39: week in review

October 1, 2023
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sourdough pumpkin loaf of bread - M Loves M @marmar

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. It truly feels like autumn here- we’ve had rain off and on all weekend and much cooler temperatures. Now that it’s October 1st I’m ready for all the fall baking. I love being in the kitchen year-round, but especially during autumn! Matthew is heading out of town tomorrow for a week-long work trip and we were talking about how maybe it’s the longest he’s been away during our whole marriage, definitely for each of the kids too. I’m so thankful that we get to spend as much time together as a family as we do, that six days seems like a long time, but it doesn’t mean we’ll miss him any less. I’m trying to plan some fun things with the children to help ease their missing Dada pain. So far, I have some yummy meals planned and sleepovers with the big kids. Maybe I’ll throw in a hot cocoa outing too! I joke with Matthew that he’s the favorite but he really is. He’s such an incredible Dad and all three of those kids, including Beatrice feel his love always. During Matthw’s last work trip, 10-month-old Baby Bea was saying “Dada Dada” at nighttime because she was noticing his absence.

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-  Rotisserie Chicken Salad– this salad is so good! It’s our second time making it and a hit each time!

TUESDAY- Sizzling Beef Bulgogi Tacos – this was such a nice change from our normal Mexican taco night. So flavorful and easy! I especially loved the iceberg slaw.

WEDNESDAY- BBQ Meatballs and Greek Salad from Simply Symon Suppers – the meatballs were ok. Not blow it out of the park amazing but they got the job done. Maybe I should have added more bbq sauce on mine. The Greek salad on the other hand was amazing and so authentic tasting. I couldn’t find the recipe online anywhere but I’ll see if I can write it out for next week. It’s all the normal players: tomato, cucumber, feta, but just classically delicious!

THURSDAY- Grilled Salmon Steaks with Bok Choy and Mustard Sauce – this was so incredibly delicious that I made a mental note to write down the mustard sauce recipe. It was amazing! I’m very excited to cook more from this cookbook now after having two very delicious meals!

FRIDAY- Neighbor PotLuck – we are blessed with the best neighbors! We had tacos, guac, corn salad, broccoli salad, and I made Mexican rice and beans.

SATURDAY- Cacio e Pepe– always trying new versions which is silly because it’s the simplest recipe ever but we liked this one a lot.

SUNDAY- Cast-Iron Smash Burgers with Fries – It’s October 1st but we still love our burger nights. Not ready to let these go just yet.

I also made this Creamy Gnocchi Soup for a friend who just had a baby, and also these Brown Butter Apple Blondie Bars. I snuck a few and they were delicious!

In honor of fall, and the start of October, I made a sourdough pumpkin loaf. I made one last year and I think they’re just too cute with the cinnamon stick sticking in as the stem. The kids ate it with apple butter for a snack yesterday.

WHAT I WORE

trench coat style for fall - M Loves M @marmar timex watch - M Loves M @marmar

I got bangs this week which I’m getting used to. I think I need about 1/4″ cut on them but once they’re right I think I’ll like them a lot! I just think I needed a little change and bangs feel fun for right now. (If you’re postpartum you’ve probably done the same, or thought about it!)

I have a few sweaters from Ralph Lauren that I’ve owned and worn for several years that feel just as good as new. I don’t think I can say that about a lot of brands, but I really can about RL. The quality is so good that they hold up.

My short trench coat from Everlane has been a favorite for years (remember it here?). I love their long versions too.

SALES TO NOTE

Abercrombie– 20% off in the app with code APP20

American Eagle– 30% off 4 items, 25% off 3 items and 20% off 2 items

LOFT– 20% off new arrivals

Ulta– 50% off best sellers!

J.Crew- 30% off fall styles!

Mango– 30% off everything when spending $220. Use code EXTRA30

ON MY MIND

As I mentioned, this week will be a little different with Matthew gone. We’re going to keep busy when we can and I’m going to try to make a bunch of easy recipes. My best friend shared Caro Chambers with me and she is a recipe developer with young kids of her own. She has a Substack with lots of recipes and ones specific for those crunch-time dinner periods where you just need to get food on the table. I have several of her recipes planned that I’m excited to try out. They not only look easy but delicious as well!

Because I have a lot of fall desserts I want to make I’m trying to stay organized. Each week I’m allowing myself to bake one treat and one dessert. My hope is that I can really narrow down the things I want to make without going overboard. Treats are aimed at being healthier snacks for the kids, and the dessert is a DESSERT. One day, when I have some more time, I’ll share more of my baking adventures because it really is my favorite thing.

Matthew and I were able to get out for a sushi date yesterday which was so nice! We made a New Year’s Resolution to go on monthly dates and we’ve been so good minus a few months when my mother-in-law/babysitter extraordinaire was out of town. It’s always so nice for us to have time together just the two of us, where we can complete a conversation without interruptions and it doesn’t take 5 minutes to get in and out of the car with car seats and such. We both were like, “Yeah I still really like you!” lol We definitely miss our dating days and are so thankful to have those special memories from our early marriage days.  casual rainy day style - M Loves M @marmar sushi lunch in eagle, idaho - M Loves M @marmar baby beatrice and mama- M Loves M @marmar

I hope you all have a lovely first week of October!

xox

 

 

Labeled:

Home, Living

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38: week in review

September 24, 2023
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gingham tablecloth espresso cookies - M Loves M @marmar

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)

cheese board - M Loves M @marmar breakfast for dinner - M Loves M @marmar

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.

swing with baby - M Loves M @marmar gingham dress - M Loves M @marmar

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.

homeschool with coffee - M Loves M @marmar gingham tablecloth - M Loves M @marmar eleven months baby beatrice - M Loves M @marmar

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead!

xox

Labeled:

Home, Living

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My Must-Have Baby Items (as a Mom of 3)

September 19, 2023
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new parent must haves from a mom of 3 - M Loves M @marmar

Trying to figure out what to register for as a pregnant mama can be a little daunting. There is SO much stuff! What’s essential, what will be used regularly, and what actually works? I remember that even between my first and second pregnancies, there were several new products that launched into the baby world market – some made SO much sense and others not so much. Today I wanted to break down my must-have baby items, as a Mom of 3. I’ve been there and done that, so I can share honestly with you which products you’ll be happy to have in your nursery. And the best part is that they’re readily available at Target which makes it even easier. 

WHY THE TARGET BABY REGISTRY

Besides the fact that Target is one of the biggest and most popular retailers, they’ll help you prepare for a new baby with “A Year of Benefits” in a way no other retailer can. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, cloth diapering, disposable diapering, there is something for pretty much everyone. 

Register and get “A Year of Benefits!”

What’s “A Year of Benefits”?  It’s a year of exclusive deals through Target Circle. You get a free welcome kit that’s $100+ in value of deals, samples, and coupons (so worth it!). You also get a 15% off registry coupon which starts 8 weeks before your expected arrival date, and you can return or exchange anything from your registry for up to one year with Free Registry Returns. 

Registering for Target is a great way to ensure ease of gift-giving for your friends and family, but it’s also so easy for the parents-to-be. New mamas: you can make your baby registry here. 

where to set up a baby registry - M Loves M @marmar snuggle me organic lounger is a baby must have to register for - M Loves M @marmar

WHAT TO REGISTER FOR

Diapers- Yes you’ll need a lot of diapers! This time around we’ve been cloth diapering and I honestly wish I had been brave enough to do it with my first two. It’s so much easier than I expected. Even still, during the first few months I relied on Pampers Pure. Those have provided the best protection when they’re still so little. Now, I cloth diapers but I do have Honest Diapers on hand for times where I need them- like traveling or when I might not be able to change her as quickly as I can at home. For wipes, the Water Wipes are our go-to. They come in handy from cheeks to hands to bottoms. 

The Snuggle Me Organic is one of my favorite products! It’s a soft snuggle lounger that’s perfect for laying down, tummy time, and sitting up. I love how it’s designed in a way that hugs your baby’s full body. I feel like this is what allows them to calm and comfort so well. The material is organic and breathable and it’s also easy to clean. 

One product you’ll use for years is the Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight. There’s a cool mist humidifier with a range from gentle mist to tropical rainforest, a diffuser for those times you’re trying to clear out some congestion (or maybe you just want to add some calming lavender), and a color changing nightlight. It’s a product you’ll use for years – Corinna has one in her room that she adds essential oils to each naptime and bedtime!

Since I’m home with my kids right now, I actually haven’t had to use my pump more than a handful of times, but the Willow is what I have readily available. It was really helpful with my second born, and I love how discreet it is. 

Bottles- The only bottle Beatrice will take is the Comotomo. It was the same for the other two. Something about the feel of these bottles just reminds them of nursing. They’re actually designed specifically to reduce bottle rejection and nipple confusion issues. These bottles are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free, and I love how easy they are to clean!

For Breast Care Support – I literally cringe a little when I think of the ordeal I went through with my second – undetected mastitis and an abscess that had to be drained weekly for months. Not ideal for a new sleep-deprived mama! I love everything that Frida Mom comes out with because they fill a major need in the marketplace. This Breast Care Kit would have been so helpful for me! It has a 2-in-1 Lactation Massager, Instant Heat Breast Warmers, Breast Mask for Lactation, and Breast Mask for Hydration. Having breastfeeding tools for stubborn clogged ducts and let-down issues is a saving grace when you need it…trust me! 

Another Fridababy must-have: the NoseFrida Snotsucker. This nasal aspirator is so so handy for the times your baby is congested and needs to clear the mucus out. We forget that babies can’t blow their noses like we can, so in comes the latest and greatest baby product creation!

For bath time, we love the Angelcare Baby Bath Support. The price is just right and it’s so handy when you’re bathing your littlest love. It has a non-slip grip, it’s easy to clean, the drain holes prevent mildew buildup, plus it has a hook for easy hanging.

We’re in a busy baby season right now where doing diaper changes takes a whole lot of wrangling. Is it a baby or a tiny alligator? We don’t know! This Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad is a must-have. I love the grip that keeps the pad in place, but I especially like the safety strap to keep the baby secure. And it’s easy to wipe down too!

must have baby registry items - M Loves M @marmar fridababy diffuser and humidifier - M Loves M @marmar my favorite baby products - M Loves M @marmar target baby registry must-haves - M Loves M @marmar

If you’re pregnant, have fun making your baby registry here. Target literally has every product you could possibly want or need, and “A Year of Benefits” makes it that even more appealing. I’d love to hear from the other mamas in the comments. What are some of your new baby must-haves you’d recommend?  

xox

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DISCLOSURE: Thank you Target for partnering with me on this post! All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks for supporting my sponsors. It truly means a lot.

Labeled:

Living, Motherhood, Pregnancy

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