Friday Five | 6-12-26

Happy Friday!

1. Grove Co Delivery

I used to share my monthly Grove orders all the time, but honestly I haven't been ordering too often. Grove was perfect for me when we lived in a smaller town with not much variety at the store. Now that we live in a bigger city, I can get most of the products I like in our Walmart pick ups. But! There are a few thing I still love to get and that makes those orders feel more special! 

One of the main things I was SO excited to get was my favorite Mrs Meyers summer scent - tomato vine! It's such a specific smell, and I feel like IYKYK. I also really love the Sea Salt scent from Muse Apothecary, and got a set for our guest bathroom.

I do have a $15 referral link if you'd like to give Grove a try.

2. Another Delivery! Butcher Box

Okay, so literally everyone we know is getting a Butcher Box gift box for their special occasions this year. Food is so expensive, and who doesn't love receiving something so practical? I don't do BB every month, but maybe quarterly. I love love love the quality and having a freezer stocked up. 

Some of my favorites: the apple gouda sausage, their bacon, ground beef, and our free steaks! Blake bought me a grill for our anniversary this year, and I have enjoyed it so much. It's a small Blackstone, and really easy to use. Grilled food just tastes better. 

My link gets you a free box and free ground beef for life! You do have to pay shipping and be a new customer. PLUS, if you activate Rakuten there is a lot of cash back available for BB.

3. Fresh Work Out Clothes

Since we have been doing 75 Hard, I can't believe how much laundry we are going through. I have quite the collection of active clothing, but it became clear I needed to replace a few items. Specifically, sports bras! My favorite sports bra for running is a Fabletics high impact bra. I don't like to wear those for weight training, and don't really need that much compression for things like walking. So, I found this one on Amazon and it's just perfect! I ordered 3 colors and have found myself grabbing them straight out of the dryer. 

4. Mocktails

Recess makes the best canned mocktails! I've enjoyed trying all the flavors, but the Mule is my favorite. Just delicious, and there really is something to the adaptogen element. I always feel more relaxed after drinking one. I brought these with us to the Keys, and my family enjoyed drinking them too. Although they said they'd be better with a little alcohol in them, hah!

Blake and I enjoyed grilling last Friday with our yummy drinks! I ordered the margarita sample pack to take with me to the beach next week. 

5. Recent Reads📚

Long Bright River by Liz Moore - I really loved God of the Woods and this book had great reviews. Mickey is a police officer in Philly, who works in a pretty rough area. Her sister Kacey is on those same streets, struggling with addiction. Kacey goes missing, around the same time as a serial killer is in the area. I don't really think I've read many books from the perspective of the police, so this was interesting. It got a little redundant but I enjoyed the few twists and turns. 

Good Joy Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer - LOVED this one. Joy is a woman in her late 80's, she's always done the traditional right things and played it safe. Her best friend Hazel is the opposite - she's traveled the world and lived a full life. But she just got a very sad diagnosis. Joy decides to live a little and do a few 'bad' things to be more like Hazel. This is so sweet and tender! Warning you will cry at the end. 

The Shippers by Katherine Center - I really love a few Katherine Centers, but have also been kind of underwhelmed by a few so this was a toss up. Ultimately, I think there were some strong moments of this book and it was cute! But, I really think the cruise element was so underdeveloped. Like this could have taken place anywhere, the setting was not flushed out. And the main male character was wearing sweater vests to the Bahamas? I dunno, it just felt like maybe KC has never been on a cruise. 

The Good Lie by AR Torre - Gwen Moore is a therapist for people who might become killers, or have violent tendencies, etc. She deals with the really bad stuff. There is a serial killer in their area, and a victim has escaped. She starts to work with a lawyer named Robert who's own son was one of the victims. Robert doesn't believe the accused is the real killer. Overall this was fine, there were some good twists, but I haven't gone out of my way to recommend it to anyone. 

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-Kristen

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Friday Five | 6-12-26

Friday, June 12, 2026

75 Hard Challenge | Day 25 Check In

Challenge Details

The 75 Hard Challenge is a 75 day challenge where you have to complete several tasks each day. You must drink 1 gallon of water. You have to do two 45 minute work outs each day, and one of them has to be outside. You choose a diet to stick to, and can have no cheat days. No alcohol. You have to read 10 pages of non fiction each day. And you also take a progress photo every single day. If you miss a task you have to start over from day one. 

For my diet I have chosen to have a calorie deficit, with at least 100 grams of protein each day. For my outdoor workouts, I am doing a walk, and then changing it up from day to day for my indoor workout. 

75 Hard has an official App and that's what I'm using to keep track of each task. I'm so grateful my husband decided to do this with me. We looked ahead at our summer and saw that it was doable - so we went for it! Our first day was May 4th. 

Why This Challenge

In the last year I've set my mind to two big goals, and have been able to reach both. I think it's like the ultimate human experience to accomplish something you have to work hard for! 75 Hard is described as a mental toughness challenge, something that really impacts your personal discipline. I love that! I felt that this challenge can give me that sense of hard work and accomplishment, and if I get some physical benefits I'm all about it. 

Thoughts

Blake and I are officially 1/3 of the way through our 75 Hard, and I felt like it was a good time to reflect. A month is enough time to really see some results, and I definitely have. 

The hardest task by far is drinking the water! It was so overwhelming at first, and we were constantly running to the bathroom. The habit has become easier, and my body has gotten more used to the amount of liquids. I have found having an electrolyte packet at some point in the day seems to help with water absorption. 

The workouts have been no problem, I've actually loved walking each day. This challenge has been 1000 times easier because we are doing it together. I've enjoyed our walks so much, and I feel like our communication has been fantastic with this quality time. 

Reading has always come easy to me, so that's no biggie. The progress photo we do first thing in the morning so that's been a cinch too. I've also been able to stick to the calorie deficit as well. It's not an extreme diet and something that I consider sustainable. I know others have chosen harder diets for their challenge. 

Regarding alcohol: I have actually already given up alcohol. I haven't been drinking for about 8ish months, so this isn't a big deal for me. I haven't decided if I'll go back to alcohol one day, but for now it's not something I miss at all. Blake on the other hand, gave it up for this challenge. I'm grateful it's a change I had already made because I can see that being a really tough hurdle for someone trying to do this challenge. 

Set Backs and Challenges

Well it's not supposed to be easy, but there are several challenges to overcome with 75 Hard. Scheduling is everything!! We have to look at the weather right away each day so we can plan our outdoor workout. We've had to walk in the rain and late at night more than once. 

I also had a set back in that I ended up with bursitis in my left knee. It's an inflammation, and while I don't think I did anything outrageous to earn it - I definitely haven't had a single rest day. Fortunately, with the help of 2 doctors I think I'm better. Thankful for modern medicine! 

This challenge is all about self discipline, so that will be tested every day. None of these tasks are impossible, but very inconvenient. 

Results So Far

Obviously we aren't done yet, but a month is enough to see some progress! I have noticed SO many positive benefits. My skin is so clear, my fingernails are stronger (!!), I feel physically stronger and have noticed a few new muscle definitions, I have lost a few pounds, we are sleeping better...I really could go on.

We have also increased our laundry by a ton! I have a lot of work out clothes, but actually had to buy a few new pieces because of all the increased activity. 

-Kristen

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75 Hard Challenge | Day 25 Check In

Thursday, June 4, 2026

DIY Flower Bouquet Bar

Over the weekend, my mom and I hosted a little girls night in. I wanted to do a fun craft activity, but wasn't sure this was the group for anything too artsy. A DIY flower bouquet bar ended up being the perfect fit, and it went over so well I thought I'd share. 

I bought a few cheap vases from Goodwill, and hunted for more underneath my own sink. A few supplies were needed like flower scissors, ribbon, and a work station. Then, I found a girl on Facebook marketplace renting out a flower cart! I think it can be done easily without the cart, but that really took it to the next level. 

Trader Joes had a great selection of flowers, and we loaded up a whole grocery cart full. I wish they had more greenery options, so that is the only thing I'd do differently next time. I'd like to just go to someone's yard and cut a few springs for filler. 

Everyone had a chance to make their own arrangement to take home, or bring to a friend. I loved how this turned out! What was really neat was I could almost guess who did each arrangement, these bouquets really expressed the personality of the maker! 

What You Need: 

-Kristen

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DIY Flower Bouquet Bar

Monday, June 1, 2026

Friday Five | 5-22-26

Happy Friday! 

One | Book of the Month for May

I was so excited for my BotM box for May! I actually chose 3 books! A cute little summer line up of pool reads. These are all To Be Read, so I'll keep you updated if any are 5 star reads. I have a link that lets your try Book of the Month for $5! I don't really hold onto books, I usually pass them on to a friends or a Free Little Library, but I do love the look of my book shelf with the BotM titles since they line up so nice. 

I went with: The Shippers, Our Perfect Storm, and Good Joy, Bad Joy

Two | Waterless Diffuser 

This is such a great passive diffuser. It's cord free, so you can stick it anywhere. Plus, no water needed! I've really enjoyed walking into the room where this diffuser is on a timer. Right now I have it filled with a Green Clover and Aloe scent which is a Disney Resort copy cat. So fresh!!

Three | Outdoor Concert

We had the best night out recently! Our city hosted an outdoor concert in the park under the most gorgeous oaks. It happened to be glorious weather too. The band was Paul McDonald & The Morning Doves (I think). He was on American Idol like 15 years ago, but what a great performer. Other than having a fun night with our friends, the people watching was the best part of the evening.

You can't really see it in the photo, but I am obsessed with the dress I wore for the evening! It came in my Wantable box and I immediately took the tags off and wore it. They really know me, I've gotten some great boxes recently. 

Four | Whimsical Decor

I have really been gravitating towards cute things that make me smile! I added these fun little bronze snails to our window ledge and it's exactly on brand for whimsical. If you're the type with a home library, I think these would be just darling crawling over books. 

Five | Quince Dress

Eeeek, I'm so in love with this dress! It fits like a dream and the quality is just right. I'd love one in every color please.

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-Kristen

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Friday Five | 5-22-26

Friday, May 22, 2026

Friday Five | 5-8-26

One | Melbourne, FL

We were able to squeeze in a great weekend visiting family in Melbourne! We were only there for a few days, but we did quite a bit. Including: a zoo visit, multiple games of pickleball, a beach day, a trip to Ron Jon the surf shop, lots of yummy meals, and card games. 

Finding that teeny tiny starfish was a life highlight! 

Two | 75 Hard

Blake and I started 75 Hard this week. I have been looking into the challenge for the better part of year, but felt like there wasn't going to be a better time to try it! Blake surprised me by saying he was down to go for it too, but I'm so glad - that's going to make it easier. If you haven't heard of 75 Hard, it's a mental toughness challenge. It's 75 days of sticking to 2 45 minute work outs (one outdoors), a diet of your choice, 10 pages of non fiction reading, a gallon of water, no alcohol, taking a progress photo each day, and no cheats. If you miss one thing, you have to start over. It's obviously hard, that's in the name! But, after succeeding in running a half marathon, I was craving another way to challenge my self discipline. None of those things are impossible, just inconvenient. We'll see! So far so good.

Three | Embroidered Hat

An impulse buy if there ever was one, but I love this hat! It's such a cute, slightly elevated baseball hat. Perfect for spring and summer. A great gift too, if you know someone who loves their plants. 

Four | New Phone Case

An impulse buy, but I could not love my new phone case more! The pattern is from Rifle Paper Co, and it's called Studious Dogs. The cutest!! I would have gotten the matching Kindle case if they had my size. All the doggies are cute, but of course I'm partial to the pug with the pencil in it's mouth.

Five | Rainbow Time

I call every morning when the sun slips into our living room 'rainbow time', because we have the most beautiful prisms cast into the room. I have a cute little sun crystal, and a disco ball planter that adds just a bit of joy to every day. 

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-Kristen

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Friday Five | 5-8-26

Friday, May 8, 2026

Friday Five | 5-1-26

Me hanging out at an Open House last weekend ⬆️

Aside from my work shirt, I really love this outfit! The skirt is so comfy and so are the shoes. I get compliments on my necklace every time I wear it.

One | Laguna Beach Reunion

Nothing could have possibly taken me back to 2003 like watching the Laguna reunion! I loved this show, and completely admit to it influencing my fashion and music choices at the time. It was cool to see how everyone is doing - some have been famous this whole time, and others have chosen more normal lives. 

Two | My Little Garden

My brother in law made me a really cool tiered garden stand, and I was so happy to get a few plants going! My lime tree also got relocated and seems to be thriving in it's new spot. This side of the house gets the perfect light for plants, so I'm trying to take advantage of it. 

Three | Smell Like A Cookie

Do you want to smell like a sweet, vanilla cupcake or cookie? If so, I have the perfect body spray for you. The Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 71 smells just like a sweet treat. I got the travel size and you only need a spritz or two.

Four | Race Medal Display

I finally figured out what to do with my collection of race medals! I have been keeping them in a closet, and felt like they really should be displayed somehow. I got a shadow box, and rolled up the medals using clear elastics. It turned out really cute! A fun conversation piece. 

Five | Recent Reads 📚

Because it's been so long since I've done a post, I have too many books to recap! I'm going to shorten the list to the ones worth mentioning:

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum - Loved this story about 2 best friends who have a podcast together. It's not really a thriller, but has a nice paced mystery! I kept thinking, I really want to listen to their podcast! Highly recommend the audiobook.

The Frozen People by Elly Griffith - This was a premise about a detective who's company actually goes back in time to discover evidence. 

Little One by Olivia Muenter - A very interesting book about a girl who grew up in a cult in Florida. Our main character sure has got some issues, but I really like Olivia's writing. 

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn - Not what I expected at all. Kate Quinn is known for her historical fiction, so I was really surprised this was about a world where you can live inside a book. She gets a little ranty about social issues but this was obviously an ode to her love of libraries! 

Into The Blue by Emma Brodie - Gosh, what gorgeous writing! I was immediately transported to the time it was set in. I've also never really heard much about the techniques employed by actors before, so that was interesting. The chemistry between the two leads was fabulous - just had to skip several chapters for explicit content. 

Two books that were captivating but I also hated: Yesteryear and Best Offer Wins. The most unlikable people doing the most unlikeable, unbelievable things! 

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-Kristen

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Friday Five | 5-1-26

Friday, May 1, 2026

Spring Break in The Keys

Dress

For my nephew's Spring Break this year, my family spent a week in the FL Keys! We all needed this vacation sorely. My brother and his wife flew in from New Orleans, we caught a flight too, and my sister drove down. 

Our rental was in Marathon, but we spent time in a few places including Key West. Here are the highlights: 

Pigeon Key - My great grandfather was an engineer who worked on the original 7 mile bridge, and was stationed on Pigeon Key - so this was a cool stop! They have cute little train ride, a history tour, a museum, and a great beach to sit on. 

Three State Parks - Blake and I have the goal to visit all of the State Parks in Florida. We were happy to check 3 off the list while we were in the Keys. We visited Bahia Honda (Great for the beach and for a view!), Curry Hammock (Great for peacefulness and kayaking), and Ft Zachary (Just great! I would spend every day here if I could. They rent chairs and umbrellas!). 

Sushi Sunset Cruise - We took a pontoon boat tour out in Key West to watch the sunset and they served a buffet of sushi. Just a delight! 

Butterfly Conservatory - Highly recommend the butterfly conservatory in Key West to everyone. It's a beautiful greenhouse that is home to thousands of beautiful butterflies - and flamingos!

Hemingway House - One day in Key West we all went in different directions, and Blake and I went to the Hemingway House. It was such a cool home, and I loved the setting. If you are a cat person, it's a must. 

The only bummer for me this week, was not being about to go out to the Dry Tortugas. I had no idea it was so competitive to get on the ferry, and by the time I checked it was booked for the whole summer. We checked every day, and tried to do the walk up wait list. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for us, so we will just have to go back so we can check this National Park off our list! 

-Kristen

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Spring Break in The Keys

Friday, April 24, 2026