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Week in Rewind Volume 122

Week In Rewind

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Welcome to Volume 122 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.

Week in Rewind Volume 122 Graphic

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Week in Rewind Volume 122

Happy Monday to you!

It’s been a whirlwind month since we last chatted. We squeezed in several fun family adventures, the school year has begun, and the biggest change… we’re officially down to just one kiddo left in the nest. (Cue the momma tears!)

With all the busyness, I haven’t had time to publish anything new lately, but I’m sharing a few easy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, a fun way to enjoy breakfast in your own backyard, and, as always, some of my favorite finds and deals.

So grab something cold to drink, get cozy, and join me for the latest week in rewind!

Table of Contents

  • Week in Rewind Volume 122
  • Tidbits from Home
  • What I’m Loving This Week
  • Recently on the Blog
  • Coming Soon to MWLS
  • Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 122
  • Did you enjoy this post? PIN it for later!

Tidbits from Home

We Wrote a Book!

In case you missed the announcement a few weeks ago, my friend Missy from Sonata Home Design shared that we’ve been quietly working together on a little project for the last several months.

We wrote an e-book!

Two women toast with coupe glasses filled with a red holiday cocktail while wearing red and white sweaters.

Our book, Twinkling Lights and Festive Bites, is filled with over 50 pages of everything we love about the season. From cozy decorating ideas and easy entertaining tips to our favorite holiday recipes.

Twinkling Lights & Festive Bites holiday e-book featuring more than 50 pages of Christmas decorating, entertaining, and recipe ideas.

We’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we wanted you to be the first to know…and the first to get in on a few perks before anyone else!

Just click here to join our pre-sale list, so you’ll know the moment Twinkling Lights and Festive Bites is ready to order, before anyone else.

And, as an added perk for joining our pre-sale mailing list, we’re throwing in an exclusive 10% discount code to use when the book launches, plus our FREE downloadable 8-Week Countdown to Christmas PDF checklist, just for signing up.

We can’t wait to share this with you soon!

The Bittersweet Business of Packing

The last few weeks I’ve been busy making lists, prepping, and packing to get Peyton ready to move into college.

College dorm room supplies and decor stacked in the dining room before move-in day.
College dorm decor and organization supplies ready to be packed for move-in day.

This is what our dining room looked like before we got everything packed into the viral blue dorm moving bags… they were total lifesavers!

All the time spent prepping definitely put my organization and old project manager skills to the test.

Two SUVs packed with suitcases, storage bins, boxes, and other supplies for college move-in day.

On more than one occasion, Kirk questioned how we were going to fit everything, but once again my master Tetris-like packing skills came in clutch and we (barely) fit everything in both cars.

Pink care package with an envelope labeled “Open when you need some caffeine” sitting in front of a laptop.
Two sisters hold a handmade corkboard filled with family photos and a handwritten letter before college move-in.

Before we left, I spent some time writing a few open-when letters for Peyton to have throughout the semester. They were filled with inspirational notes, money, gift cards to a few local fast food chains, photos of our pets, and a few other surprises!

Peyton also had her own surprise for Harper with a sweet memory board for her room… and there’s plenty of space for more photos and memories to come.

Move-In Day

Last Thursday we stuffed our overnight bags (and ourselves) into the cars for the 6-hour drive to Missouri S&T.

Family of four poses together between two packed vehicles before leaving for college move-in day.
College student smiling in the driver’s seat of a car before leaving home for college.

We stayed at an Airbnb in town, which gave us plenty of space to spread out and build all her dorm furniture and room organizers before move-in on Friday afternoon.

Dad and daughter assemble furniture in an airbnb living room during move-in day.
College students carry boxes and supplies into their apartment during move-in day using a collapsible wagon.

Even though we moved in early due to her volleyball schedule, the large moving bins were still at a premium, so I was extremely thankful that we packed a move-in day tote with all the essentials, including this foldable wagon and a dolly!

After countless trips to and from the car, multiple Walmart and hardware store runs, and two long, hot, and sweaty days, we finally got her all settled in!

Empty college dorm bedroom with two lofted beds, desks, chairs, and a window between the beds.

Here is her dorm room before…

Girl's cozy neutral boho college dorm bedroom decorated with a lofted bed, desk, storage cubes, woven baskets, rug, and personal photos.
Girl's College dorm bedroom storage area with a cube organizer, dresser, bookshelf, ottoman, mirrors, and personal decor.
Lofted college bed with white bedding with a desk and storage underneath, surrounded by baskets and organizers for maximizing a small bedroom.

… and here is the after!

Family of four wearing matching Missouri S&T volleyball shirts in their daughter’s college bedroom on move-in day.
College student sitting on her decorated lofted bed after getting settled into her new college dorm bedroom.

After all the planning, I think her room turned out so cute and cozy and will be the perfect home away from home for the year.

If you’re shopping for your own college kid (or just planning ahead for a future grad), everything we used is linked on my Amazon storefront if it’s helpful!

Two sisters smiling together while sitting at a restaurant during college move-in weekend.

We went to one final family breakfast on Sunday morning before saying our goodbyes.

Two sisters wearing matching Missouri S&T volleyball shirts and holding a framed cat illustration in a college bedroom.

Just before walking to the car, we pulled off one final surprise… a box Harper filled with Peyton’s favorite snacks and this cute custom framed artwork of her cat, Rey, which we had made from a small business on Etsy.

Older sister hugs her younger sister goodbye in a parking lot after college move-in.
Dad and daughter share a goodbye hug in the parking lot after college move-in day.

There were tears, but surprisingly it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Snapchat and FaceTime help so much! And I’m already counting down the days until we go and visit in early September.

Back to School and a Birthday Celebration

Just a few days after moving Peyton to college, it was back to School for Kirk and Harper. Kirk is in his 20th year of teaching, and Harper is settling into 7th grade. She’s already looking forward to participating in show choir again, along with student council, and her dance studio will begin classes again soon.

Father and daughter smiling together outside their home before heading to school.

Kirk will also be busy this fall, since he’s gotten back into coaching and will be a varsity assistant for softball. I see some very full days on our calendar, and some nights at the ballfield cheering on my favorite coach!

Man smiling behind a bright yellow birthday cookie cake decorated like a softball and with candles for his 42nd birthday.

To close out the weekend, we celebrated Kirk’s birthday with one of our family’s favorite traditions… cookie cake!

Fall is shaping up to be a busy one around here, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

What I’m Loving This Week

When you shop through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It truly means so much and helps support this little corner of the internet. Thank you for being here and trusting me with your shopping inspiration.

Early Fall Favorites

Whether you’re full steam ahead with digging out your decor bins, or gently easing into the season ahead, here are a few of my favorite early fall decor finds.

Fall decor essentials including decorative pears, pumpkins, plaid throw blanket, magnolia wreath, woven boxes, brass lanterns, and an acorn branch.
Six fall wreath ideas featuring autumn leaves, pumpkins, berries, magnolia leaves, hydrangeas, and seasonal greenery.

  • These are so pretty and perfect for fall!
  • We got this for Peyton’s dorm and love it so much; I’m seriously considering one for our home office.
  • This is one of my favorite new purchases and is perfect for desks, nightstands, craft rooms, or anywhere you always seem to be short on outlets.
  • I bought this foundation and this primer a few weeks ago. They’re absolutely worth the hype!
  • This has been on my kitchen organization wish list and is currently in my shopping cart.
  • I’ve had this for a long time, and it’s become one of my favorite desk essentials.
  • This traveled with us to college move-in and kept us entertained at the Airbnb during some much-needed downtime.
  • Here’s another find from Peyton’s dorm room that I’m now eyeing for my own master closet!

Shop the Collections

Looking to browse a little? I’ve rounded up all my favorite finds, seasonal decor, entertaining essentials, and everyday favorites in one place, so it’s easy to shop by category.

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For more great finds, you can also shop with me on the LiketoKnowIt app.

Recently on the Blog

Answering the dreaded question of “What’s for dinner?” can feel like a full-time job some nights. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true family favorite, these slow cooker shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches are perfect for nights like these.

BBQ shredded chicken snadwich made in teh slow cooker on a seasame seed bun and topped with creamy coleslaw and homemade pickles

And for even more meals that even picky eaters will love, don’t miss these 15 quick and easy back-to-school recipes.

Close up of vintage brass candlesticks on the table setting for a backyard summer picnic with flowers and breakfast food in the background

Looking for a fun way to mix up your morning routine? Try a cozy backyard breakfast picnic! It’s a fun way to soak up the last bit of summer before school starts, or a great way to slow down and enjoy the weekend if you’re already back at it.

Coming Soon to MWLS

I can’t wait to share more fall favorites with you soon, including some delicious recipes for football season and simple ideas to help you welcome fall into your home.


Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 122

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 subscribe to become part of the MWLS community and be the first 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!

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August 17, 2026 · Leave a Comment

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Hi, I’m Jen, an entertaining pro sharing simple ideas and inspiration to help you host with ease. From tips for setting a beautiful table to easy recipes, seasonal decorating ideas, and DIYs, you’ll find everything you need to make every gathering and celebration feel special.

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