With all of the fall sports and starting up school (and work again for me), September has been a blur. Here is our life lately September 2023 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
-
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros-
After a brutal divorce, Georgia Stanton moves to her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado. There she meets arrogant romance author Noah Harrison. And it turns out he’s the one hired to finish her grandmother’s final novel. I liked the historical elements to this romance novel. They kept my interest. 4/5
-
The City by Dean Koontz
A young musical prodigy is part of a remarkable family who tested tested by the extremes of evil by a band of killers about to unleash anarchy. Two unlikely allies, an everyday hero tempered by the past and a woman of mystery who holds the key to the future. I really enjoyed the mystic elements of this and how it all intertwined together. 4/5
-
Virgins by Diana Gabaldon–
- Mourning the death of his father and gravely injured at the hands of the English, Jamie Fraser finds himself running with a band of mercenaries in the French countryside, where he reconnects with his old friend, Ian Murray. I love the Outlander novels. This novella was free with audible and I really enjoyed it. 5/5
-
The Secret of the Stones by Ernest Dempsey–
- Sean discovers a 4000 year old mystery buried in the southeastern United States. Sean is on a race against an old secret society to uncover the mystery. This reads like a knock-off of DaVincii Code or something similar. It’s still pretty good and the fast-paced action really holds your attention. 4/5
-
The Cleric’s Vault by Ernest Dempsey–
- When Father Carlos Crespi died, he left behind a treasure trove of artifacts from all across the ancient world. What secrets did they hold? Sean Wyatt and Tommy Schultz travel to the hills and jungles of Ecuador in a perilous race to find the mysterious lost treasure. This is the second book in the series by Ernest Dempsey.
Products I’ve Tried
- Nood The Flasher 2.0– A couple of months ago I mentioned I was using Nood at-home laser hair removal. Although I haven’t been using it twice a week like I should I still wanted to give an update. So far I’m impressed with the results. My hair growth is less thick and slower. I don’t need to shave as often.
- Brami pasta– I’ve tried different types of healthier pasta and my family and I haven’t been fans. Either the taste or the texture has been off. This was the first brand that has less carbs, more fiber, and more protein that we really enjoyed. It has a great texture and I didn’t notice any taste difference either. It definitely keeps me full longer.
Recipes I’ve Made
- Tres Leches Bread Pudding– I made this the other night. It’s really good and very quick to put together.
- Bourbon Cake with Caramel Glaze– I switched out the bourbon for whiskey. Personally, I enjoyed this cake. It’s best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. I don’t think my husband liked it as much as other things I have made though.
Currently
- Loving- I’m loving the cooler mornings and having the windows open. I’m loving the lower electric bills, too! Haha!
- Excited about- I’m excited about fall decor. I love tweaking little bits of my fall decor and trying new spots for my pieces.
- Watching- I finished Virgin River. What a tear-jerker! Currently I’m watching Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning. The first season’s were so good!
- Dreaming- Lately we’ve been so busy I’m dreaming of a morning when I can sleep in.
- Observing- I’ve been observing Aveline adjust to elementary school. She seems to be thriving so far.
- Family Update
-
- Matt- It’s football season so there always seems to be a game on the television. It’s Matt’s happy time. He loves seeing the girls play soccer too.
- Me- I enjoyed planning a baby sprinkle for my sister-in-law who is expecting a baby boy in early November. They live near the Quad Cities (home to John Deere) and they are naming the baby John we did a John Deere themed brunch. It was so cute and we all enjoyed ourselves. I’m excited to be an aunt again! I also ran a half marathon this month. Since it was near my parents’ home they came to cheer me on.
-
- Aveline- Aveline’s soccer team is doing really well. It’s fun to watch! She is making so many friends. Avie was the first student to have their Star Student week and she really enjoyed bring in a show-and-tell item and making a poster. She even lost her first tooth during her Star Student week.
-
- Claire- Claire got her braces off! Hurray! Claire leveled up to the advanced swim team practice and seems to be learning tips to help her decrease her times. She is really enjoying her teacher and having a good start to her year.
SEPTEMBER GOALS Recap
- Plan Aveline’s birthday- I’m in contact with a spa party bus that does fun hairstyles and makeup. I think Avie will love it!
- Make a haircut appointment- Done! And I’m loving the much needed brightening and even length.
- Focus on instagram- I tried! But I’m still behind.
- Focus on protein– Done! It is certainly a process, but I notice I do feel better when I get more protein and less carbs.
October Goals
- Catch up on instagram – Maybe second time is the charm?
- Make Halloween costumes– Thankfully, it shouldn’t take too much extra work this year.
- Go apple picking- It’s tradition!
- Plan Daisy meetings- I volunteers to be an Assistant Girl Scout leader for Aveline and I’m working with the leader on planning out some fun activities for the girls.
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS, FIRST FRIDAY FINDS
