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Hello June!! A new month with new possibilities! This is one of my favorite months as summer starts, my favorite season! So ready for all that this season brings, feels like this winter/spring lasted a long time!
Last week was busy! Workouts, tennis, Memorial Tournament, oh and painting!! I am happy to be back this week and not on a ladder painting a high wall. Loved the project and the result but this one was a big project! I loved having a break in it all. Hopping over to Murfield for the Memorial Pro Am last Wednesday was a perfect pause in the painting. Went out with Mari, Tuck and Tuck’s best friend David. We had a blast! Loved seeing the celebrity golfers but really loved seeing my favorite pros out there doing their thing. One aspect of golf I love is the up close view. You get to see the players and their play intimately. This day is now becoming an annual tradition with the kids. I am totally here for it. Memory making at its best.
Race Recap: FORE! MILER-The unofficial kick off to the Memorial Tournament this race never disappoints. I have run it for years and every year it just gets better. This is an evening race, not my fav but I love it none the less. The weather was great, with a little rain as I finished. I ran happy and felt strong for all four miles. The finish was parallel to the 18th green, headed right over to it for some pics after receiving my medal. Oh, and one of the SAWG perks from registering for. this race, a free practice round pass to the tournament!! Seriously, if you love golf, make sure to get moving and put this race on your calendar for next year!
TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE AMAZING M3SSPORTS EVENTS CLICK HERE
BANANA BOAT SUMMER COLOR SELF-TANNING LOTION-I have tried several different kinds of self tanner and this one is my fav! Easy to apply, smells amazing, lasts and is under $10!! Easy order on Amazon, click on the link above to check it out.
KIT SCH STRENGTHENING RICE WATER SOLID SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER-So these are brand new to me. I do a lot of blonde highlighting to my hair and heat styling. As a result, it has become brittle. I have experienced a major breakage. Like major. Top of my head, a section seriously is missing. I have no idea when it broke off but it did. So now I am repairing the damage as well as working on regrowth. My stylist is working with me. I have a regimen of hair masks and heat styling spray. I also take biotin supplements and powder collagen. I, of course saw these bars on an IG ad and wondered enough about them I ordered them. LOVE them! They are literally soap bars, easy to use. No clogged bottle top, no missing out on the last little bit left. It’s hard to tell if they are making a difference in terms of growth yet. However, the texture has changed for the better! Again an easy order on Amazon! Click on the link above if you are curious.
Now that our house is in full summer mode we are meal prepping!!! Tuck, Mari and I are working hard to prepare our lunches. Having meals ready to go will make this season flow with ease. Eating healthy, and planning ahead gives us the ability too fuel in the best way possible. One thing needed for meal prep are containers. We have been through several versions of meal prep containers, like several. I think we have finally landed on a version that will work for us this summer. The containers are reusable plastic that can be microwaved and washed in the dishwasher. We were struggling to identify each other’s lunches. As I searched for containers, we found some with different colored bottoms. That was the solution. We each picked a color we liked. Now, once they are created and placed in the fridge for the week, we know who’s is who’s. Easy peasy…I love it when things are color coded and organized especially in the kitchen!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CONTAINERS WE PURCHASED
THE PROJECT: PAINT THE LIVING ROOM-It has been 13 years since this space received love. Oh my goodness it really needed it! A process this was for sure. Starting with patching ALL the holes, every wall had ton! I let the patching dry for 24 hours, then went back in to sand it out. There was dust everywhere! Painting started, took my time with each wall, baseboard and trim for the first coat. Over the next few days I applied 4 coats! Seriously, four coats! Going from a dark tan to white I expected a few but not four. To be honest, I could probably do a fifth coat in a few spots.
I had some leftover navy blue paint. I used it to paint the outside of the front and back doors a while ago. Used that to make a statement space in our entryway. It is bold, sleek and a great contrast to the white. Also very east coastal, which is the vibe I am going for.
I planned my supplies just right, with rollers, brushes, painter tape and paint. Super proud of myself for that. Had enough white left to paint switch covers and shelves in an antique hutch we have.
The space feels bright, airy and open now, in contrast with the dark “den” like feel of the dark tan. I am using the navy, neutral tans and some gold as accent colors in accessories.
This of course has sparked more projects as our home is a cape cod ranch. One room flows very much into another. First piece to finish in turning the mantel, inside front door and back door from black to navy. This is in process. The hallway off of the entryway will be next. It is brown and cream striped (which I love). I will be keeping the stripes, but they will be going navy and white. The kids bathroom will go from tan and red to some form of the white and navy. And then the kitchen, that will be another big project. Excited for the work to come, but taking a moment to love on the work I have already put in.
With so many celebratory events happening this time of year, gifting is at a high. And with gifting comes the thanking. Showing gratitude to someone for their thoughtfulness is the upmost importance.
My Great Aunt Peg was a stickler for a well written THANK YOU NOTE. There were rules to how it was to be written. There were also rules on the timing of sending the note. You must include a kind first greeting sentence. Then, follow with a thank you. Specifically, describe the gift and how you will use it. Then close with a thoughtful salutation. The timing of the note, the THANK YOU must be written and sent within one week of receiving the gift. She was very serious about that part, very.
Well, times have changed haven’t they? The art of the handwritten note is becoming extinct. I loved using the beautiful stationery. My Mom always had some sort of Crane note cards/paper in her office. I enjoyed using a great pen and writing in my notorious script handwriting.
To be honest, I haven’t written a thank you note on that pretty stationary in ages. My THANK YOUS have come in forms of texts, emails and even dms on social media. I think this is becoming more main stay. I am ok with it. I should be, as I am guilty of it myself. As long as a THANK YOU is said, in no matter the form that is what is important. My Aunt Peg would be in a total tizzy right now if she were reading this, I just know it. It is the thought and the gesture that matters, not the form it is sent in.
Celebrating life’s small things, the glimmers. SUNRISES and SUNSETS. In the summer these everyday occurrences become special events. Waking early, coffee in hand to catch the beauty before the day starts. Making a point to find the sunset, with friends, family and community. Grabbing a blanket to sit on, snacks and even a cocktail to toast the end of a lovely day. In the summer it becomes a place of coming together. You will start to realize these sweet, small and short celebrations will become something you cherish and look forward to. SUNRISES and SUNSETS will become some of your greatest core memories.
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on the blog
Hanging onto the last days of spring but so looking forward to the summer season! Marked by Memorial Day-the unofficial start of summer. This weekend is THE weekend…all the summer fun kicks off and I am here for it all.
It has felt more like spring here in Columbus the last few weeks. Temps have been in the 60’s with more rain than sunshine. Which makes sense as the Memorial Tournament starts next week. It is well known that rain comes when the tournament starts. Local lore states that the Murfield Village Golf Club was built near Chief Leatherlips grave site. As a result, Leatherlips cursed the Memorial Tournament. The curse is said to be the cause of the rain during this PGA event every year.
I will take the tournament with the rain, love the vibe and feel that comes with the Memorial. Golf has been a part of my life since I was born. It is a family sport on both sides. I have been immersed in it. Being on the course, close to the pros there is nothing like it. Jack Nicklaus knows how to host an event!
Cheers, my friends to all things Memorial Day Weekend!
FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT, FITNESS AND HEALTH
Caparison is the thief of joy. #truth. This has been floating round my mind lately. It is so easy with social media to visually see what others are accomplishing by the minute. What we see is sometimes just the accomplishment, the end result. The highlight reel. The grind and story behind that may not be as visible.
This journey is yours. Your sport, your fitness, your health. It is yours and yours alone…celebrate your steps forward, backward and the in between. Use others journeys and accomplishments as inspiration. Inspiring each other is what it is all about-that is where connection resides.
I find that focusing on what you can do, what you are doing-on the positive shifts your mind frame. Instead of looking at others and wanting what they have, look inward. Create the life you want, keep your joy flowing!
EVENTS TO GET YOU MOVING
THE RACE 9.71k INAUGURAL EVENT!
Event: 9.71k The Race
Date: June 21, 2025
Location: Otterbein University, 180 Center St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Distance: 9.71k I 5K I 1 Mile
Start Time: 9 a.m.
The 9.71k The Race running and walking event will feature three events: 9.71k Run / Walk (6.03 miles), The Fan 5K Run / Walk (3.1 miles) and the Common Man Mile Walk.
97.1 The Fan hosts such as Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith, Eric Rieser and Tyvis Powell will be at the event.
The 9.71k The Race will be held at Otterbein University, with Start and Finish near the Clements Center.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE
USE CODE: TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
RUN WILD 5K
Event: Run Wild 5K
Date: July 6, 2025
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , 4850 W. Powell Road, Columbus, Ohio 43065
Distance: 5K
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Run For A Reason:
Run Wild directly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s most pressing needs, ensuring exceptional care for the animals who call our Zoo home and enhancing world-class experiences for our guests. From habitat improvements and veterinary care to education programs that inspire the next generation of conservationists, your contributions help sustain our mission every day.
Spectator Registration:
Spectator registration will be available for $25 per person. All event attendees must have either a Participant or Spectator ticket to enter Zoombezi Bay on Event Day. Race participation and spectator tickets include all day admission to Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo on Sunday, July 6. You will receive an email closer to race day with instructions on how to purchase Spectator tickets. Spectator tickets are limited to 2 per runner and will be available on a first come, first served basis.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RUN WILD 5K
USE CODE:TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION
MY FAVORITE THINGS
I LOVE this lip balm!!! Have used it for years. I have more than one open at all times. They are all over the house, in each hand bag, in jacket pockets, in my car console etc. Am I the only one?
Just found these on my last trip to Costco. OMG, these are so good!! Love the higher protein, low sugar and only 140 calories. I am a fan!!
IN THE KITCHEN
We always seem to have a few bananas go bad before we can eat them…today we had three. The “just right” amount to make BANANA BREAD! I always say I am going to make the bread but then never do. Today I did, along with Marin! Love having her home from college! The recipe I use is a “church lady” recipe from our church’s old cookbook. It was published around the time Marc and I were married. Church members submitted their favorite recipes. A book was created. It is tried and true. I don’t add walnuts, there is something about nuts in bread I just don’t like.
HOME AND GARDEN
One of my favorite home improvement projects is painting. I think by now I have painted every room in our home at least twice. It is a simple project. You can complete it in a short time which creates a large impact on a space. I am now working on our living room which hasn’t been updated in 13 years! This space has been very “den like”. Very Country French mixed with Ralph Lauren . Dark walls, dark reds, and accents of roosters and pops of blues and whites.
The current color is dated and the walls are in need of care. This space out of them all is the most used there for the most loved. As summer begins, I am ready to create a transformation. It will be light and bright. A more Cape Cod/East Coast feel. Whites, blues and maybe pops of lime green. A space that we can feel cozy and joyful in for the next few years.
Will be sharing more as this project continues here and on my social.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Take the time. Take the time to hold a door for someone. To put your grocery cart completely away. To look someone in the eye and say hello. To complement someone. To smile. To say PLEASE and THANK YOU. Take the time to think of others around you and how your actions of kindness can make someone’s day.
Take the time to make the space around you better than it was when you arrived. Un-rack your weights and clean the equipment you use in the gym. Think of the words you use before you use them. Put your phone down when with others-focus on the moment in front of you (this is not so easy these days, for me too)
Etiquette isn’t always about being prim and proper. It is kindness in simple forms.
CELEBRATING BRIGHTLY
Tis the GRAD PARTY season! One of my favorite seasons! Loved creating Marin’s high school Grad Party two years ago. We hosted the celebration in our backyard, it was perfect and just how we wanted to celebrate our girl.
Started the planning early in the year by booking the tent, tables, chairs and linens. We booked these items with a local event company in January. This ensured we had what we needed.
Our theme of course centered around her school colors (royal blue and white) we also incorporated tennis into it all. Under the blue tent were all of Marin’s photos, awards, mementos. We used a vintage tennis ball hopper for guests to place cards and gifts in.
One of my favorite decor items was the series of first day/last day pics. We have been taking these pics every year since Kindergarten. I created side by side pics of each year and printed yard signs on vista print. We then lined them from K-12 in the front yard. They lead all the way past the blue tent in the backyard. You can see them on the left side of the blue tent in the photo below.
We had the celebration catered by a wonderful local caterer…super helpful in all the ways! Cookies were created by one of our favorites bakes by lo…she always does a wonderful job! Our main goal was celebrating Ms. Marin, enjoying the day as hosts as well as spending time with our guests. I can honestly say, we accomplished all of those things! Two years later I look at these pics with so much happiness!
LIVING COLORFULLY
TORRE 🩷
