Happy September friends!
Today’s monthly goals go perfectly with Andrea’s What’s On…series because the theme today is What’s on your project list. The perfect little combination.
For me, the year begins with September. No matter how old I get, the school calendar still feels right and September is the beginning.
Before I share this month’s goals, here’s how August turned out…
1. Let’s just go ahead and say that my plan is to read 2 books every month from here on out. Last year, I think I read like 3 books the entire year and this year, I’ll read at least 24…which I LOVE! I actually read 3 books this month.
First, I read Carole Radziwill’s The Widow’s Guide to Sex and Dating novel. It was okay. I love Carole on the Real Housewives of New York City, so I really wanted to read her new novel…and it started good and ended good…but I probably could have taken 150 pages out of the middle. It was just kind of long. If you like her on RHONY, then you should read it because it’s funny and quirky like her…but I’m not sure I’m actually recommending it to everyone.
The second book I read was Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, and it was so good! It’s chilling and suspenseful with a fabulous plot and cast of characters. I highly recommend this one if you like a thriller. In October, Ben Affleck stars in the movie based on this book…and I will be there to see it!
And finally, Joanna Odom sent me her book on adoption called God Always Has a Plan and I loved that too! Joanna’s family has recently gone through the adoption process, so if that’s something you’re in the middle of or thinking about, you should read it. It’s very honest, encouraging and full of love.
2. I’ve been a pinning fool lately! Here is my Back to School Board…
My Fall Food Board…
My Fall & Winter Style Board…
3. I cleaned out Kensington’s closet and made her school clothes and shoes in the forefront.
4. Oils…okay, I have been playing with my oils. For lots of oil tips, click here and read the comments. You girls left so many great ones!! Thank you so much!
As for me, I have been drinking a glass of water with 3 drops of lemon oil every morning for digestion…and I feel great, so that’s a keeper.
I have been putting Thieves on my kids’ feet every night and in their diffusers along with Peace and Calming to keep them healthy and boost their immunity…and they haven’t been sick (but to be honest, my kids never get sick, so it’s hard to tell if it’s working or if my kids’ super immunity is just in play…nevertheless, no one has been sick and everyone has been sleeping well.
I had a cut and a small burn over the last month and I used Lavender to heal it…and they both healed right up!
I’ve been using Progessence Plus for hormonal imbalances every night…but I think that one needs more time to work than just a month. I’m giving this one another month.
I’ve been putting Frankincense on my face at night to remove any brown spots or discoloration and I liked it so much, I even lent it to a friend who asked about it.
The thing is that I typically don’t do anything in our house to be preventative. If someone were to ever get sick, I would give them medicine but since that doesn’t happen a lot, I usually don’t worry about being preventative…now that I’ve been using oils, I’ve found that what I’ve been doing is a lot of preventative things…so, if that sounds appealing to you, then you would love oils! I am going to continue using them this month too…if some oil on my kiddos’ feet at night will keep them healthy, I’m all about that. Again, for great tips, click here.
5. I’m almost done planning Kensington’s sixth birthday party (insert me sobbing…how is she already six?!?!). Sigh. My baby is getting so big now.
6. And our house is decorated for fall now :). That will be my Shade of Shay on Thursday!! Come back to see!
So, what are my goals for September??? Here you go…
1. Read 2 more books
I don’t know yet what I’ll read but I’m most definitely going to read two more :).
2. Family goes to Wednesday night church
Our church has great Wednesday night activities for families but since our kids were younger before, we didn’t attend. Now that our kids are a bit older and they can participate in the children’s choir and such, we’re going to start going every week. This week is the kick-off of the Wednesday night activities (we don’t have them during the summer), so we’re going! I know that some weeks we’ll be too tired and might not want to get back out and go…but I’m really hoping we stick with this. I think my kids will love their activities and I know Andrew and I will enjoy the adult Bible studies.
3. Walk to school twice a week
Kensington’s school is within walking distance of our house, so twice a week, our goal is to walk. It’s faster to drive and some days we have activities right after school which means we need to be fast…but at least twice a week, I want to walk (and my kids really want to walk!!).
4. Have friends over for dinner
I love having friends over for dinner, so my goal this crazy-busy September is to do that at least once.
5. Find the perfect fall polish
You know I adore me some nail polish…so my goal this month is to find the perfect fall polish. I will let you know what I find out!! I love a good girly science experiment :).
And don’t forget…my goals this month also correspond to Andrea’s What’s On Your Project List link-up party!
The biggest project we have on our list this fall is to get Ashby’s room and closet together :). Her room is about perfect…but she needs more clothes and pjs plus sippy cups, a highchair and stuff like that. Sweet girl is coming home soon…we need to get with it and finish up her stuff!
To keep up with the What’s On series look below…
And today on my foodie blog, it’s Meal Planning Monday…on a Tuesday!
Click here to see my yummy recipe list!
Happy Tuesday!
XOXO
Alaleh says
You should read After I Do or Forever Interrupted…both so good! Can't wait for you all to have Ashby home and for us to see her!
Tab & Erika says
This is why were friends…I totally agree that finding the perfect fall nail polish would be a very acceptable science project!! 🙂
Jennifer Kensey says
What type of lemon oil do you use?
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
It's September! YAY! Please keep me updated on your nail polish project. Unless I am presented with something better, it's going to be Essie's Miss Fancy Pants for me. I'll be on the edge of my seat. 😉
Claire says
I love your idea of monthly goals… posted on your blog! I may have to try that also.
As for fall manis, I found this link from InStyle… and if you try any, let us know which ones you like! http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends/photos/0,,20845673_20845008_30202964,00.html
{If the link doesn't paste properly, I found it through their Facebook page.}
Happy September!
-Claire @ fashionandfeathers.com
Natalie Zambreski says
I feel the same way about fall, it just FEELS like a new year!
If you liked Gone Girl, I definitely recommend any of the Jennifer McMahon books. They are really creepy/suspenseful, and I love her writing style!
Haley Bishop says
I read Gone Girl this month too. Have you read 52 Things Kids Need From a Mom? We read this in my Bible Study and I LOVED it!
Kirby McCasland says
I've fallen in love with Sinful Colors nail polish- Hate the name, love the polish. My fall go-to is Nirvana, it's not gray, not brown, just a perfect blend- and goes on just perfectly. My favorite part is that it's only $1.97 at CVS 🙂
Lisa says
You should read Carol's first book which is a memoir about her life with her husband that she lost to cancer and her relationship with JFK Jr and his wife. Fascinating!
Also my go to color for fall is OPI My Favorite Jet. My friend just put Grape Affair on her nails and they looked fab. Good luck on your science project;)
kimm atwood says
Funny how so many of us think that September is the start of a new year!!!! Love your September goals!!! Happy Tuesday!!!
Baby Mama says
I loved Gone Girl too and can't wait for the movie!!!
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
so excited about SEPTEMBER! love your goals. prayers for y'all and sweet Ashby who is on the way! 🙂
Blue-Eyed Bride says
You need to read What Alice Forgot if you haven't already. I loved it!
Patty Cunfer says
If you liked Gone Girl, I recommend Gillian Flynn's other novels- Dark Places and Sharp Objects. Both are currently in development for movies too, and are fantastic!
mcoop1125 says
I just finished reading The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and loved it! It even has an epilogue which really ties up all those burning end of the book questions.
Anonymous says
Your so organized and it gives me more incentive to be that way!
Will you please post of picture of Kensington's closet?
Thanks,
Laura
Anonymous says
I found a great nail polish already for the fall, OPI's Get Cherried Away. Love it!!!! A great plum color, check it out 🙂
Erin Gandy says
I've been using the Prog. Plus for a little over 2 months. It is really working great!!! I hope you love it!
Astleigh H. says
I'm all over a fall nail polish color! I'll be excited to see what you go with! And I have to recommend two of Francine Rivers' books: Redeeming Love (which is becoming a movie) and A Lineage of Grace. Both are SO good!
Sallie says
Love that you put Weds. night activities for your kids on your monthly plan. I have taught children's choirs for 38 years, (4 of those at FBC-McK 🙂 but that time and what they hide in their heart through music will not be in vain ! Yes, you have to plan for it, and yes, some nights they are really tired, but I always called it my " boost " to get through the rest of the week!
My grown boys whined at times, but both admitted they would be doing it for their children!
Way to go, Mama !
Anonymous says
Oh how I love fall too! Quick question though do you dilute the oils before applying them?
Sara Laverty says
Oh gosh Carol is my fave NY housewife! 🙂 I agree with the comment about her first book – so so good!! A must read 🙂
Darcy says
What a great list! Have you read Sophie Hudson's "A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet"? And I'm looking forward to hearing about your polish find!
Becky Branch says
You need to read The Selection series! It's SOOOOOOOOO good!!! Yay fall!!!
Amanda says
Three polish suggestions – OPI – Tickle My France-y 🙂 It's a good neutral but a little darker with some purple undertones and my current go to. Also, I love OPI – Get in the Expresso Lane – it's a dark grey almost black and OPI – Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine.:) Good luck!
Mara Kreiling says
Definitely check out Liane Moriarty's books! So good!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
I love reading your goals updates and they've totally inspired to do mine differently. This past year, we made yearly goals, but I'm planning to do them monthly next year so that I can tweak them as life unfolds! I love your nail polish goal….what a fun one!
McKenzie Parkinson says
I read a ton this summer! My favorite was Big Little Lies by Laine Moriarty. I liked it better than The Husband's Secret, but you can't go wrong with that one either. My favorite book from the last few years would have to be The Art of Racing in the Rain. Goodness, books get me excited! Here's my review of my summer reads: http://www.thebearandthebird.co/summer-reading-report-part-ii/
Melanie Lien says
Where did you buy the oils?
Marty says
So excited about Ashby! 🙂
Laura Gill says
Hi Shay! I'm sure you get a lot of requests of people wanting to send you stuff to try. My friend from high school just wrote an amazing book called Hot Chocolate in June. It's based on a true story of love, loss, and restoration. I feel like you would fall in love with her story and love for Christ. Please comment back with your email address and I would love to send you a copy!
Queen In Between says
Will be anxiously awaiting your fall polish choice! I always choose some shade close to maroon for Aggie football but was looking for something more neutral…I bought OPI How Great is Your Dane this past weekend but haven't tried it yet.
Sandra Litcher says
Can't wait to see the fall nail polish an Gone Girl has been on my reading list for a while! It is time to move it up on the list! I have heard nothing but good things about it!
sayyestohappy says
I loved Carole's book about her husband. It's heartbreaking but written so well. I highly recommend it to you.
http://sayyestohappy.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/what-remains-by-carole-radziwill/#comment-2053
And I love your goal about walking to school with your kids. I used to walk with my grandparents and those are some of my favorite childhood memories. 🙂
Kimberley Holiver says
Loved Gone Girl! We just finished "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty and LOVED it. Also … favorite fall polish: Kennebunkport by OPI 🙂 We already have it on our toes … thats how you know Fall is here!
Carrie says
I was just thinking that I really want a new fall nail polish color, but I am not sure what to get! I can't wait to see what color you share with us! Love your monthly lists! I need to copy the idea so I can get some stuff done each month!
Anonymous says
I love Mauving to Manitoba by OPI for the fall!!
Alexandra says
OPI I'm Feelin Sashy is my fall go to!:)
Jen R says
I just posted my goals! I didn't know you did them monthly, I like the idea.
I really want to get into the oils, but I haven't A CLUE about them.
http://asplashoflifeblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/september-goals.html
Kristin says
I'm with the girls on Liane Moriarty's books (I made all my friends read What Alice Forgot so we all could talk about) but the BEST book I've read in a long time (and I made my friends read it, too) is The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. I can't say enough.
🙂
Andrea says
So excited that little Ashby is almost here!!! How old is she?
Jaren says
Love your goals each month!! Your oil information really intrigues me. I've never heard of that.
Anonymous says
I recently read Whistling Past the Graveyard and loved it!
AmyJo says
Wyatt did his first Wed night church this week (at a different church) and it was AWESOME! How are they this big! I'm volunteering once a month for it and I was worn out!!!
Emmy says
My favorite fall color is Essie's "carry on"…it's perfection!! And speaking of books, I'm curious to know if you've read Courtney Robertsons tell all book about the bachelor yet..?