Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Monthly Mash-Up: May

Writing
In preparation for summer vacation - which for us, started on Monday - I wrote this post for MomsEveryday. MomsEveryday can't include non-stock photo images with posts though, so to help you better understand the guides to which I refer in the article, I have posted them below. I hope the article and accompanying images help you enjoy - or at least survive - summer vacation with your kiddos!


Reading
Two weeks ago a lovely friend bought me the book Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. The deal was that I had to read the book by this coming weekend, when the movie comes out, so we could attend a showing of the film together. I feared I wouldn't have time to get through the nearly 500 page book, but on our last day in California my kids gave me nearly five hours of poolside time during which I cruised through the first 300 pages. They watched a movie and played chess together during our layover on the way home, which meant I could read for another two hours. Thanks, kiddos, for understanding that sometimes Mama just can't put down her book!

Oh, and I would whole-heartedly recommend this novel. I'll get back to you on the movie next month!

Watching
Other than attempting to catch up on the television shows saved in our DVR, I watched only the movie "Sisters". Tom and I enjoyed the film, but I feel like I should mention that it definitely deserves its R rating.

I have at least 25 movies - some of which have already come to DVD and some of which will premiere in the theater within the next couple of months - on my "must watch this summer" list. I'm particularly excited to watch "The Boss", "Zoolander 2", "Miracles From Heaven" with Hallie, "Money Monster", "The Secret Life of Pets", "Ghostbusters", and "Bad Moms". Oh, and "Me Before You", of course. What are you looking forward to watching this summer?

Listening To
I mentioned last month that every May I make a mix CD for the kids and me to rock out to as we cruise around town during summer vacation. Though I haven't yet had time to make this summer's CD (the kids got out of school a week earlier this summer and that small change had a ripple effect that massively impacted my summer preparedness), I have been listening to the radio in preparation for compiling the kids' current favorite songs. I just need 45 minutes this afternoon...I can find 45 minutes, right? Right?!

Trying/Using
After nearly a year of tolerating and treating the first mild, then moderate, and finally somewhat severe Plantar Fasciitis in my foot, I have finally decided to try professional intervention. I visited my primary care doc last week, and have an appointment to see a podiatrist in about two weeks. Fortunately, the X-ray of my foot showed no signs of bone spurs, fractures, or breaks. Unfortunately, the X-ray showed both what we expected (Plantar Fasciitis) and a little something unexpected: arthritis in my big toe. Time to start taking calcium supplements!

Wearing
My swimsuit, because this.

Eating
Thanks to our busy schedule, I spent a little less time than usual in the kitchen this month. When I did cook, I stuck with my staples...with one exception: these almond joy cookies. I promise they won't disappoint, so if I were you, I would stop reading and start baking as soon as possible.

We have also started visiting Spoons a little more often. Last week we hit 90 degrees for the first time this year, so the kids and I - along with their friend, Grace - made room in our afternoon to carry out one of our favorite Texas traditions. (We used to go to Dairy Queen, but after twice finding a stray peanut in my slushy, Dairy Queen is no longer a restaurant I can visit with Will.) Now that summer has officially arrived, I see a lot more trips to Spoons in our future!

Drinking
Have you heard of Kate Spade Punch? If not, please allow me to introduce you to this sweet summer treat right now. You'll need:

  • 1 container frozen lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
  • 1 2-liter bottle of Sprite, Diet Sprite, or Sprite Zero
  • 1 bottle of Prosecco

Mix these three ingredients in a pitcher until well combined. Serve over ice.

This punch takes just minutes to make and pairs beautifully with just about every summer snack, appetizer, and entree I can think of...and it's not too bad on its own, either. 

Happy Summer!

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