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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Let's Help the Helpers in Texas

 

I know we all feel the heaviness of the news of the flooding in central Texas and the impact on Camp Mystic. It is almost unimaginable the beautiful lives that have been lost over the weekend.

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Monthly Musings June 2025: Summer Vacation Guide

 

It's finally summer Besties! Whether you are hitting the beach, going overseas, relaxing on the lake or hiking in the mountains, Monthly Musings will get you ready for summer travel. This link-up party that Holly and I host brings together some of the most talented women on the internet to share their tips and fun experiences. Grab our sunscreen and get ready for the Monthly Musings Summer Vacation Guide.

1. Share Your Summer Trips for 2025

We are once again headed to Hilton Head and I am counting the weeks. We didn't go last summer due to all of the graduation festivities and getting ready for college. We did end up going for a few days after Christmas. I am so ready to be back on the island.

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What's Up Wednesday June 2025

 

Oh June, you were a busy month but you were also a quick month. June was filled with work projects, celebrations and a resolution on a foot issue I have been having for years. As this is the last Wednesday of June, I am back for What's Up Wednesday. I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer to share a little food, fashion, favorite shows and all the June fun. Let's dive in.

What We're Eating This Week

This is going to be a busy week for me as it is the last week of the quarter. I am going to be out for work on Tuesday and Thursday, so I will probably be bringing home event leftovers that may or may not serve as dinner. The boys can also make food on their own if I am home late. It won't be a traditional dinner schedule this week.

Monday- Homemade pizza. Don't be overly impressed, the gluten-free version was a Schar gluten-free pre-made crust and I also used the Pillsbury pizza crust. The Pillsbury crust is just a Good thing to have in the house at all times. 

Tuesday-I had a work event and we had event left-overs at home. One of the perks of my job, especially if you are in college, is that I bring a lot of food home from events. It was literally an appetizer buffet. 

Wednesday-Probably taco meatballs. 

Thursday-I have another work event. See Tuesday!

Friday-Some kind of take-out.

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Monthly Musings June 2025 Topics

 

Are you ready for a new week Besties? The last few weeks have been so crazy with work that I am really glad to be back in this space. I feel like I can finally exhale a bit and take the time to link-up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday. 

Today, I am sharing the topics for the June 2025 Monthly Musings coming up on Thursday. This is a link-up that Holly and I host on the last Thursday of every month. The June topics are focused on summer travel. I hope you will join me back here on Thursday for Monthly Musings. I hope to be back on Wednesday too for What's Up Wednesday.

See you later this week!

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Monthly Musings May 2025: Kicking Off Summer

 

It's Friday Eve Besties and it is also time for May Monthly Musings! For May, Holly and I are kicking off summer and we have a lovely group of talented writers that will be joining us too.

With Memorial Day marking the unofficial kick-off to summer, we re ready to share all of the summer plans and fun. We were so busy last summer getting ready for college drop-off that summer fun took a little bit of a backseat. Summer 2025...I am so ready for you!

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

While I loved the graduation season last year and the process of getting ready for college send-off, I am ready to have a real summer in 2025. Hoping that all of our friends are around and I also cannot wait to get back to Hilton Head.

I also need to return to the farmer's market on the weekend in Old Town or at least the farm stand that comes to our neighborhood. 

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What's Up Wednesday-May 2025

 

While May was definitely a weird energy month for me, I do feel like it flew by. We had some Good things happen with some big work projects going well, Running Daddy's birthday and Hockey Guy coming home for the summer.  Today I am back for What's Up Wednesday, linking up with Shay and Shaeffer to share a little food, fashion, favorite shows and all of the other Good parts of May. Let's dive in.

What We're Eating This Week

Monday-Grilled chicken with vegetables and leftover corn salad. This Baja Citrus marinade only takes 30 minutes and is amazing. I will be buying this all summer.

Tuesday-Chicken sausage, polenta and salad

Wednesday-This could be a busy night so I think we are going to do pasta with chicken meatballs and salad.

Thursday-Build your own taco with salad. I am going for a taco bowl.

Friday-We have wine club pickup so we will bring some food to that. I have not really figured it out yet.

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Monthly Musings Topics May 2025: Kicking Off Summer

 

Hey there Besties, I hope you are having a relaxing long weekend. I am definitely enjoying a few moments to breathe before I get really busy with work again.

I am linking up with Holly and Sarah on Tuesday to share the topics for Month Musings. Holly and I are kicking off summer for Monthly Musings and joining the talented ladies who are part of our Thursday link-up to talk all things summer 2025! 

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Friday Favorites May 23, 2025: Summer Blanket, New Song , The Last Thing He Told Me, DJ x Jack Rogers and Good Everyday WIne

 

Hey Besties, I am back. I am not going to lie to you, this has been a really weird month. This month was capped off last weekend by a 15 minute storm on Friday night that took out around 15 trees on our main road in our neighborhood where we lost power for over 24 hours. So many friends and neighbors were impact and the roads were closed all over the neighborhood until Wednesday. We were safe but it just continued the weird energy that May is giving. 

Today, I need to focus on some fun and share a few things that are bringing me Joy when things are going sideways. I am ready to be back and link-up with Erika and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites.

1. Better Homes & Gardens Luxury Gauze Reversible Blanket

The blanket we had on our bed was really more of a winter blanket and we have had it for more than 15 years. With summer coming I wanted something lighter but also wanted a really soft blanket. The Better Home & Gardens line at Walmart is really high quality at a Good price point.  You would never know this blanket was under $30. 

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Monthly Musings April 2025: Spring Hosting, Decorating and Gardening

 

I hope it is finally spring where you are, because spring has definitely sprung here in Virginia. All of the spring flowers are popping and everything is green and lush. We have also had the rain that helps all of this along, which we have to remember as we dash through the raindrops. 

Today I am linking up with Holly for our monthly link-up Monthly Musings, Each month we choose different topics and discuss food, fashion and design. For April, we are embracing Spring hosting, decorating and gardening. These are some of my favorite things. I look forward to sharing my favorites and getting inspired by those who link-up with us.

1. Do you celebrate Easter, Passover or another holiday in Spring?

We celebrate Easter and it is one of my favorite days of the year. 

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Hello Monday-April 21, 2025: April Monthly Musings Topics

 

Happy Monday Besties. I just finished cleaning up from our Easter brunch and sat down to work on the topics for Monthly Musings coming up this Thursday. Holly and I will be linking up with the talented writers who join us every month and we will be sharing our favorite tips for spring hosting, decorating and gardening. I hope you will join us for this very fun topics as I am so ready for spring this year.

Excited to share our graphic and link up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday. See you back here later this week. 

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Friday Favorites April 11, 2025: Fun, Spring Fashion and Beauty

 

It's been a while since I have posted a Friday Favorites and my writing has not been as frequent as in the past. Mostly, I am pretty exhausted recently. The traffic has really picked up around here and I think it is taking its toll on me. In general, it's a stressful time to live and work in the nation's capital. Not a political statement, just the truth. I am excited to be back and taking a moment to link up with Erika and Andrea and share the simple pleasures that brought me Joy this week. Today is all about fun, spring fashion and beauty. Let's end this week with a little fun for Friday Favorites.

1. Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nail Gummies

I was not born with a Good head of hair. My hair is naturally fine, thin and not cooperative post menopause. I know there are a lot of pricey hair supplements on the market that people really like, but I can't swallow the price. I bought the Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails gummies at the beginning of the year. Last month when I went to have my eye brows done, my gal who has been doing my eye brows for 18 years (only one other person has touched my brows once in that time) asked me if I was taking a hair growth supplement.

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Monthly Musings March 2025: Spring Fashion Preview

 

Oh spring is in the air in the Washington, DC area and I am excited. Holly and I cannot wait to share all of the spring fashion this month for the link-up party we host Monthly Musings. Follow the questions and we will have the Best outfits for spring, dress up events and our favorite stores and sites for spring shopping. Edit your closet and join us for Monthly Musings.

1. Favorite Spring Outfit?

In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with a great pair of white jeans and a bright colored blouse. Add in a neutral sandal and you have the perfect outfit in my opinion. 

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Hello Monday March 24, 2025: March Monthly Musings Topics

 

Happy Monday Besties! The weather is starting to get really nice in Virginia even though we do have some March winds blowing some days. With the weather getting Better, I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday to share the topics for Monthly Musings. I am ready to share some spring fashion with you and get inspired by the writers joining us for Monthly Musings on Thursday.

I am hoping to be back on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday after my technical challenges in February and then I'll see you on Thursday for Monthly Musings! 

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Monthly Musings February 2025: How We Show Love

 

Hey there Besties. This week went a little sideways at times, including some technical issues. Hopefully, it is only that my power cord needs to be replaced, but I am going to also have to look into a new laptop soon. I got about half-way through my What's Up Wednesday the other night and then there was a black screen of death. I may post it Friday but who knows!

Today I am here with my very patient co-host Holly for our fun link-up, Monthly Musings. Even though Valentine's Day was a few weeks ago, we are keeping all the love going and sharing How We Show Love. If you are linking up with us, please link back to the both of us in your intro and also try to visit some of the other writers who join us. Let's dive into Monthly Musings.

1. What is your love language?

I think mine (and Running Daddy's) is acts of service. I love a cleaned-up kitchen in the morning or if you pick up wine. I am not going to lie, the weekend that Hockey Guy came home for Christmas I did a ton of baking...and I don't bake a lot.

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Hello Monday February 24, 2025: February 2025 Monthly Musings Topics

Happy Monday Besties. I know that I have been off this site for a bit this month. I came down with a nasty sinus infection early this month and it has taken me a bit to get rid of it. It also has brought some fatigue that has been tough to kick.

Today I am back for Hello Monday with Sarah and Holly to share the topics for February's Monthly Musings. Although Valentine's Day was earlier in the month, we want to keep the love going. Our topic for Thursday's Monthly Musings is How We Show Love.

If you would like to join us on Thursday as a writer, grab our graphic, link back to Holly and me in your post and then answer the questions in the prompts. Be sure to stop by and visit the other writers who join us every month too.

The full schedule for Monthly Musings is below. We are a very welcoming group and we would love to have you join us!

I will hopefully see you back here on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday and on Thursday for Monthly Musings.

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January 2025 Monthly Musings: Winter Self-Care

 

Besties, we are closing in on the end of January 2025. Can I get an whoop whoop? This has been a long month and I know for many people leaving in Southern California, a month of stress and emotion. I am so glad that Holly and I are focusing on self-care as our topic for Monthly Musings. I cannot wait to read all of the self-care tips our Monthly Musings community has for us.

1. What do you do to stay warm in Winter?

The main thing I do to stay warm is layers. I love my Ugg boots for casual dress and these new Aerosole wedge boots for dressy casual or work.

For sleeping I love flannel sheets and a heated mattress pad. There's nothing Better than getting into a warm bed. Running Daddy will turn his off when he goes to sleep but I keep it on low to keep the sleeping temperature consistent. 

In our home office, I have a heated throw that I use at my desk to keep warm while I work. It is very similar to this one. A foot pocked and hand warmer is key.

2. Favorite wintertime activity?

There's nothing that I love more than a hockey game. 

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What's Up Wednesday January 2025

 

Hey there Besties, we are slowly but surely making our way through January. This month feels long doesn't it? Now that we are nearing the end of January, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for What's Up Wednesday. Even though I know January has been challenging for a lot of people, but let's finish this month strong.

What We're Eating This Week

Monday-Running Daddy has a class on Monday night so we both do our own thing. I had a turkey burger, a few sweet potato fries and cucumbers.

Tuesday-Taco bowls with salad.

Wednesday-Sheet pan chicken parmesan with salad

Thursday-Not sure yet, I need to figure that out.

Friday-We are going out on Friday. More to come on that.

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Hello Monday-January 2025 Monthly Musings Topics: Winter Self-Care

 

Happy Monday Besties. Has everyone recovered from all of the football watching? I am not much of an NFL fan, but we definitely had the games on in the background yesterday.

Today I am linking up with Sarah  and Holly for Hello Monday to share the topics for January's Monthly Musings scheduled for Thursday. In January we will discuss Winter Self-Care. This is a topic that is super important to me and I hope you will join us as a writer, reader or both!

I am planning to be back here on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday and then on Thursday for Monthly Musings.  

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Hello Monday January 13, 2025: Word for 2025 and Ways We are Helping with the Wildfires

 

Welcome to the first Hello Monday of 2025. I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my word for 2025 and later in the post ways that we are trying to help with the devastation in the Los  Angeles area. Hopefully, this will prompt others to find their own ways to help. 

I have not been making resolutions the past few years (although I am a first-timer at Dry January this year), I have been focusing on a word instead. My word for 2024 and Less and I did focus on this word during the year, especially when I felt overwhelmed. I definitely did Less during the holidays, with the exception of decorating, and it freed me up to do more simple things that I actually enjoyed like baking easy Christmas cookies, a family trip and just embracing the Christmas season in general.

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Friday Favorites-January 3, 2025: Favorite Meal, New Fave Sweater, Gentle Cleanser, Southern Charm and New Podcast

 

Welcome to the first post of 2025! I took off from December 24th through January 1st and it is probably the most vacation time I have taken in many, many years. Re-entry is tough with some year-end numbers due and a new Congress being sworn in today but I do think the time off was totally worth it.  Today I am taking a moment to link up with Erika and Andrea and share the simple pleasures that brought me Joy this week. I am sharing my favorite meal of the year, my new favorite sweater, a gentle cleanser for winter, Southern Charm is back and a podcast we are really loving right now. Settle in for the first 

1. My Favorite Meal of the Year

We went to Hilton Head for a few days after Christmas and it was a very Good idea. We didn't get there this summer due to college orientation and all of the freshman year prep. We even brought our dog and he loved island life.

This also meant that was able to have my favorite meal of the year. You can keep your Thanksgiving feast, all I want is the gluten-free clam strips at Skull Creek Dockside. They are fresh, sweet and crunchy just as a clam strip should be. They use cornmeal for the breading and that is why they are gluten-free. I barely even touch the fries because all I need are the clams.

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