Hello everyone! It’s officially autumn, and boy does it feel like it. One thing I appreciate about Idaho is that we’ll have these very crisp fall mornings that will turn into these beautifully warm afternoons. It feels like the best of both seasons. We’ve already started to decorate for autumn (I got this new tablecloth for $20!) and I/Matthew pulled down my cold-weather box filled with sweaters and cozy things. I’m looking forward to thoroughly enjoying my favorite season- especially when it comes to baking. There are too many apple and pumpkin desserts on my list!
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- Corn and Poblano Chowder- from the Half Baked Harvest Everyday cookbook– a little spicy but so yummy for a late summer meal
TUESDAY- Dinner with friends
WEDNESDAY- Ground Beef, Roasted Poblano, and Monterey Jack Tacos with a Colesaw salad – a family favorite!
THURSDAY- Salt and Pepper Cod with Turmeric Noodles– from the cookbook The Cook You Want to Be– we loved this, even as leftovers. Just watch out for the clothes and napkin-staining turmeric.
FRIDAY- Chicken Breast with Antipasto Salad – from the cookbook The Cook You Want to Be– so easy and delicious!
SATURDAY- Breakfast for Dinner at Corinna’s request. I made a spinach and mushroom frittata and honey ricotta blinis with honey and sea salt which were so yummy! (both from the Smitten Kitchen Every Day cookbook)
SUNDAY- Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak with Basil Vinaigrette and Grilled Red Onion and Blue Cheese Salad – this is one of our favorite dinners so I can’t wait!
I’ve been wanting to make these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies (seen in the first photo) for a while and finally got around to it this weekend. They are good, for sure, but just a little too sweet and the sugar tastes very granular (I even used less than the recipe called for because I didn’t pack the light brown sugar). I might make them again but just significantly adjust the sugar amount. It’s nice to have that rich, espresso flavor though! (edit: after 24 hours in the fridge the grainy sugar taste wasn’t as obvious but I’d still try cutting back)
WHAT I WORE
My gingham dress from Doen is so comfortable and cute this time of year. I love all things gingham as you can guess from my new tablecloth. I love their pieces but usually buy second-hand.
M.Gemi makes some of my favorite shoes – they’re so comfortable and well-made. These leather sandals are a favorite in summer but fall too! Their Mary Jane ballerinas are currently on my wishlist.
One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my Haverhill birthstone bracelet. It’s always on my wrist – literally the last time I took it off was when I had Beatrice’s stone added. You can use code MARA15 for a sitewide discount too!
SALES TO NOTE
Jenni Kayne- 25% off shoes with code FALLPAIR. These have been on my wishlist for a while, especially these days when tying laces while holding a baby is impossible. I also love this lug boot style that I know would be worn a bunch this time of year.
MATCHESFASHION– 20% off new fall styles with code STYLE20
Abercrombie– 25% off select styles
American Eagle– 30% off all jeans (and cargo pants if that’s a style you’re into!)
ON MY MIND
Beatrice’s first birthday is next month and I think I’m in denial. I mean, I’m not but I am. It’s hard to believe she’s almost a year old. We’re not doing a big party but I think we’re going to plan a fall party around the same time and make some fun pumpkin and apple things. October is my favorite month of the year so I’m excited to have a birthday to celebrate. Just today, she pushed herself up into a standing position leaning on the couch. She loves to wave and play peek-a-boo – she’s seriously a dream baby!
We got together with our Wild + Free group on Friday and worked on a super easy but fun handicraft. The kids made these little notebooks (like this DIY) and then got to fill some of the pages with drawings and stamping. So grateful for this sweet little community that brings such beauty to our homeschooling days.
I picked up these tumblers from Elk and Friends for the big kids and I love them so much! We got the glass and the stainless steal but they have silicone covers, thicker straws for smoothies, stoppers on the straws to prevent them from being pulled out, and best of all: lids so they can also be used as snack (or leftover) containers!
My latest cookbook from the library is Simply Symon Suppers. I’m not too familiar with Michael Simon’s cooking, so I’m looking forward to trying some of his recipes this upcoming week.
I just got this Mandarin Basile candle from Homecourt and wow it smells so good! I love a fresh herbal scent in the kitchen, especially after cooking. This is a limited-edition scent and smells like sparkling mandarin, spiced ginger, fresh green basil, and ripe fig.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead!
xox
