Hi friends! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend! We are tired. I’ve realized that it’s very challenging for us to do more than one activity a day, especially if they both require being in a car. Beatrice and cars are not the best of friends at this point. We went apple picking on Friday morning almost an hour away and while it was fun, especially since we’ve been the past 3 years, it was a lot to handle with all 3 littles. I didn’t get one photo either which my mama heart was a little disappointed about. I literally had no hands free though because Beatrice did not want to be in the carrier. She kept trying to squirm her way out of my arms but I couldn’t put her down anywhere. Anyway, then we went to a birthday party Friday afternoon and another on Saturday so to say I’m looking forward to staying home is an understatement. Matthew has also been out of town so that’s made it slightly more challenging. We’re all looking forward to him getting back! There are so many fun fall things though that we’re looking forward to doing but I want to make sure we don’t overdo it!
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.
MONDAY- Marcella Hazan’s Minestrone Soup– If you like minestrone soup, you have to try this recipe! It’s a little work but while you are chopping veggies, you’re cooking on the stove, so it moves along easily. This soup is so delicious and it’s been one of our favorites since Corinna was Beatrice’s age.
TUESDAY- Mahi Mahi Bowls with Adobo Quinoa, Cucumber & Avocado Salad– really yummy! The pickled red onions are a must!
WEDNESDAY- Short Rib Peanut Ramen– this was so easy to throw in the Instant Pot (slow cooker works too!). The flavor was unique but so delicious. It also made the house smell amazing – our next-door neighbor texted me and told me so!
THURSDAY- Honey Garlic Shrimp Salad with Grilled Corn, Avocado, and Bacon – I should look back and see how often we’ve made this salad this past summer. At least 3, right? It’s seriously so delicious and I love using the leftover dressing the next day!
FRIDAY- Orecchiette Pasta with Fennel, Sausage, and Kale – This tasted like something you’d get from a fancy restaurant – so delicious and such a treat for a Friday night!
SATURDAY- Chicken Saltimbocca with a Fried Caper Sauce and Arugula Salad – from this cookbook (one of my faves). I want to try this version next!
SUNDAY- Hot Dogs and Salad- simple summer fare since it’s technically the last weekend of the season!
WHAT I WORE
Corinna has taught herself how to do braids and the perfect messy buns I’m so impressed by her dexterity. She’s been loving practicing her braids on my hair, and I love it too. I always had so much fun playing hair with my mom so it’s special to share that with my daughter as well!
This sweater from Michael Stars is one of my favorites – it’s the perfect weight and I love that it looks good with leggings, jeans, or shorts. I’ve been wearing it a bunch lately because it transitions well from our colder mornings to warmer afternoons. While I was on their site, I noticed this amazing deal of a ribbed sweater tank. It’s final sale but the reviews are all so good! I’ve been looking for something just like this.
If you’re looking for a pair of white sneakers, I just got this pair. Everyone needs some white kicks in their wardrobe!
I’m using this eye cream from Goop and I really like it! I was out for a little bit and wow what a difference it makes to use an eye cream, especially a good one. My tired eyes are thankful!
SALES TO NOTE
Everlane – 30% off fall icon styles
Abercrombie – 25% off select styles
ON MY MIND
This week was our second week of school and I feel like we’re starting to get into a good little routine. It’s still an adjustment but I’m hopeful it will get easier as time goes on. It’s hard to switch off that summer mode when the weather is still so warm. We’re trying to get through our Morning Time first so we can still fit in a walk before starting our lessons. Thankfully lessons have coordinated well with Beatrice’s morning nap, so I’ve been able to work with both A&C. Corinna (4 1/2) has been so eager to learn and while I’m not pushing anything with her I do want to take advantage of her interest to do some basic math concepts. She has surprised us all by learning to read so math is now what she’s asking to do every day (even weekends!)
I’m barely able to fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans so I’m thinking I need a new intermediary pair. While I could suck it up (literally) and fit into my old jeans, it would make me way too uncomfortable and that’s just not worth it. This is the pair of jeans I’ve been wanting to get but the price has me wanting to wait a little longer. I’ve loved Everlane’s jeans in the past (quality and price are so good) so this is one of the other pairs I’ve been looking at. Plus, the reviews are so positive!
I’m one of those people that really thrives off lists and organization. I have a weekly to-do list on my phone that keeps track of the different chores and tasks I would like to get done each day. Today I added a new one to the list. Sunday: clean out the car. This is a task for me and for the kids. In just a few weeks I’ve noticed that the car has become a dumpsite for shoes, backpacks, books, papers, wrappers, etc. So now I’m going to ask the kids to go in on Sundays and clear out anything that’s theirs and put it back where it belongs. Maybe during the dinner prep time period, or before lunch. You’ll have to share any of your productivity tips with me!
Have a great rest of your weekend everyone and a lovely week ahead!
xox
