August may have been all about the last bit of summer fun, but September is all about settling into those routines, isn’t it? We are trying to get used to all the activities while having lots of fun on the weekends! We were able to see some close friends this month and have lots of fun things on the calendar for October, too. Here is a closer look at our life lately this past September!
Books I’ve Read
- Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup– Infamous bad boy Vivek Rai is dead, killed at a party he had thrown to celebrate his acquittal for murder. Six of the guests are discovered with guns in their possession and are taken in for questioning. Who are these six, and what were they doing that night? I liked the tongue-in-cheek suspects and the plot of this book. I just would have changed the ending for one of the suspects. It wasn’t necessary and kind of saddened me. 4/5
- The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd-Nell Young’s greatest passion is cartography. Her father, Dr. Daniel Young, is a legend in the field, but when found dead in his office with a seemingly worthless map hidden in his desk, Nell can’t resist investigating. I found this fascinating and couldn’t put it down. 5/5
- The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker– In 1857 Tamar, Tabitha, and Jane come together in the Utah Territory as sister wives to Thomas Ricks. When the US Army’s invasion threatens them, they are forced to retreat into the hostile desert wilderness with little in common but the same man—and the resolve to keep themselves and their children alive. I felt the characters were a little one note. 3/5
- BloodLine by Jess Lourey– Pregnant journalist Joan Harken follows her fiancé back to his Minnesota hometown. And yet, something is off in the picture-perfect village. Joan is determined to find out. Honestly I thought this was too unbelievable and thought Joan seemed wishy washy at times. 3/5
Products I’ve Tried
- Sonoma Creamery Crisps- I received quite a few different flavors of these to try. They are a little pricier, but man are they good! I highly recommend the bacon cheddar flavor. We added a couple to a bowl of chili and they are so much more flavorful than crackers. Since they have a lot more protein they really keep you full longer.
- Prai Beauty Neck Cream– I have really tried to be more diligent in applying products to my neck. Specifically, I’ve been trying to use products specially made for the thin, delicate skin on your neck. I really liked the Prai Beauty Neck Cream I was gifted and have seen a difference. ! It absorbs really well and has a nice fresh scent.
Recipes I’ve Made
Remember, if you are ever looking for recipe inspiration, I post my weekly recipes here.
- Serbian Burgers– When Matt and I first moved to Milwaukee and lived in an apartment we stumbled across a Serbian restaurant with incredible burgers. We had forgotten about them, but somehow in conversation they came up. I found this recipe and Matt made them. So delicious!
- Cream Puffs- I was shocked I’ve never made cream puffs before. Claire brought them up so I found this recipe to make them. They were surprisingly easy and really good.
- Meat and Potatoes Casserole-This was almost a southwestern twist on Potatoes Au Gratin. We all really liked it!
- Reese’s Fluffernutter Bars– Peanut Butter? Marshmallows? Chocolate? Yes please!
Family Update-
- Matt- The calm before the storm? Next month will be a big one for Matt with lots of travel and covering for me while I have jury duty. Keep your fingers crossed for us all!
- Me- I’m finally getting into a rhythm with work and my schedule. I am seeing more students than last year, but since Avie is in full day preschool, it’s working out so far. I was able to take Avie to the zoo when she had a day off and Claire was at school which was really nice! I even scheduled family photos this month. Can’t wait to see them!
- Claire- Claire has been SO busy lately. She has soccer 2 days a week, swimming 2 days a week, chorus 1 morning a week, and Girl Scouts squeezed in, too. Next fall we are definitely not committing to so much! She had her first Girl Scout campout last weekend and loved it!
- Avie- Avie leveled up in swim lessons this month! It’s been months so we were very excited for her. She’s been doing great with soccer, too. Avie can really turn it on when she is on the field! And just as quickly turn it off. Haha! 4 year olds playing soccer is hilarious.
SEPTEMBER GOALS
- Paint mirror frame gold- Done! I’m really happy with it! You can peek it in this reel.
- Organize the game closet- Done.
- Drink more plain water- I have been drinking 16oz of plain water at least 5 days a week so I’ll count this as a win.
- Defrost the freezer- Done! And it’s full of spaghetti sauce and zucchini bread already. Yum!
October Goals
- Take in boots for repair– I’ve had a pair of boots with a broken zipper since last year. I tried to take them in once, but that shop couldn’t fix them so I need to take them to a different one.
- List clothing on poshmark– Once again I’ve let things pile up and I’d like to start listing some items. Maybe start with 10 this month?
- Email brands– There are a few brands I’d like to try contacting, but it keeps getting put on the back burner.
- Rearrange furniture- My in-laws are moving so we are getting some of their furniture and moving things around a bit.
LINKING UP WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY
