Each season I want to share things that I am loving. These may be simple, small things that are making me smile. Or, they might be big events that have brought great joy to me. Or, they may even be practical items, routines, or hacks that have made my life easier over the past few months.
So, without further ado, here are:
8 Things I Am Loving This Summer
1.The Best of Both Worlds Podcast
I have been listening to a new podcast recently called Best of Both Worlds. It’s a roughly 40 minute weekly podcast by Laura Vanderkam (one of my favorite authors) and Sarah Hart Unger. They talk about issues related to working moms–childcare, career crafting, asking for help, setting goals, and more. It has become my go-to entertainment when I am folding laundry or running. So good!
2.Family Vacation to Galveston
We recently took a vacation to Galveston, Texas to meet up with my entire family for my parents’ fortieth anniversary. It was the first time in over two years that we were all together in one place–my parents, both of my brothers and their families, and our family. We had the best time! At one point we were on the beach and I looked around and saw my mom jumping in the waves with Ella, my two brothers throwing a football around with Andrew, my sister-in-law building a sand castle with George and one of my nephews, and my husband and I playing in the waves with my one-year-old niece. Wonderful!
3. Sleeping In
Since I am a teacher, I have the wonderful blessing of being with my family all summer. So, I have been enjoying sleeping in each morning. Now that my kids are a little older, this can happen. Mothers of little ones, hold in there!
4. The Hoopla App
Our library has the Hoopla app as a way to download audio books or movies for FREE! We simply downloaded the app, logged in using our library card, and then got started! We listened to Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary and watched Ducktales: the Movie. You can get 10 free downloads per month. Definitely check to see if your library has the Hoopla app!
5. Using Ebates
I have been using Ebates for years (You can check out my tutorial on getting started with Ebates for more detailed information.). Basically Ebates is a cash-back website that lets you earn cash back for online purchases that you would make anyway. So, whenever I buy something online, I just go through Ebates first. It takes all of one minute, and I have earned hundreds of dollars over the last four years!
Anyway, since we have been making some bigger purchases online lately (hotel rooms, kids’ uniforms, etc.), I have been able to earn quite a bit through Ebates. Score!
6. Laura Vanderkam’s Blog
I have also recently discovered that Laura Vanderkam (author of some of my favorite books such as 168 Hours and I Know How She Does It) has a blog. It is filled with interesting time management tips, book recommendations, and more. I have definitely been spending an inordinate amount of time these past couple of weeks reading all of her old blog posts.
7. Visiting New Churches
Since we have been on vacation recently (and will be for several more weeks), we have been visiting various churches. It has been so wonderful to meet new people, talk with the priests at different parishes, and to worship in new places. Since my husband Dan is a seminarian at Holy Cross, he has particularly enjoyed talking with the priests everywhere we have gone.
8. Leisurely Mornings
Finally, I have REALLY enjoyed this slower pace of life. Since I don’t have to get my kids ready to leave the house each morning by 6:30, we have been able to have leisurely mornings. Most mornings I have slept in, gone on a run, eaten breakfast with my family, and then read my Bible and Everyday Saints outside while watching my kids play. It is literally the most relaxing routine I have ever had.
What are you loving this summer?
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