Thoughts for Thursday Archives - Home of Malones

Reading, Listening & Watching

annieamalone@gmail.com — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:35:41 +0000

I haven’t don’t one of these since last year and I always love seeing what people are listening, reading and watching; so since we finally have seen a couple of new shows that have been decent, I thought I would do a round-up! I’ve also read a few new books that I will touch on and a couple of podcasts that I throw into the mix from time to time. I always love seeing what other people are watching and reading, so feel free to share your favorites in the comments for all of us to read!

Reading

The Paradise Problem

I absolutely loved this book and thought it was so entertaining even if it felt a little far fetched at times. Sometimes romance books just fall short for me, but this one is steamy and fun!

Middle of the Night

When I first started this one, I thought I was going to like it; but it started going way out there and then got into the supernatural and it just lost me. I did make myself finish it, but it was not a favorite of mine.

A Happier Life

I have enjoyed all of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s novels that she’s written throughout the years based in the South. This book follows Keaton Smith who is desperate for a fresh start after a breakup and moves back to Beaufort, SC to help sell her Mom’s childhood home after her grandparents passing. It’s a cute story on romance, family, love, a little mystery and the secrets we keep. I would recommend picking this up for an easy read.

Sandwich

I listened to this audiobook and it was a really quick read. This is a story about Rocky, a middle aged woman learning to let go. Every year, Rocky’s family takes a summer vacation for a week to Cape Cod. Rocky is now dealing with menopause and being a Mom to grown kids and aging parents as she is “sandwiched” in the middle. The story flashes back to the past and touches on family secrets, motherhood, marriage and adult kids. Honestly, it would probably be more relatable as a fifty something woman and I just wasn’t crazy about this one.

Listening

Let’s Be Honest by Kristin Cavallari

I enjoy listening to her podcasts! I think it brings me back to my love for her during Laguna Beach. She touches on all different types of topics and is known for her complete honesty! Pick and choose a few topics that look appealing to you and try it out!

Betrayal Weekly

I hadn’t listened to Betrayal in awhile and I came back around to it and found that they launched a weekly series. The stories are all about Betrayal and this weekly series is just short one or two episode stories!

Watching

Presumed Innocent

If you aren’t watching this one, go start it tonight!! This is on Apple TV and both Matt and I loved it. It’s a short series based on a novel and its a murder mystery that has lots of great twists and turns.

Simone Biles

This is her documentary on Netflix that I have been watching by myself and really enjoyed getting a behind the scenes look at her life between the last olympics 4 years ago and this one. If you enjoyed watching Simone’s gymnastics in the Olympics, you may enjoy this documentary.

Bad Monkey

I am a huge Vince Vaughn fan and this is a new series on Apple TV that is a bit of a quirky, comedy and murder mystery. They are releasing one new episode each week and they have 3 episodes out right now. Matt and I are both enjoying it for something fun to watch.

Hacks

This is an HBO series that has 3 seasons out and another one on the way. I think it was released in 2021, so we are a little late to the game on it. But the episodes are short and they have some pretty good humor. Its based in Las Vegas and Deborah Vance, a legendary stand up comedy diva, is about to lose her headliner spot at the Palmetto Casino and needs to re-invent her act to stay young and relevant. That is where 25 year old Ava Daniels steps in to help her write new material and we get to watch the banter and cute chemistry between the two.

Monsieur Spade

This is a Netflix series starring Clive Owen who I really like. Matt and I are both watching this and I would say he likes it a little more than I do. Clive Owen plays Sam Spade, a private detective in France, as they investigate the murders of 6 nuns at a local convent. There are some subtitles throughout the show, but not the entire thing.

Have you been watching anything great on TV lately??

I saw a new season of Emily in Paris was released, so I will probably start that next for my show I watch without Matt!

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What I Watched, Listened and Read While Recovering from Surgery

annieamalone@gmail.com — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:00:48 +0000

While I was down and out from my surgery, I thought it would be fun to share what I was watching, listening to and reading. I had one week after surgery that I really had to lay low and by week two, I was doing a little more; but I still couldn’t exercise and go in the boat, water, etc. So I got to enjoy some extra time watching TV or reading a little more than usual. I am always looking for new things to read, watch or listen to; so I thought this would be fun to share.

Watched

Kim & Kanye

I watched this on HBO one of my first few days after surgery and I am pretty sure that I was drifting in and out of sleep. But it was just a couple of episodes and goes through the turmoil of their divorce. I’m not sure it really taught me anything new, but I did give it a watch.

Swamp Kings

This one was so fun for me! This is a documentary on Netflix all about University of Florida football during the Tim Tebow era. Well, these were the years that I was at University of Florida so it made it so fun to watch! They film a lot of Urban Meyer and discuss what it was like winning multiple National Championships. There is a lot of cussing from all these football players, so watch out for little ears. But I think any of you around my age range, could remember some of these times.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

I enjoyed watching the newest season that was released on Amazon Prime. I seemed to be a little less into this season than I was the others. I really loved the first two seasons. This is still a great coming-of-age series that sucked me right in.

Original Parent Trap

Since I was not able to do a lot with the kids the first week or so, the girls had fun snuggling up in my bed and watching a movie with me. We have always loved the Parent Trap, but this time I made them watch the original. I loved it so much and they liked it too even though I think they would both say they like the newer version better.

Freaky Friday

We had fun watching this one. I hadn’t watched this movie in years and the kids really enjoyed it. Even Brody came into the room and sat down and watched for awhile.

Listened

None of This is True

I listened to this on Audible and I would say it is very interesting and twisted, but I honestly finished it and just was unsure how I felt about the ending. I can’t give things away, so you will just have to read if it’s been on your list.

Just Ignore It

If you know Liz Adams (@lizadams) as an influencer and blogger, she started a podcast called Just Ignore It with her husband and each week on Friday they release a new podcast on different subjects. Its super cute and a fun listen. They have a cute banter and keep things fun and they are a pretty short listen…usually 25 minutes or so.

How’d She Do That – Hunter Bell, Morgan Smith of Minnow Swim, and Sheridan French

I have been listening to Emily Landry’s podcast for awhile. She’s been doing this for 3 years where she interviews amazing women from all over who have become incredible entrepreneurs. These are 3 recent episodes that she has released with all women and brands that I use and love regularly, I loved hearing their stories.

Preppy Podcast – Tela Mercantile

The preppy podcast is hosted by Patricia Maristch (she also owns Pique PR company) and does a great job interviewing brands, businesses and influencers. She interviewed Sarah, the owner of Tela Mercantile, who I have only learned about in the last couple of months. She designs luxury kaftans that are just fabulous and one size fits all. I always love hearing how these entrepreneurs got started.

Read

I don’t want to give too much away on these books I read while I was down because I will recap them on my book reviews. I am still finishing The Silent Patient, but I did finish The Many Lives of Mama Love and I absolutely can’t recommend it enough. I loved this one. It’s a great memoir and heartfelt story. I would absolutely tell you to grab it!

The Many Lives of Mama Love

The Silent Patient

What have you been listening, watching, reading?? I would love to hear in the comments.

The post What I Watched, Listened and Read While Recovering from Surgery appeared first on Home of Malones.

Thoughts for Thursday

annieamalone@gmail.com — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:00:42 +0000

Hi Ya’ll!! I feel like it has been years since I have written a Thoughts for Thursday post. I am so sorry we have been gone for so long, but life got busy and we had to give it little break. Natalie and I have had so much fun with this link-up for several years and honestly, these were always my favorite post to write. My last post I wrote was in October and I talk about my new life with three kids! So fun to look back on.

I know you girls always find these post the most relatable and they are just a fun recap of life and casual brain dump! So here is my life lately.

I got to stop by Emily Ley’s house this week during her big Launch Week when all of her 8 Simplified employees were all in town together. They were so much fun to meet and all so precious!! Loved seeing the amazing company she has put together over the last 11 years. Now I am just lucky enough that she only lives 5 minutes away from me and I get to call her an in-real life friend! She truly couldn’t be sweeter! And is exactly what you see on social media

My dress

I had to make sure they had plenty of champagne to get through launch day!

I shared what I use on a daily basis from Simplied. I used to be a Daily Planner girl, but for 2019, I changed to the weekly and I have been LOVING it. It just travels well with me because I am often throwing it in my bag to head to the coffee shop or out for errands. I also keep an easy notebook with me to keep all my longer to do list and blog notes in. I have just found that this is what works well for me!

Madelyn came in our bedroom last Thursday night with a yucky cough and a fever. We headed to the doctor the next morning and she had pneumonia. It was crazy. It felt like it came out of no where. Then she started breaking out in a really bad rash and its been going on for days. It’s so sad. Anyway, I wish I could say it’s been all love and snuggles, but mommming a sick kid is hard!! One minute she’s okay and then she’s so irritable. Lots of whining and crying and I’ve just been trying to put my best Mom foot forward

On another note, I can’t speak highly enough of this dress (and I love that it has a mini version too). I love these colors and the dress is super comfortable and easy to throw on.

My Dress // Madelyn’s Dress

Look at this poor rash

I have still been doing the Faster Way to Fat Loss program and am about to finish up with ROUND TWO! I honestly can’t believe it. I have never kept with something for over 12 weeks before. It has felt so good. I am hoping to give you guys a full recap of the program sometime this weekend. Maybe even tomorrow. My coach is starting a new round on Monday, April 8th! I have done two rounds now and have signed up for the VIP program. I wrote a FAQ post and my experience with round one, here.

I made this Soy Glazed Salmon from Martha Stewart for a low-carb day and served it with an Asian Cobb salad.

If you didn’t know, Jimmy Johns will let you order any of their sub sandwiches as an “Unwich” which means no bread and they wrap it up in lettuce for you! So good. I am a Turkey Tom girl!

Does anyone else feel like they put all the work into letting their kids have a fun “creative” experience and it lasts for five minutes and then ONE HUGE MESS!! haha. I know that’s parenthood but geez!

So you guys have been so amazing with the feedback on this AMAZON LOOKS FOR LESS post that I decided it would be so much fun to give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one follower that tags @HomeOfMalones in one of your instastories wearing or opening up your new item from this post! I will choose a winner on Good Friday!

Amazon Post

Lastly, I got the cutest Palm Leaf earrings from Shop Hudson Carter and they are only $18. They have so many cute earrings at great prices!

Thank you guys again for coming by and hopefully you will link up with Natalie and I today. We love hearing from all of you on Thoughts for Thursday. The beauty is that you can write about absolutely anything!!

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Thoughts for Thursday | Life Lately

annieamalone@gmail.com — Thu, 10 May 2018 11:00:36 +0000

Hi friends!! I’ve missed out on so many Thoughts for Thursdays this year that I can’t help but apologize! I’m so thankful for my girls Natalie and Owen for keeping the link-up alive!! I miss being a part of it and hope to start bringing my A-game back to this blog! I appreciate all of you not giving up on me

Last week, I tagged along on my husbands work trip over to Biloxi, MS. It was a one night trip and we left the kiddos at home. Matt and I lived over in that area (Ocean Springs, MS) for two years back in 2009-2011. We still have friends that live over there and Matt still works over there from time to time. I was excited to go back and catch up with old friends and stay at one of my favorite hotels, The Beau Rivage.

We went over on a Tuesday night. Matt had a work dinner, so I was able to steal my friend Hayden for dinner at one of my favorite old restaurants, Chef Scotts. I went to her house before dinner to give her precious little girls a big hug! She is pregnant with her third too and we’re due just one week apart!!

On Wednesday, Matt was working all day, so I indulged in a prenatal massage and relaxed at the pool. It was such a fun “me day.” The weather was gorgeous and my massage was so relaxing. I had access to the spa all day, so even though I had to check out of my hotel room, I was able to use the spa to shower up after the pool and do a little more relaxing.

How awesome is this set up they did for the Kentucky Derby??? All the flowers around the hotel are breaktaking. Total Hydrangea heaven!

Before we had left for our trip over to Mississippi, we had an ultrasound appointment with my OB. It was so much fun to see the baby. Look at this little profile picture…she looks like a real baby!

The kids also had their Spring School photos that I totally just melted over. I don’t know how these photographers get them to smile and sit so still together. The leg cross and the hands touching is just too precious.

Madelyns Dress | Shoes | Brodys Shirt (old Vineyard Vines)

The weather has been absolutely amazing the last couple of weeks. We have had warm days without all the rain! Its been so nice to be outside with the kiddos. I often get asked where I shop for my kids clothes. I honestly shop at lots of different places, but one of the places I’ve been shopping the longest is Smocked Auctions. They have the most precious smocked clothing for boys and girls with tons of options for matching sets! The prices are awesome and I can’t count the number of Jon Jons I purchased for Brody here when he was little. This was my favorite place to grab them. It brings tears to my eyes that my Jon Jon days are completely over But, I still do love these sweet smocked short and shirt sets. They also have the best options for any holiday sets you are looking for! Memorial Day and 4th of July are around the corner and I love all of the patriotic options. I love this for Brody and this for Madelyn.

Brodys Shirt | Shorts | Madelyns Outfit (all c/0 Smocked Auctions)

I hope you are having a wonderful week and some FUN Mother’s Day plans ahead!!

Grab the button below and link up to Annie, Natalie and Owen on your Thoughts for Thursday post.

Use #thoughtsforthursdays on Instagram and tag us @homeofmalones , @eastcoastnat and @mrsordavis. Link up starts at 7 am EST.

Home of Malones and East Coast Chic and Davis Duo

The post Thoughts for Thursday | Life Lately appeared first on Home of Malones.

Thoughts for Thursday

annieamalone@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:00:58 +0000

I haven’t done a good old fashion Thoughts for Thursday brain dump with you guys in such a long time! These used be some of my favorite posts to write and read which is how we came up with this Thoughts for Thursday link-up in the first place! Today is just a random array of things that have been happening this week, so here goes…

+ Tuesday was school picture day for the kids and they were looking too cute all dressed up. Brody had just gotten a haircut and everyone commented on how much older he looked! Makes me tear up a little!!

+ It was Teacher Appreciation week this week and I managed to get myself together to put together a few cute ideas. I literally just went to Pinterest and searched “teacher appreciate gifts” and found these free printable. I put a maple bacon doughnut in each bag and the pens I found 40% off at Office Depot. Do you do things for teacher appreciate week? I swear I don’t ever remember doing this in the past!

Doughnut Printable | Write Printable

+ I posted these photos on Instastories joking about the fact that this is what the kids lunches looked like at the beginning of the school year and now they look like the other photo below. You guys seemed to get a kick out of that and many could relate. I wrote this post about toddler lunch ideas at the beginning of this school year, but it all just becomes exhausting after awhile. Mostly, I became sick and tired of cleaning out these damn bento boxes every single day. Brody has actually asked me for his bento box back because he likes having all the variety. Then I really felt like Mom of the year for packing him the lazy, unhealthy lunch

+ Since I started feeling like myself this week, I started getting the nesting/Spring cleaning bug. I have so much sorting, organizing and donating that needs to get done that its kind of overwhelming! I started in Madelyn’s room with some new drawer organizers from The Container Store. I sorted through a bunch of items that she had grown out of and organized her drawers a little better. It felt great!

+ A big reason that I really need to start getting organized is because before this new baby comes, Brody and Madelyn will have to move into a bedroom together! They are going to move into Brody’s twin beds. I am not all that worried about them sharing a room because I think they will actually have fun with it, but I’m more worried about how I’m going to put both of their clothes in that closet!!! So I need to make sure I’ve really narrowed down their clothes to just what they can wear and pack up anything else! Does anyone else have experience with their young kids sharing rooms together? Brody will have just turned five and Madelyn almost three when we move them in together.

+ Also because I’ve been feeling better, I started cooking again!!! It feels amazing! I cooked a delicious tomato pie this week and also my favorite honey lime chicken enchiladas. Total comfort food, but that’s okay!!

+ Liz over at Pure Joy Home posted this cute worksheet from her son on her instastories this week. Her son is in Pre-K just like Brody. I thought this was such a great worksheet and was excited to checkout the website listed on the top – www.worksheetfun.com. It has TONS of free printable worksheets for all elementary school grades that you can teach with. I picked a few and printed them out for Brody and he really enjoyed them.

+ On the topic of school, I know I’ve talked or asked about this somewhere over the last year; but we have finally made the decision to “redshirt” Brody for next year. Basically that just means since he has a late summer birthday, he will wait one more year before he goes to Kindergarten. Sarah Tucker wrote a great post on this yesterday with lots of great reader comments! I feel very lucky because at Brody’s pre-school, they actually offer a half-day Kindergarten class which I think will be the perfect transition for him. So instead of him having to repeat Pre-K4 again next Fall, he will be in a small class (maybe 10 kids) of Kindergartens that just go from 9am-1pm! I think it’s a win-win! Have you had to make the decision to “redshirt” your kid in preschool??

+ Well thats a wrap, friends!!! I hope you link-up with us and bounce around to some new blogs to read! It feels good to be back this week. I can’t believe I actually got 3 posts up this week!

Grab the button below and link up to Annie, Natalie and Owen on your Thoughts for Thursday post.

Use #thoughtsforthursdays on Instagram and tag us @homeofmalones , @eastcoastnat and @mrsordavis. Link up starts at 7 am EST.

Home of Malones and East Coast Chic and Davis Duo

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