Month: September 2023

2023 Summer Bucket List – Recap!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

This summer didn’t go like I hoped or planned at all, BUT, we still managed to accomplish some things on our list and we even added a couple items (so stay tuned for next year’s list because those things are definitely getting added!).

So here are the activities we DID do!

~ 1.) Went Swimming!

We went swimming a couple times in our little backyard pool but we also went to the big pools too!

~ 2.) Went Garage Sale-ing

We scored some books, dress up clothes for the kids, Pokemon cards, a decorative clock, a super cozy reading chair that I posted about here in the favorites section, garden kits, and more! We definitely found our new summertime hobby. ;)

~ 3.) Planted Flowers

Our sweet Kahlua smelling the pretty little petunias

I was hoping to plant a real garden this year, however, the backyard went a bit crazy with weeds. Once we have that under control we can get started. It is very hard to keep up with when you have a little one! Hopefully next year! At least the petunias made our front porch look pretty!

~ 4.) Went To The Library

We did not go nearly as much as I was planning, but thankfully this is a year-round activity!

~ 5.) Visited A New Park

No picture to show for this one, but I took Gryffin to meet up with a friend and chose a park we hadn’t been to.

~ 6.) Went On A Picnic

I made a couple mom friends when Gryffin went to Kindergarten last year, so we all met up and had a fun time having a picnic together on a Sunday afternoon. Londyn makes new friends everywhere she goes as the big kids LOVE having her around ;)

~ 7.) Went On A Nature Walk

I took Gryffin out for a walk one sunny afternoon and did a scavenger hunt along the way. He always has fun doing them!

~ 8.) Fed The Ducks

We didn’t go to the pond I was originally thinking of with all the ducks, however, we came across a momma with her big babies on one of our evening walks at a different pond and did feed those ones. They were super sweet!

~ 9.) Went To The Beach

Ok, so this only gets a half point as we did this at the end of May. It was a little exhausting taking Londyn to the beach as we spent most of the time trying to keep her from drowning and eating sand lol. Still fun but not quite the relaxing experience I look forward to when going to the beach.

Extra things we did that didn’t make it on the list…

~ 10.) Went To The Zoo!

I posted a little about this on my last “Currently” post, but we had a really fun time getting away for the day and seeing all the animals!

~ 11.) Carnival At The Carousel!

This was a fun little event we went to. Both kids love riding on the carousel and Gryffin had a fun time playing the games. And, yes, there was even a llama!

We didn’t get to do all the fun summer things on our list but we made the best of what we could and had a fun time doing it!

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I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I would love to know – what was your favorite thing you did this summer?

Much Love,

Cami

Getting Through The Sickies

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Last month held our annual “let’s all get sick” month.   I was hoping we would somehow skip this trend but the month started off strong with strep throat for both of my littles.  Next in line was my husband, and while he didn’t have strep throat, he did have a nasty cold.  Of course I was next and got the lovely cold my husband had.  Thankfully it knocked us down one at a time instead of all at once. 

In honor of this lovely event and because the Fall season is quickly approaching, I am sharing my go-to tips for getting through the cold sickies. 

~ 1 ) Green Tea with Honey

There is nothing more soothing to me than a hot cup of green tea and honey when I have a cold. It warms my throat and eases body aches. It’s usually my first go-to step when I feel like I’m coming down with something as the antioxidants also help.

~ 2) Hot Bath or Shower

I looove relaxing baths. While it won’t cure your cold, it definitely eases your body and clears congestion. If I’m feeling extra congested I tend to choose a shower over a bath as the extra steam can help clear the sinuses and pressure.

~ 3) Warm Compresses

If your sinuses are giving you extra grief, a warm compress with a washcloth (or whatever you have available) can help ease the pressure.

~ 4) Humidifier

I find this especially helpful when you have a cough, but it also helps with congestion. We have this one. I love the little compartment for the VapoPads!

~ 5) Healthy Foods

Chicken noodle soup for the win here! The more homemade the better, but there is nothing wrong with canned store brand either. Sometimes healthy food just doesn’t sound good when I’m sick and I crave the cozy, carbs of comfort food, but it’s not always the best option. Fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C are really key, even if all you can manage is orange juice.

~ 6) Sleep/Rest

Really, this is a bonus.  It does so much good for you and helps our bodies get through it.  However, I know that life circumstances, such as having small children or other life responsibilities can get in the way of this.  I’ve been there when rest just wasn’t possible and seeing advice like this would just make me frustrated.  So if that’s you, I completely understand and hugs to you…it will still be ok.

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I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy!

Much Love,

Cami

Currently – August 2023 (Recap)

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Between last minute preparations for back-to-school (wow, did that happen fast!) and the ending of my job that I’ve held for the past 11 and 1/2 years (good terms), the month slipped by far too quickly. This last month was a good mix of fun and stress. Job hunting = stressful. Going to the zoo, a carnival, and garage sale-ing = fun!

While we didn’t get to go on a big vacation I’m thankful we’ve been able to find some fun things to do this summer. The Oregon Zoo was definitely a big hit with the littles! Gryffin’s favorites were the crocodiles, eagles, and black bears. Londyn’s favorites were the duckies…and a statue, haha.

Here’s what else we’ve been up to…

Currently Watching

EARTHSTORM on Netflix

I’ve always been fascinated with extreme weather…as long as I’m watching it on tv and not in real life ;). Obviously this is one for when the little ones are preoccupied elsewhere.

Currently Reading

“Help, I’m Drowning” by Sally Clarkson

Still reading this and enjoying it. I am finally getting back into the habit of reading before bed instead of just scrolling through my phone, so I’m making good progress now.

Speaking of habits…I also ordered this book.

I am one to avoid popular books right away, but I usually end up breaking down and getting it after the hype has worn down a little. So far this book has been really interesting and insightful and I’m enjoying the read.

Currently Making/Baking

Smoothies!

Every once in a while we will get some items in our grocery order by mistake. This is one of those items, and I have to say, I’m not at all disappointed by it! I’ve been making this on the weekends and it’s definitely a yummy treat. I was a little unsure at first since it listed Kale in the ingredients, but you honestly can’t tell with the texture or taste that it’s in there. So this was a hit.

Current Favorite

These summer sunsets! This was a breathtaking view. We had been having heavy smoke due to some wildfires nearby and it had just cleared out the evening I took this. It was literally a breath of fresh air! :)

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I hope you all had a wonderful summer! Happy September and I hope you all have a wonderful fall!

Much love,

Cami