Simply Stated 49: Highlights, Lessons, and Key Takeaways

Happy Sunday, friends!

We hope you had a lovely week.

It was a busy one for us filled with blog work and a few fun outings.

The weather in North Carolina turned unexpectedly chilly again—end of April and it should be warmer, right? Still, I won’t complain too loud; summer heat will be here before we know it.

Last night we saw Kenny Chesney and his performance was fantastic. Concerts—especially country shows—are one of our favorite ways to spend time with friends, and we have a few more shows to look forward to in the coming months.

AnnMarie’s Week

I’m finally wrapping up the bathroom project Chris and I began way back in January. A few finishing touches and we can check it off the list. It feels like our DIY projects always take forever, doesn’t it?

I have a design dilemma and would love your opinion. The mirrors I bought on Facebook Marketplace last week looked better online than they do now that they’re hung. I suspected the color might be an issue and had planned to use some gold Rub ‘n Buff, but now that I see them in place, they also seem a bit small for the wall.

What do you think? Be honest in the comments—I can take it!

Anne’s Week

Life has been pretty quiet at my house—it’s a different rhythm when all the kids are out on their own. We stay connected by sharing kitten photos and updates; every member of the family seems to have at least one cat.

Back in September we found three four-week-old kittens under the house we were renovating and they ended up staying in the family. My son and his girlfriend adopted two, my daughter and her fiancé adopted the third (and another!), and my college-aged daughter fosters kittens for the local animal shelter with her roommates.

Their latest foster is tiny—only 13 ounces—abandoned by its mother and being cared for around the clock. So yes, we’re definitely the family that rescues and keeps animals.

When I’m not trading texts and photos with my kids, I’ve been developing some new recipes that I can’t wait to share with you soon.

This Week on Simply2Moms

We had a full week of new content on the blog. Our monthly virtual supper club brought friends together to share entertaining ideas—from tablescapes to recipes.

Anne developed a new baked chicken salad recipe that we enjoyed for lunch—trust us, it’s so good. You’ll definitely want to try it.

AnnMarie styled the dining room for Mother’s Day with an elegant yet simple centerpiece that makes a big impact. It’s a great idea if you’re planning a celebration this month.

If you’re hosting Mother’s Day, Anne shared 27 recipe ideas perfect for a luncheon, brunch, or dinner—there’s something for every taste. Let us know which recipe you want to try.

For graduates, AnnMarie created a budget-friendly pallet photo display that cost under $20 and took about an hour to make. It’s a meaningful, affordable decor option for graduation parties.

We also shared our love of games—board games and card games are a favorite way for us to connect with friends and family. Our current go-to is Sequence, but we highlighted 15 great games perfect for teens and young adults.

More Ideas and Inspiration From Our Friends

Each week we visit favorite bloggers and creatives to find fresh inspiration, and this week we discovered several ideas we think you’ll love:

• A simple, pretty handmade Mother’s Day gift idea.
• An affordable Pottery Barn dupe that looks high-end at a fraction of the cost.
• A lovely Mother’s Day tablescape to inspire your own table.
• Easy office organizing ideas to tame clutter and boost productivity.
• A delicious blackberry and avocado salad recipe that’s bright and seasonal.
• DIY faux stone planters you can make to elevate your porch or patio.
• A cozy outdoor dining space perfect for warm-weather meals.
• A simple linen closet refresh that makes a big difference.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact us or leave a comment. We don’t want you to miss any of our tips, tricks, or stories—follow us on social media to stay connected.