Hello, friends! We took it easy this weekend and I tried to get a bunch of chores done on Saturday. I love starting the week feeling ahead and not behind so it’s been a process lately to really organize my time and stick to my To Do list goals. We enjoyed a bike ride together though and Corinna and I baked granola which was so fun. I love how the smell of freshly baked granola fills our house, although it did make me think of fall because of the spices.

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- Not So Fried Chicken Salad– this has become a repeat for us!

TUESDAY- Zucchini and Feta Fritters with Avocado Crema (from this cookbook)- the fritters were a huge hit which I was so happy about!! They’re a great way to use up all that zucchini crop! (p.s. this recipe looks similar)

WEDNESDAY- Pan Roasted Pork Chops with Shallots and Fennel (also from this cookbook but found here with a video)- I wish I had taken a photo but it was probably the best thing we’ve made in awhile. It seriously tasted like a dish you could get at a fancy restaurant. I need to write it down for my recipe book.

THURSDAY- Asian Steak Salad (from this cookbook) – the almond sauce dressing was so good and I love a salad with fresh mint, basil and cilantro. It tasted so fresh and delicious!

FRIDAY- Grilled Shrimp and Caesar Salad

SATURDAY- Burger Night!

SUNDAY- Soba Noodles with Charred Broccoli and Spicy Almond Sauce – a leftover concoction that will hopefully turn out!

I always love a cheese board! This one was super simple but very good.

I made a raspberry frangipane galette (from this cookbook) with raspberries from our neighborhood farm and it turned out so delicious! We all agreed I need to make it again soon!

WHAT I WORE

Baby Beatrice has been fighting her second nap of the day so I’ve been wearing her in my Ergobaby Embrace carrier. It’s so soft and comfortable and I appreciate how easy it is to put on.

Messy braids and pretty Doen blouses for homeschooling days.

My favorite tee is currently on sale! I have the heathered oat color and it really goes with everything!

This gingham Hatch dress is sadly sold out, but linking in case it comes back.

SALES TO NOTE

LOFT– 30% off tops & $49 jeans and pants

Nordstrom– last day of the Anniversary Sale

Everlane– 25% off Best-Selling Styles

ON MY MIND

I know it’s still the beginning of August but it already feels like summer is ending. It feels a little bittersweet because while I’m looking forward to fall, I’m not ready to let go of these long summer days. We’ve developed such a sweet little routine of going on morning walks together, and I think I’ve mentioned that I’ve also been taking evening walks by myself which has been such a highlight. Once the sun starts setting earlier, those evening walks will sadly come to an end, so I’m hoping I can replace that time with something just as fulfilling.

We’ve also been going berry picking at our neighborhood farm and that has been so enjoyable. I’m not joking when I say I’ve realized a goal of mine is to have a mini orchard with lots of berry bushes. There’s just something so rewarding about picking the freshest berries and eating them. Makes me think of one of our favorite Robert McCloskey books.

I hope you all have a lovely week!

xox

I hope you all had a lovely week! It’s always nice to have a short post-holiday week, don’t you think? Summer was in the air this week and I think it helped boost all of our spirits. I always get so excited the week after Memorial Day because I know June is around the corner and we’re about to create so many summer memories. While we don’t have any summer trips planned, it will be nice to enjoy being home and going on some local adventures.

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- Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries for Memorial Day

TUESDAY- Grilled Tri-Tip with Basil Vinaigrette and a Tuscan Bread and Tomato Salad – this bread salad is a mix between a Panzanella and a Caprese and it’s hands down one of our all-time favorite summer recipes!

WEDNESDAY- Meatloaf and Potato Salad – from this cookbook. Somewhat similar to this recipe of hers but would highly recommend trying the cookbook version.

THURSDAY- leftovers

FRIDAY- Roast Chicken with Feta and Cucumber Salad

SATURDAY- Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir Fry with Coconut Rice

SUNDAY- Penne with the kid’s favorite pink sauce, homemade sourdough, and a big salad

I made this buttered pecan granola this week and it was SO yummy! Everyone loved it and kept asking for bowls throughout the day. Hard to resist!

WHAT I WORE

One of my favorite brands is Doen but it is a little bit pricey- justifiable if you read about their mission and ethical work practices. While I can’t buy their pieces that often I love looking for second-hand deals. This brown gingham dress was one of them from an Instagram friend. It’s made out of a lovely linen and it’s a perfect dress for wearing around the house, or belting it and adding sandals for running errands. Here are some favorites from the brand:

I’ve been loving my new summer sandals. They have the prettiest lace up detail and even come in a heel version! You can get the sandals here and also over here in white.

SALES TO NOTE

Gap– Up to 50% off and extra 20% off

Shopbop– Up to 60% off sale

ON MY MIND

I have been having a hard time making working out a priority these days but I know how beneficial it is for me in so many ways. This week, however, I made it onto the elliptical twice and I feel like that’s a small but big accomplishment. What helped was that I watched Mamma Mia! on Amazon Prime while I was working out, which is one of my favorite movies. It’s such a feel-good musical and I love singing all the songs so it helped pass the time quickly. Looking forward to more workouts this week so I can develop a regular habit.

Wednesday was such a fun day. We picked up a new scooter for Augustine and went on a walk/ride along the Boise Greenbelt. The weather was so perfect and it was such a special time. I’ll probably think back to that day quite a bit.

We also rearranged our living room this week which has made a huge difference! It feels like the new layout works way better for our space and it just flows much more nicely. I think I should try rearranging some other rooms while I’m at it!

Beatrice has 4 teeth, which I think I mentioned last week. She also started saying Dada which is so precious! I love how she’ll move her mouth in an attempt to say it when she sees Matthew. I’m working hard to have Mama be her next word!

It’s my birthday week !! so I’m planning a little lunch date with Matthew and a manicure with a girlfriend. Thankful the Lord has blessed me with this beautiful life. While it can be full of challenges, He gives me peace and joy in everyday moments. I’m looking forward to seeing what this next year has in store!

Have a lovely rest of your weekend and a great week!

xox