Everyone’s talking about the “90s summer” trend this year, and as someone who’s not very trendy (and hasn’t been on social media that much to keep up with said trends) let me be the first to tell you that I am HERE for it! I’ve taken a giant step back from social media and blogging the past couple of months (just like I did last summer) and it has been so wonderful and life giving.
Instead of starting my days with a scroll I start them with a fabulous cup of coffee, some time outdoors, my quiet time (I’m doing another year of TBR), a walk, a yummy breakfast-basically everything except for immediately getting sucked into the news and my newsfeed.
And yall, it’s made such a difference.
I feel like we all know that phones and social media and the internet are not great for us, but the more time we spend away from them (or practicing better boundaries) the more we realize how much. I just finished listening to “Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human” and it was such a good read! I definitely have not been going screen free, but we have been a lot more mindful about unplugging and it’s made life so much better.
Last newsletter (which was way back in March, oops!) I shared about our family’s 1,000 Hours Outside challenge this year and I’m happy to report that it’s still going strong! We’ve been camping, going on long walks, playing in the backyard (when it’s not a construction zone-we’re in the process of having our back patio covered!), going to swimming lessons, picking berries, hiking, and enjoying all of the fabulousness that summertime offers. I’m not sure if we’ll meet our 1,000 hours goal, but I do know for sure that we’re spending more time outdoors than ever before-and loving every minute of it!
I hope that whatever your summer looks like this year you’re taking the time to enjoy it however you can 🫶🏽☀️
Scroll down for the rest of this month’s newsletter (there’s a promo code, quickie dinner idea, top linked products and posts, and a blue book recommendation!) and if you’re not already subscribed and want these posts to come directly to your inbox you can do that here.
Here’s the top three things that y’all loved the most this past month(s):
Mini muffin pan. I use this silicone pan to make these toddler mini muffins at least once a month-usually I double or triple the recipe and stick a few dozen in the freezer! They’re our favorite easy breakfast or snack, are loaded with protein, and actually taste good. This pan makes them super easy to pop out!
My favorite shorts. I’ve gotten these shorts from Target every spring for the past three years and now have them in four colors! They’re a great length, have pockets, there’s an adjustable drawstring waist and liner-and they’re only $20. Say less and take my money! Psst-I’m almost 5’9 and I wear the large and they’re not too short!
Kitchen Aid Shredder Attachment. I’m not trying to be dramatic when I say this changed my life (at least in the kitchen!). I hateeee shredding cheese but I know that freshly shredded cheese is so much healthier and tastier than the pre shredded bagged stuff. Enter: this brilliant device. We’ve had this attachment for probably five years now and every time I use it I’m reminded of how daggone awesome it is.
Here’s the top 3 posts y’all engaged with the most this past month. If you’re not already following along on Instagram, make sure to hop on board! My username is @ammoandgrace.
This month’s promo code/small shop highlight goes perfectly with our slow summer theme-it’s a sensory bin created by a fellow LEOW! Camille is a fellow police wife who also has her masters in education. She uses her knowledge and expertise to make fun activities for kiddos, like this police sensory bin! We own it and have gifted it (as well as several others!) and they’re so fun! Everyone I know who was grabbed one for their kiddos loves them, and it’s a great way to spend some screen free time this summer.
We can use code ammoandgrace10 to save on anything in her shop! My favorite is the hero kit (obviouslyyyy) and the mini ice cream kits-they make the perfect gifts!
We’ve been camping a bunch lately and in between the weekends I’ve been trying to use up the odds and ends from our fridge and pantry. Last night I made these pizza rolls with leftover pizza fixings (we have an Oonic and love to take it camping!) and a can of crescent rolls I found hiding in the back of the fridge. You could use any toppings that sound good! I served them with some smashed potatoes and a can of corn. Not the most glamorous meal but it got the job done and everyone’s plates were wiped clean! Let’s clean out those pantries!
Pizza Rolls
-Crescent rolls
-Pepperoni and Canadian bacon (or whatever meats/toppings you have-you could sub in lunch meat, rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or whatever sounds good!)
-Shredded cheese (I used mozzarella)
-Seasoning (I just sprinkled some garlic powder and extra cheese on top)
Preheat your oven to 375° (or follow the instructions on your tube of crescent rolls). Lay out each triangle of dough and top with your meat and then shredded cheese. Roll them up and top with your seasoning and some more cheese, then bake until melty and golden brown!
One of my favorite LEOWs to look to for wisdom and encouragement just came out with yet ANOTHER book! JJ Gutierrez has written a ton of encouragement for women and law enforcement families, and her latest is the companion to another one of her books, the Armor of God for Police Wives Study Guide (which I reviewed in 2023 here). This newest book is a 40 day devotional that goes perfectly with the study guide, and each day has a reading, reflection, prayer, and a “stand strong truth”. JJ is full of biblical wisdom and I love absolutely everything she writes-this is no exception! You can find JJ’s newest book here.
