Thursday Vibes

Thursday Check-In: Beating the Heat & Checking Things Off My List

Good morning, friends!

Grab a cup of coffee and come sit with me for a few minutes.

It’s going to be another scorcher here in Oklahoma today, with temperatures expected to reach around 107 degrees. Summer is definitely making its presence known! Thankfully, my employer has been letting us wear shorts all week because the air conditioning in our building hasn’t been working properly. They have also placed large stand-up fans throughout nearly every aisle, which has made a huge difference. I even keep a small fan on my desk. Not only does it help keep me cool, but it also creates a little background noise that helps drown out some of the conversations around me while I’m working.

I can’t believe we’re already to Thursday. The weekend is finally in sight!

After work this evening, I’ll be making a quick trip to Walmart to pick up some of Landon’s back-to-school supplies. Brody and Savannah have already purchased quite a bit from his school list, so we just wanted to help out with a few of the remaining items. I looked everything up online this morning, and our total should be around $63, which isn’t bad at all. We’re also planning to pick up a few classroom donation items like cotton balls, sidewalk chalk, colored copy paper, and a few other miscellaneous supplies that teachers always seem to need.

I still need to buy back-to-school outfits for Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max. I’m thinking Old Navy will probably be my weekend destination since I’ve always had good luck finding clothes for them there.

Today’s To-Do List

1. Fill my weekly pill organizer so I stay on track with taking my medications every morning.
2. Finish my July journal before the month comes to an end.
3. Continue sorting through the tote bags in my sunroom, especially the ones filled with old paperwork that needs to be shredded or tossed.
4. Stop by Burger King after work and pick up dinner for Mr. C and me.
5. Focus on getting 10 saves at work today so I can finish the month strong.

I’ve also been spending some time looking over my budget, and I realized I owe a little more on my vehicle than I originally thought. The balance is down to about $790, though, so I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

The best financial news this week is that I canceled two subscriptions that I really wasn’t using anymore. That will save us about $100 every month, and that money can now go toward more important goals.

One of those goals is paying down my credit card debt. I really don’t want to head into retirement with debt hanging over my head. I’ve struggled with finances at different times throughout my life, and while I’ve come a long way, I know I still have work to do. That’s okay, though. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one step, one payment, and one good decision at a time.

That’s what I’m focusing on today.

Easy Vanilla Caramel Iced Coffee ☕

If you’re trying to stay cool, here’s one of my favorite easy iced coffee recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled strong coffee or cold brew
• ½ cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice
• Whipped cream (optional)

Simply fill a glass with ice, pour in the coffee, milk, caramel, and vanilla, then stir well. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling a little fancy. It tastes like a coffee shop treat without the coffee shop price!

Well, I’d better get ready for work. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday! Stay hydrated, try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day if you can, and remember that even the smallest step toward your goals is still progress.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little part of your morning with me. I always appreciate your visits.

Cheers,

Karen

Grocery Shopping with Nancy

 

If we were sitting together with a cup of coffee this morning, I’d have so much to tell you because this weekend was one of those weekends that filled my heart to overflowing.

On Saturday, my childhood friend Nancy and I headed to Oklahoma City for a much-needed girls’ day. First stop? Dollar Tree! I needed a gift bag and a birthday card for Sophie’s birthday party on Sunday. Of course, I also had one very important mission: finding those famous TikTok pens that everyone keeps talking about. Sadly, they weren’t there this time, but I have a feeling I’ll keep looking!

Next, we wandered through Burlington, and I found the cutest little dress for Sophie. I couldn’t leave empty-handed without grabbing a couple of things for myself too. I picked up my favorite Not Your Mother’s shampoo for only $8.99 (which felt like a steal these days!) and some Right Guard for Women for just $3.99. I love it when practical purchases feel like bargain victories.

Then we somehow managed to spend more at Dollar Tree than we originally planned…imagine that! I grabbed apple juice for Brody’s bunch because those boys can go through juice like it’s an Olympic sport. I also found zero-sugar Watermelon Monster drinks for only $1 each. Now that’s what I call a happy surprise!

By lunchtime we were starving, so we stopped for pho. Nancy ordered one of the noodle bowls, and I went with chicken fried rice. Now, let me just say…Nancy absolutely enjoyed her meal, but I quickly realized pho probably isn’t my thing. I need my meat to look like it has introduced itself to a grill or a skillet somewhere along the way. That beautifully simmered beef just wasn’t convincing enough for me. I think I’ll happily stick with fried rice!

Our biggest adventure of the day was WinCo. It was my very first visit, and wow—that place is huge! It felt like pushing a shopping cart through an airport terminal. I spent a couple of hours working through my grocery list. Some prices were much cheaper than what I normally pay at Crest in Norman, especially the meat department, while other items were about the same or even a little higher. Overall, though, I left pretty impressed and will definitely be making another trip.

Before heading home, we made one last stop at Aldi in Chickasha so I could buy everything for Sophie’s birthday charcuterie board. Let’s just say I walked in thinking, “I’ll only need a few things,” and walked out about $50 later. Isn’t it amazing how cheese can quietly empty your wallet? I figured I’d rather have too much than not enough, so I may have gone just a tiny bit overboard.

Once we finally made it home, Nancy headed back to her house while Mr. C and I unloaded what felt like enough groceries to feed a small town. Thankfully, we got everything put away in record time.

Then came the best surprise of the entire day.

Lane and Landon came to spend the night!

It had been quite a while since Lane had stayed with us, and honestly, I can’t even remember if Landon had ever spent the night before. We had the sweetest evening together. I got down on the floor with Lane and built all kinds of creations with the magnetic blocks while Landon climbed up beside me on the loveseat for some much-needed Nana cuddles.

Mr. C had picked up two sets of magnetic blocks a while back, and we weren’t sure how much the boys would enjoy them. Let’s just say they were a huge hit! They stayed entertained for hours, and seeing their imaginations at work was worth every penny.

I headed to bed before everyone else, but I think Landon finally drifted off around 10:30, while Lane held out until almost 11:00. They made themselves comfortable on the living room couch since the guest room gets a little warm during these Oklahoma summers.

Before I called it a night, I tackled one last project. I started cutting all of the cheese for Sunday’s charcuterie board into different shapes and slices. It took a little while, but I was so glad to have that job finished before my head hit the pillow.

By the end of the day, my feet were tired, my refrigerator was full, my heart was even fuller, and I was reminded once again that the very best weekends aren’t always the relaxing ones—they’re the ones filled with friends, family, laughter, and a little too much cheese.

I’d call that a pretty perfect Saturday.

#CoffeeWithKaren #WeekendRecap #NanaLife #GirlsDayOut #OklahomaLiving #GroceryAdventures #MakingMemories #CharcuterieFun #GrandkidGiggles #BlessedBeyondMeasure

Staying Intentional with Decluttering

 

Friday Coffee Chat: Little Changes, Big Progress

Happy Friday, friends!

Can you believe this week is already coming to an end? It honestly feels like it just started. Thankfully, work yesterday was fairly slow, which made the day go by a little easier. I finished with 10 saves. My goal was 12, so I fell a little short, but I’m still grateful for the 10 that I was able to help.

Lately, it seems like my job has become a little more challenging. With the economy, job losses, and families trying to cut every expense they can, I completely understand why people have to make difficult financial decisions. At the same time, I truly believe in the service we offer because I’ve seen how much it has helped people over the years. Sometimes it’s just about planting a seed and hoping it helps someone down the road.

One thing that has brought me so much peace this week has been digital decluttering. I’ve also been working through paperwork, and I can honestly tell a difference in how much calmer my mind feels. It’s amazing how getting rid of little bits of clutter—whether it’s around the house or inside my phone—can make such a big impact.

So far this week I’ve accomplished:

1. Unsubscribed from five email lists.
2. Deleted more unnecessary screenshots from my phone.
3. Wrote two cancellation letters to eliminate monthly expenses.
4. Finished my IRS paperwork and updated my direct deposit information.

Speaking of those cancellation letters…

After work yesterday, I stopped by my chiropractic appointment. I’ve really enjoyed getting adjusted, and it’s definitely helped my back and sciatic nerve. Right now my membership is about $80 a month, which includes four visits. As much as I like it, I’m trying to be intentional with every dollar I spend, so I handed them my cancellation letter while I was there.

The chiropractor mentioned they have some lower-cost plans that we can discuss over my remaining visits. I may end up switching to something that allows me to come once or twice a month instead. I still want to take care of my health while also making smart financial decisions.

I also received confirmation that my Minifig subscription has been canceled, which will save me another $20 each month. Every little bit adds up!

Then came the surprise of the day…

When I got home, I found a letter from the IRS in my mailbox. I immediately thought, “Oh great…what did I do now?” I assumed maybe I owed additional taxes since I had already heard back from the state earlier this year.

Instead, the letter explained that I had forgotten to include my banking information for direct deposit! They simply needed me to log in through ID.me, scan the QR code they provided, and enter my account information so they could send my refund.

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

The refund is only about $249, but I’ll gladly take it! It should arrive within the next couple of weeks, and I’ve already decided exactly where it’s going.

Straight to my Jeep payment.

Between that refund, my regular payments, and the small work bonus I’ll receive in August, I’m getting so close to paying my Jeep completely off. Right now I only owe about $1,290, and my goal is to make two larger payments in July and August, with the remaining balance paid in September—or sooner if I’m able to send in a little extra.

That feels incredibly exciting.

This afternoon after work I’m planning to add more family photos to my digital picture frame and spend some time learning more about my electronic calendar. I want to start using it for my weekly menus, appointments, and daily to-do lists so it becomes a tool I actually use instead of just another gadget sitting on the counter.

Little by little, I’m creating a life that feels less cluttered, less stressful, and much more intentional. It isn’t happening overnight, but every email I unsubscribe from, every drawer I clean out, every debt I pay down, and every small decision I make is moving me closer to the peaceful life I’m working toward.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me today. I always enjoy our coffee chats, and I hope your Friday is filled with a few small victories of your own.

Talk to you later!

Cheers, Karen

Been sick this week!

 

Some weeks just don’t go according to plan, and this one definitely threw me a curveball.

Tuesday morning, I made it to work thinking I could push through whatever was going on. Well…my body had other ideas. By about 7:45 that morning, I was sitting at my desk feeling absolutely miserable. I was so sick that I actually started crying. My boss came over and asked what was wrong, and all I could say was, “I’m so sick.”

She took one look at me and told me to go home and not worry about work. She also asked me to let her know around 2:00 that afternoon how I was feeling so she could decide whether I needed to stay home on Wednesday. I was so out of it that I had Mr. C wake me up around 1:45 so I could figure out if I was capable of functioning. The answer was a definite “No.” I sent Sherry a message letting her know I still wasn’t feeling well, and Wednesday became another day of rest.

Getting older has definitely taught me one thing. At 59 years old, I don’t get sick very often, but when I do…I don’t do anything halfway. If my body is going to have a virus, it apparently wants the deluxe package. My stomach was rolling, I was nauseated, and I had a pounding headache in my left temple that just would not let up. Tylenol didn’t seem to make much of a difference, and honestly, I couldn’t even think straight enough to decide if I should call Dr. Angie.

When I left work Tuesday morning, I called Mr. C, and yes…I was crying. He immediately offered to come get me, along with Brody, but I told him not to. They were already at Brody and Savannah’s because Mr. C was planning to watch Lane while Brody, Savannah, Sophie, and Landon went to Landon’s doctor’s appointment.

I just wanted to get home as quickly as I could and crawl into bed.

Even though I told him there wasn’t anything he could do for me and that he should stay where he was, he came home anyway. They simply took Lane along with them to the doctor’s appointment instead.

That’s just who he is.

I felt bad because it completely changed his plans for the day, but he told me he wanted to be home in case I needed anything. I am so incredibly blessed to have a husband who always thinks about everyone else before himself. He takes such good care of me, and I never take that for granted.

By Wednesday morning, I was finally beginning to feel a little better, although that stubborn headache was still hanging around like an unwanted houseguest who couldn’t take a hint. I spent most of the day in bed because I simply had no energy. Thankfully, by this morning—Thursday, July 2—I finally feel like myself again.

Today is our work potluck before everyone enjoys the Fourth of July holiday. Ironically, I was the one who suggested we have one! My original plan was to make my famous piña colada cake, but after spending two days sick, I figured my coworkers probably wouldn’t appreciate me showing up saying, “Don’t worry…I only sneezed on it once!” 😂

So I pivoted.

Instead of baking, I’m bringing a supreme pizza from Casey’s, along with some festive sugar cookies, plates, napkins, and silverware in navy blue to give everything a little Fourth of July feel.

This morning Mr. C asked if I was taking my insulated lunch bag to work. I decided against it because sometimes simplifying life is the best decision. I packed a little fruit cup, a Zero Sugar Monster, a Zero Sugar Cherry Dr Pepper, and a bottle of water. Ice is free in the break room, so if my drinks get warm, I’ll survive.

My goal today is simple: make lots of saves, enjoy lunch with my coworkers, and ease back into normal life.

After work, I’m finally getting my nails done—which is long overdue—and then I’m stopping by Johnny’s Restaurant to pick up dinner. Mr. C wants chicken fried steak, and I’m planning on ordering a club sandwich. The best part? We’ll both have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Sometimes life reminds us that our plans can change in a heartbeat. Thankfully, good people, a little rest, and a lot of grace can help get us back on our feet.

Here’s hoping the rest of the holiday weekend is full of fireworks, good food, and absolutely no surprise viruses!

Decluttering and refreshing the house.

  Making Our House Feel Like Home Again: A Productive Weekend Full of Progress & Family Time

I cannot believe it is already Monday! Where did the weekend go? I feel like I had such a productive weekend, but at the same time, I made sure I had plenty of time for family and just enjoying being home. Those are the weekends I really love — getting things accomplished but not feeling like I missed out on the important moments.

Today is going to be a good day. Of course, I am headed to work, and then after work I am going to stop by Grandpa Kendall’s for a few minutes. On my way home, I will make a quick grocery store stop for the essentials… which right now are just milk, bread, and taco seasoning. But we all know how that grocery list works — somehow by 5 p.m. it usually grows into a few more things that I “didn’t know we needed.” 😂

This weekend was all about making progress around the house, but also making memories with the people I love.

Saturday, Mr. C and I worked in our bedroom. We took down all the curtains and blackout curtains from our huge bedroom window and replaced with new red curtains. I changed out the bedding and put on our new floral bedding that has black, red, mauve, and pink colors in it. I absolutely love how it changed the feel of the room.

Of course, after putting it all together, I realized I needed more curtains. I had only bought two panels, and that just wasn’t enough for that big window. So, I ordered four more red curtain panels. I told Mr. C that I wasn’t sure they would really show up the very next day, but guess what? They did! They arrived Sunday, and I was pretty impressed.

We cleaned the bedroom really well, and while it is not completely finished, it already looks and feels so much better. It is amazing what a few changes can do.

Sunday was toy room day. Oh goodness… we went through so many toys. We sorted, cleaned, and got rid of toys that were broken, missing pieces, or just not being used anymore. It feels so much lighter in there now.

We do plan on buying some new toys, but we are going to be watching for sales and being more intentional about what comes into the room. We also decided we are going to get a new toy box because the one we currently have has definitely seen better days. It should arrive Thursday.

But before we got too deep into our cleaning, I made sure to take some time for family.

Around 10 o’clock Sunday morning, I left the house and headed over to Redbud Park in Marlow to meet up with Michelle, Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max at the splash pad. I stayed a little over an hour just enjoying seeing the kiddos, watching them play, and soaking up that time together. Those little moments are the ones that make my heart happy.

Sunday evening, Mr. C and I went over to Brody and Savannah’s house to visit for a while and, of course, get some time with Sophie. It was such a nice way to end the weekend — spending time with family and making memories. Lane and Landon were with Grandma Elizabeth, 

We also washed the curtains from the guest bedroom because they were so dusty and needed some attention. I feel like that room is pretty much finished now! I do still need to go back through the closet and clean it out because there are definitely things in there that do not need to stay.

While I was working on things, I also started cleaning out my drawers in our bedroom. I got three drawers completely cleaned out and organized. I still have two more to go, but progress is progress! I also started clearing off the top of my black cabinet where I store things I am not currently using. It looks better already, even though it is not completely done.

This decluttering journey is definitely a process, but I can already tell a difference. The house feels lighter. It feels calmer. And honestly, it just feels good knowing we are getting rid of things we no longer need and making room for the things that matter.

We are going to be ordering a new toy box it will be here Thursday. Alisha has three or four boxes in the toy room that we are going to move out to the garage or shop. They just do not need to be taking up space in that room anymore. We’ve had them for 5 years.

I am also excited because the  twin mattress I ordered comes in Thursday. I also ordered  new bedding for that room, I think everything is really going to come together. So in the toy room we will be completely done once the mattress and bedding and curtains get here.  

Next weekend, we are tackling the sunroom. And oh my goodness… that room is going to be a project! 😂 But we will get there one step at a time.

I am really proud of the progress we are making. Sometimes it is easy to look around and see everything that still needs done, but I am learning to stop and appreciate what we have already accomplished.

This weekend was the perfect mix of cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and spending time with family. Those are the weekends that fill my heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and following along with our little home projects and everyday life. Leave me a comment down below and let me know where you are from or even what time you are reading this. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time… ❤️

Finally Friday

Finally Friday: Toy Rooms, Decluttering, and Getting Ready for Birthday Fun

Happy Friday, friends!

It is finally Friday, June 26th, 2026, and I have to say… I am very excited for this upcoming weekend. There is just something about knowing you have a couple of days ahead to work on projects around the house, spend time together, and make some progress that feels really good.

This weekend, Mr. C  and I are going to tackle the toy room. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “That sounds fun!” 😂 Okay, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but honestly, I am looking forward to it. We have been working so hard on revamping our house, getting rid of clutter, and making our home feel more peaceful and refreshed. This is just another step in that direction.

Our plan is to go through all the toys and really be honest about what needs to stay and what needs to go. Broken toys, old toys, toys nobody plays with anymore… it is time for them to find a new home. Sometimes things just sit around because we think “someone might use that someday,” but let’s be honest… sometimes someday never comes. 😉

I also have a big tote full of Legos that I need to decide what to do with. I’m thinking about putting them on Marketplace because I just don’t see myself using them anytime soon. But before I do that, I want to check with Jessica and see if Brooks would like some of them. He really enjoys building with Legos, and I would much rather see them being loved and played with than sitting in a tote in my toy room.

I also have a big stack of those cute Christmas gift boxes you usually find at Hobby Lobby. Those are definitely staying because I know I will use them. I just need to find a better storage solution for them so they aren’t taking up space in the toy room. That seems to be the theme around here lately — figuring out where everything belongs! 😂

There are also some bigger toys in there that haven’t been played with in a long time, and I think it is time for those to go too. My goal is to get that room cleaned out, organized, and ready for a fresh start.

I have already ordered a new mattress for the twin-size bed in there along with new bedding. Once everything arrives, I plan to find a couple of curtains to match and really finish the room off. I am excited to see it all come together.

I have to say, it feels really good seeing our house slowly transform. We are clearing out the clutter, making changes, and creating a home that feels calmer and more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s amazing what a little organizing and letting go can do.

We are also getting ready for something much more fun — Sophie’s first birthday party on July 12th! 🎉

Mr. C and I have already picked up a couple of presents for her, and Savannah asked if we would help with some food for the party. We are going to make a meat and cheese tray, along with a dozen ham and cheese sliders and a dozen turkey and cheese sliders.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a little homemade sweetness too. I am going to make chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats and chocolate-covered pretzel rods. I decided to make it a little easier on myself and use the pre-made Rice Krispie treats instead of making them from scratch. Sometimes simple is the way to go!

I already bought my candy melts, so I just need to grab the Rice Krispie treats, more candy melts, and the pretzel rods this week. I am actually looking forward to getting back in the kitchen and making something creative.

Now, Mr C. already says I’m going to make a mess… and he’s probably right. 😂 But honestly, sometimes making a mess while creating something fun is part of the joy. There is something relaxing about being in the kitchen, trying something different, and making something that people can enjoy.

So this weekend will be a mix of decluttering, organizing, and dreaming about birthday celebrations. A little work, a little creativity, and a whole lot of making our home feel like us.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who reads along with my everyday adventures.

Drop a comment below and let me know where you are reading from. I would love to see how far this little blog reaches!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’ll talk to you later. ❤️