Weekend Wrap-Up: April 27

Lacrosse… all day… all weekend. It was our first tournament weekend up in northern Michigan which meant we experienced almost every possible four-season weather scenario within 48 hours. Snow flurries, light rain, close to freezing mornings and sun drenched afternoons with endless blue skies.

The boys lost 3 of their 4 games which can feel pretty crushing to 11-year old boys. But I was proud of their grit, determination and willingness to stick with it and not give up. It’s clearly a great group of boys which is quite refreshing. Our team last year was a more divided group and didn’t seem to support each other the way they are this year, so it’s been a great start so far. Good, positive coaches can also make all the difference!

I am trying so hard to make my way through Lucky Seed by Justinian Huang, but I found myself starting and stopping the book throughout the entire three-hour car ride up to the tournament. It’s a seemingly good story, I just can’t seem to get into it. I’m also listening to Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, which I featured in my March New Fiction Releases blog post last month.

We were asked to contribute a side dish and I made what seemed to be a very popular grinder salad. If you’re going to make it, be sure to keep the iceberg pieces cut into large chunks so that the dressing doesn’t make everything too soggy.

When we got home on Sunday, I started my first DIY refinishing project. I had an old wood nightstand that has seen better days. I bought some Dixie Belle base, paint and top coat and started to prep the wood. I cleaned and sanded the entire piece and put on the first coat of the base coat. After it dried I noticed the wood is still bleeding through so tomorrow I’m going to put on a second coat. I plan on writing a full post about this process so stay tuned! 🙂

With that, here is my motivational quote for this week: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs. This is one that hits close to home, especially as it pertains to this blog post. I’m a very private, naturally introverted person. I shy away from attention and am never forthcoming with big pieces of my life outside of close friends and family. So this blog has been a definite step into a hugely out-of-comfort zone area for me. I’ve worried what people will think about what I say and post… it’s been a huge leap for me. So this quote may actually stay tacked up on my board for awhile… as a gentle reminder that others’ opinions of what I’m doing are great for them, but have no bearing on my life, my work, and my success. With that – here are few things I’ve been thinking about, reading, cooking, planning or adding to my cart.

THIS POST MAY INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE ALWAYS MY OWN, AND ANY COMMISSIONS EARNED ARE OF NO COST TO YOU.

I’ve been struggling with the way some of the parents behave in youth athletics. Knowing that 75% of kids drop out of organized athletics by age 13, I’m pretty appalled at the way some of these parents conduct themselves. I cannot wrap my head around the sideline screaming, pushing for the best kids to play, asking coaches to bench those that may not be superstars but work really hard, winning at all costs and acting as if their 11-year olds are being actively recruited by D1 teams. Someone suggested I read Changing the Game by John O’Sullivan. I just ordered it and look forward to hopefully gaining some insights into why youth athletics are spiraling out of control, and hopefully learning a few things that I can do to better support my son as he navigates his way through the season.

I am using Dixie Belle paint for my DIY project. So far, so good! I’ll be interested to see how it turns out. This definitely won’t be a perfect project (there are dried paint drips from my primer) but if it goes well, I’m going to try and get to a few more garage sales this summer and see if I can’t make it into a little side hustle.

I just ordered this necklace for a friend’s birthday (I hope she isn’t reading this!). It’s a great price point at just under $40 and it looks very luxe.

We are currently watching Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat. I was in tears last night laughing. While some of the situations seem SO absurd, I have found myself in some equally nutty work situations that I often wondered if I was being punk’d.

These Birkenstock sandals are a really fun color and I like the big bold buckle. Adding these to my wishlist.

This Beach Hat Tote Bag is adorable for summer. I hate jamming my hat into my current tote and I like the idea of just being able to slide it into the side of the bag.

I walk anywhere from 2 – 5 miles a day. It helps with my ADHD and I find on days I skip, I feel prettty crummy. I have to replace my walking shoes fairly often and swear by this pair.

Attending a graduation this summer? This dress has the cutest tie-shoulders and such a fun happy summer print.

Have a great week, friends!

XO,

Abby