I had every intention of starting this Monday Musings – Vol 31 yesterday. But between the long drive and all the weekend sun, I could barely put together the effort needed to clean the house. So here we are after 5pm yet again… And I’m sorry! I do want to try and be better. Because I’d love to ‘join’ you for coffee to start your Monday. But until then, just grab a crisp, buttery Chardonnay and join me with that instead! If you were with me last week, I mentioned we were headed to Okoboji for the weekend. It was quick but refreshing! Time on the water is always good for my soul.

The swimsuit that blew up my DMs…

I mean I loved it. And I thought y’all would like it, but not to that extent! After a classic boomerang selfie on Saturday morning, I put my phone away for a few hours. Because your girl needed to soak up the sun. But when I opened up IG again it was one of the craziest influxes of messages I’ve gotten. The fact it is both high-waisted AND had full booty coverage was like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Originally I wanted to order the suit in green but it wasn’t going to show up in time, so navy it was. Since it was such a popular piece, I wanted it to have it’s own place in Monday Musings – Vol 31. I got the medium and was super happy with how it fit! For reference, the top is adjustable by ties in the back.

I’m back in college…

Ok, that was very dramatic. Because no, no I’m not. But I am taking a 55-hour Iowa Coaching Endorsement Certification. And your girl hasn’t taken anything ‘graded’ since circa summer 2010. This time I’m SO EXCITED for what I’ll graduate with: the ability to coach any sanctioned sport in the state of Iowa. Side note, I’ve had a few followers seem shocked that I was an athlete growing up. And I’m not sure if that’s because I also love fashion & design? But I actually always have. Anyway, I am freaking pumped to be helping with cross county this Fall {and hopefully Track this Spring} in our school district. I went to my first summer run last Thursday and I’m hooked. Lets hope the kids like me as much as I already like them! 🙂

What I’m currently struggling with…

Lots of anxiety. I’ve always been good about appearing happy + un-stressed/un-phased by most things. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have a lot going on in my head. So why not just admit that on the internet. Not that you all are asking why I have anxiety or what I’m anxious about, but maybe if I talk about it then someone else will feel less alone? Because right now I feel like everyone else is thriving. And I’m sure that’s not entirely true. But it’s how I feel. Like everyone is getting pregnant, having babies, hitting life milestones… Of course others are struggling, because that’s the circle of life. Just sometimes more than I care to admit I feel like I’m getting left behind.

I’m over here wondering if I’m going to get my stupid period. Or if I’ll ever actually get to be a mom. Worrying about how we’re going to pay for the bills that are inevitably coming next. Knowing I should be more budget-conscious with my every day spending, but ordering things to get a twinge of excitement as they get delivered. Wondering if it will look shallow wanting to still cover the Nordstrom Sale this year. Trying to maintain a happy, care-free outlook on things when some days I just want to cry. And scream. That one usually makes me feel better for a minute. So I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m even really saying all this. But know that if you’re anxious, about even what you may think seems small, you’re not alone.

Random Ramblings…

• This one is REALLY random, but I know a lot of you have dogs so I wanted to share. Cabo gets lots of ear infections, especially in the summers. Supposedly it’s a Lab thing but who knows? Early May we ordered him THESE Aller-Immune Bites after our neighbor recommended them and so far, NO ear infections. Worth a try if your doggo(s) have any allergies!
• My baby sister turns 21 in less than a month and THIS CROSSBODY BAG was at the top of her birthday wish list. She never gives us any ideas, so when she mentioned it, I immediately ordered. Janae picked the Rhino Grey/White combo.
• Speaking of sisters, Cassidy just finished IT ENDS WITH US. She said it took her 2 days from start to finish. And she has a 10 month old. So that’s saying a lot. She’s sending it to me, so stay tuned for my review!

• If you love the sun like I do, then I 10/10 recommend getting yourself some of this Coola After Sun Lotion. Not sponsored, I absolutely bought it myself. And I cannot explain to you how handy it came in after 7 hours on a boat for both Kyle and myself! Plus it’s currently on sale!!
• Weekly Meal Plan:
  • Meatless Monday – Black Bean Burgers w/ Sweet Potato Fries
  • Tuesday – Scallop Ceviche w/ corn tortillas & grilled, marinated veggies
  • Wednesday – Homemade Mediterranean Pizzas (stay tuned on stories for those!)
  • Thursday – Grilled Chicken Breasts (marinated in TJ’s new Spicy Pineapple BBQ) w/ grilled veggies
  • Friday – Greek Gyros w/ Tilapia instead of chicken + Orzo Salad
  • Saturday – out @ the College World Series!

· xox, Kristin ·