Happy weekend everyone! I’ve had a busy weekend of meal prep over here. Of course, I decided to be busy in the kitchen when Matthew is off camping, but thankfully he came back a little early (his choice not mine) so I will have some extra help today (Sunday). I made granola, bread, pizza dough, sandwich loaves, salad dressing, and cookies for the adults and I still have more to do! I try to do what I can when I can because it does help the week go more smoothly.

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- Turkey Meatballs with Corn Rice– These were amazing! I wish I had doubled the recipe because I seriously can’t wait to make them again.

TUESDAY- One-pan Roasted Chicken, Cauliflower, and Potatoes with a Ridiculously Tasty Green Sauce– This is a keeper of a recipe! The cauliflower was loved by all, especially baby Beatrice!

WEDNESDAY- Green Chicken Tortilla Soup– this was so yummy! I’ve been enjoying the leftovers all week.

THURSDAY- Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples and Sweet Potatoes– so amazing I’ve already written it down. It’s simple but so delicious and perfect for fall. Another kid-keeper!

FRIDAY- Healthy-ish Turkey Bolognese– I cooked this from morning to evening and it was delicious! I was especially happy to find out that Baby Beatrice loved it too! There are lots of hidden veggies in here and I also added some mushrooms as well.

SATURDAY- Sourdough Pizza (I used Ken Forkish’s recipe and it’s so good! I love that it uses discard from making a sourdough loaf)- we topped ours with eggplant, red onion, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh oregano and thyme. One of the best!

SUNDAY- Pork Chops and Farrotto

As you can see, this week I made a lot of recipes from Caro Chambers. My best friend gifted me a trial to her paid Substack and I have loved cooking her recipes. They have all been hits not just with me, but especially the kids. As some of you can attest, cooking for the tiny humans isn’t always easy. They can be opinionated and like what they like when they like. All of the recipes I’ve made this week- all of them- have been hits! I have to say, life is so much easier when my little ones go to bed happily fed with full tummies!

As a special treat for Mom and Dad, I made Caro’s Coronado Cookies (no raisins). They were so good and definitely a keeper of a recipe. I love the oatmeal, chocolate chip, and rice crispy combo. And the peanut butter (I didn’t have almond butter) made the base flavor so good. Also, kid-approved (of course!).

And for the kiddos, I made some pumpkin bread with cinnamon maple butter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love fall baking!

WHAT I WORE

It’s time to bring out my favorite Jenni Kayne sweater. It’s so incredibly soft and comfortable and, while it’s a splurge, it’s held up so well the past 2 seasons. You can also get 20% off right now!

I found my Made by Mary birth flower necklace in my jewelry drawer the other day and I’ve loved wearing it again. It’s so pretty and would make such a sweet gift for a friend!

It’s definitely been a little chilly in the mornings so I’ve been needing to wear my black puffer jacket. This puffer jacket comes in a bunch of color options and it packs up well.

SALES TO NOTE

Everlane– 25% off Friends & Family Sale- I have loved so many of Everlane’s pieces. The price is good and the quality really holds up! I found so many great things and linked them below:

I ended up buying these Levi’s that I’ve had my eye on. Did you know that Levi’s direct site has an amazing free member program? You can get $50 for signing up too (with my link) which I wish someone had passed along to me. I did get my jeans on sale though, and they were full-priced on Shopbop. So definitely a site to keep an eye on if you have specific styles in mind.

Jenni Kayne– 20% off sitewide! I love so many of their sweaters. The Alpaca Cocoon Cardigan and their lug boots are on my list.

ON MY MIND

I’ve realized that I need to get new shoes for the kids since they’ve outgrown everything from summer! I’m looking for a pair of snow/winter boots and another boot that can be dressed up or worn casually. If you have any suggestions, send them my way! I did find these cute Mary Janes for Corinna that I’m excited about. I love the L’Amour brand because of all their sweet classic styles.

I’m hoping we can take some family photos this year since we didn’t take any last year. As a mom, those things are what I cherish most. I picked out some cute outfits from our absolute favorite children’s clothing brand Baybala (they have cute mama pieces too!) and I can’t wait to see everyone dressed up!

I picked some of our hydrangeas to bring inside and the color is so pretty. Last year I missed cutting them at the fuschia stage and they were more mauve/brown- still pretty but I love this shade. It will be nice to have them brighten up our winter.

I hope you all have a lovely week!

 xox

It’s kind of crazy noting each week of the year because I’m like how are we 40 weeks in?! Obviously, fall is here and we’re getting towards the end of 2023 but just seeing the number blows me a bit away. This week felt a little extra long because Matthew was out of town for work, but we all survived! He got back on Saturday and we grabbed a quick lunch at one of our favorite places in Boise, Certified Kitchen + Bakery. We ran into a friend too (love small-town living) and it seemed like everyone was out because of the gorgeous weather. I think we’re all soaking in these last 70 degree days while enjoying the stunning autumn trees – the colors are incredible right now!

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- Creamy Gnocchi Soup– so delicious! Definitely a staple during the cooler months.

TUESDAY- Black Bean Flautas – so easy! I mixed black beans and refried beans with cheese, rolled in tortillas, and baked until crispy. Topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, sour cream, guac, and more cheese!

WEDNESDAY- Sheet Pan Honey Roasted Chicken with Carrots and Brussels Sprouts– This was so good and a wonderful reminder of how convenient sheet pan dinners are. Corinna ate all of her Brussels and Augustine ate all of his carrots so I think that’s a win!

THURSDAY- One Pot Lemony Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo– love how quickly this all came together!

FRIDAY- Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta– Loved making the sauce from all our summer cherry tomatoes!

SATURDAY- leftover soup

SUNDAY- Burgers and Fries- It’s a high of 83 today so that’s burger weather. Taking advantage of a few more grill nights!

I have some of those espresso chocolate chip cookies in the freezer still and I have to say I like them a lot more after they were chilled for 24 hours. They are such a good little afternoon treat with an iced latte.

WHAT I WORE

I gave my cowgirl boots some love this week – love how cute they look with dresses, especially my Christy Dawn dresses (the Dawn is a favorite style!). Use code 15Mara for a discount!

I used up the very last of my Saie tinted moisturizer this week. The three and a half shade has been such a good match and it’s what I’ve been using daily.

SALES TO NOTE

H&M– 20% off sitewide for members!

GAP– 50% off sweaters and 60% off sale

Anthropologie– 25% off Fall Favorites

ON MY MIND

Last Sunday night I watched You’ve Got Mail for the first time in years. It’s such a classic rom-com and it was one of my favorites growing up. It’s amazing how I’ve been able to remember so many lines, even after all these years. Also, that soundtrack is so good! Definitely recommend rewatching it during the fall! “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. ”

Corinna was my little helper at our farmers’ market yesterday. I love getting to spend some quality 1:1 time with her when I can. Also, her bangs are so perfect, aren’t they? Did I tell you she cut them herself?? Much to my dismay of course, although I’ll admit she’s a natural. I had someone touch them up a bit but they didn’t need much help.

Augustine is so sweet with Baby Beatrice. We were outside over the weekend and he was rolling a ball to her and telling her about how he likes to Nerf Gun attack wasp nests.

I took a little break from social media this week which was honestly so good for me. I felt way more productive and happier. I feel like my relationship with that app has changed so much in the past 3-4 years. I heard someone comparing it to a breakup where you know you’re better off apart but not able to officially cut ties. I think that’s where I am right now. I love certain things about it, especially the community, but not much else.

Today we went on a beautiful walk in Kathryn Albertson park. It’s so gorgeous there right now with so many pollinating flowers, not to mention all the fall trees. If you want to fall in love with Boise, come during the fall!

I hope you all have a lovely week!

xox