Hi friends! Happy Friday. I’m popping in today to share a few things I’ve been loving lately.
Things I’m Loving Lately
1) My first baby is 6 years old!
Wow — how did that happen?! Riese turned six the day after Thanksgiving this year, and we celebrated with Matt’s family at a rental in Massanutten, Virginia.
Because we had plans that afternoon for an indoor water park, we kicked off her birthday early in the morning with a pancake party for the cousins. The kids were asleep the night before while we set out balloons, party hats, and unicorn plates — Riese was thrilled.
Matt made pancakes topped with fruit, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and, of course, bacon. We put candles in Riese’s pancakes so everyone could sing to her — a sweet way to start the day.
I don’t have photos from the water park because I was too busy sliding down every ride, but we had a blast. Riese tried the big slides for the first time and loved them; Wes enjoyed the little-kid area.
2) Fall hiking
We squeezed in a couple of hikes during the trip and loved the crisp fall air and bright blue skies we often get in Virginia this time of year.
One hike was along the Lake Shenandoah Pollinator Trail. The beginning of the trail must be stunning in spring and summer with wildflowers, but even late in the season it was a lovely stretch.
After a bit, the path hugged Shenandoah Lake and the views were gorgeous. Of course the kids insisted on throwing rocks into the water — there was some slippery clay along the shore that stuck to shoes, but we cleaned it off as we went.
The loop was roughly 1.5 to 2 miles — an easy, refreshing family hike with lovely lakeside scenery.
3) Life Extension’s Super Sale! (sponsored)
I’ve been shopping the Life Extension Super Sale — it’s their once-a-year event where most items are discounted. Life Extension is a reliable source for high-quality supplements and pantry staples, and the sale is a great time to restock favorites.
Some products we buy regularly: ashwagandha for stress support, Vitamin D, a melatonin blend for occasional sleeplessness, omega-3s for heart and brain health, glucosamine/chondroitin for joint support, plus staples like extra virgin olive oil and whole bean coffee. The sale is a convenient time to pick these up.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before changing your supplement routine.
4) Veggie omelettes with salsa
On a recent trip to Belize I had a veggie-packed omelette with salsa every morning, and it quickly became my favorite breakfast. I hadn’t thought to add salsa to an omelette before, but the bright, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with vegetables — I’ve recreated versions at home and now enjoy taking a few extra minutes to make a thoughtful breakfast before work.
5) Fall leaves!
I’m obsessed with the fall colors right now — especially how vibrant leaves pop against a clear blue sky. I stopped during a run last week to capture a corner of our neighborhood that was too pretty to pass by.
6) Cozy sheet pan meals
Sheet pan dinners have been a lifesaver lately. They require prep up front, then mostly hands-off cooking — perfect with little ones underfoot. One night we made a panko-crusted chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and the combo was delicious.
If you want sheet pan inspiration, I keep a collection of ideas and recipes that make weeknight dinners easier.
7) A new planner!
I get oddly excited about a new planner — call it my Virgo tendencies. I keep appointments and travel on my phone, but I use a paper planner for my editorial calendar and blogging deadlines. Seeing everything laid out on paper helps me plan more clearly.
This year I bought the same monthly-only planner I used last year — it works well for big-picture planning, so I stuck with it.
8) A festive house
I’ve been under the weather this week and had Matt pick the kids up from school one afternoon so I could rest. When I came downstairs before dinner, I found that the kids had started Christmas decorating — Riese was ecstatic and I helped her finish up the tree.
Wes had been temporarily banished to watch a show after attempting to smash a few glass ornaments — toddler antics. We used our artificial tree this year because we’ll be traveling over the holidays and didn’t want to worry about a dry real tree, but having a decorated tree still makes the house feel cozy and festive.
That’s my list for now — thanks for reading. Have a lovely weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!