Welcome to volume 111 of the Week in Rewind with Midwest Life and Style. In each recap, I’ll share my most recent posts, favorite finds, and a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration from other bloggers around the web.
*As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Week in Rewind Volume 111
Happy Sunday, friend!
It’s been a minute since my last weekly recap, but I’m so glad to be back. Life has been full around here in the very best (and busiest) ways, and I finally had a chance to sit down and catch up with you.
The last couple of weeks have been packed with all kinds of fall fun, family updates, and behind-the-scenes holiday prep. And here on the blog, I’ve shared some festive inspiration I think you’ll really enjoy.
So pour yourself something warm and cozy, get comfy, and let’s dive into the latest week in rewind.
Table of Contents
Tidbits from Home
Halloween Fun and Fall Traditions
We packed a lot into the last couple of weeks, starting with Halloween. Peyton had her last Halloween practice with her volleyball team, and since she only has one “good” leg at the moment, she decided to lean in and dress up as a flamingo.
It was adorable, and she ended up being one of two winners across all the teams, which meant a Starbucks gift card and a very happy girl.
Harper loves all things musicals and is very much in her Wicked era, so she dressed up as Glinda this year. She looked so cute and had a great time at a Halloween party with her classmates.
We also snuck in our last trip as a family of four to the pumpkin patch. These “lasts” are starting to hit a little differently now that Peyton will be in college next year, but we had such a good time soaking it all in.
The weather was perfect, and since we went near the end of the season, the crowds were minimal and there were still plenty of pumpkins to choose from.
The girls carved their pumpkins afterward, and we made a whole evening out of it.
Volleyball Season Wrap-Up
Peyton’s high school volleyball career has officially come to an end. This season her team finished as District runner-up, and thanks to wildcard points, they managed to sneak into the state tournament as the eighth seed by just .01 of a point.
It was the first time in seven years that the school made it to state, and they finished with a winning record, too, which was the only season of Peyton’s high school career that ended that way.
It was bittersweet knowing how hard Peyton had worked for this and that playing in the state tournament had been a goal of hers since her freshman year.
Even though they lost in the first round, watching her get announced on the court with her teammates and wear her jersey one last time was an incredible moment.
There were definitely some tears, but also so much gratitude and pride for all the heart and energy she poured into her team this season.
Thankfully, she still has four years of volleyball ahead of her at the next level, which helps soften the sting just a bit.
She’s continuing to work hard in PT in hopes of being cleared in time for the college volleyball season to start next August.
Speaking of college volleyball, the night after Peyton’s district match, we made the quick 40-minute drive to watch one of her future Missouri S&T teammates play in her own district game.
She’s a setter, and it will be fun for Peyton to have another Nebraska girl on campus. They might even be able to carpool home during breaks.
A Proud Mom Moment
Two weeks ago, I got to attend Peyton’s honors convocation, and she once again earned a 4.0+ award, honor roll with highest distinction, and her second academic letter.
Then last Thursday night, she was inducted into the National Honor Society.
She has worked incredibly hard throughout her high school career, and we are so proud of the effort she puts into her schoolwork both in and out of the classroom.
A Final Goodbye to High School Volleyball
A few nights ago, we attended Peyton’s final high school volleyball banquet. There were more tears (I think that’s going to be a recurring theme for the remainder of her senior year), but also a great deal of pride.
She finished her career as a four-time varsity letter winner, and even though this season was not at all what she’d imagined because of her injury, she handled it with such grace and maturity.
She grew so much, stayed positive, and never stopped being the best teammate possible. I have no doubt that what she learned this year will serve her well not only at the next level but in life.
A Little Midweek Magic
On Wednesday, we got the rare treat of seeing the Northern Lights, and they were really showing off. We hardly ever get to see them this far south, and it was the first time in my life I’ve seen them in person.
I’m so glad we took a quick drive outside of town to get away from the lights so we could really take it in. It was truly so incredible, and something I hope I get to see again.
Holiday Open House Highlights
And last but not least, last weekend I joined my friend Missy from Sonata Home Design to co-host our holiday open house.
Before the event, we worked with a local photographer, Rebecca Marie Photo, for a brand photo shoot.
It was so much fun, and Rebecca took some absolutely gorgeous photos. Here’s a little peek at just a few.
If you’re local and looking for a family or brand photographer, I highly recommend checking her out!
Then we kicked off the holiday season with more than 60 people joining us for an evening of good food, holiday cheer, and great company.
Missy had her home beautifully decorated for the season, and I made many of my favorite holiday appetizers, including crockpot BBQ meatballs, festive feta and cranberry pinwheels, and a holiday fruit wreath with dip, along with a seasonal cocktail.
I want to say thank you and give a shout-out to Fareway and King of Christmas for helping sponsor the event and providing some swag and giveaways.
And a big thank you to everyone who came and made the evening so much fun and a huge success. If I got to meet you, I’m so glad you stopped by. If we didn’t get a chance to chat, I’m sorry I missed you.
For those who attended, watch your inbox; we’ll be sharing more photos from the evening soon.
And if you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry. We’re already talking about doing it again next year, so stay tuned!
What I’m Shopping for This Week
Did you know that whenever you click on a shoppable link in my posts and make a purchase, I earn a small commission – even if it’s not the specific item I’ve linked?
Your support means the world to me, and I’m genuinely thankful when you shop through my links. It allows me to keep sharing free content with all of you here on the blog.
For more great finds, you can shop my Amazon storefront or find me on the LiketoKnowIt app.
This holiday find is even prettier in person and makes the easiest seasonal centerpiece.
I snagged the cutest plaid candle warmer this week. Mine sold out fast, but I found a similar one here. Perfect if you love traditional holiday decor.
I couldn’t resist this festive find from Walmart. I love it so much, I’m planning to buy another one!
These are perfect for holiday entertaining, or they would make the perfect hostess gift
I have and love this cozy decor find and use it every day.
If you need a new holiday candle, this one smells like Christmas in a jar and has quickly become my new favorite.
These have been a holiday favorite for years, and still make my morning coffee feel extra cheerful.
Recently on the Blog
It’s been a busy couple of weeks over here on MWLS!
If you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, I posted a simple tutorial for making a Thanksgiving cornucopia centerpiece that looks beautiful on any table.
I also shared my turkey and provolone sliders, which make a great appetizer for the holiday or an easy way to use up leftovers the next day.
And for my fellow cozy-season lovers, I’ve got a new Christmas stovetop simmer recipe on the blog that will make your whole house smell amazing.
I also rounded up my best holiday hosting tips to help make your celebrations feel a little less stressful and a lot more fun.
Coming Soon to MWLS
I’ll be honest… I feel a little behind this year, but I finally started pulling out the Christmas bins. I even managed to get a few things decorated before we left town for the weekend.
Which means I’d better get in gear and get finished for my holiday home tour post that will be dropping on Wednesday.
I’ve also got some fun collaborations coming your way this week over on Instagram. I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes moments from our holiday open house, plus some holiday hosting ideas with Fareway, just in time for the start of the busy entertaining season.
And I’m teaming up with Swiss Colony again to share a super simple (and delicious!) holiday gifting idea. I’ve worked with both of these brands several times now, and I’m so grateful to partner with companies I genuinely love and that I think you’ll love too!
There is plenty more holiday goodness on the way, so stay tuned!
Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 111
Phew! If you made it this far, thanks so much for hanging with me! Now that we’re through the fall sports season, I hope to share recaps on a more regular basis!
As always, thanks for following along! If you enjoy these posts, you can find past Week In Rewind posts here.
And… If you are catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign up to get all of the latest recipes, DIYs, decor tips, and more sent straight to your inbox.
Xo,
Did you enjoy this post? PIN it for later!
Leave a Reply