Well hello friends, we meet again. This time with a {not-so-shockingly} overdue Monday Musings – Vol 36 post. It’s the first day back to school for my sister Janae & for all the neighborhood kids, so I guess that means summer is over!? And thinking of that is kind of depressing. Like uhmmm hi, where did the last 3ish months even go? We did so much, yet nothing at the same time. At least that’s how it feels. But if the current forecast is any indication of things, it’s that the summer version of the groundhog definitely saw his shadow. Also, thank you to for the kind words on my letter to Papa. They meant more than you may know. Now lets get into things…

Where I’ve been…

Here. Just on social a little less than usual. Cross Country practice officially started on August 9 and the last 2 weeks at work have been insanely busy with a few new clients. Last week I worked well past 6pm 3 nights in a row, 2 of those on calls past 5:30pm. So I guess I’ve been here but quite exhausted too. And then the last 2 weeks we’ve had my family – ALL OF THEM – around, which was absolutely amazing. We celebrated Georgia’s 1st birthday on the 15th and I made a decision to consciously stay OFF my phone and soak in the time. I shocked myself with how well I did. It was nice to be IN the moment and not live the moment through my camera lens. Considering a ‘no social media day’ 1x/week just as a reset. Anyone done this and found it refreshing!?

What I’m looking forward to…

FOOTBALL SEASON, baby! Iowa State Football is such a huge part of fall for Kyle and I and we’re both equally excited to be IN THE STANDS again. Last year’s restrictions made us unable to attend any game in person, which was the first time since 2007 we didn’t get to one. But we’re going back! Right now the plan is to be in Ames for the Iowa, Okie State and Texas games. And we’re strongly leaning towards meeting my parents in Norman in November for the OU matchup. The atmosphere in Jack Trice is just so great. I know it’s probably ‘nothing’ compared to Bryant-Denny or Ohio Stadium. But it’s fine by me! I can already here CYCLONE POWER being chanted across the field and I cannot wait.

Fall favorites…

I shared these last week on my IG stories, but felt like it deserved a permanent spot on the blog too. Below are my top 5 favorite trends for fall. I’ll say it again, I know these are not groundbreaking. But I like what I like. And if it’s broke, don’t fix it. Some of these specific items shared are a splurge, I get that. However, I have a few options for each category in the LikeToKnow.It app. Plus I like to invest in a few basics that will be on repeat, knowing their cost-per-wear will be well worth it.

Random Ramblings…

• We are FINALLY caught up on Ted Lasso & Big Brother after watching the Olympics non-stop. My sister Cassidy said she doesn’t think season 2 of Ted Lasso is quite as good and I’d agree. But definitely still good! And Big Brother I’m kind of bored by this season. I’m not sure if the cast isn’t resonating with me or what. Big D is by far my fav and I like Azah too!
• Our garden has been SO successful this summer and it’s making me so happy. I mean Kyle’s done all the work. But I’m still happy. No joke, our 2 jalapeno plants have produced over 100 jalapenos so far. And still going. Oh and my tomatoes have been bomb for BLTs. Need gardening tips? DM Kyle. Not me.
• After my mini rant on stories, THIS is the brand of Vitamin D3 we take. My parents take their Elderberry from the same brand and that actually has D3 in it too!

• I switched to Native deodorant back in January when we began the IVF process. And I like it. But I swear I’m still not ‘use’ to it. Like I’m not a sweater. Not even when it’s 100*. And I feel like it MAKES me sweat. Is that a thing? Any other natural deodorant people out there that can explain this to me? Or do you have one you like better?! Send me some recommendations if so!
• Sorry in advance for only a few meals. We’re heading way up north on Thursday which means only 3 days of cooking for me! Here is our short-Weekly Meal Plan:
  • Meatless Monday – Margherita Pizzas + Cucumber & Tomato Salad
  • Tuesday – Grilled Tilapia w/ Spinach Salads
  • Wednesday – BLTs + Sweet Potato fries
  • Thursday – in Minnesota
  • Friday – in Minnesota
  • Saturday – in Minnesota 

· xox, Kristin ·