Share 4 Somethings in July
Tomorrow is the last Saturday of the month and time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. This year we're sharing something we loved, something that sustained us, something we're carrying forward, and something we're making space for each month.
Something I loved: I just share all my birthday favorites yesterday-so I won't recap any of that today. But celebrating my birthday was for sure one of my favorites this month.
I also loved the day my husband and I spent in Boston exploring the Aquarium and picking up Alec from his Greece trip (full post here).
Alec and I went to breakfast the next day and he filled me in on ALL the trip stories as well as showing me all his photos. That was a HUGE favorite!
We had a fabulous 4th of Jul and Alec made us all this Greek dessert (called Saragli also known as rolled baklava) made with phyllo dough, pistachios and a simple syrup made with water, sugar, and just a touch of honey.
We loved exploring the Slater Museum.
I especially loved Alec's delicious cheesecake. He decided to make one because he was bored.
Just this week we went to the botanical gardens (I'll have a full post up next week with TONS of photos).
Something that sustained me: Air conditioning! It has been a hot month and you just know it's both and humid out when the windows look like this in the morning.
Something I'm carrying forward: I've started making a list and a plan for what I'd like my days to look like once Evan and Alec head off to college and I'll be home alone every day. I'm hoping the list will help me balance fun things like reading, blogging, & painting with more "productive" things like organizing, painting trim/doors, and repairing the house. I'm hoping to carry that momentum forward.
Something I'm making space for: I'm literally making space for all my birthday gifts. I've also been trying to make space for more art/painting/drawing in my days. I joined a 52 week art challenge and it's been fun though a bit frustrating at times forcing myself to make an art project of some sort each week.
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Ok that cheesecake not only looks beautiful and perfect but it also looks delish! What is on the top? Tell us about it please :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a coconut cheesecake with almond meringue topping that he toasted with the kitchen torch and then drizzled melted white chocolate over everything.
DeleteThat cheesecake looks to die for. Those flowers are also gorgeous
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteI love that you’ve had so much quality time with your family. Alec’s Greek dessert sounds amazing, and your plans for making space for more creativity sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteRuth@playworkeatrepeat
Aw, thank you!
DeleteI might need to see your list! This year, Simon will drive himself to school, which means I won't have that afternoon need to go pick him up!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm really unsure how to fill all my free time! I feel like I've been enjoying summer just laid back and reading, blogging, etc but would like to make sure the days don't all just pass by in a blur. There are a lot of household projects I've been neglecting and just don't feel motivated to do but I'm hoping seeing them written down will help get me there.
DeleteSummer is flying by for sure, can't believe July is almost over. You've had such a full month, that's awesome!!
ReplyDeleteIt really is just zooming by.
DeleteWonderful! I have a post coming tomorrow. I am especially interested in how you want your new daily schedule to be! Tom leaves at 7:30 and it's just Eddie Otis and I until almost 6 pm!
ReplyDeleteBen leaves around 5:30 and Ian usually leaves anytime before 7ish and neither one gets home until 5:30 usually (though again Ian makes up his own hours so sometimes it's more like 3 or 3:30 but he usually showers then heads over to my mother in laws to play cards and eat snacks-- because grammy has all the good snacks).
DeleteThe rolled baklava looks amazing, as does the cheesecake. (: YUM.
ReplyDeleteIt was a delicious month for sure.
DeleteIt sounds like you have had a lovely month. Fantastic photos! It is great that you have such a wonderful cook in your family, Alec always whips up the tastiest looking dishes!
ReplyDeleteHe really does whip up some incredible desserts.
DeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful month! Lots of lovely things to share. I can hardly believe the mouthwatering desserts your son made. You are really going to miss those treats when you are and empty nester!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteI love that you embrace your birthday and don't try to hide it under the rug. I bet you can keep yourself wonderfully busy without the boys...you have great hobbies that keep you sharp and give you purpose.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
Definitely not! My husband was giving me grief jokingly about having to take me out to dinner the week of my birthday when his gift includes a dinner out in Sept. as well but I told him I'm totally worth it and absolutely deserving of being extra spoiled. LOL
DeleteWhat a wonderful month you had! The cheesecake and rolled baklava look delicious! I have a feeling you will have no problem filling your days.
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
Aw, thank you!
DeleteOh my! Alec's dessert! To die for. I love your carry forward goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWhat a treat to have a baker/chef in the house!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is!
DeleteI need a son who makes me delicious desserts because he's bored. :).
ReplyDeleteIt can be tough on the old waistline! LOL
DeleteWhat a fun month!!! I love a botanical garden! Your son…. Wow… he is good with food!
ReplyDeleteHe really is and he just enjoys fussing over it so much.
DeleteI can imagine you have to fill your days again once the boys are off. I think it so l will be very quote.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will be quite an adjustment... for all of us.
DeleteWhat a fabulous month full of fun things you've had! That cheesecake that Alec made is stunning; I'm sure it was equally as delicious. Thanks for linking up with me today!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteYour time in Boston looks fabulous. I love aquariums! The Greek dessert looks delish! Love the flower photos.
ReplyDeleteI love aquariums too.
DeleteHappy belated birthday! Sounds like a wonderful month for you, and that cheesecake looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSuch a fab month!! I am loving those pics of the jellyfish and seahorse. Stunning!! #MMBC
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by as often as you do...Looks like you had a great July and that cheesecake looks amazing!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Aw, thank you!
DeleteOur windows looked like yours when we woke up this morning! It was a hot one! Alec's cheesecake looks beautiful! What a delicious treat!
ReplyDeleteIt really was quite a delicious treat.
DeleteIt sounds like it was such a great month!! It's smart to plan some things for when the boys head to college. It will be different but I'm sure you'll get into a new routine!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you. It really was a great month.
DeleteI have really been enjoying the photos from Alec's Greece trip that you've shared, and you don't know how much I wish I could share some of the desserts too. LOL I adore baklava and all its related versions. I don't think I've ever met a Greek dessert I didn't like.
ReplyDeleteThe botanical garden looks like a beautiful place to visit!
Yes, air conditioning is something that sustains me too and often we take it for granted. Shout out to Mr Carrier for such a wonderful invention!
Catching up on my commenting - glad you had such a wonderful July!
Right?! I love so much Greek food-- baklava, spanakopita, moussaka, etc. It looks like he ate so well the whole trip. I do NOT remember liking much of the French food we were served on our trip when I went with my high school teacher. The pastries were incredible, of course, but so many dinners were stringy/chewy cuts of meat in mystery sauces that just weren't good. I'm sure they kept us to the cheaper eateries whereas it looks like Alec's teachers made sure they good, fresh, authentic dishes.
DeleteAir conditioning has been sustaining me this month too! Whew, I went outside for 10 minutes this afternoon and already need another shower. I love that you are making a plan for a full life in the empty nest phase--and that you're including fun things in your plan too! Sometimes I have to intentionally plan those things in so that they won't get left out.
ReplyDeleteYes! It has been very hot and very muggy.
DeleteI am sure that it will feel strange to be an official empty nester, but I bet you will have no problem filling your days!
ReplyDeleteWe wont technically be empty nesters as our oldest still lives at home (at least for another year or two while he saves up) but I still think it's going to be a bit weird to be home alone all day every day... it's been 22 years since that has happened!
Delete