2025

 

Wait, whoa whoa whoa. When did it get to be the end of August? I feel like it was just August 1st about five days ago. Since I need to face reality that it is the last Wednesday of the month and share August 2025 with you by linking up for What's Up Wednesday with Shay and Shaeffer.

What We're Eating This Week

Monday-Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with rice noodles

Tuesday-Running Daddy will be at a work training all day in West Virginia so I think we will just figure out dinner on our own

Wednesday-Probably steak tips with rice and salad

Thursday-Taco bowls with salad

Friday-Take-out of some kind

Hello Monday-August 25, 2025: August Monthly Musings Topics

 

Hey there Besties. I am back at home after sophomore year college drop-off. It was definitely easier in year two, and because he is so happy there, how can I be sad? He's ready for his classes to start, has already started hockey and is spending time with friends. 

Speaking of back-to-school I am here for Hello Monday with Sarah and Holly to share the topics for Monthly Musings coming up on Thursday. Holly and I have all of the early fall and back-to-school feels for you. 

I hope you will join us on Thursday for Monthly Musings as a writer and/or reader. Just grab our graphic, link back to both of us in your post and answer our fun questions.

See you then!

Monthly Musings July 2025: How We Summer

 

Hey there Besties! Here we are at the very last day of July. I was walking through downtown Washington, DC this week to meet my niece, her husband and a friend for drinks and it literally felt like an oven walking the five blocks from my office. Even though it has been a crazy hot summer, Holly and I are getting together today and our topic for Monthly Musings is How We Summer. Beat the heat and join out link-up for all of the summer fun.

1. Favorite Thing About Summer 2025?

Honestly, my favorite thing about Summer 2025 was having Hockey Guy home for three full months. The vibe is just different in the house when he is home and the dog is happy. Running Daddy and I had a lot of fun during the school year, but I do cherish the three (four with the dog) being back together.

What's Up Wednesday: July 2025

 

July felt like a long but Good month. The weather has been blazing hot, think heat index of 109, but time with friends has really made this month fun. As this is the last Wednesday of July, I am joining in for What's Up Wednesday. I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer to share a little food, fashion, favorite shows and all the July summer fun. I can't wait to share this month with you.

What We're Eating This Week

There's a lot going on this week, so dinner will not be on a regular schedule. That's ok because there are Good things happening for us all.

Monday-Running Daddy and I had a wonderful dinner out with our sweet friends at a local Italian restaurant that several people have mentioned over the last few years. It's located in an office park and it is nothing fancy but the food is amazing. They made me a great gluten-free chicken marsala.  I adore places like this.

Tuesday-I am having drinks my niece and her friend that is moving back to New York.  I have no idea what dinner will look like.

Wednesday-I have an acupuncture appointment so we will probably do something easy like pasta and meatballs or meatball subs when I get home. 

Thursday-Running Daddy has his class so I will probably do something like taco bowls/tacos because they are easy and flexible.

Friday-Some type of take-out. 

Hello Monday-July 28, 2025: July 2025 Monthly Musings Topics

 

A new week is upon us and Thursday is Monthly Musings. I dropped into Hello Monday hosted by Sarah and Holly to share the topics for this month. For July, we are sharing How We Summer. We are covering  summer movies, schedules, books, trips and of the summer fun left during these last few weeks of the season.

Be sure to come by this link-up hosted by Holly and me on Thursday. I can't wait to talk summer 2025.

Friday Favorites July 25, 2025: Nespresso Machine, Ulta Eye Palette, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Better With Glasses Podcast

 

Holy smokes Besties, this month is flying by. I cannot believe we are at the end of July but there are some fun things coming up over the next few weeks that I am really looking forward to. 

I have been thinking about Fridays a lot lately. I love that feeling of a later Friday afternoon when I am ready to slam my laptop shut, put on some sweatpants, grab some takeout and slide into the weekend. Since it is Friday I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites. Are you ready? Let's go.

1. Nespresso Virtuo Pop

When everyone and their dog was having sales earlier in the month, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a Nespresso Virtuo Pop. Running Daddy and I are having a lot of fun with it and trying the different types of espresso pods.