I remember towards the end of the school year, those last months would drag by. But with my current job I can’t believe we only have 15 days of school left! Our year has been so fast. I’m very grateful to be working there and look forward to next year. Here is what else I have been up to and my family’s life lately for April 2025.
Books I’ve Read
- The Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden– This is a heartfelt middle grade novel that follows four seemingly disconnected kids as they discover the power of kindness and small actions to create meaningful change in each other’s lives. I really enjoyed this touching novel! 4/5
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros– Violet Sorrengail enters her second year at Basgiath War College, confronting deadly trials, deep betrayals, and the dark truths that could change everything she thought she knew. This was pretty good, but I needed a break before starting on Onyx Storm. 4/5
- Currently reading The Story Collector by Evie Woods– I’m in the middle of this, but it’s really good so far!
Recipes I’ve Made
- Millionaire Brownies– I’m not going to lie and say these are easy or quick to make, but I can definitely see how they get their name. Delicious!
- Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad– When I think salad, I think of lettuce or greens. This is a warm, savory chicken combo is amazing! We loved the mix of flavors and textures. It would be good as a filling in a wrap, too.
- Snickerdoodle Bars– I was worried this layered dessert would take too long to make, but it was surprisingly easy. The crunchy Biscoff layer is so yummy!
- Chili Lime Chickpea Wrap- I tried this while Matt and the kids were out in Arizona this past week. The dressing is amazing! I was worried it wasn’t going to be filling, but it really was.
- Korean BBQ Meatballs– Meatballs are always a hit with my family and these were no exception! Great flavors.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes– These are so easy. You can cook them in the slow cooker and add whatever you want on top. I did a taco filled one.
Products I’ve Used
- Dr. Thayers toner- I don’t really have high expectations for toner, but this is super affordable and has a nice, light scent. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t irritate my skin.
- Dashing Diva One Gel Color– Dashing Diva came out with a one-and-done nail color. Since I’m pretty loyal to this brand I bought 3 colors and the remover to try out. I’ve been trying them for a week at a time and my results vary so I want to experiment a bit more before I do a full review. The magnetic polish turns out really neat though!
Currently
- Loving- For my birthday last year I got some double bloom daffodil bulbs. They are blooming right now and so stunning!
- Looking forward to- I’m looking forward to summer and the trip we have planned/are planning. We are headed to Iceland for 10 days and there are so many fun things on our itinerary.
- Leaving behind- I’m leaving behind putting myself last. It’s so easy to care for everyone in our family, except ourselves. I really want to prioritize self-care a bit more.
- Letting go of- I went through a lot of cabinets over spring break and let go of many things. It felt amazing!
- Looking at- So many ducks! We all think it’s hilarious. Our neighbor is very good about feeding the birds so the ducks from a nearby pond routinely come through our yard around dinnertime to eat their meal. Needless to say, it’s adorable.
- Family Update
- Avie– Avie has had 3 soccer games so far this season. I was able to get her on a team with her friends and they play so well together. She loves to play goalie and really gets into it. She is my outdoor girlie and has been spending as much time as possible outside now the weather is warming up. Avie also did the science fair about the differences between 4 types of crystals she grew.
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- Claire- Claire recently ran a 5K and rocked it! She had a best time by about 30 seconds and finished 3rd in her age group. I’m so proud of her. Now she has her sights set on a sub 8:00 mile and she is really close. Fingers crossed! She performed in the Wizard of Oz this month at her middle school. They put on a wonderful show!
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- Me- I had a half marathon followed by a 5K the next weekend this month. I did ok-no best times, but I didn’t expect that. Thank goodness my plantar fasciitis seems to be gone for now.
- Matt- Poor guy has had some very last minute and stressful trips for work. It’s been rough to say the least, but I am hoping it is over for now. He even came to cheer me on for both races this past month which was nice.
April Goals
- Get a travel agent or plan summer trip- I wish! I tried, but they didn’t want to personalize it. So I ended up planning it and am working on getting everything booked now.
- Plan the the remaining activities for Girl Scout Daisy meeting- Done (mostly). I just need to fine tune our bridging ceremony/end of year party.
- Organize game closet– Done!
- Purchase new chair or new pots- Not done. Darn it.
May Goals
- Treat myself once a month– I’m so bad at treating myself and I think I need to make it a goal to get a fancy drink or flowers once a month.
- Purchase something new for the home– Maybe this will be the month for new pots/pans or a new chair?
- Plant the flower pots- The threat of frost is over!
- Schedule a race- I don’t have any races coming up and I’d like to do one.
Favorite Posts
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
P.S. Are you following me on LTK? I post a lot of my daily looks that don’t make it onto the blog. I hope you enjoyed my Life Lately April 2025 update!
