The calendar here says that it is August. We are still very much on summer vacation as my girls are off from school until after Labor Day. Wish it still said June though!
Anyone that knows me knows that I love summer. See I love the warm weather so much so that even 90+ degree days don’t get to me. I mean it that I would much rather it be 90 degrees than 20 degrees. See the cold, winter and snow are my least favorite.
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So, right now I am enjoying every moment of the summer weather. I am outdoors as much as I can be. Also, I am enjoying the time my girls have off from school. Plus, our mornings have been on the later side. So, too, have our evenings, as well. My husband has Mondays off for the summer. Fridays, the girls and I have been meeting him for lunch. For this reason, we extended our weekends.
The last few weeks since our Disney trip, therefore have been much laxer. No complaints from me at all on this.
What better time than now to give a “Currently” update here.
Currently August 2018 Favorites
Loving
I think my introduction described what I love right about now. But I still want to expand upon this.
Summer:
So, of course, Summer Vacation is at the top of my August 2018 love list. That said, summer, sun, swimming and outdoor fun are indeed where it is at now.
A few weeks back now. But still, Our Walt Disney World Summer 2018 Trip was a major love fest for me. Therefore, we have another trip forthcoming in the next few months. Won’t be a summer trip though. However, it is Florida and therefore should be warm when we return even if it isn’t here in NY.
Like, I mentioned above my husband is off all Summer on Mondays. We have been enjoying these extra vacation days with fun family time. These Mondays have included a recent mini-golf outing, where our youngest shocked us getting a hole in one on one of the holes.
Just as the week starts off with those Mondays off, so too are Summer Fridays that much more fun. As I also shared we have been having lunch out and meeting up with my husband. See Shake Shack isn’t too far from his office. So, the girls have been having shakes and grilled cheese for Friday lunch, which is what makes those Long Summer Weekends that much sweeter!
My Newest Home Decor Obsession:
I also have found a place that I can’t get enough of for home decor. Recently, we were looking to replace an older rocking chair that we have had since I was pregnant with my oldest almost ten years old now. We kept the chair for sentimental reasons and moved it from the girls’ room to our living room. But it was now really showing its age. I had been debating a Papasan Chair that I saw at Pier 1 Imports recently.
Well, I finally caved and bought the chair and fluffy cushion. The girls loved it or so I thought. But see my oldest felt bad that we were getting rid of the rocking chair that I rocked her in as a baby. Plus, she was also missing the footrest that came with the rocking chair. See she uses it to sit on when she plays video games with her sister. So, what’s a mom to do? I returned to the scene of the crime or Pier 1 Imports to buy the matching footrest and cushion for the new Papasan Chair. All is well that ends well!
Watching
When my girls are lounging in our new Papasan Chair, I have been sneaking time in it to binge watch some of my favorites.
Right now, summer finds network shows on hiatus for the season. But happily, the Paramount Channel has been airing new episodes of their new show, American Woman. I am still a fan of Alicia Silverstone from her Clueless days, as well as the Cryin’ Aerosmith video she was heavily featured in back in the day.
Reading
With summer vacation, Disney and having been sick last month, my reading took a hit. However, I recently took both girls to Barnes and Noble for a kid’s event they were running here locally. They were promoting a selection of books for this event. The girls each got a book to read. So did I. See one of the books being touted was a middle school grade book set in the 1960s. This book, She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), found its main character enamored with The Beatles, specifically Paul McCartney. Well, being a Beatles fan myself, I couldn’t resist. Very easy read and promise a more in-depth review soon.
Plus, I am still a proud Net Galley member. Through this association, I was offered an ARC of An Anonymous Girl, by Greer Hendricks. She is also the author of The Wife Between Us, which I read earlier this year. Since I enjoyed that previous thriller by the same author, I happily have taken a chance on her latest. So far I am about halfway through. Therefore, don’t want to elaborate more until I have finished it. But so far so good and can’t wait to see how this one turns out.
Listening
When we returned from Disney, I was still streaming Eric Church, Foo Fighters and more. See, I missed the Foo Fighters local concert as they played here our first night in Disney. I mean I love Disney. But having seen Dave Grohl at Citi Field two summers ago for the Broken Leg Tour, I was more than a bit sad that the recent concert had to fall on that evening. But so be it. Still, my brother bought me a concert tank and took video for me.
Plus, this past month, Kenny Chesney released his newest album. So, I have this one on repeat right about now. Loving the Caribbean rock feel, especially for his song, Love for Love City with Ziggy Marley. I feel like I am back in the Bahamas listening to this one!
Eating
In Disney, we take the meal plan. So, trust me still dreaming of all the yummy treats we enjoyed there last month. But I did manage to use some of our leftover snack credits towards the end of our trip to bring some snacks back. So, still enjoying the last of those. Sadly I just finished the last of the Epcot Macarons I brought back from France. They are one of my favorite Disney World treats by far!
Upon our return, I also made Oatmeal Cookie Balls for us to enjoy. This recipe was one I wanted to try our before school started to get a head start on meal planning.
I also recently tried a new NO Churn Ice Cream recipe for us. I mean it is still summer. So why not ice cream?! All I can say is this one is heaven for all the Cookies and Cream lovers!
Planning
With it still being August, I am slowly planning now for next month’s back to school. The kids are finishing up their summer reading assignments. We have backpacks already purchased. Still, we have to go sneaker shopping though soon. Plus, we have about two weeks left before school supplies need to be picked up at school. See we order the supplies through PTA even before the last school year lets out for summer vacation.
But honestly not ready for back to school, homework and more. So, planning on enjoying all that is still left of this current summer vacation.
In the meantime though, I have another Walt Disney Worlld trip to plan for later in the fall. That’s right; we are returning to our happy place before 2018 is over. So, at the very least, I have that to look forward to now.
What about you?
How has your August been so far?
Share with me in the comments now.
Meredith Spidel says
My daughter got those exact same macaroons from Epcot! Always love hearing your updates, and go soak up these last days of summer!
Janine says
Omg, they are the best, aren’t they! And you, too, enjoy those last days of summer now 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Sigh I already bought the school supplies. I didn’t want to face it when get got back home. I think we are about two weeks from school starting. I love the chair you got for the girls. I wish I had a place for one to fit. I’m going save the title for the book to read later. I read The Wife Between Us and it was good.
Janine says
I know I am seriously not wanting to think about school and fall. Summer really is my speed. But like you I am giving in slowly. I wasn’t sure if the chair would fit. But my husband measured and assured me it would. Low and behold it does. And we are all loving it. And late last night I did finally finish The Anonymous Girl as I simply couldn’t put it down. And if you did read and enjoy The Wife Between Us, then I totally couldn’t recommend this one now more, too!
William Holland says
It sounds like a great summer for your family. Me, I write in the mornings, take care of 200 birds in the afternoon. Not much time to trips or major events. That’s okay, though; I love my life.
Unlike you, I am sooooo ready for fall weather.
Happy Weekend, Janine!
Janine says
Bill, your summer sounds perfect for you and glad it has been a good one so far. Happy Weekend right back at you now 🙂
Dara says
I love summer too and the hot weather is the best! How fun that you brought back macarons!
Janine says
The hot weather seriously is the best and love those macarons, too 🙂
Lisa says
I am just the opposite about the weather….I get uncomfortably hot and totally miserable in the summer (my birthday is in the summer so I can’t totally hate it). I love fall, the breezes that cool you off and all the pretty colors. I’d rather it be cold, then you can cuddle with your favorite blanket and drink hot chocolate, mmmm. Here in Utah; however, we are losing our winters due to global warming. We had about 2 months of winter this past year. Utah is known for their snow & skiing, but we are getting less and less every year…..how sad.
I’m glad you shared the no churn ice cream recipe. I am a BIG fan of Oreos & when you add ice cream to the mix….mmmmmm my favorite. I love the Peanut Butter flavor and the Mint flavor the most. So any recipe you have with Peanut butter, oreos, or min, I expect you to share. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, I definitely will share more with you of recipes, such as this as I can now. And thank you for sharing with me, too Lisa 🙂
Thomas Paul says
I’m smelling an Erin Condren fan near me! haha. She does make cool planners.
That chair though.. I need one in my home! Or maybe not.. I wouldn’t want to get up.. ever .
I hope your end of month goes as well as its first few weeks!
Janine says
Huge Erin Condren fan and you totally guessed right! The chair, I also highly recommend! And thanks for all the kind words, too 🙂
Jen says
Fun! I wish we were still summeirng 🙁
I just found out they are building a brand new Disney World theme park about 45 minutes from my house, so now we might get to actually go to Disneyworld!
Janine says
Omg, that is awesome and so excited for you. Can’t wait for you to get to go now!! 🙂
Seana Turner says
I love summer so much, and I also am not bothered by 90 degree weather! I wish it would last longer. My daughter and new son in law are visiting me this weekend and it is just pouring rain all weekend. Bummer! I want to spend every moment I can sitting on the beach or out on the boat – those are my summer favorites!
Janine says
We also have been having rain off and on this weekend. Today seems to be a complete washout so far. So we are going to the movies as we wanted to see Christopher Robin. So perfect day for that, I suppose. Hoping though that the sun and warmth return later in the week at the very least.
Cynthia says
There’s so much good stuff here! First, the PTA does a huge service for parents, letting you purchase school supplies at the end of the year like that. Then you don’t have to go shopping for them! That saves tons of time!
Second your comment about Charlie Sheen cracked me up. I used to like that show when it came out. lol
Third, it sounds like you’re a Disney addict – in a good way! That makes me smile. 😀
Fourth, I can’t believe it’s August. At the school where I work, all the teacher trainings begin today. Since I’m part time, I won’t participate in all that stuff, but still…I can’t believe it!
Fifth, it’s good to be back and see your lovely posts!!
Janine says
Aw, it is so good to have you back first and foremost. As for the rest, I so enjoy always sharing with you and love when you share with me, too! Hugs and Happy Monday <3
Diane ROARK says
Janine,
I hope you continue to enjoy this summer and your girls have a fabulous school year. You have the bug, twice in one year. Once you started going to Disney, I believe you got hooked on having a magical day. It is magical and lots of fun. I hope you all had a great trip this summer and have a wonderful time in the Fall.
Many blessings,
Diane Roark
Janine says
Aw, thank you Diane and I know you totally get the Disney bug as you and your family love Disney, too from all I know. So, hope you can get back soon, too now 🙂
Tamara says
I’m so with you on all things summer. Sigh. Also, I miss our papasan chair and my mom loves macarons more than most things. I wonder if I can order those? Going to investigate!
Janine says
If you find you can order them, please let me know as those macarons are my favorite!! 🙂
Christine Carter says
I have been sitting at my desk eating my lunch and reading up on your currently here Janine! I LOVE that you are going back to Disney this fall. SO AWESOME!!
Summer is officially over here today. I’m so glad I have another friend who LOVES summer as much as I do. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, sorry summer is officially over for you today. But still glad we have a mutual love for this season nonetheless, too 🙂
Dana says
I just read a preview of Anonymous Girl – looks good! Glad you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer. I hate the really hot weather, but this week is in the 80s and I’m loving it….and having both kids home for a little bit longer.
Those macarons look amazing – I’ll have to check them out when we go to Disney in January!
Janine says
Anonymous Girl was very good and highly recommend! I do love the heat and actually turned a bit cooler here in the mid-70s, which is too cool for me. And those macarons definitely also recommend for your January trip 🙂
Allie says
I know I say it to you every year, but you are so lucky to go back to school in September. Mine went back August 2nd. August is a bummer for me. Hot and juggling all the back-to-school activities. I love Kenny Chesney’s new album. It’s awesome. Enjoy you last few weeks of freedom!
Janine says
Aw, Allie, I think we are, too. But ask me that once again in May or June next year when all seem to be out for the summer and are still going. I probably will say different then as I know how I usually feel by that time of the year here. Thanks my friend always and here is to a wonderful school year ahead for all our kids now 😉