September At a Glance & Work Outfit Recap

Can you believe that September is just about over already?!?  I feel a little worn out to be honest, but at the same time, I feel like I am getting into the groove of working full-time, while also parenting.  We've all transition into back to school relatively well and although all the precautions and safety procedures are exhausting, we've managed them alright for the most part.  The fact that September has been absolutely gorgeous  has been a blessing.  Let's take a peek at the month..

Happy 17th Anniversary!!!!

Logan and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary on Aug. 30th.  We always take turns planning a weekend of celebrations and this year my husband was in charge.  We were kid free for one and a half days which we enjoyed and filled with golfing, going on a boat cruise, out for dinner and even splurging on some desert afterwards.  We also enjoyed sleeping in and watching shows without any interruptions.  I love this man and every year we are together seems to get easier and better honestly.  I think we just don't bother sweating the small stuff anymore.  LOL!

Mother - Daughter Date Night
Halie and I had a mother-daughter golf lesson together one evening.  It was a lot of fun and we both learned a lot and got some great tips.  Halie joined her dad in an annual family golf tournament this year and I think it's fair to say that she'll likely be his partner for years to come.  

Exercising and Appreciating the Outdoors
I was doing really well at exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for most of the month.  I am trying to take time to get outdoors, clear my head after work, and have a variety of workouts such as running, biking, weights, cardio and walking with the pups.  That being said, I am also struggling to roll out of bed and do my exercises in the morning like I used to.  Lately I find sitting and blogging and having coffee, calms me and wakes me up in a more relaxing way before starting a busy day at work.  The only issue with that is that if I eat supper, then I don't feel like working out in the later evenings.  I am struggling to figure out my new schedule to be honest.  

     

Dinner Date with my Dad
This was the highlight of September for me.  There was an evening when both my mom was away and Logan was gone to visit his parents with the kids, and I found myself inviting my dad out for a dinner date.  We see each other often enough but it's always all of us together.  This was such a fun, impromptu decision and one I will cherish for years.  You know all the chores that I had waiting for me at home.  Well they eventually got done and I can't even remember what they all were.  But this special evening out with my dad is going to become a lasting and favorite memory for sure.  

Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub

We purchased this inflatable hot tub this summer for the lake but decided to bring it home in August when we returned.  We have been using it probably 3 or 4 times a week as a family.  Sometimes the kids go in with just their friends, but we often all pile in there at the end of the evening and the kids chat away telling us all about their days at school and life in general.  It's honestly been one of our best "family" purchases, that we are contemplating getting a year- round one (well I am but my husband is unconvinced, LOL).

Trying Something New
A couple of weekends ago I cleaned out the freezer.  Oh boy!  So much stuff in there that I didn't even know I had.  It's such a good idea to take inventory every once in a while.  As a result I've  been using all the stuff up before buying more.  I came across two bags of butternut squash and I didn't know what to make with it, the recipe I bought it for wasn't one I wanted to make again.  Insert Butternut Squash soup.  Super easy to make and it tasted like FALL.  I was a huge fan and the kids liked it okay.  I'll definitely be making it again.  I also made fresh bread to go with it, because what could be better than warm, fresh bread.  

Fashion Friday
It wouldn't be a Friday post without fashion.  When the seasons are about to change I like to wear as many summer-ish clothes one last time as I transition into fall.  Here are a few of my favorite work outfits from September.  

How did September treat you all?

Future Planning and Fall Floral

I admit this with a heavy heart, but summer is over for the most part.  Fall is here.  Brisk mornings.  Often chilly and windy days.   Although I love fall fashion and all the layers, it's always bittersweet to say goodbye to summer.  We have officially returned to school and so far so good, but for the kids its only been a couple of days.  Usually I would have my fall magazines, and be browsing the shops both in person and online but this year I am really struggling to be enthused about buying anything.  I am not really sure why the funk, but it's not so bad for the pocket book.  Hahaha.  At this moment I am all about using the pieces in my closet and giving them lots of spotlight.  A simple dark floral top, paired with some jeans or tucked into a pencil skirt, is the perfect way to transition from our carefree summers to a more structured fall.  I love a moody floral print for a top, dress or a blazer.  

I wore this outfit when we decided to make a Dairy Queen visit with the kids a few weeks ago.  You guys, BLIZZARDS are delicious!!!!!  Seriously, it's been years and I had totally forgotten that they were that good.  The DQ is across the street from the University and we decided to take a stroll through the deserted grounds.  It's sad to see it so quite, while I remember the energy and vibes of young people milling around the grounds, especially as we begin a new school year.  Our University grounds are gorgeous and walking them is always a treat.  As we were walking my girls were both asking so many questions about the different buildings, the process for getting into University, where people live, how many classes you take, how long you go, etc.  My oldest is 13 and it was really neat to hear her saying things like "When I come here"and "This is going to be my building."  That kind of talk tells me that she sees herself as a university graduate.  That she feels confident in herself as a learner.  That she has high hopes and expectations of herself.  No, we don't need them to go to university.  But I do want them to know that there are many options available to them.  That they have possibilities and that we will do our best to support them.  Also, like most parents I do want to know that they will be able to support themselves and choose paths that hopefully they are always passionate about, but that we also have to work hard to achieve our goals.  My 13 year old has her sights set on veterinarian school.  She would love to work specifically with horses, but is interested in all the animals from small/pet like, to large farm animals.  Not sure where this will all go, but I am happy that she is having a positive dialogue about her future.  

My youngest, was in awe of all the buildings and even though she doesn't have a clear goal at this time, I mean she is only 10 LOL, she knows that this is a possibility.  I think of so many children that don't know that this is an option, and even more importantly that it doesn't feel like an option.  That go through high school not having that even on a choice board.  So I write this because I am grateful that my girls do.  I am grateful that we will be able to support them, no necessarily pay for their education fully, but still support them emotionally and financially in some ways.  I am grateful that these are the stories they tell themselves.  

Here are my top fall floral picks for you!

Floral Top (RW & Co)

Ruffled Chiffon Dress (H & M)

Floral Blazer (Shein)

What are your weekend plans?

Pretty Pink Pleated Skirt Five Ways & a Link Up

 Hello!!!!!  I am so EXCITED to be guest hosting with the wonderful Carrie from Curly Crafty Mom. Thank you Jill from Doused in Pink for giving me this opportunity this week to step into your shoes.  Jill is helping her daughter move back to university to continue her education and is taking a much deserved break.  Both Jill and Carrie have amazing blogs that feature not only pretty clothes and fashion inspiration, but thoughtfully written posts about their current stage of life.  

In a pandemic I have NOT done a lot of shopping for my closet.  Honestly I just can't seem to find the inspiration or the need for stuff so I have really been digging into my current wardrobe and challenging myself to wear pieces I love but don't wear on a regular basis.  See when I was in an office job as a consultant, I presented a lot, went to meetings and also working in classrooms.  I got dressed up more often and I would be lying if I said I don't miss that.  So many of the clothes now seem too dressy and just sit in my closet.  I am really trying to take some of those pieces and make them more casual or heck just wear them out because they make me feel good.  That's why I started this blog.  To get out of the frump.  To make myself feel good.  To do it for me!  
I absolutely love this metallic, pink, pleated skirt!  The thing is I want to wear it more, so recently I decided to put together three different looks, casual, date night and perfect for transitioning into fall.  I am also bringing back two other outfit formulas that have been featured on the blog in the past, for a total of 5 different looks!

#1 Casual Outfit

Put on some little sneakers and the skirt immediately becomes more casual.  These Keds were purchased recently at Costco for $25 and are a perfect pairing.  I also tied a side knot into my polka dotted shirt and I was ready for our day river boat cruise for our anniversary.  I will totally be wearing this outfit to work or to do some errands around town.

#2 Dinner Date

Same day, I just switched out the top for a lacy detailed blouse which amps up the outfit to classy instantly.  Add some pretty and delicate jewelry and some heels and you have a completely new look! 

 

#3 Transitioning into Fall

I can't wait to wear my snakeskin boots again this season.  I don't feel ready to let them go after only one season, so I paired them up with the skirt which I think also gives the skirt a more casual vibe.  Put on a looser sweater and it's a perfect fall/winter look.  

 

#4 Summer Days & Nights

I wore this shades of pink outfit in Mexico, you know pre-COVID, and I loved it.  Add a little straw bag to stroll the streets by day and heels to party into the night!  For full outfit details go here.

#5 NYE Party Look

The velvet top really is the cherry on top in this outfit.  I just love how the different textures  play together here to create a rich and festive outfit here. 

How else can I style this skirt so it gets more love?

Shop This Post:
Pleated Midi Skirt (sold out):  Shein (cheaper option); Chickwish (more fancy)

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