A September day in my life

There’s something about September that feels like a gentle reset. The mornings are cooler, the days a little shorter, and I find myself slipping into routine routines that feel both familiar and comforting. Today, I thought I’d share what a typical day looks like in my mind~the SimpleJoys, everyday moments that bring me joy. 

I usually start my mornings early. With a warm cup of tea in hand, I take a few minutes to check emails and catch up on the news. There’s something cozy about being wrapped in a sweater while the sun slowly makes its way up Mr. C and I share breakfast together. ~ nothing fancy, but always filling and made with love.

The heart of my day often revolves around small projects. This weekend I’m working on rotating out my clothes.~from summer to fall season. I also will go through and donate clothes. I’m no longer wearing..

I will also continue to work on my journal for Swap~Bot. This always helps me embrace my creativity. Taking pen of paper, Phils grounding, especially when paired with the rhythm of fall slowly settling in around me. 

Afternoons are a mix of chores and rest. Some days is kitchen, cleanup, or tackling a corner of the house; other days i’ll sit down and write letters to my penpals. I love staying connected that way putting thoughts on paper feel so much more personal than a quick message.

Evenings are slow and cozy, often a favorite show on TV and something warm for dinner. September nights carry their own kind of magic.~ The air crisp, the sky darker a little earlier, and the reminder that fall is truly here.

It may not be a glamorous day, but it’s mine~filled with little rituals, gratitude and the quiet beauty of September. 

 

Sunday Funday: shopping, sweet treats, and birthday finds.

Yesterday was the perfect Sunday Funday!  I’m headed down to Marlow at 11:30 AM, picked  up Cherrie and we headed out to Lawton Oklahoma for an adventure of shopping. Both of us were on a mission.— Birthday gift for our daughter-in-law’s. Cherrie was shopping for Haley and decided on a Victoria’s secret gift card at Central Mall. We had no idea that the mall was deserted, except for a few stores. I was shopping for Savannah and thought it would be fun to create a green-Themed gift basket filled with bath items from Bath & body Works.

Our next stops were Ollie and Ross before hunger hit. Panera bread was calling our name! I ordered the broccoli and cheese soup with half an Italian steak and mozzarella sandwich, plus a strawberry basil lemonade Fresca that was so refreshing.

Fueled up, we headed to Bath & Body Works where I picked out the Sunrise Woods collection for Savannah. The buy 3, get 3 free deal was too good to pass up, so I grabbed some Warm Vanilla Sugar products for myself—such a cozy fall scent! We also browsed 5 Below to see if I could find a few extra touches for Savannah’s basket

Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at Nothing Bundt Cakes. I grabbed two caramel apple cider cakes—fall in dessert form! By 4:30 p.m. we were back in Marlow, and I dropped Cherrie off at her truck. On my way home, I picked up Taco Mayo for Mr. C. and then called it a day.

It was such a fun outing, and I’m so glad Cherrie went with me. Best of all—I was able to get everything I needed for Savannah’s birthday gift. Mission accomplished! 

Oklahoma State Fair 2025

Jessica took Logan, Brooks, and Hattie to the Oklahoma State Fair. They were joined by Jessica’s parents, John and Sherry, along with one of Logan’s friends. It looks like they all had a great day of fun and memories!

Hattie was so cute in her sunglasses, and Brooks looked sharp dressed up as a police officer. I’m sure they walked until they were worn out, but that’s part of the fair experience. I love seeing the little ones enjoying themselves. Jessica does such a wonderful job of giving the kids new adventures and experiences.

Logan and his friend are having fun as well. I remember going to the fair at their age. Was always so much fun to explore everything the fair had to offer.

Brooks is so happy to rock his police uniform.

Hattie and Brooks getting to pick out a duck for a prize. 

Playing in the sand box was probably their highlight of the day. These smalls love playing in the dirt. Was told everyone had a great day and can’t wait to go back next year! 

 

Good Girl Gone Badd ( Badd Brothers Series #4)

By Jasinda Wilder

Fantasy Romance

Published August 3, 2017

I recently finished good girl gone bad, the fourth book and Jacinda Wilder’s BADD BROTHERS series, and it was an absolute whirlwind of passion, fnami  ily drama, and opposites-attract-chemistry.

The story follows Evangeline Du Maurier, the very definition of a “good girl.” She’s polished, comes from money, and is grown for a life of privilege-including becoming the perfect wife to a future senator. But sometimes, even the most well-behaved women need to break free. Evangeline decided to step away from her carefully laid-out path. That’s when she collides with none other than Baxter Badd.

Baxter is everything her world warns her against-rough around the edges, hard-drinking, unapologetic bad, and part of the infamous Badd brothers. He’s magnetic, raw, and completely irresistible to Evangeline. Their worlds couldn’t be more different- high society good girl versus rugged, rebellious bad boy-but the sparks, between them? Absolutely undeniable. 

This book is a fun, fast paced, and oh-so-steamy read. Wilder blends together, sizzling romance with past pain, family, expectations, and the possibility of love that defies the odds. What makes this serious stand out is that each of the Badd brothers has his own story, personality, and baggage, Which keeps the readers hooked book after book.

Good girl gone bad was particularly fun because of the intense chemistry between Eva and Baxter. It’s filled with popular romance tropes-good girl meets bad boy, opposites attract, and a touch of forbidden passion-all wrapped up in Wilders signature storytelling style.

If you love, romance with heat, drama, and unforgettable characters, then this book (and the series as whole) deserves a spot on your TBR list. Just be-it’s going to be hot in here. 🔥🔥

Perfectly Posh order has arrived!

 

Today felt a little extra special because Heather delivered my latest order from Perfectly Posh, and I couldn’t wait to open it up! There’s just something about treating yourself to a few pampering products that makes the day brighter. 

Here’s what I picked up:

BEEAUTIFUL hand crème has a honey scent.

FOAM-O Foaming face wash in Blueberries and yogurt scented. 

Two lip balms: one in BERRY BASH (a fruity pick-me-up) and the other one is called YOU STOLE MY TART (fun name, fun flavor!) 

Heather also tucked in a few extra samples, which made me smile. I received the DAILY GREENS face wash, and the SALTY DOG body wash in a pink grapefruit scent- both sound amazing and I can’t wait to use them. 

For anyone new to Posh, their company that makes a wide range of pampering products from mask and moisturizer to body washes and scrubs. Many other items featured nourishing ingredients like Shea, butter, aloe vera and essential oils. The benefits? Hydrated skin, a refreshed complexion, and that little moment of self-care we all need. 

I’ve really enjoyed using different Posh face washes and mask in the past, and this new batch is just adding to my favorites. If you’re curious to try them too, I definitely recommend checking out Heather‘s Facebook page, POSH QUEEN PAMPERING. She’s wonderful at helping you find products that fit your skincare needs. 

I’m so grateful that Heather has returned to selling Posh-It’s been one of my favorite brands for years, And it’s always exciting to discover new scents and products. 

Sometimes, its the little luxuries that make life feel extra sweet 💕💕

Charlie Kirk Tribute

                      

                                 Charlie Kirk

 Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk — a bold advocate, devoted husband and father, and a fiercely passionate voice for faith, freedom, and the future.

Early Life & Rise

Charlie James Kirk was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois in 1993. From the very beginning, he showed an early hunger for civic engagement, organizing, debating, and speaking out on issues that stirred him. He briefly attended Harper College, but found his calling in activism — believing that change comes not from classrooms alone, but from bold engagement in the public square.

In 2012, at just eighteen years old, Charlie co-founded Turning Point USA, a student movement devoted to promoting free markets, limited government, and individual liberty on high school and college campuses across the country. Under his leadership, this organization grew from a few passionate young people into a major force in youth politics and cultural conversation.

Charlie also authored multiple books, was often seen on national media, and built a platform that allowed him to reach millions — always returning, throughout all his work, to what he once said: that younger generations deserve to be heard, to be empowered, and to own a hand in the future.

Core Beliefs & Impact

What made Charlie stand apart was his willingness to say what others hesitated. He took part in heated culture war debates. He challenged prevailing narratives about education, public policy, and the role of government. He believed that faith and civic responsibility were deeply intertwined — that his Christian convictions compelled him not just to worship, but to serve, to organize, to mobilize.

Through Turning Point USA, he initiated programs like Turning Point Faith and Turning Point Academy, reaching religious communities, collaborating with congregations, and developing curricula and civic education that emphasized his vision of what he saw as “biblical citizenship.” He often talked about “Prove Me Wrong” style events — setting up a chair, inviting questions, engaging in open debate with students. He saw those moments not as political theater, but as vital sparks for dialogue.  

Family & Heart

Behind every public speech, every rally, every book, was Charlie the husband and the father. He married Erica (Erika Frantzve in real life) in 2021 — a woman of faith and service, herself engaged in her own work in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Together they were blessed with two young children, a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.

To Erica, Charlie was more than a partner in public life — he was a confidante, someone who shared dreams, burdens, laughter and faith. To his children, he was a dad who loved fiercely, who wanted them to learn truth and kindness, courage and compassion. He often spoke of his children in public, saying that fatherhood had taught him more than anything else: which values truly matter, and how legacy is not built in speeches alone, but in small everyday acts of  love.  

In His Final Moments & Legacy

On September 10, 2025, Charlie was speaking at a Turning Point event on a college campus when tragedy struck. He was taken from us much too soon. His passing has shaken many — not only those who agreed with him, but many who disagreed. Because regardless of politics, anyone who knew his love for his country, his family, his faith, and his sense of mission knows that a life lived with conviction is a life not wasted.

Charlie’s legacy will endure in many ways:

• In the students he inspired to speak up rather than sit silent.
• In the networks he built, that will continue to organize, train, and empower.
• In the ideals he staked his life on: liberty, responsibility, faith under pressure.
• In the weekly routines, the family dinners, the bedtime stories with Erica and the kids — for those who met him personally, that was where his real strength came through.  

A Closing Reflection

We honor Charlie Kirk today not just by remembering what he said, but by reflecting on what his life challenged us to become: more courageous, more rooted, more humane. We mourn what is lost — the speeches not yet spoken, the books not yet written, the children’s first steps he wished to see — but we also commit: that his voice will not be silent.

Rest in peace, Charlie. Your work, your vision, your love — they remain with us.

Autumn‘s Sweetest Ingredient: Apples!

Nothing says fall quite like apples. Crisp, sweet, and perfectly in season, they’re one of the most versatile ingredients for cozy recipes this time of year. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply enjoying them as a snack, apples bring that warm, nostalgic feeling of autumn right to the table.

This September, I’ve been inspired to explore more apple-based recipes beyond the classics. Of course, apple pie and apple cider donuts will always have a special place in my heart, but I’ve also discovered how delicious apples can be in savory dishes. Recipes like homemade apple butter, apple and cranberry roasted chicken, and even pork chops with apples have been catching my attention lately.

I’ll admit, I’ve never been much of a “cook with apples” type of person outside of desserts. But as I get older, I find myself wanting to branch out and experiment more in the kitchen. And since apple season is here, it feels like the perfect time to try something new.

A Little Background on Apples

Apples have been around for thousands of years and are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. In fact, there are over 7,500 varieties grown globally! From the tart bite of a Granny Smith to the sweet crunch of a Honeycrisp, each variety brings its own unique flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Apples have long symbolized abundance, harvest, and even comfort—which makes them such a natural fit for fall cooking.

So whether you’re whipping up a batch of apple cider donuts or experimenting with apples in a savory roast, these recipes remind us of the beauty of cooking with seasonal ingredients. Apples aren’t just for pie—they’re for adding warmth, flavor, and a little joy to everyday meals.