Good morning! 

How is everyone? We are home from New Orleans and trying to get our life back in order this week. I am thankful we planned to come back Friday even if it was late because having Saturday and Sunday to unpack, do laundry, get groceries, and meal plan helps me feel sane going into a new week. It’s been a bit since I shared random life updates so let’s chat:

 

The Senator’s Wife 

It’s been a while since I have enjoyed every aspect of a book and this was captivating from beginning to end for me.  It has a bit of mystery, murder, and twists I did not see coming and I devoured every page. Liv Constantine is a pen name for two sisters, Lynne and Valerie and if you haven’t read The Last Mrs.Parrish I also recommend! 

 

From Amazon:

After a tragic chain of events led to the deaths of their spouses two years ago, D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery are finally starting to move on. The horrifying ordeal drew them together, and now they’re ready to settle down again—with each other.

As Sloane returns to the world of White House dinners and political small talk, this time with her new husband, she’s also preparing for an upcoming hip replacement—the latest reminder of the lupus she’s managed since her twenties. With their hectic schedules, they decide that hiring a home health aide will give Sloane the support and independence she needs postsurgery. And they find the perfect fit in Athena Karras.

Seemingly a godsend, Athena tends to Sloane and even helps her run her charitable foundation. But Sloane slowly begins to deteriorate—a complication, Athena explains, of Sloane’s lupus. As weeks go by, Sloane becomes sicker, and her uncertainty quickly turns to paranoia as she begins to suspect the worst. Why is Athena asking her so many probing questions about her foundation—as well as about her past? And could Sloane be imagining the sultry looks between Athena and her new husband?

Riveting, fast-paced, and full of unbelievable twists, The Senator’s Wife is a psychological thriller that upends the private lives of those who walk the halls of power. Because when you have it all, you have everything to lose.

 

 

Reusable Water Balloons

I think I am late to the party but I refused to get those water balloon sets from the store this year because I loathe picking up those tiny balloons all over our yard. I came across these and immediately ordered – so thrilled to have a reusable option because the kids love them! 

 

 

Family Dinners

My friend Jess shared this article from Cup of Jo surrounding family meals and I thought it was an interesting read. Sometimes with motherhood I find there is so much advice given but all that really matters is what works for you. I don’t think one particular method works for everyone and I am personally all over the map with this concept.

We do generally eat dinner as a family together every night however that is because both of us start work very early and end around 4ish. I know many friends who just aren’t home in time to make that happen and I don’t think that’s detrimental. I enjoy our family meal because it’s time for us to catch up and I have always felt our kids eat better and try new things when they see us doing the same. Both our kids are inherently good eaters but I do think serving them what we eat every night and eating together has nurtured that curiosity. 

I do however feel this when it comes to eating out! We have a few select spots we take the kids to eat and it’s generally places that are loud, have ample outdoor seating, and are kid friendly. I never want it to be a stressful and unhappy experience which it very easily can be! I would rather skip the meal out with them and schedule a date night for Trevor and I.

 

 

Backyard and Bathroom Reno

Well, our backyard and bathroom renovation is starting to make a little progress. We were lucky enough to find a new contractor (I parted ways with the last one for many reasons) who is currently working on our friend’s home which is also an older home in a close neighborhood. We met with him and his team and really loved them. I was personally refreshed by his professionalism, organization, and detail oriented personality – it was speaking to me and my anxiety! We talked through rough ideas and are currently working with the Architects to have drawings made for a fall project timeline.  

We are planning on extending our back patio to cover much more of the backyard so we have a covered patio across the house. Potentially doing a gas fireplace and flat top grill with a small kitchen setup out there as well. At the same time we will be renovating our primary bathroom and creating a laundry space on the second floor where everyone’s bedrooms are which I am thrilled about. 

With the kitchen I had such a clear design vision of what I wanted and how it should look and this time around I am unsure about a lot. I am starting to get back on to Pinterest to search for inspo and you can follow what I’m saving there! Will share more as we progress! 

 

 

The Shirtdress of Dreams

I stumbled on this in store a couple weeks ago and am very late to the party. So many of you messaged me that you live in this and I understand why! It’s almost identical to my pricier Z Supply dress I lived in pregnant and postpartum and still wear constantly but is a fraction of the price. I would stay TTS or size up if expecting! 

 

 

Nami Louisville

There are so many new spots popping up around Louisville but we recently ate at Chef Ed Lee’s new Korean restaurant and it was phenomenal. It’s a modern take on the cuisine and much like everything he does, it was delicious. They have grill tables or traditional options and when I tell you that the scallion pancake I had was one of the best I’ve ever tried I’m not exaggerating. 

 

 

I think that’s all I have for this Monday, hope you all have a great start to your week!