FFFF #269

Happy Friday Friends!

Been camping out at the gym most days while the boys are in summer camp there—basically turning the lobby into my mobile office. 😅 Not a ton of recipe testing happening when you're out of the house all day, but I have been using the time to tackle a bunch of backend blog stuff: technical fixes, SEO clean-up, and updating old recipes that needed some love.

It’s been a weird summer, not what we expected at all—but we’re feeling really grateful over here for so many things. As I mentioned, we’re in a temporary living situation through the end of July, so I’m just doing my best to make it work and find the little wins where I can.

I’d like to say it’s gonna get easier in August—and in some ways it will—but also, the kids are going to three different schools next year. How did that even happen?! It really just comes down to what’s truly best for each kid, and somehow that means each one is at a different school. So for one year, we’re making it work. It's gonna be interesting, that's for sure!

Fourth of July Recap

We had the best time on the Fourth of July. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—nothing shows you who your people are quite like moving away.

While we were gone, one of my friendships grew even stronger—something I’m deeply grateful for. We left a lot of friends behind when we moved, but coming back, I found myself with a best friend to walk through motherhood with.

We were able to have both families over and spend time together, and honestly, it was one of those moments that just filled my heart. So, so thankful for the people in our lives right now.

Also, I’ve been testing out some of those Instagram-famous toddler hairstyles on baby girl lately, and this one for the holiday came out so cute! 😍 I’ve been experimenting with all kinds of toddler hair tools and styling products—once I figure out what actually works (and holds up to snack time + nap time), I’ll share a full roundup!

My friend and I matched our girls with fourth of July dresses and it was so stinking adorable! Lots of other styles of those dresses perfect for so many occasions definitely check it out!

Birthday Recap

I turned 37 right before the long weekend, and my in-laws totally nailed it—they got me a red light therapy mask! 😍 I seriously can’t wait to try it. The only holdup? Our current setup is a little cozy (temporary living life!), so I’m waiting until we’re in a more permanent space. But you better believe I’m counting down the days—SO excited to put it to use.

I also got to grab drinks with my MIL on my birthday (think margaritas and tequila) and had a boozy brunch with a friend the following Saturday. I felt so loved—and yes, so grateful. I know I keep saying it, but it’s true. This season (like the last whole year ha ha) has been a little wild, but it’s also been filled with so many reminders of what really matters.

I also got a Kindle for my birthday, and I’m obsessed. I’ll share which one I got and all the accessories I’m loving next week, but let me just say—I don’t know how I lived without one last year. I think I read something like 58 books… on my phone. So yeah, the Kindle is already a total game-changer. PS Currently reading A Daughter of No Worlds and loving it.

New Meal Plan Live in the Library of Resources!

Don't forget, new meal plans ever week in the library of resources!

Food Favorites

Lifetime Cafe Food - Tex Mex Bowl

Pretty much my lunch ever day and it's bomb.

Easy Meals - Kevin's

Been keeping meals super easy lately—like “Costco heat-and-eat” easy. 😅 We’ve been leaning on Kevin’s meals and while they’re hit or miss (looking at you, orange chicken 🤢), this one was actually a win! I paired it with frozen cauliflower rice, green onions, and cilantro for a full meal that came together in minutes.

Life Stages

Fitness

Per usual, fitness has felt like an uphill battle—but it’s one I’ll keep showing up for. Recently found out I’ve added an inguinal hernia to my collection (fun! ). I’ve had an umbilical hernia since giving birth to 9.5 lb KK, but this one’s new. No surgery plans for now, just something I’ll need to monitor—especially if it keeps limiting me.

I’ve suspected it for a while, so in some ways it’s validating to have an answer… but also, boo. Just another thing to manage alongside years of low back pain and, more recently, chronic neck issues. Still, I can tell you this: I’m incredibly grateful for the days I feel good and for every workout that goes well.

I used to believe you never regret a workout—only the ones you skip. But for me, it’s often the opposite. I’ve had to learn (the hard way) that listening to my body and honoring its limits—even when that means taking more days off than I’d like—is essential. Rest isn’t weakness; it’s part of the process.

At this point, it’s hard to imagine a world where the gym ever feels like a chore. It feels like a privilege—especially after the past year, which I strongly suspect was shaped more by stress than anything else.

Here’s to fewer injuries, more healing, and continuing to show up—however that looks this second half of 2025. Anyway's that being said I've been working on incorporating a bit more cardio to my normal 4 day a week lifting schedule (two lower and two upper.)