I hope you all are enjoying your weekend! It’s currently Saturday night and it’s just starting to get dark out and it’s 10:07 pm, can you believe it? We have the longest summer days which has been an adjustment even after living here for almost 3 years. Matthew and Augustine went camping this weekend so it’s been a fun weekend of girl time with Matthew’s mom, Corinna, baby Beatrice, and of course our Ginger pup. Corinna wanted to have a tea party so that’s what we did- homemade cookies included. It’s nice to have more intentional time with Corinna so when Beatrice was napping we were able to play hair and read books together.

Here’s a little recap of 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.

MONDAY- Mayo Roasted Chicken- from this cookbook but this recipe is similar- Such a flavorful way of roasting chicken

TUESDAY- Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas– Matthew liked this recipe but said next time we’ll probably broil it once more with some of the liquid

WEDNESDAY- Brussels Sprout Salad with (leftover) Chicken, Goat Cheese, Apples and Sprouts- from this cookbook

THURSDAY- Miso Glazed Salmon with Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

FRIDAY- Spring Puttanesca Pasta– I made this a month or so ago and we loved it! It’s such a good pasta and comes together quickly with pantry staples.

SATURDAY- Green Curry with Shrimp- this was absolutely delicious! Another fave from the Defined Dish cookbook, although I subbed shrimp for the chicken.

SUNDAY- Wine-Roasted Mushrooms with Gnocchi- this was from Melissa Clark’s Dinner in One cookbook. This recipe was delicious and so flavorful but definitely would be a better fit in the colder winter months.

I also made tiramisu, more granola, and some chicken bone broth from Monday’s leftovers. Oh and for the first day of summer, I made a strawberry mascarpone ice cream. I love the idea of marking the new seasons with special dishes and I think homemade ice cream for the first day of summer seems fitting. I haven’t thought about the other seasons but maybe a pumpkin cake for the first day of fall. I’m open to ideas!

Matthew made the yummiest breakfast burritos for breakfast and I’ve also been loving making matcha tea. I got a set from my parents for my birthday and it’s been such a yummy treat in the afternoons. There are so many health benefits to matcha too which I love!

WHAT I WORE

I was in major casual mom mode this week! Lots of jean shorts and tee outfits with hats and crossbody bags.

I still love my Walli phone case! Remember you can get 10% off with code MARA10

SALES TO NOTE

Shopbop– Extra 25% off sale items with code TREAT

GAP– 50% off select shorts, tees, and swim

Anthropologie- I always get questions about this mirror when I feature it and it’s currently on sale in the Gleaming Primrose Sale!

LOFT– The Summer Stock Up Sale- $18 tops, $25 shorts, and $40 dresses

ON MY MIND

We spent some time this week at our friend’s gorgeous property. It was so nice to walk around, pick some cherries, and see all that she’s been planting. It gave me so much inspiration for our future garden. We still don’t know where we’ll be long term, and while we love Idaho, I’m not sure our current house is our “forever home.” I so desire to feel settled but we’re just trusting the Lord to guide our steps whether that’s here or an unknown there.

Miss Beatrice turned 8 months old and she is such a delight! She’s definitely going through a bit of a sleep regression but she’s so happy and sweet. I know she’ll be crawling before we know it though. She’s already getting onto her knees and trying to scoot for toys. Her level of business reminds me of Augustine, maybe more so. While she loves being held, she definitely gets a little squirrely sometimes and wants to get down and move, although she’s not able to yet. I remember Augustine doing that but he would get on the ground and be crawling off somewhere. Beatrice’s new nickname might have to be Busy Bea.

I hope you all have a lovely week ahead! We’re transitioning Beatrice into her crib which is a little bittersweet for me but with her moving around more, I know it’s for the best. I’m not a napper but I might be more willing to take one if it means I can snuggle next to her.

xox

I hope you all have been enjoying Father’s Day weekend! We’ve had such a great week with some exciting news for Matthew so it’s been extra special over here. This morning was so beautiful with a little rain and now it’s clearing up to be a beautiful day with these perfect white, puffy clouds. Our summer weather has been pretty mild so far which I’m thankful for. I’m not ready for it to be in the triple digits yet.

Here’s a little recap of our week:

WHAT WE ATE

my plan is to share the meals I made the previous week, with links if possible, as some inspiration for your own menu planning.

MONDAY- Pork, Pepper, and Potato Stew from Melissa Clark’s Dinner in One cookbook- The flavor of this broth was amazing! We’ll definitely make it again during the winter months!

TUESDAY- Teriyaki Chicken Salad

WEDNESDAY- Yogurt-marinated Pork Chops with Lentils and Carrot Salad

THURSDAY- Turkey and Bean Tamale Pie from Melissa Clark’s Dinner in One cookbook – so yummy with the cornbread topping!

FRIDAY- Halloumi Salad with Grilled Steak- Halloumi is one of our favorite cheeses to enjoy during the summer months. When grilled, it has the best caramelized yet soft creamy flavor. Halloumi is like a saltier mozzarella. Maybe mozzarella meets feta!

SATURDAY- Burger Night with Sweet Potato Fries

SUNDAY- Homemade Pasta with the best Alfredo sauce 

I had a few fails this week when it came to recipes. I tried to make a healthy rice crispy treat with homemade marshmallows and for whatever reason, the rice crispies got totally soft and soggy. I’m not sure if maybe there was too much liquid from the butter and marshmallows, or if it’s because they were a healthier rice crispy. I’m still hoping to try another recipe.

I did make this pan-fried onion dip when my brother-in-law came over for dinner and we all LOVED it. It was our second time making it and this time I cut the onions a little smaller. Matthew said it’s the Dip of All Dips. Definitely one to try this summer with crinkle-cut potato chips!

I tried another sourdough banana bread this week. It was pretty good but I think this recipe was a little bit better.

WHAT I WORE

Did I tell you I bought that crochet bucket hat the other week? It’s seriously so cute and not “bucket-hat” like in a bad way. If you need any summer hats this week, I love Gigi Pip, and don’t forget I have a discount MARA10!

One of my favorite outfit combos these days has been a flowy blouse, like this one, with denim shorts. It’s basically my summer uniform. It’s casual but still feels put together because of the blouse.

SALES TO NOTE

American Eagle- 30% off everything!

Anthropologie– Extra 40% off sale items

Ann Taylor– 40% off select items plus an extra 60% off sale items

ON MY MIND

Keep an eye on my Poshmark this week! I’m going through and majorly cutting back on prices! Use code MARAFERREIRA when signing up for $10 off too!

Looking for a cute pair of summer sandals? I love the brand Tkees, and this pair in black is so chic. I love the minimalist design with the thin double straps. I have a lot of beige and brown sandals but I think a black pair would be a great option to dress up or down.

We’re going back and forth between whether or not to get our backyard together. I would love to make space for a fire pit and some outdoor chairs. Because it stays light until 10:30 in the summertime it’s nice that we can enjoy time outside after the kids go to bed. This fire pit is my favorite but it’s definitely $$$. Here’s another option that’s a little more affordable if you’re looking.

Beatrice had some firsts this week: first time going in a swing (with assistance), first time in the double stroller, and first time sitting in the grass. This summer is already turning out to be so special with our little baby girl!

We’ve been enjoying the nice weather though with plenty of time outdoors. We went on a few nature walks this week and it’s so beautiful along the Boise Greenbelt. The water is a little fast so we’re not getting too close but it’s pretty to look at!

I hope you all have a great week! It’s the first day of summer on Wednesday and I’m hoping to make homemade ice cream to celebrate!

xox