Can you believe it’s time for all the things?
Welcome my version of a monthly recap post that lands here on the final Friday of each month. In case you missed any of the previous months, be sure to pop over using the links below!
Time seems to be flying at lightning speed and it truly doesn’t seem like it’s been a whole month since I published March’s version! But here we are. 🙂
I feel this month has been a bit brighter compared to the previous few! While there are very much still tears over Draino and not having any cats in the house, I’ve leaned into some organizing projects and found some new furry outdoor critters to adopt as “pets.” Plus I’m still excited for what’s to come this weekend as I caddy for Kyle during his US Open Qualifier (golf) on Monday, we have the practice round on Sunday. Yay!
So go ahead and grab your coffee (or fave beverage!) and let’s dive into all the things from April!
Life Lately
This section is always a mix of personal life, blog life, and everything in between — the real behind-the-scenes of the month.
Easter
We went to church Easter morning, had a delicious dinner at my in-laws and spent the evening curled up watching the PBA bowling tournament on tv. My brother came in a week later, so we went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. I forgot to take a photo, but I got the grilled shrimp with rice, green beans and a salad with Italian dressing. I wish I could figure out how they make their croutons so soft! Then we hit the mall with my parents for a quick Bath & Body Works soap restock. Kyle is the soap snob in the house, so we only buy the Black Cherry Merlot scent. Every now and again I sneak in a lemon for the kitchen!
Car Drama
*My older mom is technically my aunt, but affectionally known as my ‘older mom’ when differentiating between her and my biological mom. I consider both of them as my mom. ❤️
I had quite the episode early this month with my car. I noticed this odd humming noise while grocery shopping for my mom. I even took a little video and sent it to Kyle. By the time I was headed to my older mom’s stress test, the noise grew even louder, and I actually pulled over to the side of the road. I felt like my car was dunzo! Turns out that it was still drivable. Kyle stayed on the phone with me while my older parents followed me to the mechanic, and then they had to jet to her stress test. I gave her a pre-stress test!
My catalytic converter was rusted and broke off, which is insane at only 8 years old. Wouldn’t you know that the federal emissions warranty went off the car two weeks prior? Crazy! Thankful that my mom was able to lend me her car in the meantime, so I made sure to give it a good clean, inside and out. I ended up cleaning Kyle’s car too and then mine once I got it back, so at least all the cars are clean this month!
The best news is that older mom passed her stress test with flying colors! She turns 80 in July. She was determined to walk the stress test instead of doing the chemical procedure. I was SO proud of her. She always inspires me!
Little Joys
Small moments that made this month feel warm, cozy, or meaningful.
Adopted “Pets”
Well friends, I’ve officially lost my marbles and have resorted to adopting the outdoor critters as my pets. They’re the only fur babies nearby, so I can’t help it! I always call our sliding doors the cat drive thru because it never fails that there will be a random cat walk by. This adorable black cat came peeking into the sliding doors a few weeks ago! I haven’t seen it since, so hopefully it got back to its home.
Also, we have a little chipmunk now. I named him Alvin! He loves to lay on this stump, but I’ll see him moving through the grass at times and he’s adorable. I know, I’ve lost it, haha!
Peep the cute memory of Pepper Ann in the middle. I miss her so much. It’s hard to believe she’s been gone for nearly two years now!
New Treats
I tried three new treats this month I thought I would share with you! I had a hankering (you remember that old saying?) for Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies and managed to find these Walmart brand cookies that are very similar. They do have a chocolate cookie versus a regular shortbread cookie, but honestly, I couldn’t tell much difference. It was delish! We tried a smash burger bowl recipe that Laura from I do deClaire shared on her blog, and they were amazing!! I always love seeing what she shares on her meal plans, be sure to check those out.
Kyle loves Jym Stoppani protein/supplements, so he bought some of this Caramel Frappe protein powder. It’s really good! I mixed it in with some ice cubes, coffee, half and half, and my creatine and collagen too. What I love about it is that it doesn’t have that chalky flavor that a lot of protein powder has, in my opinion.
Cultivate Corner
Think intentions, small habits, new collabs, and routines.
Decluttering Closets
I’ve put off cleaning my closet for too long…can you tell? Haha! For the most part, blankets and sheets were taking over. We don’t have a ton of extra space, so I kind of need to keep them in this closet. I’m pretty happy with the end result and it’s so nice to be able to move a little more in my closet. The blankets were stacked on the floor partially beforehand, so this is really helpful and makes me feel calmer when I open it in the mornings to get ready.
I ended up cleaning out Kyle’s closet too the following week, so it’s been pretty productive between the cars and closets around here!
Currently Reading, Watching & Loving
Things I’ve been loving, watching, reading, or reaching for lately.
Weekly TV Rotation
Current shows: Gold Rush, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, & The Valley
I feel like this one gets a little boring since we’ve been watching the same shows that have new episodes each week for months now, ha ha! One of the newer ones for April is The Valley. Do you watch that reality show? Many of the Vanderpump Rules cast have popped in and out of this show, I think that’s where it got started. If you are watching, I’d love to hear what you think of Brittany’s new boyfriend! So cringe. There’s only one more episode of Gold Rush tonight before the finale, and I’m not ready. I just love this show! Also, Beverly Hills just had its first reunion episode last night. If you’re watching it, do you think Dorit should be off the show next season? She’s been a head case this season!
We also watched The Masters and while I was rooting for Bryson DeChambeau, I was happy for Rory to win twice in a row after waiting so many years to finally win!
I was so excited to watch the Laguna Beach Reunion this month too, it was 20 years in the making. I’m getting old! Did you watch that reality show on MTV back in the day? You might still know some of these people from their other projects since this show! Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari are my two favorites, even though we used to have to pick which team we were on (IYKYK).
That’s a wrap on this month’s all the things, sweet friends! I hope you enjoyed catching up with me for a little bit today, and I am wishing you the very best upcoming weekend. I’m getting some last minute things wrapped up before our busy golf weekend. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!
I love having a clear out of clothes and other things in the spring. I usually have big clear outs twice a year (once towards the end of the year, and then towards the end of spring). I find it so satisfying, and it brings in some extra pocket money if I list the items on vinted.
I’m sorry to hear about your car – that’s so annoying after only 8 years. I’m glad you managed to get it fixed okay though, and that your parents were close by for support!
Sarah x | http://www.oomphlondon.co.uk
I love that you do closet cleanouts twice a year, that is a great way to keep up with it and different types of clothes too, in terms of seasons. That’s a really smart idea to sell some of the things you no longer want/need! Thank you so much about my car, it was a real pain but just very grateful that we could fix it and I am so beyond thankful for my sweet parents!
So much to comment on!
Sorry about the car issues, that can be so stressful. It’s so frustrating on top on being inconvenient.
Yay for closet clean outs! That’s very inspiring, my closet could use the attention too.
I am absolutely watching the Laguna reunion!! It’s so cool to see where everyone ended up.
Thank you tons Kristen, it was definitely a stressful situation, but very thankful God got me through it and sent me help! You always share the prettiest J Crew pieces from your closet, I always remember that I need to check out that store when I visit your blog! I totally agree with you about the Laguna Beach reunion, very nostalgic!!
I really enjoyed it all!
Thank you so much! <3
Sounds like a cozy, productive month overall! Excited for your golf weekend, hope it goes amazing!
http://www.itsjulieann.com/
It truly was Julie Ann, we will take those types of month anytime, haha! Thank you very much, we enjoyed his golf round a lot and glad we could do it together!
What a fun post! I haven’t watched the Laguna Beach reunion yet, but I’m looking forward to it. So much of my teen years was Laguna Beach and The Hills haha. Thanks for sharing, I hope you have a great weekend!
Aww, thank you tons my friend, I’m so happy you enjoyed this one! I hope you were able to watch the reunion, I’m sure you enjoyed it if you did, it was SO good! The Hills was amazing as well, wouldn’t it be wild to get Heidi and Spencer in the same space as Lauren? But I wouldn’t wish that upon her since she obviously doesn’t speak to them anymore, haha. Hope you’re having a fantastic week so far!
2 years? How can it be 2 years with your sweet Pepper Ann? I am glad you are enjoying some outdoor critters and cats! I can’t wait to try out your homemade greek yogurt bagels this week! I remember Laguna Beach, but never watched it. It was the month of closet organizing! Ha ha!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I know, time has just zoomed by and I still miss her every single day, now along with Draino. It feels like the animal planet outside of our sliding doors somedays, which is mostly good and sometimes crazy – as you know, haha. I’m so excited that you made those bagels and liked them!
I kind of wish we had outdoor cats near us! I would be feeding them constantly! Sorry to hear about your car-so frustrating!
I totally get that, it’s hard for me not to feed strays but then I know they’ll become my cat children and I’m not ready for that just yet, haha! Thank you so much about the car, it all got worked out and I’m so glad.
I am so sorry about your cat. Losing pets is so hard and painful. Sending you love!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Thanks so much Jennifer, I know you’re such an animal lover too and especially for sweet cats! I appreciate you so much!
Theres nothing more frustrating than having car issues. Glad you’re mom’s stress test went well after all that stress! I love seeing animals in our back yard too. There’s usually rabbits, ducks and squirrels around the bird feeder at all times. I haven’t watched any of these shows and need to check them out!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much Jill, I definitely gave her all the stress before she even got there for the official stress, haha. I love that you have so much wildlife in your backyard too, that is so neat! We don’t have bird feeders, but that would be so neat to have! Hope you’ll enjoy some of these shows when you try them!
I’m so glad your mom’s stress test went well! That’s such a bummer about the car issues, though. I thought I was having car issues earlier this week, but it turns out that my oil just needed to be topped off. I still haven’t watched the Laguna Beach Reunion, but I’m so glad you reminded me. I need to add it to my list!
Thanks so much Lindsay, I appreciate you and I am very grateful it all worked out for my mom too! Oh, I can see how that would be very nerve wracking and one of those things where you just wouldn’t know that immediately. I’m so glad it ended up being something easy to take care of! Ooh, I hope you enjoyed the Laguna Beach reunion when you watched it!!
I’m so glad to hear your older mom passed her stress test with flying colors, what an inspiration she is at nearly 80. Good luck caddying for Kyle this weekend.
Oh, this comment made me smile so big Melody, thank you so much!! She always inspires me and I hope to have her determination when I get to her age, if I make it that long! Thank you tons, it went really well and we had a great time together!
Sending love your way friend. You’ve been on my heart. God bless you.
rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you so so much Regine, I truly appreciate you and all the love – sending it right back to you, my dear friend!
Oh, car issues are super frustrating, I get it!!! And I also adore animals so the fact that you “adopted” those cute critters doesn’t surprise me, I’d probably do the same! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
They are such a pain! I am at the same time very thankful we could get it fixed though. Haha, so happy I’m not alone in loving all the wildlife, Jelena!! Thanks so much!
I so loved catching up with you in this post! I don’t blame you for adopting all the cute critters outside. So sorry about your car and that really sucks about the warranty. That happens to us all the time with appliances. Glad to hear your aunt is doing well and I am so sad that RHOBH is over. So much drama but so much fun to watch!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Aww, thanks so much my dear friend, that makes me so happy you enjoyed this one! I so feel for you with your appliances. It’s like there’s something coded into the DNA of anything at all that has a warranty that it doesn’t actually go out until the warranty is void, right?! It’s crazy! Me too Kathrine, I’ve really enjoyed RHOBH, it was such a chaotic season. I am starting on the housewives of Rhode Island now!
I have recently decluttered my wardrobe. I felt like I had too much stuff that I wasn’t using. It was taking up unnecessary space that I could use for something else instead. It took me a couple of days because I decluttered my kids’ stuff too. Really glad I took the time to do it. x
https://www.everydayereen.com
I love that you went on a decluttering mission with your clothes too, Ereen! I imagine it’s a lot harder too with kiddos growing up and into new clothes! So happy you were able to get all of that knocked out! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
I always love catching up with your monthly round-ups. So sorry to hear about your car troubles, but glad that your older mum passed the stress test – she sounds so inspiring. Good Luck to Kyle in the US Open Qualifier.
Julia x
Oh, thank you so so much Julia, that makes me so happy that you enjoy these! My older mom is such a fighter, I’m very blessed to have her. Thank you so much for all the well wishes! He didn’t make it this time, but he certainly gave it his all and we had a really good time being together on the course!