That Fall Feeling

Hello hello. 

   I haven't done a picture update in a while so I'm doing that today. I love keeping our memories in this little space on the internet. It's officially Fall (and no, not like that means pumpkin stuff is out, but it's like actually fall weather-wise) and I adore this season. I love the decorations, the crisp air, the seasonal events, and yes, I like that the fall is a sign post that holly jolly Christmas fun is just around the corner. But also, the Fall can feel hard. I hate it when the days get shorter and it feels like 10pm right around dinner time. I can start to feel that teacher fizzle from the high energy go-go-go of the first weeks of school catching up with me. And this year, man, this year it alllll just hits differently doesn't it??

 I was trying to express to AJ the other night what this season feels like and the word I landed on was heavy. The Pandemic feels heavy. On one hand I am so totally over it and ready to move on, but on the other hand, I know that numbers don't lie and the higher than ever case counts are alarming. It's scary. Also politics. Very heavy. (Insert the wide mouth emoji here). The world (our country in particular) feels broken. Damaged. I know better than to think that we will be this divided forever but DANG. So yeah, heavy feels about right. But when things feel too heavy, I have to remind myself that maybe I'm not meant to carry it all. In fact, I know I'm not. But sometimes feeling a bit of that weight can be a good thing. It creates awareness that what we do and say matters and that while I know who holds this whole thing up (God, in case you were wondering), we can all do our part to carry some of that heavy for each other too. That is a long and winding way of saying, I see your heavy too and sis, it's totally possible to live with "The fall brings out my happy/basic/extra self/give me all the pumpkin spice everything and how freaking cute are baby pumpkins" and also "Yikes. Dayyyyyummm. 2020, what else you think you're gonna pull?" at the very same time. (But keep in mind, despite the despair that creeps in my heart when I watch the news or the *literal* lack of actual light in our days, Fall also means the return of Reeses pumpkins, the return of some of my TV faves,  crunchy leaves, and infinity scarves ..anything really to lighten the load, I'll take it!). I was meaning to write two separate posts this week, a photo update and my little musings on how life feels uncertain and unknown but this is my dang blog and I'm just doing 1 post this week. See: "heavy." 

Remember that country song, "These are My People?" I always think about that when I see a pic of my little crew. These ARE my people and they are my everything. We've been going on lots of walks and adventures. 

I visited Hadley. I just love spending time with her. 

To say our Traeger has been getting a workout lately is an understatement. We've done flank steak, meatloaf, chicken kabobs, apple cobbler, burgers, and this weekend, a giant brisket. We've got pork belly and chicken wings on the docket next! 

We visited the Zoo! 

We ordered some photos on canvas for our front hallway. I think they look so good! We also took off the front of Hank's crib. He loves his "big boy bed." He is getting so grown up! 

School is going well. Someone please remind me how exhausted I will be the first month or so of school. Every single year I forget how those first few weeks are (Like I want to be in bed at 8 pm sort of tired). My class is cute and I pray we can stay healthy and together all year. I got a Donor's Choose funded this month with all sort of holiday teaching goodies including all these gingerbread themed books! So fun! Also, how amazing is technology?? My kids had a zoom call this week with the Ogden Nature Center and we got to see some cool animals and get questions answered live! I need to remember how awesome technology can be because we watched The Social Dilemma last week and I was about ready to throw my phone in a river. (I highly recommend the movie. We already know what technology is doing to us but I believe it pays to hear it over and over). 

Speaking of Neflix....GUYS. GUYS. This was just a little half hour thing on Netflix's social media platforms (I thought it was on actual Netflix and kept refreshing like an idiot), but we watched this Friday and it was so perfectly adorable. I love revisiting the Banks Family! 

I've also been doing plenty of this.....

Check out my September Reads HERE

Well that post got super duper long. That's for reading along. May we all find some light and let down some of our heavy. 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie

September Reads

 It's been a hot minute since I've blogged! Sheesh! I'll do a Life Lately post soon but nothing major going on here: teaching 1st grade in a pandemic, keeping up with Hank, managing the working mom juggle, and praying for the soul of this country. FOR REAL. Anywho, despite the busyness of life (good busyness, but just like too many days in real pants and mascara, ya know?), one hobby I still maintain is reading. I read 4 books this month. Per usual, I'm including my full list of 2020 reads at the end of this post. Only 3 more reading months in 2020! Get yourself a mug of something steamy, a big throw blanket, and settle in with my September reads! First up.....

1. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes--This was the inaugural book for my school's teacher book club! I read that it was a good book club pick with plenty to discuss. I liked this book, I really did. In fact, if you're looking for a lighter read and heart that's not too serious but also super sweet, pick this one up. This follows the story of a young widow rebuilding her life in Maine alongside her sweet and kooky friends. A new man moves into town (a famous baseball player who has lost his magic touch) and well, you can guess the rest. There are deeper things than the premise might lead you to believe (marriage, grief, therapy, friendship, abuse, family etc). Overall, this was a fun read. It was good but not great if that makes sense. It's better than a Hallmark movie but not as good as a theater movie. I know this will make sense to some of you.

2. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand---I LOVED this book! This is the first book I've read in a long time where I just couldn't put it down. In fact, I'd stick it in my purse so if I was waiting at a drive thru or something I could pick it up and read more! First off, this one is NEW---you can tell because each chapter begins with the year and a list of what was happening in that year. It started with 2020 and the year in review was all about Coronavirus, so ummm, yeah pretty darn timely! This was a romance that follows the lead characters Mallory and Jake, through, you guessed it, 28 summers on Nantucket (The premise sort of reminded me of one of my faves a few years ago, A Hundred Summers). They lead fairly separate lives but meet up each Labor Day weekend and renew their affair. I loved how each chapter is a different year and after a quick recap of the year's major events, it goes into Jake and Mallory's separate lives that year and then concludes with their weekend for the year. This is just a romantic, sweet read and I would highly recommend it! (Sidenote:  historical fiction about events I've lived through might be a new fave. Emily Giffin's latest about 9/11 was brilliant too). 

3. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi---This is such a fun and helpful book. I heard about this book from my favorite podcast, The Popcast. This book is a short simple read all about how to find balance in our busy lives. Kendra writes about how many of us live in 2 extremes: lazy (relatable!) and rigid, hardcore genius (I'm sure we can all relate to that Monday morning umph that fizzles by Thursday or so). Kendra proposes a happy medium that is balanced (can I get an amen?!). Her book features a handful of principles that are really wise and make sense. For example, I love her "decide once" mentality---she gets the same kid birthday party gift, wedding gift etc. to reduce decision fatigue. She also recommends simplifying your home decor and meal planning routines. Save that precious busy brain space for things that really matter! This book felt like a coffee date with a wise friend who is full of handy tips and advice. I'm glad I bought this one (instead of checking it out from the library) because I think I could benefit from a refresher now and again. 

4. Beach Read by Emily Henry----I had such high hopes for this book. I heard it was, quite literally, a great beach read. Granted, I didn't read it on the beach, more like in 20 minute exhausted chunks before bed, but guys? This did not deliver. The premise of this book is cute---a female romance writer who bets her neighbor, a renowned fiction best selling author, that he can't write a book in her genre and she will attempt to write one in his genre. They fall in love, yadda yadda. This book had so much potential but it was just really blah to me. I've read much better "beach reads" and I'm surprised this one got so much hype. Cute title? Cute cover? Maybe that's why. It's definitely rated R for bedroom scenes. 

That's a wrap! Which books are must reads for your fall? 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

Here are my 2020 Books so far with stars by my faves---
1. The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
2. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
3. *Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
4. Over the Top by Jonathan VanNess
5. *Teach Like Finland by Timothy D. Walker
6. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
7. *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
9. *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
10. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
11. The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James
12. *Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
13. The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
14. *Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
15. *True Crime Addict by James Renner
16. The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold
17. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
18. Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Libby Weaver 

19. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
20. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
21. *On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle
22. *One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
23. The First Time by Colton Underwood
24. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

25. *Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

26. *The Paris Hours by Alex George

27. The St. Francis Society for Wayward Pets by Annie England Noblin

28. *The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup

29. Girl Logic by Iliza Schlsinger

30. *Harry Potter and the Half Bloos Prince by JK Rowling

31. *Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crossley

32. *Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

33. The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren

34. Ghoster by Jason Arnopp

35. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

36. *One to Watch by Kate Stoyman-London

37. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling

38. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

39. *Stand All The Way Up by Sophie Hudson

40. *The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

41. Here for It by R. Eric Thomas

42. *A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

43. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

44. Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman 

45. *The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

46. *An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

47. Open Book by Jessica Simpson

48. That's My Son by Rick Johnson

49. Hungry Heart by Jennidfer Weiner

50. *The Night Swim by Megan Goldin 

51. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

52. *27 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

53. *The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

54. Beach Read by Emily Henry 

Life Lately

Hello! 

    I'm coming to you from the other side....the other side of school starting! Here is a very brief rundown of my thoughts 5 days in: 1. My class is awesome and I hope and pray we can be together all year. 2. I really missed in person teaching. 3. Teaching/being in a mask alllll day is hard. 4. I definitely miss aspects of pre-covid school. 5. I'm exhausted but good exhausted. It's been a whirlwind but in a world that feels so crazy, it's nice that my little classroom corner of the world feels sort of "normal." I can feel that fall crisp-ness in the air and I've been enjoying my fair share of Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brews and burning my fall candle. I just love it! (And no, I haven't had my PSL Hadley/Mommy traditional day yet, but I have it on my calendar). 

I've got some super random Life Lately pics for you today but first I just had to share this adorable one. We had a family photo shoot recently and this picture makes me melt. We are always cheering on our little man!

 Have you tried these Mediterranean Bowls?! I posted this recipe last week and these babies are so versatile and delish! I have them on the menu again next week! 

I found these delicious and convenient mini pancake packs on my last visit to Costco. There are 25 pouches with 2 little pancakes in each. The perfect easy breakfast for Hank! I told him since they're made in France that Ratatouille made them. He thinks that's hilarious. 

We are soaking up the sunshine and LOVING our backyard so so so much! On Sunday we were out there for hours while dinner cooked on the Traeger. Pure bliss. 

Two internet faves from this week.... This meme made me laugh. First, it's got Leo. Second, I LOVE a Starbucks tumbler. I almost always have one with ice water in it by my side. 

Second, I've gotten really into the podcast, The Bible Binge, from the same creators of my most fave podcast, The Popcast. They are doing a new series called "Faith Adjacent" where they tie pop culture to concepts of faith. The premier episode in this series was about Hamilton and this Hamilton Benediction is absolute perfection. 

That's it for this Wednesday! 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

August Reads

 It's my last month of 2020 summer reading! I know that once school begins, my reading takes a major hit. Boohoo! I read some great ones this month....all over the board in terms of genre! 

My TBR stack is getting big. Is there anything better than closing the page on a great book and having another one ready to roll?! 

1. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine: As you know, Liv Constantine's book, The Last Mrs. Parrish was one of my very favorite books of 2018. A sister duo writes under this pseudonym and they are masters at writing twisty thrillers. This book was great! It's about a woman who gets blind-sided when her husband leaves her for a younger woman who appears to want to become her and take over her life. NOTHING is as it seems and the end had me gasping! This is Lifetime movie-ish and I am here for that! 

2. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: This is a must read book!! This book follows a young African American couple just beginning to launch into successful careers when tragedy strikes: the young man is accused of a brutal rape that he did not commit. What follows are a series of letters between the couple as they navigate this horrific reality and their new marriage is tested. Later, the husband is released but the world he left behind before prison is no longer what it once was. This is a beautiful, tragic, deep book that explores marriage, race, class, love, friendship, poverty, and policing. I devoured this book in just a few days. It is excellent. 

3. Open Book by Jessica Simpson: I have been on the library wait list for this since February! As someone who grew up in the Britney/Christina/Jessica/Mandy/98 degrees/BSB/N SYNC generation, I found this book fascinating. Jessica is SO open, vulnerable, and honest in this book. I had no idea about her struggles with addiction, her tense relationship with her dad, and how her life has been since leaving the teen pop spotlight. I even wrote down one of her quotes that I liked: "Pain is where all the tools are." She writes about how through challenging experiences, Jessica learned how to come out stronger and with better coping and life skills (Can I get an amen?!). Also: I kind of always thought John Mayer might be a tool. Status: Confirmed. (Even if I love his music) This is a great autobiography if you were a 00's teeny bopper lik me.  

4. That's My Son by Rick Johnson: The tagline for this book is, "How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character." This book was just ok for me. I loved some of the practical lessons like positive disciplining, using biblical principles to teach lessons etc. This book seems more geared toward single moms as it emphasizes the need to find a positive male role model for your son and the unique perspectives a woman can provide for her developing son. However some of the (I believe to be unintended) sexism was not appreciated. The book seems to imply that moms can live vicariously through their sons. I can't wait to watch my son achieve his dreams....but that doesn't mean I can't achieve mine. There was also a slight "boys will be boys" section that I found problematic. There is no doubt men and women are different and have differing strengths and weaknesses, but newsflash: Men. Can. Control. Themselves. To think otherwise is offensive to both genders. Ahem, steps off soapbox. I was not anticipating this reaction to a sweet Christian book about parenting! 

5. Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner: Jennifer Weiner, popular chick lit author, shares her autobiography by diving into writing, feminism, motherhood, weight loss, dysfunctional family relationships, love, and modern life. There were a few sections I really enjoyed, particularly about Weiner's struggles to earn respect for her work in the "women's fiction" category. However, this book dragged on for me. Is it fair to say there wasn't enough "meat" here for a long autobiography? Yes, Weiner has led a very interesting life (her mother came out as a lesbian when Jennifer was an adult, she found love a second time later in life, she writes frankly about miscarriage and motherhood etc.) but this book was just sort of blah to me. I think the fact that there are a handful of essays and articles that Weiner has previously published peppered throughout proves there's not quite enough here for a whole book. 

6. The Night Swim by Megan Goldin: This book was the perfect book to round out my summer! I chose this as my August Book of the Month. This is about a host of a popular true crime podcast (already interested!) who relocates to a small coastal town to research a recent crime. Once there, she is stalked and pressured to solve an older crime. This one has shifting view points and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There's graphic descriptions of rape and violence, so be prepared for that. If you like Dateline, you will love this book. I love a small town with dark secrets!

That's a wrap on my August reads!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie 

Here are my 2020 Books so far with stars by my faves---
1. The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
2. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
3. *Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
4. Over the Top by Jonathan VanNess
5. *Teach Like Finland by Timothy D. Walker
6. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
7. *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
9. *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
10. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
11. The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James
12. *Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
13. The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
14. *Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
15. *True Crime Addict by James Renner
16. The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold
17. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
18. Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Libby Weaver 

19. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
20. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
21. *On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle
22. *One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
23. The First Time by Colton Underwood
24. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

25. *Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

26. *The Paris Hours by Alex George

27. The St. Francis Society for Wayward Pets by Annie England Noblin

28. *The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup

29. Girl Logic by Iliza Schlsinger

30. *Harry Potter and the Half Bloos Prince by JK Rowling

31. *Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crossley

32. *Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

33. The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren

34. Ghoster by Jason Arnopp

35. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

36. *One to Watch by Kate Stoyman-London

37. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling

38. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

39. *Stand All The Way Up by Sophie Hudson

40. *The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

41. Here for It by R. Eric Thomas

42. *A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

43. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

44. Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman 

45. *The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

46. *An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

47. Open Book by Jessica Simpson

48. That's My Son by Rick Johnson

49. Hungry Heart by Jennidfer Weiner

50. *The Night Swim by Megan Goldin 

Mediterranean Bowls

 I am so excited to share this recipe/concept with you today! I am always on the hunt for super easy prep ahead meals and these Mediterranean Bowls did not disappoint! The best part about these is that they are so versatile. I made a vegetarian version this week but how good would these be with This slow cooker Greek beef?!

I got the inspiration for this recipe from a few different places----

Pinch of Yum Quinoa Bowls

Beauty Bites Mediterranean Bowls

Delish Greek Power Bowls

Are you ready for the recipe???

1. Make quinoa (or rice!), put in bowl

2. Top as desired

3. Enjoy! 

Really, though, just add whatever you like!

Here are some topping ideas. I put stars by the ones we used. 

*feta
*black olives
kalamata olives
*hummus
Tzatiki sauce

shrimp 
*chickpeas
*sun dried tomatoes
zucchini
cherry tomatoes
*diced cucumber
*baby spinach
chicken
red onion 
pita chips
avocado 
*roasted red peppers
olive oil drizzle 
Greek yogurt (with some lemon juice mixed in, yummmm) 

For our version, I made a version of the roasted red pepper sauce from Pinch of Yum. It could not be easier--I just put a 16 oz. jar of roasted red peppers, the juice from a lemon, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup olive oil (I used a few dashes of TJ's roasted garlic olive oil too), and some garlic and put it in a blender till smooth. SO good!

There you have it! Mediterranean Bowls! I did all the chopping and  made the red sauce and the quinoa on Sunday. These only took 5 minutes to get on the table on Monday evening.

Enjoy!

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie

This & That

 Guys. It's been a minute (like a lot of weeks) since I've blogged! Why? It's Back to School, baby! I've stewed all summer about school starting. I have thoughts, lots of 'em, but I'll keep them to myself on this blog. I will say, it's nice being back with colleagues and back in my classroom happy place. This year will be different. There is zero doubt about that. I've really missed teaching, though. And I've said this over and over: I will never take a "normal" back to school experience for granted ever again. 

Oh, and pro tip: I follow a social media account, Love, Teach and she recommended putting a drop or two of essential oil in your mask and it's delightful. A friend sent me a "pumpkin patch" oil and my mask now smells like a crisp fall morning, a dash of cinnamon, and a PSL and it makes wearing a mask for 8 hours a day semi-tolerable. Anyway, Hank is back to childcare 3 days a week and he has Grandma and Grandpa days 2 days a week. It's been an adjustment for all of us having been all together chilling for 3 months. Pandemic life is weird. Especially for those of us who have young children and work with young children.  

Love a teacher out there! I've gotten a few care packages (including these awesome disinfecting wipes and mask set) and notes of well wishes from friends and family as we jump into "Pandemic School"  and it means SO much to me and warms my heart. 

First Day of school excitement!! 

Hank loves long walks! 

Some exciting things in the midst of returning back to real life: We got a new car and our yard is complete! So the lease on our current car was up this fall and we decided we wanted to turn it in and switch to a purchase. AJ and I spent the morning at the dealership last week and while we intended to purchase the car we currently have, it ended up being the same cost to purchase a year newer one. Done and done!  

Our yard has been a step by step process. To the left it what it looked like before we moved in and below is what it looks like now (from the same vantage point!).  We expanded our patio in March (a week before the world closed!) and then our neighbor behind us finished their retaining wall in June, then our fence was put in during July. The last step was sprinklers, sod, and landscaping. Finally on Thursday we came home from work to find it finished! Woohoo! I am thrilled to have all major house projects done for 2020! I am so thankful we found our home and moved this year. It's been so great for us. 

I was going to save this find for a "What I'm Loving Lately" post but decided to share it now instead! My parents bought Hank this cute giant cloth coloring mat from The Modern Cloth Co. You need to use washable Crayolas on it but when you're done, just pop it in the washing machine and it's all clean again. Hank loves this cute ocean scene. 

I really miss my 2 guys during the week after spending so much time with them for the past 5 months!. Luckily, waking up early, packing lunches (3 a day! Lord help me), actually doing my makeup (!), and returning to my classroom again sort of feels normal in a world that feels anything but! Keeping this quote in mind as we dive into the unknown....

Have a great week ahead! 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie