the Weekender

white barn with an american flag on it. white fence and lush green countryside

Happy Hello’s from my little corner of Missouri. I hope you’re soaking up some sunshine wherever you are, because we’ve had our fair share of raindrops over here.

Miscellany:

1. Honoring Memorial Day 🇺🇸

To those who have lost a loved one in service to our country, we hold you in our hearts this coming Memorial Day. Your sacrifice and their courage will never be forgotten, and we honor the legacy they left behind with deepest gratitude.

“Today we pause, reflect, and give thanks to the heroes who are never forgotten.”

2. I Turned 51 🎉

Last Saturday, May 17th, was my birthday. We celebrated with pizza and my mom’s homemade carrot cake. I’m hoping to share the recipe soon.

I’m not sure how we’ve rounded the corner into our fifties, but here we are. Some days I feel so old, and other days I still think I’m in my late thirties. HA!

One thing is true: I am incredibly grateful for every single day the good Lord has given me. Not everyone has been blessed with 51 years of life. Ya know?

Here’s a birthday selfie of my twin and me. Cheers to another trip around the sun!

middle aged twins, one with dark hair, the other a blonde

3. Weight Loss Update 💪

Drum roll, please…. I’ve lost 19.8 pounds. I’m sooo close to the 20-pound mark. Yes, and amen.

I’ve been going to the gym regularly and tried a class this past week. It was the Golden Physique class targeted for gym members who are 55 and older. However, they said it’s open to all ages, but it works on strengthening our core. I’m close enough to 55 and gave myself a pep talk to get my booty there. Was I a wee bit sore the next day? You betcha. I was proud of myself. The gym is a BIG insecurity for me.

Next? Maybe the Zumba class. DEAR GOD! They meet on Monday nights. It will be a miracle if I get myself there to do it. I mean, what if someone is videoing? GULP.

4. TV Time 🎬

As you might know, I’m a pretty big TV fanatic. I refer to it as my freak flag. Haha. My latest binge was Season 2 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW), and I started watching Schitt’s Creek.

SLOMW is a lot. Friends who backstab and Mormons who live questionable lifestyles. However, it sucks me in. (insert face palm)

Now, Schitt’s Creek has been the comical relief I needed. I seriously laugh and laugh. I’m not sure why I haven’t watched it before now, but a friend gave me the nudge I needed.

5. Hair Talk 💁‍♀️

I think I have pretty fine hair. So, I got a Voloom Hair Volumizing Iron. OMG. I wasn’t sure if and how it would work, but I did expect a small learning curve. However, I’m so impressed. YAY.

I got the Petite 1″ Volumizer. I style my hair, and then I use this tool. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.

two side by side pictures of a woman with straight hair, one with more volume due to a styling tool

6. Wedding Bells 💍

Have I mentioned that my brother is getting married? The wedding is Saturday, May 31st. It’s supposed to be outdoors, but the forecast has a lot of rain in the forecast. We’re praying for some sunshine.

7. Passing Down a Family Heirloom 📚

While living in St. Louis, my mom gave me a family heirloom — a lawyer’s bookcase. It needed to be fixed up, and I had all intentions of doing it, but I never did. And I’ve grown out my vintage decor. I’ve been in my boho era for several years, and decided I didn’t want the bookcase anymore.

Steve thought we should keep it in the family, but I wanted it out of the house. Well, since my brother was getting married, I offered it to him and Ashley (his soon-to-be wife). I told them there was no pressure, but if they wanted it, it would keep it in the family.

They took measurements and found the perfect spot for it in their apartment. Yay!

So, now I’m on the hunt for another shelf of sorts. I’m loving this shelf from IKEA and this one from Better Homes and Gardens. I’m thinking the living room might get a little revamping. Decisions, decisions. Stay tuned.

8. Bentley’s Turning ONE! 🐾

Bentley, our sweet rescue, is turning one on June 7th. I purchased this hat for his little celebration. Nash has a crown, but this hat fits Bentley’s fun personality perfectly. I always ask for the numbers to be left off the hat — and I order a few extra numbers for reuse over the years.

Don’t tell Bentley, but I picked up this darling rope plush toy for him. He LOVES rope toys!