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

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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!

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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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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 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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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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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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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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Monthly Musings November 2024: Holiday Fun

 

I think I am finally ready to say, that the holiday season is right around the corner. With Thanksgiving coming up next week, and falling pretty late in November this year, the holiday season is basically here. This gal is excited! 

Due to Thanksgiving next week, Holly and I scheduled Monthly Musings a week early for November. We hope that the tips, tricks and holiday fun that the talented group of writers that join us every month will help inspire you this holiday season. I am so ready for this post.

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Hello Monday November 18, 2024: November Monthly Musings Topics

 

The holiday season is right around the corner. I am really excited for all of the holidays this season. For Hello Monday today, I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share the graphic and question prompts for November's Monthly Musings. 

Monthly Musings is a week early this year due to Thanksgiving. We hope you will join us as a writer, reader or both on Thursday to share all the pre-holiday fun. 

See you back here on Thursday for Monthly Musings. 

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Hello Monday: Zippy Rosemary Roasted Squash

 

Happy Monday Besties! Running Daddy and I had an amazing food weekend and I am excited to share one of our Best dishes from this weekend. Today I am linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday to share my Zippy Rosemary Roasted Squash. 

Fall is my favorite season for food. I love the textures, the spices and the sweetness. There is nothing like fall food. This Zippy Rosemary Roasted Squash is easy, healthy and quick. While I am sharing a version with acorn squash, I did a similar version with a medium-sized sweet potato last week. It would also be amazing with butternut squash. 

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Friday Favorites October 11, 2024: Pumpkin Spice Edition

 

Before I even start this post today, I want to make sure that everyone is sending prayers, Good thoughts and any aid they can to the people impacted by the storms over the last few weeks. If you are looking for a place to make a donation, of any amount, think about World Central Kitchen. They are currently sending water and fresh food to the southeast. Always double-check to see if your employer will match your donation. My employer will and it is a way to send additional help to impacted areas.

I am going to switch gears and move to Friday Favorites. It is ok to take a moment to focus on things that bring us Joy and levity even when times are challenging. Since there is no denying now that we are in full pumpkin spice season, I am sharing with you my favorite pumpkin spice items and not all of them are food items. Join me today as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites-Pumpkin Spice Edition!

1. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix

If you have spent any time on this site over the last few years you know that I am not a big baker. Baking can be tough when you are gluten-free but I have definitely figured out my go-to recipes and mixes. Trader Joe's makes an amazing pumpkin bread mix that comes in regular and gluten free. It is so Good that honestly, there is no reason in my mind to make it from scratch.

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Monthly Musings-September 2024: Back-to-School Routines, Recipes and Fall Fashion

 

Here we are on the last Thursday of September. Did September fly by for anyone else? For September's Monthly Musings it is basically a buffet of early fall topics. Holly and I want to share what is working for back-to-school routines now that people have been settled in for a bit, favorite fall recipes, food and all of the fall fun. Join us for our link-up party that we host with a group of other talented writers for all of the goodness that fall brings. It's finally here!

1. What are your Best tips for getting into a fall/back-to-school routine?

As an official bird launcher, my back-to-school days are over or have taken a new look. The one thing that I will share is that for the first month or so is to be easy and flexible. Make dinner easy, don't pile on too many activities and understand, that everyone will be really tired!

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What's Up Wednesday: September 2024

 

September is just rolling along here Besties! Does anyone else feel the same way? This has been a Good month so far and it is finally starting to feel like fall around here. As this is the last Wednesday of the month, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for What's Up Wednesday. Let's get ready to chat all things September!

What We're Eating This Week

Things in the menu planning department are relaxing a lot lately in the Good Better Best household now that it is just Running Daddy and me at home. Because it is just the two of us, traffic is terrible lately and we are about five weeks away from the election, I am trying to make our dinners for two as simple as possible.

Monday-Eggroll in a Bowl

Sidenote, I am not sure what I did when I made it this time, but it didn't turn out like it normally does. Do any of you have night like this?  You make a recipe about 100 times and one night you just can't get the seasoning right?

Tuesday-Pizza meatballs with salad

Wednesday-Hawaiian meatballs in the crockpot with salad

Yes, we are having two different kinds of meatballs with salad, two days in a row this week.  I may make a little brown rice with this if I am feeling adventurous. 

Thursday-Roasted shrimp with veggies and rice

Friday-Definitely takeout of some kind

What I am Reminiscing About

I am actually not feeling very sentimental right now. I am working hard to live in the moment and enjoy this season we are in. I have been thinking a little bit about this time last year when we were so focused on college applications and that Hockey Guy ended up exactly where he needed to be.

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Monthly Musings September 2024 Topics: Back to School Routines, Recipes and Fall Fashion

 

Happy Monday Besties! I literally finished this graphic moments ago after a wonderful weekend visiting Hockey Guy! I am linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday and sharing the topics and the graphic for Monthly Musings coming up on Thursday of this week.

Now that we have settled into the school year and fall is starting to hit, we are talking about back-to-school routines (share what is working for you), recipes and fall fashion. We are sharing all of the early fall fun and hope you will join us as a writer, reader or both on Thursday! 

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Monthy Musings August 2024: Summer's End/Back to School

 

Hey there Besties! August is winding down and so is summer. For Monthly Musings, Holly and I wanted to celebrate the end of summer and share the Best tips for back to school. Join us and the talented group of writers who link up with us every month for Monthly Musings. 

1. Do you meal plan? Any family-friendly recipes to share? 

I have always meal planned. I am not one of those people who can walk in the door after commuting from downtown (every day!) and figure out what to make for dinner. Even though it is just two of us in the house, I am still meal planning. I also think it helps with grocery shopping and cuts down on food waste. 

My taco meatballs can literally be on the table in less than 30 minutes and are something I have been making at least twice per month for years!

The parmesan chicken tenders are also super easy to make and give a healthier twist on a chicken nugget. Maybe I will make these next week! 

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What's Up Wednesday: August 2024

 

Wow August! What a month. So much happened this month and so much has changed in the Good Better Best household since August 1st. To recap the month, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for What's Up Wednesday. Are you ready? Let's do this!

What We're Eating This Week

Monday-Egg Roll in a Bowl

Tuesday-Tacos, black beans, salad

Wednesday-Ranch chicken, noodles, salad

Thursday-Sausage, pepper pasta

Friday-Some type of take-out after his and hers acupuncture

What I'm Reminiscing About

With Hockey Guy leaving for college, I am reminiscing about all of the back-to-school years. Here he is on his first day of kindergarten.

I have also been thinking about this time last year when he was starting senior year and we had no idea what the year would hold for him. Where he is currently going to school wasn't even on the radar screen this time last year and it is looking like the perfect fit.

I have never been a "time slow down" person. I want him to move through his life exactly like he should. 

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