Explore and Thrive
Connecting people with fun finds, simple tips, and one another
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • /
  • Thrive

Hi! Let’s Catch Up

Picture from across the water looking at Cane Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, TN.
Cane Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park

What have you been up to? We’ve been spending lots of time with family and recently took a trip to Fall Creek Falls State Park here in Tennessee with Brent’s family. We had such a good time hiking, swimming, and hanging out.

Here’s the scoop on what I’ve been doing recently and some things I’ve been wanting to share.

A while back I made sugar scrub for my hands. It felt like a mini spa day!

Anyone have a quarantine bubble?

Our library is famous for its marionettes. They created this catchy video about curbside pick up. We’ve watched it at least 10 times. Shout out to libraries for changing how they operate and bringing books to our car!

This Classic Greek salad is a great way to enjoy summer tomatoes and cucumbers.

I love my friends that are black. I’m listening. Hugs to all of you!

The boys recently watched The Apple Dumpling Gang then we made these apple dumplings (we omitted the raisins and nuts). Yum!

This sermon by Louie Giglio on winning the battle of the mind was especially helpful.

Have you tried these self-sealing, super quick and easy to fill water balloons? As a family, we played a few games but Hot Potato was the favorite.

Listen for some silver linings of the pandemic.

For family movie night we all enjoyed the documentary movie, Elephant.

This is how I make hard boiled eggs and it works every time.

Do your kids have trouble sharing a bed while on vacation? My sister-in-law, Meagan, puts a pool noodle lengthwise under the mattress cover then makes the bed as normal. A clear line of division. Genius!

I’ve loved this song since the first time I heard it. Very fitting for today.

I know so many things in our lives are unknown. The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly but I pray you are moving forward with your life as best you can. Living day by day and trying to enjoy the little moments before you.

I’d love an update on your life. No matter how small the detail, I’m interested.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!

Share this:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted on 07/10/2020 by Franci. This entry was posted in Thrive and tagged apple dumplings recipe, Best water balloons, DIY sugar scrub, family movie night suggestions, greek salad recipe, Silver linings of the pandemic podcast. Bookmark the permalink.
The Russell: A Stay in Eclectic East Nashville
21 Ideas for Beating Summer Boredom with Kids
    Family of four being silly with pastel brick background and bright clothing.

    Hi! I’m Franci, I’m so glad you’re here.
    I can’t wait to connect with you.

    • Connect (33)
    • Create (62)
    • Design (20)
    • Explore (23)
    • Thrive (53)

    OTHER POSTS

    • A Goodbye to My Aunt Reta
    • Family Valentine Card 2025
    • Halloween Door Decor Tradition
    • Our Recent Sunday Evenings: New Rhythms
    • Books I Read in 2023
    • Family Valentine Card 2024
    • Easy Landscaping: Nashville Yard Tour
    • Family Valentine Card 2023
    • Books I Read in 2022
    • Simple Ways to Focus on Jesus During the Christmas Season
    • Easy Way for Kids to Pack for Trips
    • Introducing Our Kids to Coffee Shop Culture
    • A Fall Chat with Apple Cider in Hand
    • A Glorious Middle Tennessee Afternoon: Loveless Cafe and Natchez Trace
    • My Recipe for a Personal Retreat
    • What are Your Favorite Fall Bakes?
    • Saying Goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II
    • Sunny September Chat
    • Simple Ideas for Self-Care
    • The 7-Eleven Season (Ages 7 & 11)
    • Note to Self: Mistakes
    • Road Tripping Solo with Kids
    • A Fun Way for Kids to Learn During the Summer
    • Painting of a Front Door: Transform your Curb Appeal
    • 48 Hours in Charming Chattanooga, TN
    • My New Etsy Shop – Buyer’s Eye
    • Free Printable Spring Fun List
    • Revitalizing Hike at Radnor Lake, TN
    • Game Galaxy Arcade in Smyrna, Tennessee
    • How We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
    • Book Picks By 7-Year-Old Boys
    • Our Kids Cook Dinner (One Night a Week)
    • Family Valentine Card 2022
    • The Many Books I Read in 2021
    • January Chat
    • Printable Winter Fun List
    • Lots of Stocking Stuffer Toy Ideas for Kids
    • The Greatest Gift
    • Shop these Great Small Businesses for the Holidays
    • Christmas Decorating Chat
    • Leaf Creature Craft: An Easy Fun Fall Activity
    • Christmas Budget and Budget Busters
    • Aren’t These Autumn Maple Leaves Gorgeous?
    • Showing Up for the Present Moment
    • My Spiritual Journey
    • Team Thanksgiving!
    • My Mental Health Journey
    • The Parthenon in Nashville and Taking Risks
    • My Fitness Journey (Exercise in my 40’s)
    • How can I pray for you?
    • Festive Fall and Winter Holiday Dish Towels
    • Ideas for Travel Entertainment (other than screens)
    • A Chat in Cooler Weather
    • Extroverts, Introverts, and Parenting
    • Anniversary Weekend in Asheville, NC and Home Tour of the Largest Home in America
    • Let’s Talk Fall Drinks
    • Printable Fall Fun List
    • Preparing Yourself for Fall
    • Halloween Costume Chat
    • Printable Prayer Guide: The Names of God
    • Catching Up
    • An End of August Chat
    • Books that Teach Kids About Money (Kid Tested and Approved)
    • Is a Perfectly Organized Bookshelf Overrated?
    • A Summer Chat with my Shades On
    • Aren’t These Everyday Dish Towels So Cute?
    • Even with Dashed Expectations a Weekend in Monteagle, Tennessee Still Delivers
    • The Day Trader Joe’s Opened in OKC!
    • High Five to School Being Out
    • Social Media Breaks
    • Summer Schedule for Kids at Home
    • Gearing Up for Summer
    • Transform Old Furniture with a Little Love and Paint
    • Peony Flowers About to Pop
    • First Year of Elementry School
    • Books I’m Reading
    • What’s Blooming with You?
    • The Crazy Month of May
    • Parent and Child Question Journal
    • Corners for Raised Bed Gardening
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Lessons We’ve Learned from Moving
    • Beauty is Up Ahead
    • Prayer Resources
    • Easter Dress and Tip for Toy Clutter
    • Asian Dramas that I Love
    • Birthday Week
    • Our Spring Traditions: Blooming and Hopeful
    • A Heavy Heart
    • Easy Bathroom Refresh Without Renovation

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!

EXPLORE AND THRIVE

  • Contact
  • Welcome from Instagram
  • About
    • Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts.

Powered by
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d