Monthly Musings December 2021: 2021 Wrap Up/New Year's

 

Hey there Besties, welcome to the final Monthly Musings of 2021. Holly and I have such fun with this link up and enjoy all of the writers that join us every monthly. These talented and smart writers bring a fresh take to our questions every time and we are so grateful to everyone that joins us as a writer and a reader.

I also want to take this moment to thank everyone that stops by Good Better Best every week. Recently, this site crossed a milestone that I am truly humbled by. This month, we crossed the 300,000+ mark for page reads. I never write for page reads and I never write for validation from other people. I always just write from my heart. Thank you to everyone who is part of the Good Better Best community whether you found us this year or have been here since the beginning. This site brings me true Joy and I am so glad you are here.

Now on to Monthly Musings. If you are linking up with us, please link up on topic. Also if you link, please try to visit at least three other writers and comment if you can. It's a wonderful way to build community.

1. Favorite moments of 2021?

Honestly, at times 2021 feels a lot like 2020. In 2021, we are just swapping the toilet paper shortage for a cream cheese shortage. I am not sure which one is worse. 

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Monthly Musings December 2021 Topics: 2021 Wrap Up/New Year's

 

Holly and I are wrapping up 2021 with our final Monthly Musings on Thursday. Hope you will join us as a writer, reader or both as we wrap up 2021 and talk New Year's.

See you back here on Thursday with the link up.

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Friday Favorites Dec 10, 2021: Best Female Owned Sites for Holiday Shopping

 

Whew, this week was a little exhausting Besties. I have some work things popping and then we had a very fun hockey game early in the week. Hockey Guy has the crud which is thankfully not COVID. We didn't think it was COVID but as we all know the time from swabbing to results can be a little unnerving. This week as I link up  with Erika and Andrea for my Friday Favorites, I am going to share with you my Best female owned sites for your holiday shopping. Some are local to me but they all have an online component. Let's keep shopping small and clear our holiday gift lists.

1. Top It Off

Top It Off sells the most beautiful summer tunics in dreamy cotton and they also have the Best gifts for this time of year. Whether you are mad for plaid or love holiday whimsey, Top It Off has you covered.

Holly Poncho

3 in I Plaid Shawl Wrap

They have so many things I love and Top It Off is a staple of my wardrobe. It's also a super fun shopping experience.

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Friday Favorites December 3 2021: A Good Hallmark Movie, Seasonal Coffee, the Best Tee, Fig Lip Color, and Rosemary Tree

 

Happy Friday Besties!  Whew, this has been a week.  Lots of year-end work, three hockey games, decking the halls and managing all of the packages hitting our doorstep. Anyone else with me? Taking a moment to step back and share all the things of the season that are bringing me Joy lately as I link up with Erika and Andrea for my Friday Favorites.

1. Five More Minutes

I finally watched this movie this week. I had been hesitant to watch this one because I thought I might not be ready due to the subject matter. I am treading lightly around my feelings this season. Nikki Deloach who stars in this movie also lost her dad this year and I know from interviews, this movie really had a piece of her heart.  

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What's Up Wednesday: November 2021

 

Do you hear that sound Besties? It's the holidays knocking on our door! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which in my book officially ushers in the holiday season. Who's excited? This gal! Before we get there I am linking up with Shay and Sheaffer to share what we have been up to in November and this was a pretty fun month. Take a break from your holiday prep and join me for What's Up Wednesday.

What We're Eating This Week

I know that everyone is focused on dinner on Thursday, but hey those people in your house (and you) need to eat the other days of week too! It's still a busy week around here so we will do some easy dinners.

Monday-We have a hockey game so we will do something easy or take out.

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Monthly Musings November 2021: Holiday Preview

 

Happy Friday Eve Besties! The holidays are in the air. Can you feel it yet? Now I am not trying to skip over Thanksgiving at all but I am so excited for this holiday season. Today Holly and I are hosting our monthly link up Monthly Musings a week early due to Thanksgiving and this week we are getting you ready for the holidays with our Holiday Preview 2021. Join us for our fun questions and visit the other writers who link up with us as we get you ready for the holiday and season. Feel free to leave your own traditions and answers to the questions in the comment section below. Let's do this!

1. Share your holiday traditions

The first is that Running Daddy lights up the house outside. Depending on time, some years we decorate more than others. I am hoping to do it up big this year. Running Daddy is actually working on a small electrical fix outside to make sure we can light things up soon.

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Monthly Musings November 2021 Topics: Holiday Preview

 

Hey there Besties! Do you hear that sound? It's the holidays knocking on our doors and I can't wait. Typically Holly and I host on Monthly Musings, our fun link up, on the last Thursday of the month, but since that falls on Thanksgiving we are here a week early. 

While we don't want to rush Thanksgiving, we do want to set you up to read and share all kinds of fun ideas and tips for the holiday season. The list of questions is above if you want to join us in the link up. See you back here on Thursday!

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Friday Favorites Nov 12: Lots of Coffee, a Chicago destination, Cozy Fashions and a True Crime Podcast

 

Hey there Besties!  I stepped away for a few weeks and I am glad to be back. I have been knee deep in work and we were in Chicago for a hockey tournament this past weekend. Life is busy, but Good. Today's post has quite a bit of coffee for all of us coffee lovers, cozy clothes and a totally wild, true crime podcast. Join me for all the cozy as I link up with Erika and Andrea for my Friday Favorites.

1. Kuerig Duo

A few weeks ago I was gifted a Keurig duo to review. The ironic thing is that about two weeks before I received notice for this review  our coffee maker died, and we had just purchased a new one. So now we have two new coffee makers. This is a problem I gladly welcome.

We decided to put the Keurig on the bar downstairs. We had been talking about putting a Keurig in our family room but just never got around to it. Because my office is downstairs, a hot beverage near when I am working. is a Good thing.  I have K-cups and creamers close at hand for a midday break. I also like it for tea and Hockey Guy has been having a hot chocolate before bed every night.

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Monthly Musings October 2021-Fall Fun and Traditions

 

Hey Hey Besties! I don't know about you but I blinked and it became the last Thursday in October. What a delightful month! Speaking of delightful, today I am hosting my monthly link up with Holly and we are getting together with some other wonderful writers sharing all of our Fall Fun and Traditions. Join me as I share all the fall fun.

1. What are your Halloween traditions?

Well, the last few years it seems like the tradition has been that we have had a late hockey game, including this year.

Our main tradition is that we decorate our house and build a spooky walk with our neighbors next door. We actually set up a table on the driveway and hand out candy from there. It's a fun couple of hours.

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What's Up Wednesday-October 2021

 

Hey there Besties.  Can you believe it is the end of October? When in the world did that happen? This has been a delightful month and one I don't want to see go. Today, as I often do,  I am linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday (and don't forget to join Holly and me for Monthly Musings tomorrow). Time to get all cozy and find out what we have been up to in October. 

What We Are Eating This Week

Hockey Guy is now at the point in the season where he is playing hockey 7 days a week. This makes dinner interesting due to timing and some nights he needs a light meal before practice and some nights he gets home at a more reasonable hour and wants food and fast. I am really trying to get into a dinner groove here but have not really figured it out. Here is probably what we are having this week.

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Easy Fall Decorating : Tablescape and Mantle Ideas

 

Hey there Besties! Today I am guest blogging on Doused in Pink which is the beautiful site hosted by Jill. For those of you that are joining for the first time on Doused in Pink, I am Patty and I run Good Better Best which is a blog dedicated to finding the Best in Food, Wine, Joy and Life. I am a corporate politico, hockey mom, wife to an Iron Man, I love to cook, all things Hallmark and Bravo and work on my faith every day. Thank you to Jill for having me guest host and I am excited to share this space today.

Today, I have a few easy fall design tips for your tabletop and your mantle. All of these are budget friendly and you may even have most of these things around your house. Join me as I get our house ready for all things fall.

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Monthly Musings October 2021 Topics-Fall Fun and Traditions

 

Join Holly and me on Thursday for Monthly Musings as we talk Fall Fun and Traditions. We look forward to seeing you here as a reader, blogger or both.

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Friday Favorites: Stitch Fix Freestyle Jeans, Best Tote for Fall, TJ's Pumpkin Bread, New Rothy's Style and SNL School Board

 

Happy weekend Besties! October is cruising along and has been a really fun month so far. We have had hockey, fun times with friends, a visit with family and all the fun fall things. Today I have a fun fall post for you that is filled with fashion and all the fall Goodness. Join me as I link up with Erika and Andrea for my Friday Favorites.

1) Stitch Fix Freestyle/Judy Blue Jeans

I have a little bit of a complicated relationship with Stitch Fix. I know that sounds a little ridiculous but it is true. Stitch Fix and I had a really Good run for about two or three years and then I had a horrible fix that was not what I was looking for an downright dowdy. On top of that, I had a not so Good customer experience with them about four years ago. At that point I thought I was done.

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Happy Friday Eve Besties! I am so glad you could join Holly and me for Monthly Musings. This is our fun little link up we host every month with different topics each time. Today we are talking all things fall fashion. Is it fall where you are? We are starting to feel all the fall vibes in these parts and I am here for it. Join me for all the fall fashion below and be sure to visit the other bloggers who linked up below.

1. Favorite Fall Fashion Pieces

I have a Burberry quilted jacket that I bought almost 20 years ago the I love wearing. It is the perfect fall piece and one that I saved for and invested in.

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What's Up Wednesday-September 2021

 

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Happy Wednesday Besties.  September just flew by for us. How about you? September was a Good month filled with all kinds of memories this year. Since it is the last Wednesday of the month, I am linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday (and don't forget to join Holly and me for Monthly Musings tomorrow). Settle in with your favorite fall beverage and find out what we have been up to this month.

What We're Eating This Week

I am going to open this section by saying I am totally struggling in this area, so much so that I did a post about it last week. I am struggling with our new schedule and also just keeping food in the house. The last two weekends really didn't even give me time to go to the grocery store but we are trying to fill in on weeknights and early morning food runs from Running Daddy. Below is what I have planned for this week.

Friday Favorites: September 24 2021-Favorite Things to Have on Hand for Easy Meals

 

Happy Friday Besties. This week was a little odd. It wasn't bad, there was just a little bit of oddness in the air and a few things that made me just go "huh." Since we had such a Good weekend last weekend with Running Daddy safely and successfully completing his first Iron Man race and a fun Sunday at the Premier Lacrosse League championships, I am just going to roll with the oddness of the rest of the week.

Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea, but taking a little twist on my Friday Favorites this week. Today I am sharing the food items that when I have them on hand make dinner prep much Better. 

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Friday Favorites Sept17, 2021: Smoothing Shampoo, Tasty Treats, Cucumber Facial Wipes, Salt Lake Housewives and Good Body Wash

 

Happy Friday Besties! I hope you had a Good week. I don't know about you but I am trying to figure out a new routine so that I can do all the things. There are a lot of new things this season but I wouldn't say that things are back to normal. In the meantime, I am just trying to work on our routine and have and give grace.

As I do on most Fridays, today I am linking up with linking up with Erika, Andrea, Narci to share the things that brought me Joy this week. Settle in as we finish up this week and enjoy these Friday Favorites.

1) Rooted Strengthen & Smooth Shampoo

This shampoo that you can get through Grove really goes help smooth my hair and keep it straight. It is totally clean and one I think I am going to stick with for a bit. At less than $13 it performs well but won't break the bank.

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Friday Favorites: Simple Joys-Two Hallmark Movies, Cookie Dough Bites, and Erasable Highlighters

 

And just like that it was September. Anyone else feel like September snuck up on you? I think it may be because most of my summer was bogged down a bit with work and personal projects. Now that those are behind me, I am really looking forward to early fall.  This week my Friday favorites, linking up with Erika, Andrea, Narci, are all simple pleasures. The last week or so has really made me what to embrace the simple pleasures. Join me in what I am finding simple Joys in lately. 

1) A Little Daytime Drama

This movie is truly delightful. It stars probably my favorite Hallmark actress Jen Lilley, Ryan Paevey and soap opera legend Linda Dano. I love Jen Lilley because she is the queen of witty banter. This movie is light, fun and exactly what I have needed lately. 

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Monthly Musings: Back to School and Fall Prep

 

Hey there Besties. Thanks for joining me for Monthly Musings. It's been a little bit of a tough week around here and I am embracing the creative outlet that is Good Better Best. So ready to join Holly and talk Back to School and Fall Prep for Monthly Musings. Let's dive in.

1. Do you meal plan and prep? Any favorite back to school recipes to share?

I absolutely meal plan every week. I could not handle our schedule if I didn't sketch out what we were eating every week. 

The three most requested meals in our house are:

Taco meatballs

Baked chicken tacos

Chicken sausage with spinach and polenta

All of these are easy, fast, yummy and light. Add them to your rotation.

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What's Up Wednesday August 2021

 

Happy Wednesday Besties.  I can't believe we are already here at the end of August. It has been a Good but busy summer and I am actually ready for things to happen this fall. As I do on most final Wednesdays of the month, I am linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday (and don't forget to join Holly and me for Monthly Musings tomorrow). Settle in with your favorite beverage and find out what we have been up to this month.

What We're Eating This Week

It's the first week of orientation at school, the first real week of hockey and just an all around busy week of getting back at it. Keeping dinner familiar and easy.

Monday -Chicken sausage with polenta.  I feel like this meal is on What's Up Wednesday every month. Probably because it is always requested and I can get it on the table in about 25 minutes at this point because I have made it for years. It's so Good though!

Tuesday- It's going to be a night of hockey and then I am helping a friend with something. The "food fairy" has been here, so there is plenty to eat, we can all figure out something.

Wednesday-Thinking pork chop Milanese in the air fryer, green beans and potatoes au gratin.  

Thursday-Another hockey night so something easy like grilled cheese and fruit for my gluten eaters and then I need to figure something out for myself.

Friday-We will be heading out for a hockey tournament, so either dinner on the road or dinner with the team. 

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Monthly Musings Topics August 2021--Back to School and Fall Prep

Popping in on this Monday morning to post the topics for August for Monthly Musings with Holly and Patty. Thursday is the last Thursday of the month so we will once again be hosting our fun link up.  Join us as a writer, reader or both!  Ready for the questions? Go!

Holly and I love to have people link up with us, but we ask two things:

1) Stay on topic and link Monthly Musings posts only.

2) If you join us we would love to have you visit other writers who link with us and try to comment on their posts. It is fun and help builds our lovely community.

I will definitely see you back here on Thursday and hoping to see you on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday. 

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Friday Favorites: Safe Sunscreen, Cute Graphic Sweatshirt, Cocoon Wrap. Beverly Hills Housewives and New Trash Can

Hey there Besties, we are back from our dreamlike vacation on Hilton Head Island. It was a truly delightful week in a place that brings me Joy. Now we are back to work, getting ready for hockey season and back to school. I am stopping by the site to link up Erika, Andrea, Narci to share a few things that brought me Joy this week.

1. Lavish Skin Perfecting Mineral Sunscreen

Sunscreen has really been in the news this summer. Several well known sunscreens were yanked from the market recently because they contain cancer causing ingredients. I actually used to use one of these sunscreens on the regular. In addition to cleaning up my beauty game I am really cleaning up my sunscreen game.

I use Daylight tinted or clear every day. Running Daddy and Hockey Guy used the clear on our trip last week and no one burned.  Hockey Guy has a tendency to burn on his cheeks and this time no burning with Daylight.

I am super excited Ever came out this summer with the Lavish Mineral Sunscreen.  I have a lot of trouble with the sun due to my health issues and often get itchy rashes from the sun. The Lavish sunscreen is SPF 30. Typically I would choose a higher sunscreen but I decided I was really going to test this out last week.

Since it is a lotion and a thicker product, it was the product I put on first and then followed up with a mineral spray in the afternoon on the beach. I can tell you that I used the Lavish sunscreen before boating and every day on our trip. No burning, no rashes, no peeling and no scary chemicals. 

If you need any advice on Ever sunscreen or other clean beauty items visit my website or reach out to me via the contact feature. 

2. Simply Southern Bee Kind Terry Pullover

I am a big Simply Southern fan and they just happen to have an outlet in Hilton Head. I don't think they have a lot of locations so the prices are really Good. I could not resist this super sweet pullover.

The fabric is super soft and I think it is going to be a really Good transition item for fall. 

3. Baby French Terry Cardigan

Speaking of comfortable, this baby French terry cardigan from Banana Republic Factory is so soft. I put this on before bed and then again first thing in the morning. It is the Best item for the transitioning of seasons. 

I mostly use it for lounge wear but depending on your style it might make a Good regular cardigan. 

4. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Holy smokes is this season Good. With the Erika situation, I don't really know what to believe. I don't think it's Good though. 

Erika wants to know where the money went.  Hmmmm.

For the record, I am Team Sutton/Garcelle and Crystal is growing on me. Rinna used to me one of my favorites and I don't know what her angle is this season.  Also for the record, I continue to be right about Kyle.

Have you tuned in this season? Leave me your thoughts in the comments.

5. Mainstays Kitchen Trash Can

Ok, this is a totally boring favorite but if you need a new kitchen trash can, check out the Mainstays motion sensor trash can.

It holds a ton and with the motion sensor, it is way more sanitary.

I hope you have a Good weekend. We are getting ready to start school next week so it is going to be a busy one around here. Best of luck to all the kids heading back to school and all of my teacher readers. If you have a kid headed to college for the first time this fall, big hugs to you. 

I will see you back here next week for What's Up Wednesday and Monthly Musings with Holly and Patty. For Monthly Musings we will be talking back to school and fall prep. 

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Monthly Musings July 2021: Summer Fashion

 

Happy Thursday Besties! I know I have been a little absent from this site but I am here today. There are some big life things that have taken my time lately but I am hoping that things will normalize soon. Since it is the last Thursday of the month, I am linking up with Holly  for Monthly Musings and this month we are talking summer fashion. There are still plenty of days left in this summer and plenty of time to look cute. If you are joining us for Monthly Musings as a blogger, please link back to Holly and me and use the link below.

1. Bikini, Tankini or One Piece

For someone who is not that tall, I have a long torso. I would love to wear a one piece but they never fit me correctly so I am all about a tankini. 

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Friday Favorites: July 9, 2021-Rebel Coil Bracelet, Speed Dry Spray, Perfect Sandals, Light Body Oil and those Beverly Hills Housewives

 

Happy Friday Besties! I hope you had a Good holiday week and had a little rest and relaxation. I am still pushing hard around here but was able to have some fun with friends and get a little relaxation in. As I do on most Fridays, today I am linking up with  Erika, Andrea, Narci to share a few things that brought me Joy this week. 

1. Rebel Coil Bracelet

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What's Up Wednesday--June 2021

 

Happy Wednesday Besties. The last couple of months have been a lot and I have been away from this space for a bit. One thing that I have learned over the last few weeks is that if I am not taking time to do things that I love, like being here on Good Better Best, I am not my Best self.  I am back today and linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday. There is a lot that has been up lately.

1) What We're Eating This Week

Things are going to be a little busy this week with some work deadlines, lacrosse camp and Running Daddy is in the thick of training for his Iron Man so we are going to keep things pretty easy. 

I don't really have a meal plan for this week, but the Food Fairy brought us a house full of food. I have pre-marinated pork tenderloin, makings for taco meatballs, grilled cheese and other easy options. We have fruit and salad makings and we will figure it out. You know why...because some weeks are just like this and you have to wing it. 

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June 2021 Monthly Musings--End of School and Summer Plans

 

Hey, there Besties! I have taken a little step back over the last month to deal with some family things. Everyone is ok in the Good Better Best household but I have been helping with some things to settle my dad's estate and help my mom. Today I taking a breath and linking up with Holly for Monthly Musings. This month we are linking up with other great writers to talk end of school and summer plans. Join me today for Monthly Musings.

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Monthly Musings June 2021 Topics-End of School and Summer Plans

 

Hey there Besties! I know it's been a bit since I have been on the site. I really haven't been here since last month's Monthly Musings. I have been really focused on some things I need to do for my family right now including helping to settle my dad's estate and get my parent's house on the market.  All of this from another state. Whew. 

I hope you will join Holly and me on Thursday for Monthly Musings. I could use a little musings right now as a way to take a mental break and have a little fun. This month we want to hear about end of school traditions, either one's in your life or your kids now and all of your summer plans.  

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Monthly Musings May 2021: Summer Kick Off

 

It's almost Memorial Day weekend! We have made it to summer. Who is ready for Monthly Musings with Holly and Patty? Today my sweet friend Holly and I are kicking off summer with Monthly Musings and talking about the summer preview.  Join us for these fun questions and answers.

1. Favorite Summer Tradition?

Honestly, in the summer our favorite thing is to hang out at our pool. Our pool is on a 13 acre park and is the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Friday nights are the pool are the Best with people hanging out and bringing food and beverages. We typically close the pool down on Friday nights, at a whopping 9 pm.

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