Hello and happy Friday, dear friends! As the week draws to a close, it’s time once again for our beloved “Friday Five” series, where I pull back the curtain on my life and share five distinct highlights, thoughts, and discoveries that have recently brought me joy or made a significant impact. Today, you won’t find any recipes here, but rather a heartfelt glimpse into the everyday moments that shape my world.
Can you believe August has already slipped away? It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the peak of summer, and now, almost magically, school bells are ringing and a distinct crispness hints at autumn in the air. While a part of me always mourns the fading warmth of summer, there’s an undeniable comfort in settling back into established routines. After the unforeseen chaos and challenges of the past year, finding stability through daily school and work rhythms feels incredibly grounding and welcome.
This September, in particular, feels like a delightful paradox—a whirlwind of back-to-school adjustments fused with a determined effort to savor every last drop of lingering summer sunshine. It’s a beautiful balance of looking forward to cozy fall traditions while holding onto the lighthearted freedom of the warmer months.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the five things I’m excited to share with you this week. I hope these insights bring a smile to your face and perhaps inspire a little joy in your own.
1. A Dream Fulfilled: Miles’s Unforgettable Wish Day
Among the many moments that have recently filled my heart with overwhelming joy, one stands out above the rest: witnessing my son, Miles, experience a truly magical day that was once just a glimmer of hope. I vividly recall the initial, agonizing days after Miles received his cancer diagnosis. He was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), exhausted and fragile. It was during this incredibly difficult time that a kind social worker visited, leaving a thoughtful bag from an organization called Cal’s Angels. She quietly explained that this incredible foundation grants wishes for children battling cancer, offering a beacon of light during their darkest hours.
When Miles finally awoke, I gently relayed the news to him. Seeing his entire face illuminate with pure, unadulterated excitement was a moment I’ll forever cherish. In that hospital room, amidst the fear and uncertainty, the simple promise of a wish brought an explosion of joy and a much-needed escape from the harsh reality we were facing.
Fast forward to this past August, and that cherished wish finally came true. Miles embarked on an extraordinary shopping spree at Abt Electronics. For those in the Chicagoland area, Abt is a renowned name, synonymous with quality and exceptional service. What unfolded that day was beyond anything we could have imagined. Both Abt and Cal’s Angels collaborated seamlessly, going above and beyond to create an absolutely unforgettable VIP experience for Miles. From the moment we arrived, he was treated like a superstar. He still talks endlessly about seeing his name proudly displayed on the massive digital signs off of I-294 and throughout the store—a testament to the incredible attention to detail and personalized care he received.
This day wasn’t just a shopping trip; it was a profound testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and community. It served as a powerful reminder of the good in the world and has instilled in me an even deeper appreciation for the invaluable work done by both Cal’s Angels and Abt. Miles, with a sincerity that melted my heart, declared it the “best day ever,” and every single moment proved him right. It was a day etched into our memories forever, a celebration of resilience and the pure, innocent joy of a child’s dream coming true.
Here are just a few of the unforgettable highlights from Miles’s incredible wish day at Abt Electronics:
- Witnessing his name proudly displayed on the enormous signs visible from I-294 and within the store, making him feel truly special.
- Enjoying some playful moments shooting hoops on Abt’s very own indoor basketball court, a fun surprise!
- A unique adventure climbing a ladder to feed the vibrant fish in Illinois’s second-largest saltwater tank, an experience second only to the Shedd Aquarium.
- Delighting in testing out countless fun gadgets and cutting-edge electronics throughout the expansive showroom.
- Getting a thrilling ride, zipping around their massive warehouse in a golf cart, offering a behind-the-scenes peek.
- Having the special honor of selecting the song for the magnificent water fountains to “dance” to, adding a personal touch to the spectacle.
- A fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of their sophisticated security room, sparking his curiosity.
- Savoring a fresh, warm batch of Abt’s famously delicious chocolate chip cookies, a sweet treat to top off the day.
- Of course, the grand finale: the shopping itself! Miles carefully selected his purchases, and he is absolutely thrilled and pleased with his new treasures.
2. My Top 5 Recent Purchases I Can’t Live Without (Seriously!)
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole of a late-night Amazon scroll? More often than not, these digital expeditions result in a package arriving at my doorstep, leaving me to ponder whether I truly needed that item. However, this month has been different. I’ve stumbled upon a handful of truly invaluable finds—five particular items that have seamlessly integrated into my daily life and that I genuinely use, and love, every single day. These aren’t just impulse buys; they’re practical additions that have genuinely enhanced my routine.
The Game-Changing Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
First up is this incredible Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner. Before this gadget entered my life, I genuinely didn’t realize how much sparkle my favorite earrings and rings had lost over time. A quick few minutes in its gentle, high-frequency bath, and my jewelry emerges looking brand new, shimmering as if freshly polished by a jeweler. But its utility doesn’t stop at just jewelry! I’ve found it incredibly effective for keeping my retainer perfectly clean (a must for maintaining those hard-earned straight teeth!) and even for sanitizing the head of my electric toothbrush. It’s a small investment that delivers significant results in personal hygiene and maintaining the gleam of everyday items.
Embracing Wellness with a Weighted Vest
Perhaps this next purchase is my official confirmation of entering “middle-age” – a Weighted Vest. It arrived just this week, and while I’ve only completed one walk with it so far, I can already sense its potential. The beauty of this particular vest is its adjustable weight, allowing me to gradually increase the challenge as my stamina improves. The premise is simple: by adding resistance to your regular walks or workouts, you can burn more calories, build bone density, and enhance overall strength. It’s an effortless way to intensify my daily exercise routine without having to dedicate extra time, making it a truly smart and beneficial purchase for my health journey.
Elevating Pizza Night with a Pizza Steel
For years, I relied on a basic pizza pan, thinking it was perfectly adequate. Oh, how wrong I was! Upgrading to a Pizza Steel has been an absolute game-changer for homemade pizza night. Unlike traditional pans or even pizza stones, a pizza steel heats up significantly hotter and retains that heat far more efficiently. The result? A perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust every single time, rivalling the texture of your favorite pizzeria pie. While it’s a bit of an investment upfront, the durability of steel means it will literally last a lifetime, paying for itself many times over in countless delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas right from your own kitchen. If you love pizza, this is a must-have.
The Unexpected Freshness of a Tongue Scraper
Okay, this one might feel a little unconventional or even silly to share, but hear me out: a Tongue Scraper. It’s a simple, inexpensive tool that has made a surprisingly significant difference in my daily oral hygiene routine. Before incorporating this into my regimen, I didn’t realize how much buildup could accumulate on my tongue. Now, after a quick five-second scrape each morning, my mouth feels noticeably fresher and cleaner throughout the day. It’s a small, often overlooked step that contributes immensely to overall oral health and fresh breath, truly making a big impact for such a minor effort.
Stylish and Affordable Amazon Sunglasses
Finally, let’s talk about fashion on a budget. I am a firm believer that you don’t need to splurge on designer brands to look stylish, especially when it comes to accessories that are prone to getting lost or scratched. These particular Sunglasses, priced at a mere $15 on Amazon, are an absolute gem. They are incredibly cute, on-trend, and, surprisingly, feel far more expensive and robust than their humble price tag suggests. I’ll happily choose a stylish, affordable pair like these over pricey designer shades any day, allowing me to switch up my look without guilt. They’re a fantastic find for anyone looking for chic eye protection without breaking the bank.
3. Embracing Routines: What I’ve Been Up To
Life has a wonderful way of finding its rhythm again, even after periods of intense challenge. This month, I’ve been relishing some simple pleasures and getting back into a more consistent flow with both personal and professional endeavors. It’s been a subtle shift, but a deeply appreciated one.
- Morning Patio Retreats: There’s nothing quite like the serenity of sipping a warm cup of coffee on the patio, especially as the mornings begin to carry that delightful, crisp hint of autumn. It’s a small ritual that sets a calm and centered tone for the day.
- Celebratory Smiles: Like many, I couldn’t help but smile at the delightful news circulating about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. It’s always lovely to see happiness unfold, even from afar, and it adds a little sparkle to the everyday news cycle.
- Re-engaging with Work: Perhaps most significantly, I’ve been enthusiastically getting back into the swing of things with my work.
With school firmly back in session and, most importantly, Miles’s chemotherapy now behind us, I’ve found myself able to truly re-engage with my work this month, and the feeling is incredibly rewarding. After a necessary pause to navigate family health challenges, I’m finally rediscovering my professional rhythm and momentum. I am perpetually grateful for the outpouring of love, encouragement, and steadfast support I’ve received from this community over the years, which has allowed me to weather so many storms.
As a solo mom, the flexibility inherent in what I do isn’t just a perk; it’s a lifeline. It allows me the precious gift of being fully present for my family, attending to their needs and creating memories, all while pursuing work that I genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling. Frankly, I can’t imagine how I would have managed the complexities and demands of a traditional 9-to-5 job through all the health hurdles my family has faced over the years. This ability to seamlessly balance both worlds—dedication to my family and passion for my work—has truly been an invaluable gift.
And on that heartfelt note, I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for being here, for reading, and especially for trying out the recipes and content I pour my heart into sharing. Your presence and engagement mean the world to me, and I appreciate you more than words can express. ❤️
4. What’s Been Cooking: My Go-To Recipes Lately
The kitchen is always a hub of activity in my home, and this past month has seen a delightful rotation of comforting, family-favorite dishes. As the weather hints at cooler temperatures, my culinary inclinations naturally shift towards heartier, more satisfying meals. Here are some of the standout recipes that have graced our dinner table, much to everyone’s delight (mostly!):
- The Best Instant Pot Chili: This recipe truly lives up to its name. It’s incredibly flavorful, quick to make in the Instant Pot, and absolutely perfect for those evenings when you crave a warm, hearty bowl of goodness. If you follow me on Facebook, you might remember my recent (and somewhat disastrous!) kitchen mishap involving a dropped pot of these delicious leftovers. Yes, my entire kitchen was decorated with chili! Despite the clean-up, it remains a beloved recipe that always hits the spot.
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these chicken tenders are a weekly staple that my son specifically requests, often more than once! The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside, all coated in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. They’re quick, easy, and undeniably delicious—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy Broccoli Salad & Roasted Potato Salad: For our Labor Day gathering, I prepared both this vibrant Easy Broccoli Salad and my comforting Roasted Potato Salad. These two side dishes are absolute stars, always disappearing quickly from any buffet. The broccoli salad offers a refreshing crunch with its sweet and savory dressing, while the roasted potato salad brings a warm, earthy flavor that beautifully complements any main course. Unfortunately, our planned main dish—ribs—didn’t quite live up to expectations this year. Despite all the effort, they turned out surprisingly chewy instead of falling-off-the-bone tender, which was a little disappointing after such an anticipated meal!
The Best Instant Pot Chili
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Easy Broccoli Salad
Roasted Potato Salad
5. Anticipating Autumn: What I’m Looking Forward To
As summer gently bows out, the promise of autumn ushers in a new wave of excitement and cherished traditions. There’s a distinct magic about this time of year, filled with cozy moments, vibrant colors, and events that bring people together. Here’s what’s topping my “things to look forward to” list as we step further into September:
- The Thrill of Football Season: The crisp air, the roar of the crowd, and the friendly rivalry—football season is back, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Tomorrow marks one of the most anticipated games of the year: Iowa State vs. Iowa. This matchup holds a special place in my heart, made even more exciting by the fact that I’m an proud Iowa State alum, while my boyfriend passionately cheers for Iowa. Naturally, my allegiance remains unwavering: Go Cyclones! 💛❤️😉 It’s more than just a game; it’s a tradition, a social event, and a fun way to embrace the seasonal spirit.
- Dancing with the Stars Returns: Is anyone else as excited as I am for the new season of Dancing with the Stars? It’s officially back, and I’ve already set my DVR! There’s something so captivating about watching celebrities transform on the dance floor, and it provides the perfect dose of glitter and escapism for a cozy evening in.
- Embracing All Things Pumpkin & Soup: With the cooler weather, my cravings immediately shift towards the comforting flavors of autumn. I’m eagerly anticipating all things pumpkin—from lattes to baked goods—and, of course, a steady rotation of hearty, warming soups. There’s a unique charm to this season, characterized by good food, thrilling football, and the simple joy of fall traditions that truly nourish the soul.
- Autumnal Flowers & Decor: While I haven’t quite dived into it yet, I’m getting ready to transform my home with all the beautiful hues and textures of fall. Soon, my house will be adorned with autumnal flowers, festive garlands, and playful Halloween decor. It’s a wonderful way to bring the season’s warmth and festivity indoors, creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere.
That wraps up my “Friday Five” for this week! Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Connecting with this community is one of the highlights of my week, so please share your thoughts in the comments below:
- What was something truly joyful that brightened your month?
- Have you discovered any fantastic new recipes or meals lately that you’d recommend?
- Did you make any recent purchases that turned out to be genuinely useful and beloved?
- As we head into fall, which TV shows are you most excited to watch?
Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. I wish you all a truly wonderful and restorative weekend, filled with your own moments of joy and contentment.
❤️Ashley