Happy Sunday y’all! Getting this post up a little later than usual. We’ve been celebrating Matthew’s birthday all week which has been so fun. I feel like I love Matthew’s birthday week as much as my own. It’s just the best to celebrate our favorite guy. To make things extra special, I made his favorite recipes all week, and two birthday desserts: his forever pick of a mud pie, and also this strawberry pretzel cake (but with Biscoff instead of gingersnap cookies although Matthew would love that too I’m sure!)

Here’s a 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- Honey Garlic Shrimp and Corn and Bacon Avocado Salad – one of our favorite summer salads!

TUESDAY- Pulled Pork with Coleslaw

WEDNESDAY- BBQ Chicken Salad with Avocado Ranch– so yummy and easy to put together

THURSDAY- Sourdough Pizza with leftover pulled pork, red onions and bbq sauce (and a margarita pizza for the kids!)

FRIDAY- Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken– tastes better than takeout in our opinion!

SATURDAY- Grilled Skirt Steak and Orzo with the best basil vinaigrette ever – seriously make that vinaigrette and put it on everything!

SUNDAY- leftovers

If you haven’t made fried eggs with oregano yet, you’re missing out! This is my go-to breakfast that I have most days of the week.

New favorite summer dessert: the big pie crumb bars from the Smitten Kitchen’s Keepers cookbook. SO good! I used a combination of plums, peaches, raspberries, and blueberries. I wish the recipe was available online but trust me, this cookbook is worth buying!

Scrambled eggs with fresh herbs will always make me think of family holidays because it’s a simple breakfast but feels special and fancy. I love to make this for Christmas morning to go along with our coffee cake, but it’s just as delicious as any other time of year!

The strawberry pretzel cake I mentioned above. I have a feeling it will be another new summer staple. Very kid-friendly too!

WHAT I WORE

This white button-up shirt has been a staple for me for the past several years. I found it on sale here! It’s such an easy pick for any denim outfit, but I also love it with linen shorts.

Staying cool in this hatch tank and these linen pants. This is a weekly favorite for me. I really love the beige and black color combo outfits right now, although I know it’s not very summery.

SALES TO NOTE

The Anniversary Sale is happening! It’s kind of crazy to think back on how much time and effort I put into those sale posts every year. It was a lot of work, and while I enjoyed it, I’m happy not to be spending that much time on it this year. I thought I’d just highlight a few favorites:

• a lip set you will reach for daily ! (or could give as a gift)
• my favorite bra, and favorite strapless
• my go-to hair styling tool
• iconic jeans
• wishlist item

Gap– 50% off!

Wayfair – Outdoor Clearance

Banana Republic– Big Summer Sale- I am loving BR these days. Everything is so good and this sale is one to take advantage of!

ON MY MIND

We’ve been taking it easy today because Augustine stepped on a wasp the other day and his foot has been so swollen. Thankfully it’s looking a lot better but it’s hard for the boy to get around. It sounds like it can be swollen for a week but we’re praying it doesn’t take too long.

I know I mentioned this book to you a few months ago, The Mission of Motherhood. I really enjoyed it so I’m looking forward to reading it again with my friends for our Book Club. It’s a book that would be so encouraging to go through with other mamas. By the way, have you seen my Amazon Storefront? I have a section for favorite books on there, as well as homeschool resources, favorite books for kids, etc.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and stay cool! It will be another hot week for us so I’m seeing some splash pad and pool days in our future. Oh and naps too!

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