What's Up Wednesday: April 2024
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Hello friends,
We’re wrapping up April in less than a week from now. Can you believe how quickly we’re approaching summer time? Not going to lie, this immediately made me think that this means we’re that*** much closer to fall. YAY! Yes, I said it.
As usual, I am linking up to share my monthly recap on the last Wednesday of the month.
If you’re new(er) to my blog site, this is what we recap every month:
What we're eating this week:
This week will be a bit of the usual fare these days. Leftovers from eating out, delivery, or the occasional sandwich at home. I guess I have given up on cooking for now (still) and I don’t miss it. Usually by dinner time I am wiped from the day and do not want to add one more to-do to my day. Eventually I will get back into preparing meals, y’all. It’s bound to happen again. 😁
I also have a friend coming into town this week and we’ll be gathering and then celebrating another friend’s kiddo’s birthday so that eliminates some of the requirement anyway.
What I'm reminiscing about:
This has been an interesting month which made me reflect over years passed and I went down memory lane to look at some photos from April from years ago. Mostly, these were all happy days and happy memories and some of my favorite photos. I won’t bother with captioning the memories for you all, but will note that on the date that I started this post was my “egg retrieval day” in 2021 which is why I included the photo of my stomach during the cycle of shots. I haven’t really discussed my failed IVF “journey” on here though I’ve mentioned before that we tried IVF once. I felt very sad today for how foolish I was to believe that I would miraculously end up with a baby at the end of the process, but fully understand that God knew that that timing was not right for me. I’ll leave it at that for now, but if anyone reading this has any questions about IVF or if you need someone to talk to about your emotional journey, please email me. I don’t have all the answers, but am here to listen or share what I do know.
What I'm loving:
I switched out the Easter front porch decor and decided to get coordinated faux urn fillers to match the new wreath. The faux zinnias that were there were so beautiful, but the bright pink was clashing with any new wreath I looked at. I debated long and hard over picking something that will work for the rest of spring and throughout summer. I’m very pleased with the outcome. The company, Grandin Road, is owned by the same company that owns Front Gate. They’ve had exceptional quality with every wreath, garland, or urn filler I have ordered from them. These are called “Olivette”.
Easy LTK Link: https://liketk.it/4D9Fr
What we've been up to:
April slipped away with long days and minimal sleep plus a week long cold.
This month I traveled to Cancun with a bestie and watched the sunrise every morning while singing Hillsong United and prayed and worshipped and cried. Then I’d meet her for breakfast and the laughs and amazing conversations commenced. I had the best time with her and it was exactly what my soul needed.
Easy LTK shopping link for outfits below:
Black Swim Coverup // Geometric One Piece Swimsuit // Black Swimsuit and (Similar) Kimonos
For the rest of the month, I tackled umpteen appointments, doctor appointments, and pet appointments. I managed some work outs and long runs in between it all and having a week long cold. I attended dinners, lunches, brunches, and happy hours with friends and family as well. It was a good month. 🤍
I’ve tried to be better about capturing Lorenzo (and Luigi) joining me for work outs. It’s so darn funny to me and makes me laugh each time. My three misfits bring me so much joy every day.
What I'm dreading:
I am officially dreading the heat, humidity, and the mosquitos. I am not ready.
What I'm working on:
My health and fitness. It is always a work in progress, mainly because I do not have a set goal for it aside from maintaining at least one 9 mile run per week so that I can stay ahead of training for any half marathon I may end up doing at some point. And running helps me either get out of my head (if reading on the treadmill) or process thoughts (and zone out) if I run outside.
My blog - I’ve started to think more on if I want to continue blogging. I know I say it periodically, but it can feel daunting at moments with the pressure I put on myself. Some days I am eager to write and some days I don’t have the time and think about what else I might do if I didn’t have this blog?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.**
What I'm excited about:
Traveling, again! I have a few getaways planned for May. Two are more local in TX and another to go back to Cancun. HA! It just happened to be planned that way…I do not normally frequent Cancun this often back to back. But, if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times…I will never turn down a trip to Cancun. It’s an easy, quick flight and the beach and sunrises are exceptional. Plus, the food and service is always excellent.
What I'm watching/reading:
Watching:
I watched Sweet Magnolias this past month! I am very proud of myself for doing that. I mostly did things on my phone while watching it as I am a multi-tasker, but still. It was a nice show and I enjoyed the characters and storyline.
Reading:
This month I read these two books that my sweet cousin gifted me. They were insightful resources. I didn’t actually do the sugar fast, but enjoyed the devotional aspect of it and perhaps one day when I’m not running so much I’ll give the sugar fast a try!
I’ve been reading this book when I run on the treadmill. Given that has been intermittent with my schedule and being sick for so long I’ve had to check it out from the library app a couple of times. I read a book by Sarah Morgan last month as well and enjoyed it.
I purchased this book after a dear friend recommended it and I took it with me to Cancun, but ended up not reading at all on the trip. Between conversations and music, I just didn’t pick it up. I am eager to read it though!
You can click this link or scroll to the top of the page and click on “Books” to view all of the self-help books I’ve read if you are considering a topic and want a suggestion.
What I'm listening to:
Lord Huron on repeat. I really never tire of their music and it speaks to me.
What I'm wearing:
I’ve been adding more and more to my LTK profile throughout the month so you can always follow along with me there to see what outfits or (HOLIDAY) home décor items I’m sharing! There are outfits on there that didn’t make it out of the house yet OR that I didn’t take a photo of when I wore it in real life.
A little bit of real outfits from this last 30-ish days:
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4BMEB
Y’all. I started sharing this skirt and top late last year and it is back this season because it is just that fabulous. It also comes in an olive green. It’s a soft, double lined, stretchy jersey knit with ruching on the sides. I love the mock neck especially when I don’t have my faux tan on. It’s classy while also feeling like you’re wearing pajamas. The top and skirt can be worn separately with plenty of other things, which I have done as well.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4BMrT
I’ve shared this dress before in black and then bought it in red, too. It comes in SIX color options and I’m all about it. I like the one shoulder. I love the cut out. It is soft and stretchy and very comfortable and classy. I wore it in Cancun on this trip and wore the black one in Cancun in January. As I am typing this I am discussing dinner plans for tonight and just might wear the black one again. Ha!
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4CF9N
I also shared this cover up in January and love it so darn much. Of course I love black, but I like the fit and style. I ordered it in the new color that’s like a champagne and am excited to wear it on my next trip.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4CLPq
This swimsuit is just so fun. It is definitely a teenager’s sizing because goodness the torso length is short and so I sized up even though the original size I tried fit everywhere else perfectly. The sized up size is better on the torso and a hint loose in areas but overall works, especially for $19. Suggestion if you try it is to SIZE UP.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4DJxH
Excuse the sweaty, makeup-less face. This is after a run at the gym, but I wanted to point out how much I love these $10 running shorts from Walmart. This print is from last year but there’s 15 colors to choose from. I wouldn’t run outside in these as I need a deep pocket for my phone. These have pockets, though. They’re a little loose and extra comfortable for working out or a treadmill run. I just ordered three more as the summer heat is coming quickly and these dry fast.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4CR56
This kimono is from years ago and I cannot find the precise one. But, I’ve linked my swimsuit(s), exact (new) hat, and some other kimono options.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4DJhD
I’ve owned this coverup for three years as well and get compliments every time I wear it. I didn’t get a photo in it while in Cancun, but I did wear it. It’s still available and is a fun pop of color!
PS - I just ordered the new swim top you see in this photo and am very excited about the fit, the colors, and the ruffles.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4DiC7
I wore this cover up as a dress on the last day of our trip to eat lunch and then to the airport on our way home and totally forgot to get a photo in it. I’ve owned it for three years as well, but it hasn’t been worn much as I don’t gravitate towards bright colors but I truly need to give it more air time as it’s pretty and comfortable. It runs large and loose.
Easy LTK shopping link: https://liketk.it/4DDRa
This dress is just a classic style and I loved it so much I ended up buying it in black (surprise!) but haven’t worn the black one out of the house in a year…yet have worn this navy floral version three times. This exact pattern is not available this season, but the dress now comes in 13 color/pattern options!
I wore this to brunch one day and thankfully remembered to at least snap a photo when I got home.
Easy LTK shopping link: https://liketk.it/4BMzd
This dress also comes in 13 color options! I own it in three colors from 3-4 years ago and still love it. I wore it in public the other day to a doctor appointment, through Target, and then to happy hour. A man walked up to me to compliment my dress while I was walking through the parking lot. It’s a thin, flowy material and perfect for summer.
Easy LTK shopping link: https://liketk.it/4BMFd
I wore this dress to dinner last weekend and failed to take a photo. I’m getting better about taking photos, but I still forget.
Anyway, I love it because of the deep cut sides, the high neck, the stretch, and the ruching. I read allllll of the reviews and opted to size up like suggested because the neck opening is small. I don’t know how the small would have fit, but given the stretch you can’t tell that the medium is a little loose on me. I wouldn’t change a thing considering the neck opening issue other’s stated.
Easy LTK shopping link: https://liketk.it/4E5xr
I’ve become a major fan of this jumpsuit and will eventually try more of them. (I’m waiting because I have recently purchased SO.MANY.RUNNING.SHORTS.) It’s surprisingly easy to pull off and on to potty and is very comfortable.
To shop all of the work out clothes I link in a category - click here.
There are many more outfits and home decor posts that I’ve shared this past month on my LTK page in addition to these above. You do not pay anything extra to shop through my page there and setting up your profile is FREE. I earn a small commission from the various retailers for free marketing for them at no extra cost to you.
You can view most of these details on my LiketoKnow.It page OR email me. =)
What I'm doing this weekend:
This weekend I will visit with friends and celebrate a toddler’s birthday! I am SUPER excited for my bestie, her hubby, and their little kiddo to come to town!
What I'm looking forward to next month:
In May, I am looking forward to the trips I have planned with loved ones because it is quality time and cup filling.
What else is new:
That’s about it for now!
How was your month? Did you do any spring cleaning in April or do any spring related activities to enjoy the weather?
Comment below!
XOXO
