Weekly Recap:
A Good First Week Back
We finished our first week back-to-school, and it went pretty well. I was exhausted to the core when it was over though. We ended up making our last Hello Fresh of the week for dinner, but even that felt like too much when I was “Friday Tired”. I told my husband that I am hearby declaring Friday nights “Pizza Night” until further notice. He agreed as long as we could call it “Pizza and BEER Night”, which I think is fair, so we have a deal.
Lunch Out on a Patio
We had lunch out on the patio of a local restaurant today with the kids. It was the first time we’ve dined out since February. It was a beautiful day, with temps in the mid 70s, after a long stretch of hot days, so it was the perfect day for dining outside.
I was nervous, but I relaxed pretty quickly after seeing how well they were following safety protocols. All the servers were masked, they required masks for diners any time they were up from their table, and the tables were spaced very far apart.
It was so nice to spend time with the 6 of us at once, enjoying the weather, the food, some tequila flights…. For just a little while, life felt “normal” again. I forgot how much I miss that.
The “Kids”
I love seeing my kids in this young adult phase right now. I look at them and feel so much pride at who they’ve become and what they are accomplishing. They are such kind compassionate, emphathetic, smart, good people, who are already carving out great lives for themselves.
Being their mom is one of my biggest blessings.
Censoring Myself
Censoring myself for the greater good, and fully committed to choosing what is best for my own peace of mind over toxic people’s drama.

This Week’s Features:
1930s Kitchen Table Update by Milk Glass Home
This post by Rachael from Milk Glass Home made my heart skip a beat as soon as I saw it! We’ve been working on sorting through the contents of my parents’ house to prepare to settle their estate, and I recently brought home an old kitchen utility table. I loved seeing what Rachael did with hers to bring it back to life!

Farmhouse Wooden Tool Caddy by Interior Frugalista
This upcycled caddy by Marie from Interior Frugalista is so cute. I’m working on a post about things I’ve upcycled recently, so this post inspired me to get going on that!

Greenery In Silver by Masterpieces of My Life
I love the neutral tones accented with natural greenery in this vignette! Add in the bit of sparkle from the silver and it’s perfect.

Lily the Bunny by Howling at the Moon
My mom used to crochet so many beautiful things, including a few little stuffed animals, so this adorable bunny by Howling at the Moon caught my attention.

Thanks everyone, for linking up with me! I love seeing all your creativity!

What a nice way to spend a Sunday. With family and having a meal at an actual restaurant. We haven’t eaten out since March 9th. We bring food in but haven’t eaten out. I hope we can again soon. Thanks for sharing at #omhgww. I will socialize your article if buttons are provided.
May your coffee be string! ha!
Cheers to STRONG coffee! ☕️
Friday night pizza nights sound like a great plan! Glad you made it to the end of week one.
Thanks, Joanne!
Thank you so much for the party & featuring my plants in vintage silver vignette. It totally made my day! Pizza night sounds perfect.
XO- MaryJo
Niki, it’s nice to discover your blog and Sundays on Silverado. I’ve linked up to join the party. Thank you for hosting.
We dined out for the first time yesterday. Yes, it feels good to do something normal. I long for our normal life.
Sarah,
Thanks so much for joining in! I love to see all the inspiring things people share! Yes, I miss our “old” life, even all the mundane parts about it.
Happy Monday, Sarah!
-Niky
Oh, I had to laugh! Retired Middle School Librarian here….many years ago we made Friday a pizza/wine night. Something to look forward to each week. I cannot imagine how stressful teaching is now with Covid. And I am so glad I am retired because I am sure the library would be used as classrooms and I would be floating the halls with a cart! Retired 3 years now…miss the kids/staff but not much else. And…we still have Pizza/Wine night every Friday! Will raise my glass to you for a successful and safe school year!
Pizza and wine night sounds like a great idea, too! I think you retired at the right time, Ann! I have a few more years or else I might have considered it, too.
Thanks for your well-wishes!
I love that you’re taking a little stress out of life with pizza and beer nights! Sometimes, we just have to switch gears and let go, right?
I can’t wait to see your kitchen table! I bet it’ll be lovely and I look forward to seeing what you do with it. Thanks so much for sharing mine!
Glad to hear your first week back went well. My grandson starts kindergarten on Thursday and we’re so nervous. Thank you, Niky for the tool caddy feature! I hope your second week back goes as well as the first, minus the exhaustion.
Thanks Marie! And thanks for sharing your tool caddy with us! It was such a clever upcycle!
Thank you for the party!
I make your party in my link party list.
many greetings
Uwe
Niki, thank you for hosting the party.
Naush
Thank you very much for featuring Lily the Bunny! Love your new link party!
Liz, thanks so much for linking up and for sharing your adorable bunny! My mom was a master at crocheting so many crafts and beautiful afghans, so your bunny touched my heart a little.