Hi friends! I just got two sheet cakes out of the oven (hooray!) and I’m sitting down to write this post after quite the busy week. My parents were in town to celebrate Augustine’s birthday which was so much fun. We always love their visits and from playing baseball in the backyard, reading books, going on walks along the Greenbelt, and getting ice cream, it was very memorable. We’re having a little party for him today, hence the sheet cakes, and I think we will also start school this week. Well, definitely starting school but just undecided if we’ll start on Labor Day or Tuesday. Matthew has work on Monday so I was originally thinking Labor Day would be fine, but now I’m reconsidering because it might be a little hectic with his party the day before. I’m anxious to start but I also want to feel ready and prepared.
Here’s a little update from our week:
WHAT WE ATE
I plan to share the meals I made the previous week, with links if possible, as some inspiration for your own menu planning. This week Augustine got to pick all the meals in honor of his birthday. We did this for Matthew’s birthday week so it might have to be a new tradition!
MONDAY- Crispy Oven Pulled Pork and Coleslaw on Brioche Buns– We’ve made this recipe countless times over the past year. Everyone loves it!
TUESDAY- Beef Enchiladas with Mexican Rice and Instant Pot Mexican Beans – This meal totally hit the spot! Augustine wanted shredded beef so I used this recipe. We joked about how I used my Instant Pot 3x this day! One of my favorite kitchen items hands down.
WEDNESDAY- Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken– another repeat from Matthew’s birthday week of faves. My boys like what they like!
THURSDAY- Classic Pot Pie– This turned out so delicious. I printed the recipe out so it’s going straight into my Keepers box.
FRIDAY- Creamy Weeknight Macaroni and Cheese– such an easy recipe with only 5 ingredients minus s&p
SATURDAY- Hot Dogs and Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad– Trying to fit in some faves before the end of summer. This Tuscan tomato and bread salad is one of our faves. We made it with brioche bread this time – yum! And feel free to add a little drizzle of balsamic if you’re a caprese lover like we are.
SUNDAY- Pizza Party for his bday! For an appetizer, we’re cutting up celery and carrots and I’m making these two dips to go alongside: Tuscan mashed chickpea dip and ranch. Also making this sheet cake which is a classic for dessert. Vanilla ice cream is also a must!
For Augustine’s birthday cake, I made the Strawberry Summer Cake from Smitten Kitchen’s Keepers cookbook. If you don’t want the stacked version, check out this one on her blog. You can also make the sheet cake version which would be great for a party. This cake has become a summer staple over here!
Last Sunday we went to the new restaurant, Percy, in Downtown Boise. This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with currants, almonds, manchego, and a burnt onion vinaigrette was delicious!
With fall around the corner, I wanted to get a head start on some immunity-boosting tinctures. I made a batch of elderberry syrup in the Instant Pot and it was incredibly easy. I also made Fire Cider which is another fave!
WHAT I WORE
I’m starting to reach for my sweaters but the afternoons have still been pretty hot. I got a bunch of tees from Thread & Supply and they are such good quality for the price.
I also started putting Beatrice in my mesh carrier which gives me a little more support as she’s getting bigger. I wore this pink color with Corinna all the time so it’s fun to put our littlest girly in it.
SALES TO NOTE
Maisonette– Up to 40% off Labor Day Sale- love their kids pieces so much! They also have a sale on toys, home items, and womens pieces (love this cardigan that’s under $100)
J.Crew Factory– 50-70% off sitewide!
Levi’s– 30% off sitewide! One silver lining to not fitting into my jeans postpartum is getting new jeans! While before I might have gotten down on not fitting into my old pieces as quickly, now I’m just ready to have jeans that are a little more comfortable.
LOFT– End of Summer Clearance
Bloomingdales– Take an extra 30% off clearance for a total of 50-65% off
ON MY MIND
Our friend invited us over to pick aronia berries, also known as chokeberries, which are one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants. We picked a bunch to freeze dry and then grind onto a powder for our smoothies. They look similar to blueberries but have a chalky aftertaste but I don’t think we’ll notice it in our smoothies.
Baby Beatrice is crawling everywhere these days! It’s becoming harder to get things done when I’m chasing her around, but sometimes she’ll want to be right by me which is so sweet.
Augustine and I went on a walk/scooter ride yesterday and I loved having some quality time with him. It’s crazy how time starts speeding up so fast. When we moved here he had just turned 4 and now he’s 7! I’m so proud of the boy he’s becoming and it’s such a joy to be his mama.
I was browsing Shopbop’s site the other day and getting so excited for fall! It’s my favorite season to dress for – not too hot and hot too cold. Here are some pieces I had my eye on:
I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend, and hopefully, you get a long weekend with Labor Day off too!
xox
