Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Tuesday Talk--All Time Favorites

 


Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm joining with Marilyn today in solidarity over this book that she bought for us to go through together in the coming months. It's called Burn After Writing, and I highly recommend it for fun and therapy! Today's page that I'm doing is about all-time favorites. I'll jump right in!


Song: My current favorite song that's being played on the radio is Worst Way by Riley Green. 

Album: The one that comes to mind was from when I was a teenager, and it was the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing.

Concert: I think Darius Rucker is in the top spot for favorite concerts of all time. Before his concert this summer, I would have said Kenny Chesney or Tim McGraw. 






Place: My favorite place to be is with friends; second place is my home. 

Movie: The Wedding Date or Dirty Dancing

Book: I have an entire series that is my favorite, and it's the Sisterchicks series by Robin Jones Gunn.

Band: Maroon 5

Artist: Wes Anderson is my favorite artist; his Instagram is Accidentally Wes Anderson. Here's a sampling of his work.




Holiday: Christmas, but not the day...just the season in general.

City: New York City!

Teacher: I remember loving my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Gentry. I also oved my geometry teacher when I was a sophomore, Ms. McCullough. 

Word: providence (it means the protective care of God)

TV program: Gilmore Girls (or maybe Virgin River or Sweet Magnolias)


Before I wrap up today's post, I have a little blog business to attend to. First up is that Share 4 Somethings is coming up this Saturday the 27th! Currently will take place on October 1, and the prompts for October are loving, anticipating, looking forward to, wearing, and cooking. I hope you'll make plans to join me for both! 


What are a couple of your all time favorite things? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog, friends. Love to all! 


Jenn xoxo




Monday, September 22, 2025

Hello Monday

 


Happy Tuesday, friends, and happy September! I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah for today's blog post. How was your weekend? Mine was great! Here's what I did:

I worked on Friday, but it was a professional development day. I had some training with my SPED co-workers off campus that day; it was interesting, but I'd much prefer a day at school being busy with students. It's hard to sit still for hours on end in a day when you're used to walking at least 7,000 steps at work. I survived, though, even in spite of being so sleepy after lunch, and we got to leave before 3:30. That was nice! And so was the lunch that I enjoyed with two of my work friends. I love building those relationships! 


I came home and relaxed for a bit, then left to go meet Chris at his house. He let his dogs out quickly, then we left again for dinner. We weren't gone long; after that we ended up at his house again for a movie night. I love movie nights with him! 



It's so peaceful and beautiful out there. We sit right here on a bench while his dogs run around. We stay out until I start itching; he laughs and we go inside. It's also very buggy out there! I was home by ten since I was on dog duty this weekend for Jonah; he had the opportunity to take a free trip to Dallas to visit Noah, so he jumped on the opportunity. I am so glad he got to do that! I know they miss each other something fierce. I let his baby dogs out, and then talked to my sister on the phone for at least an hour. It'd been ages since we've had the chance to do that; we both work all the time now, so our time isn't as free as it once was. I try to talk to each of my sisters at least once a week; sometimes I'm tired of talking after work, though. Anyway, I was laying in bed while we talked, and afterward I fell asleep pretty quickly while watching TikTok videos on my phone. (Have I mentioned that this is how I fall asleep every night?) 


Saturday morning dawned a little earlier than I wanted it to, thanks to said dogs, but I didn't mind it too much. I was up and showered by 6:45 and drinking my first iced coffee of the day. Yes, I said first, because a second came soon after. 🤣 I had plans to meet up with my mom and sister Trish that day for some running around and lunch. We did that, and then I came home and kind of worked myself into a really bad mood, thanks to some texts. I'm rolling my eyes at myself, but it was rough for a few hours. I ended up getting kind of frustrated at Chris over a misunderstanding, and he witnessed me at a low point. When I didn't respond in my normal way with a text he sent, he immediately called me and wanted to know what was wrong. I didn't want to talk about it, but kudos to him for calling me and recognizing that something was off. I saw him for a couple of hours that night, but it was short and sweet. Meanwhile, Marilyn came over for a while and we helped cheer each other up with margaritas. 🤣



Chloe the emotional support dog is always more than thrilled to see Marilyn! 


Additionally, Graham needed me to go feed his dogs for him, and I did that. I always forget the power of what a good drive with music can do to a bad mood! I was much better once I got home; shortly after that was when Marilyn got here. I had Subway for my dinner and was asleep by ten. Sunday rolled around bright and early! I had to be at the church by 8:45 for a sound check.




I decided to wear this dress that I've had for a few years; the last time I wore it was at least three years prior to yesterday. It fits a lot looser now than it used to! 





Remember me mentioning that I had the opportunity to sing a solo on the song I sang a few years ago? It went really well, according to what people said. I didn't cry, and I was able to sing with confidence. When I sat down in the congregation after the worship part of the service, I had like fifteen texts on my phone from people who reached out to me starting immediately after the song ended. 



I legit cried tears over all the people who encouraged me yesterday, friends. One of God's greatest gifts to me is the gift of friendship; my church family walked with me during the fallout of my life in the last fifteen months. I am closer to them now than I ever dreamed possible, and I am so thankful to be in a church that loves me like they love me. These messages went on all throughout yesterday! I'm not exaggerating; my best friend witnessed it as she stood next to me while I was trying to leave church. I kept getting stopped along the way! After the service I went to lunch with Mom, Bill, Graham and Drew. And then Marilyn came! 




Marilyn livestreamed me singing while she was in her own church service. Here are a few pics she sent to me:







I am beyond humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love I received from the people in my life who care for me so much. I don't know what I ever did to deserve this kind of love from people, but I don't like to think of where I'd be without them. These are my people! 



After lunch I came home and crawled into my bed and was the cream filling of a Golden Oreo. I slept for a solid two hours after an emotionally draining morning, and it was so good! I'll leave off there, and save it for later in the week. Thanks for being here to read my blog today, friends. What did you do that you loved this weekend? I'd love to hear from you! Love to all.


Jenn xoxo



Friday, September 19, 2025

Friday Favorites! 9.19.2025.

 


Happy Friday, friends! How's your week been? Mine went by really fast; it was a good one for me, for the most part. I've had a couple of days where I've experienced feelings that caught me off guard...and I'm tired of talking and thinking about this all the time. I keep wondering when this will stop! I am not going to dwell on this today, I just wanted to mention it, because to me, it's always worth talking about. I'm thankful that I can pull myself up out of the funk that I sometimes get in, thanks to the Lord, His word, and worship music. And maybe I need to get back to keeping track of the things I'm thankful for each day again, since I've gotten away from that daily practice. I know that helps, and it always changes my perspective. 


Anyway, I'm going to move onto some favorite things from this week...




Salad Station is always my favorite! I ate there twice this week, y'all. It's so delicious! 




It was a favorite this week to get this from my friend who teaches first grade. I love that so many of my friends and co-workers are believers! The Lord really outdid Himself when He set my life in motion by putting me there two years ago. This was always the job I wasn't looking for, but it's the one God gave me two times in as many years. How amazing is that? 





Memories like this are so bittersweet; but they're also a favorite. This was when Noah asked Dad if he wanted to take a spin in his red Corvette one Friday. This one brought tears to my eyes. 





Dinner and frozen yogurt with Marilyn were my favorite this week! Oh, how I love this woman with all of my heart. Words can't express what she means to me, and how much I depend on her friendship. Did you know that I talk to her every morning before work? I started this a month ago, and sometimes she's the last voice I hear at night. We never hang up without expressing our love to one another. She really is my soulmate, friends! Everyone should have a Marilyn in their lives. 




Mel Robbins' reminders on socials are always a favorite!




Bunco at my friend Vickie's house this week was a favorite highlight! I love these friends so much, and how invested in my life they each are. This means the world to me! Also, bonus points for how cute her home was decked out for fall. 




I didn't expect to see Chris Tuesday night, but it was a favorite spontaneous moment of the week. 




One of my favorite little students drew this for me this week!
 



This visual reminder is my new favorite thing; I bought these little rear/side view mirror decals on from the TikTok shop a couple of weeks ago. I kept two and gave two to Mare. 




These images were one of my favorite things from this week on Instagram. It reminded me of how grateful I am to be given the opportunity to sing in church this week. I'm so excited to do this, and to sing through a song that is so meaningful to me. I pray it's a blessing to others who are there to witness it this week. 





Wednesday nights with Kendra are my favorite! We switched it up this week and went to Tony's Trophy Room; it wasn't our favorite, so next week we'll be back at Rotolo's. Also, that drink you see pictured was disgusting and I couldn't even finish half. 




I want to share about my Thursday morning; I was having a heck of a morning yesterday, friends. I found out some information that upset me Wednesday night, and I was having a moment with it that morning as I was sitting here in the early hours. I had cried three times by the time I went upstairs to get dressed for work, if that tells you anything. But let me tell you how sweet this morning turned out...two of my sons sent me extremely sweet messages on TikTok saying something along the lines of what this one above says. I took a screenshot of one of the videos, since there were words on it to read. I wish I could remember everything one of the videos said, but it was along the lines of him thanking me for being his lifeline, his confidant, his best friend who always has his back. Y'all, I cried like a baby! God knew I needed encouragement that morning, and He sent it to me by my sons. And then there was a third and fourth thing, but stay tuned for those at the end...anyway, these moments when I can sense God near are my favorite. I wasn't praying or reading my Bible when this happened, but still, He was near. I am so thankful for this, and the relationship I have with Him. Do you know Him? 







On a lighter note, these were my favorite outfits from this week. I'm missing one day, but the picture disappeared and I'm not about to go put clothes back on to recreate that pic.




I had to get my nails redone yesterday when I broke one at work. I didn't need to do this, but they were so messed up from a new place that I went to a few weeks ago, that it was driving me crazy. They were so sweet to only charge me half price! They're my favorites.




Here's the third thing that happened to me on Thursday morning: I post to Snapchat every morning, and my sweet little cousin (by my ex's cousin) sent me this there in response to what I shared yesterday. How precious is she to encourage me like this? Once again, God knew I needed to be encouraged, and He did this for me three different times that morning. I cried at home, I cried at work when I first got there (thanks to my dear friend Karen that I work with), and it was just a rough morning. 


And then when I got to first grade to help my little friend, B, she put her little arms around my neck and played with my hair, then she pulled me in for a big hug. I couldn't help myself, friends, before I knew what I was saying, I told her much I loved her. She squeezed me extra tight and told me she loved me so much, too. I don't know if that's wrong or right, but I needed her little hug and I believe she needed to hear a friend at school say that they loved her. I do! I care for each of these precious little ones so much, and I feel like I'm living out my dream by getting to work with students in elementary school for the third time in fifteen years. How fortunate am I? God is such a good Father to me; He provides for me and cares for me everyday of my life. He is so, so good! 


What was a favorite from your week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for being here today to read my blog, friends. Love to all!


Jenn 🖤




Thursday, September 18, 2025

ageless style: the colors of fall

 


Happy Thursday, friends! Welcome to the September edition of Ageless Style. This month we're talking about the colors of fall! I hope this inspires you in your wardrobe for the upcoming season. 


I'm a seasonal dresser; this just means that I don't wear neon like colors in the fall and winter. I love those colors in the summer months when I'm tan, but I like more muted things in the fall and winter. I love jewel tones in the winter months, too, though...you've heard me talk about this a million times. The last couple of weeks I've been looking for some ways to add more color to my wardrobe to make it not so drab. I've added a few things to my closet lately, thanks to my searching. 



One is this shirt from the online boutique called Moco. I wore this to work on Monday and got several compliments on the shirt. Here's a link for the website, but I'm not able to find this particular shirt.






I'm also wearing lots of black, denim, mocha, and my favorite poncho style shirt from a boutique that closed down last year (The Paisley Rooster). This is the shirt in the picture right above. 




I invested in some new jeans this year, after losing a good bit of weight. Here is a link to these jeans that I love. I can't express how I feel about these jeans, friends. I love this wide leg on me, which I didn't think I would. I feel like they elongate my short legs, thus making me feel (and look) thinner. I ordered them in the petite length, and I recommend sizing down one from your regular size. These are two sizes smaller than my ones from last year, and they're perfect! I got this faded pair, and another darker pair. 



I got this top above in a wine color. Here's a link for the website


Additionally in the fall, my nails get darker polish and my lip gloss also gets more earthy and darker. 




My lip gloss is the only makeup that changes for me, though. I keep using all the regular products I always use for all of the seasons. I love that glowy/dewy look that I'm able to accomplish with inexpensive products...I plan on doing a post on this next week, so stay tuned! 


It's your turn! What are your dressing habits in the changing seasons? What colors do you lean more towards? I'd love to hear from you!


Here are the wonderful ladies who are co-hosts with me in this fun link party:

Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog

Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin'

Jennifer ~ Overflowing with Thankfulness 

Blog/Instagram/Pinterest

Joanne ~ My Slice of Life

BlogInstagram/ Pinterest/Facebook

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style

Blog | Instagram | Facebook |

Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle

Blog |Instagram

Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |



Thanks for being here today, friends. Love to all!



Jenn 🖤




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Tuesday Talk--All Time Favorites

  Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm joining with Marilyn today in solidarity over this book that she bought for us to go through together in ...