Books and Shows for a Cozy Fall

Fall always brings me home. Candles, warm blankets, sweaters, and a general homebody sort of feeling. We've had a surprisingly warm fall here in Colorado this year, but it doesn't make me any less ready to next for the cooler months.

This "nesting" that happens every fall brings with it a new round of books and television shows that I enjoy. After being outside most of the summer, it's a nice change of pace to curl up on my couch. Here are a few of my favorites right now...

Books



The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe

I found this book on a "Books Every Woman Should Read" list and I haven't been disappointed. It's the story of five young women embarking upon careers in NYC during the 1950s. It is a good reminder of how far women have come in the workplace, and also a beautiful reminder of the idealism of young women. I wouldn't call it a "clean read" but I do think it's worth your time.



Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman

I have never read a book on motherhood with so much truth on every page. Gloria ties motherhood back to Christ and shows how our role as mothers actively brings the Gospel into the world and into our homes. I have been challenged and encouraged on every page and I highly recommend it!



Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

I am a huge Jane Austen fan, but as a rule I don't read knock-offs of the originals. However, this came highly recommended by my favorite Modern Mrs. Darcy so I gave it a try. I wasn't disappointed! The story is about a young women struggling to find herself and make a life in the midst of her personal pain. She writes letters to the anonymous Mr. Knightly and through the book you get to watch her grow into a new version of herself. It's a beautiful story and a quick, enjoyable read.

TV Shows

The Blacklist on Netflix

Ben and I are addicted to this crime drama. I love shows that have a longer plot that unfolds throughout the seasons and this show does not disappoint. It is a little scary and graphic at times so be aware.

This Is Us

I don't normally watch new shows until they arrive on Netflix but this one was worth the exception. It's only four episodes in, and I'm already loving this sweet family of triplets and their parents. As a parent myself I identify so much with this drama. I'm excited to see how the show unfolds.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

THE PREIVEWS!!! This new GG installment comes out November 25 and I can't wait. A new preview was released yesterday and I'm even more excited than I was before! Expect me to disappear for a few days at the end of November.


What are you reading or watching?

Strength in the Struggle of Motherhood

It's been one of those days weeks when the husband is out of town and the children are crazy and I just. can't. take. it. Do you have those too? I find myself falling in to bed exhausted every night, only to be awakened by a crying toddler a few hours later. Today I asked my friend if it was too early to drink wine-- at noon. She loves me very much and didn't judge. We ate fruit snacks with the kids instead.

But seriously, motherhood is HARD. It is all day, all week exhausting, and it sometimes seems like the phase will never end.

I'm reading a book right now called Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full. The author writes that the gospel is for us a mothers. Christ's death and resurrection have real, concrete meaning on how we parent every day. As I literally lay down my life for my children, it is a reminder of what Christ has done for me.

This week, when you're overwhelmed too, remember the One who laid everything down for you. He promises to give us strength when we're hiding from our kids in the bathroom, or cleaning up poop again, or just trying to make it through a day with little people.

Jesus loves you, mama, and He promises to guide you gently through this season of life (Isaiah 40:11).

 

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Can we just take a moment and cheer for fall?! This is my absolutely, positively favorite time of the year.

Growing up in Texas fall was this two-day event in November, so it's thrilling to live in Colorado where fall truly means colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, and pumpkin patches. I always find myself a little more home-bound this time of year, enjoying blankets, baking, and good books, and making my home a place I want to be.

With that in mind, here are a few of my current favorite "fallish" things(yep, new word for you- it's going to be in the dictionary, I promise!).

+ I love candles year round, and I think fall candles are the most wonderful. I love seeing the flame and smelling all that loveliness. I discovered a new company on Instagram recently called Candelles, and I'm itching to try one. I'm between Pumpkin Walnut Biscotti and Vanilla Maple.

+ I keep meaning to hit up Hobby Lobby's fall decor, but I haven't made it over there yet. I'm a sucker for a good fake pinecone or pumpkin. When I do finally go, I'll be sure to show my finds on Instagram!

+ HAVE YOU TRIED THE PUMPKIN SPICES KISSES?!!! Calming down- sorry guys, they're just so. so. so. good. I have a bowl of them on my kitchen counter and I just can't stop eating. They taste like a pumpkin spice muffin all in one magical bite. Try them! You won't be sorry.

+ Leggings. It's leggings season! With boots, and sweaters, and scarves, oh my! I've always been an on-the-cheap leggings girl, but something new has found it's way into my heart this year. Have you heard of Lula Roe? They are literally (hear Chris Traeger from Parks & Rec here) literally the best, softest leggings you will ever try. I make everyone touch my legs now. Hmmm... probably shouldn't do that anymore.... But really, these are amazing! If you're in the market for a pair join me on Facebook this weekend to shop your favorites!

What are your favorite ways to celebrate fall? I'm always on the hunt for fun new ideas!

5 Ways to Turn A Bad Day Around

Monday was one of those terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days. Do you have those too? The kids were awful and I was in a really bad mood. Tessa refused to put a shirt on (plus was up from midnight to 3 am), and I yelled at Eli by 9 am. Then I accidentally put the mac & cheese noodles in dirty dishwater, and my house was a disaster.

Sometimes as a stay-at-home mom, I feel like these days are my new normal. Everything goes wrong, I'm overwhelmed, and I'm home alone with these crazy children of mine. It can be tough to get out of the rut of discouragement when every day feels the same.

I find I often need a push from outside myself to get going again. A reminder from a friend, a text from my husband, a nice store salesperson, to help me remember that everything is going to be ok. So here is my push to you. If you're having a rough day, here are five ways to help reset your mood and redeem your day.



1. Get some alone time. 
I know, I know, you have little ones and this is impossible. Let's be honest, I don't even go to the bathroom alone. You'd be surprised, though, what a cup of goldfish and an episode of Daniel Tiger will accomplish. Don't feel guilty for taking a few minutes away from your kids (while they're safely occupied) to collect yourself. Even a quick chocolate bar snuck in the pantry can do the trick!

2. Listen to music.
Music can change your mood with a quick push of a button. Grab your phone and crank up a fun song to help re-set yourself. As a bonus, your kids will think it's super fun.

3. Exercise.
I'm going to be honest with you- I. Hate. Exercise. Like really really hate it. BUT, I've recently discovered that it makes me feel happier, healthier, and more engergetic. Find something that fits your life, schedule, and preferences. I currently do yoga at our local YMCA while my kids are in their child watch. I know other moms who do Pinterest workouts or YouTube videos. Find your fit and go for it!

4. Clean something.
This one might seem counter-intuitive, but often creating a clean environment around you can give your soul peace. Give your kids a cloth and let them "dust" while you get the real work done, and you'll be so glad that at least one room in your house is clean!

5. Do something you love.
I find that as a mom of young kids, my time is spent on the kids and I don't get much for myself. My hobbies often fall by the wayside. It's so important to find time to do what you love, and to make time for it, even if you're exhausted. So find a friend to help watch your kids, or sneak away during naptime to do something. I promise if you look hard enough you'll find a little time to do something you love.

And if none of these work, put yourself to bed early and remember: You are loved. Nothing beats that.

Colorful Cross Baby Quilt (An Easy Way to Match Fabrics)

I make a lot of quilts with precuts, but sometimes I love to make a run to my local Joann Fabrics and whip up a baby quilt. I often spend hours wandering the aisles, looking for something (anything!) to match the fabrics I've already chosen for a quilt. Because as many of you may know, despite the amazing selection at Joann, it is hard to match enough fabrics to coordinate a full quilt. 

And so, my new solution. Choose one (just one!) key fabric. That's right, no twelve coordinating prints this time. Just. Choose. One. I went with a darling baby-themed animal print, which I used as my back plus one of my front fabrics. 

Now take your one print and match it color by color. Grab lots of solid colors or small-print fabrics that match just one color in your main fabric. I chose two oranges, a dark gray, a light gray, yellow, and two mint greens. Suddenly all your "random" color choices come together in one beautiful quilt! You can do this with any pattern, any color grouping. So have fun!

Fabric:

1 1/2 yards of main patterned fabric

1/4 yard (or fat quarters) of 6-10 coordinating fabrics

1/3 yard of fabric for binding

1 1/4 yard of quilt batting or flannel

Basic Instructions:

Cut fabric into 3 1/2" squares and 3 1/2" x 9 1/2" strips (2 squares for every one strip). Before piecing, lay out full quilt on the floor to be sure your strips and squares align properly. Sew in rows of square, square, strip. Once rows are sewn together, piece rows together into full quilt. Layer back, batting (or flannel), and pieced quilt. Pin, then quilt. I quilted each cross individually. Finish with binding.

MOPS and A Little of My Story

I've been mulling over my blog a lot lately. Wondering what to say, what to focus my writing on, what you all as my followers might like to read. In all honesty, I haven't come to a solution. I have so much I want to share, but sometimes nothing comes out. So today, I want to share something very personal with you: a part of my story.

The video below is something I filmed for my local MOPS group here in Colorado. It aired at my church this morning. More than a promo video, though, it is a small testimony of how MOPS has impacted my life.

For those of you not familiar with it, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a worldwide movement that believes moms are world influencers. We believe that better moms make a better world. And no matter your background, your faith journey, your struggles, if you are a mom you are welcome. You can find out more information, or look for a group in your area by going to www.mops.org.

And so here is why MOPS matters to me. I'm so excited to share it with you all.

Bunny Hill Baby Quilt

Baby quilts are one of my favorite sewing projects. They are fairly quick and give me a chance to get creative. This sweet little boy bunny quilt was actually leftover from a quilt I made 3 years ago. My friend had a baby girl in 2013, and she just had a baby boy. Hooray for matching quilts! Typically with a quilt like this, I buy one Moda Charm Pack, but here I used the leftovers of two packs that I combined. You can also just cut out squares of your own fabric scraps for the same look.

Fabric:
1 Moda Charm Pack (I used Windsor Lane by Bunny Hill Designs for Moda)
   --OR-- 48 5"x5" squares
1 yard all-natural quilt batting or light-colored flannel
1 yard of coordinating fabric for backing
1/3 yard of coordinating fabric for binding

Quick Instructions:

First, I sewed all the pre-cut squares together in rows of 8. Then I went back and sliced the rows in half longways to make the narrower 2.5" rectangles. Finally, I sewed the rectangles together in strips, 4 across by 8 down. I made three of these long strips total. Finally, I added a 4 inch white (or any solid color) strip between the patchwork strips. I quilted with a simple "follow the seams" style on all long-ways seams. Then I did a matching binding and we're done!

Be sure to use a large, flat surface to pin your quilt. I like to pin with curved quilter's safety pins.

Quilted, bound, and ready for baby!

You can see here I used a simple color-block pattern. When I sewed this I chose colors at random to make the quilt more visually interesting. The easiest way to do that is to put all the squares in a paper bag and draw at random. Then when I lay out bigger pieces, I just try to be sure like colors aren't touching.

The List Again (August)

Happy Saturday!

I always love weekend roundup posts like those from Modern Mrs Darcy and Becoming Minimalist, so here's a list from me.

1. I mentioned Liane Moriarty's new book Truly, Madly Guilty a few weeks ago in this post. It came off my library list a few days later and I read it in three days. Three days! I don't think Ben saw me without my face buried in my Kindle the whole time. I thought the story was intriguing and had a few good twists, but overall it wasn't my favorite LM book. (I love What Alice Forgot and The Last Anniversary.)

2. My amazing husband is building me hexagon shelves for the giant wall in our living room. I am ridiculously excited. Stay tuned for all the pictures.

3a.  \\\\  ][[[   nn (Tessa is sitting next to me coloring on my list pad and wanted to say hi.)

3b. Have you hopped on the ankle boots trend? I finally bought a pair and I'm in love! They are comfortable and go with everything I own. Ok, they don't match my yoga pants, but everything else! I bought this pair from Amazon and have been happy with them. They're fairly comfortable for the price and I sprayed them with suede spray so I can wear them all winter.





4. Can we have a moment of silence for caffeine? After being a parent for over 4 years, I've finally started drinking coffee every morning. WOW. I am alert and awake, ya'll, and it's magical. Why didn't I do this sooner?!!

5. The weather is starting to cool down here in Colorado and I am boarding the fall train. I'm ready for pumpkin and cinnamon and all the joy of the "ber" months. So even though it's only August, my cinnamon candle is out and I wore a sweater this week. Ok, I wore a sweater until it got hot at noon. But still, friends, this is a small victory.

6. Tessa has been vaguely interested in potty training lately, which means I'm jumping on that train with more enthusiasm than is probably warranted. We bought her Elmo and Minnie Mouse underwear about a month ago, and just let her wear them over her diaper. Her new thing this week is she blames the character on her underwear for her poop. She'll come find me, point to her underwear and say "Stinky poop Elmo! Elmo! Stinky!" It's hilarious. And I'm impressed by her early ability to try to get out of things.

What was something great about your week?

I'm Not a Perfect Parent

I'm having one of those weeks where I feel like a complete failure as a parent. You know the weeks, where you make these major mistakes that feel like the end of the world. I sat on the couch in tears last night because I was pretty positive I scarred a child's soul for life.

But you know what? Kids are resilient. I think we as parents often beat ourselves up over our failures far more than our kids actually feel them. Because here is the truth: I love my kids. I feed them, clothe them, show them I love them. A bad parent is someone who abuses, belittles, persecutes, or neglects their children. Parents who love their kids enough to be honest about their mistakes, cry over those precious souls, and ask for help are not bad parents.

There's a concept in counseling called the "good enough parent". I wasn't a parent in grad school, but I remember loving this term when I came across it. Studies have shown that parents do not have to be amazing to produce amazing kids, they just have to be good enough. Good enough means loving, caring for, disciplining, and doing our best, even though we won't always do the right thing.

So keep reading those parenting books. Keep working on yourself, growing in kindness, grace, and gentleness with your kids. But also remember that you don't have to be a perfect parent. Be good enough for your kids, and point them to Jesus for the perfect part.

Adult Cupcakes for the Win {Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes}

Have you ever come across that one recipe that is more than you ever dreamed of? It never disappoints, always turns out well, and tastes like heaven. My friends, I have that recipe for you today. Let me introduce my favorite cupcakes in the entire world: Irish Car Bomb cupcakes. 

For those of you who might not be familiar with it, an Irish Car Bomb is a drink that combines Guinness beer, whiskey, and Bailey's Irish Cream. These cupcakes take each drink and turn it into a part of the cupcake: Guinness chocolate cake, whiskey chocolate filling, and Irish Cream frosting. These started as my go-to St. Patrick's Day dessert, but have become our favorite all-occasion treat.

Let me preface all this by saying that these cupcakes are an enormous amount of work. They take me ALL DAY. But never has a day been better spent. The moment you taste your finished product, you will never be able to go back to a regular cupcake. Let me also say that while alcohol does cook out, the frosting is not cooked so these are not suitable for children. Please share them only with your adult friends.

I found this recipe on See Dani Bake. and made only a few tweaks. The only difference for me was slightly increasing the liquid and sugar, plus decreasing the baking soda for high altitude. I've noted my high altitude tweaks below.

Ingredients

Guinness Stout Chocolate Cupcakes
1 cup Guinness (I added an extra 2 T for high altitude)
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar (reduced by 2T for high altitude)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (reduced by 1/8 tsp for high altitude)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2/3 cup sour cream

Jameson Whiskey Ganache Filling
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate (Something around 70% is good)
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 to 2 tablespoons whiskey (Ben said I couldn't steal his Jack so I used Canadian whiskey)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4oz unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar (cut back or add more depending on how much Bailey's you add)
4-6 tablespoons of Bailey’s Irish Cream (or other Irish Cream. I used Brendan's.)

Directions


Cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cupcake tins with liners. (These gold ones would add something extra!)
2. Bring 1 cup Guinness and 1 cup butter to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. (I find melting the butter first then adding the Guinness kept it from burning.)
3. Take the mixture off the heat and add the cocoa powder and chocolate chips and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly. (I threw mine in the fridge for 5 minutes.)

4. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt together in large bowl.
5. Using a stand mixer, beat eggs and then add sour cream in another large bowl and mix well.
6. Add Guinness-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and mix in mixer to combine--don't over-mix.
7. Add flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed. Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined.
8. Divide batter among cupcake liners, filling them 2/3 to 3/4 of the way (I have a fabulous cupcake scoop from Pampered Chef similar to this one).

9. Bake cake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Cool cupcakes on a rack completely before coring for filling. 

Ganache
1. Heat the cream until simmering and then add in the chocolate chips and dark chocolate. Stir rapidly until smooth while on the heat.
2. Add the butter, whiskey, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
3. Take the ganache off the heat and let it cool until thick but still soft enough to be piped (I put mine in the fridge, but make sure to stir it every 10 minutes).
4. Meanwhile, use a 1-inch round cupcake corer (I used a baby spoon and it worked perfectly) to cut the centers out of the cooled cupcakes. You want to go most of the way down the cupcake but not cut through the bottom, so aim for 2/3 of the way. A slim spoon will help you get the center out. Either toss the scraps or eat them while you finish up the cupcakes. (I find if I set the bowl of centers out, my husband will take care of them!)

5. Put the ganache into a piping bag with a wide tip and fill the holes in each cupcake to the top. (I just put the ganache in a quart size zip-top bag and cut one of the corners.) 

Frosting
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment mix the room temperature cream cheese and butter on low to medium low speed until well incorporated. 
2. Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy on medium speed.
3. Drizzle in the Bailey’s, depending on how prominent you want the Irish cream flavoring to be.  Mix until completely incorporated.
4. Use a piping bag with tip of your choice and frost the cupcakes. 

Melanie's tips for successful cupcake baking:

1. Follow the directions. FOR REAL you guys- I like a shortcut as much as anyone, but that bit about whisking the flour and hand stirring the batter is there for a reason. You will be much happier with the result if you take the time to do it right.

2. You might be tempted to do something productive while your cupcakes bake, like clean your house or pay bills. Don't. This is your golden hour- eat as much cupcake batter as humanly possible and shop on Amazon to your heart's content. (I bought these shoes today during my 17 minutes.) Trust me on this one, you'll thank me.

3. Call all your friends. This recipe makes an incredibly large number of cupcakes and while you will want to eat every. last. one. you probably shouldn't. I've been there. And after that three-steps-to-success formula, you want some solid appreciation if you can't devour them all yourself. Your friends will all die of happiness as they bit into these, so don't deprive them of this opportunity.

Jane Austen for Babies (Giveaway)

**** Giveaway closed ****

Jane Austen has always been one of my favorite authors. I don't remember when I first picked up one of her novels, but by high school Pride and Prejudice was cemented as one of my most-beloved books. I've watched the P&P mini series at least 20 times and used part of the sound track to the 2006 version as my wedding march. The moment I found out Tessa was a girl, I knew I wanted to share my love of Jane Austen with her. (I wanted to name her Elizabeth or Elinor or Jane, but for some reason Ben didn't quite agree.)

My mom threw a book shower for Tessa, and one of the gifts was Baby Lit Books' Pride and Prejudice. I had no idea there were Jane Austen board books, and I was delighted! Since then we've also collected Sense & Sensibility and Emma, along with a few other classics. As a lover of classic literature, these have been perfect for my kids. They combine my love for old books with fun, colorful illustrations that Eli and Tessa really enjoy.

Tessa's current favorite is Emma which might be my favorite too. It combines feelings with colors for a really fun book. Tessa imitates the "sad" page and it's pretty adorable.

Of course, I'm already thinking about which ones to order next! My mom just bought Tessa Alice in Wonderland on Saturday. I think for Christmas I might get her Little Women (comes out Sept 6!) or The Secret Garden. And they aren't just for girls! Eli loves our copy of Moby Dick and I think Jungle Book might be next for him.

And now for the best part, a giveaway! I'll be giving away one copy of your choice: Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, or Emma. Comment below with your favorite Baby Lit Book plus which of the three options you'd like to win.  Follow me on Instagram or share this post on Facebook for up to 2 additional entries (add an additional comment per entry). Giveaway ends August 25 at midnight MST. Open to US residents only. May the best reader win!

Congrats to Lavonn! An email has been sent! (Drawing done via Random.org.)

Back to School... For the First Time!

Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, back to school has been a bit of an enigma. All those moms rushing around purchasing school supplies, wondering about lunches and homework and schedules seemed so foreign. My toddlers and I were blissfully unaware of this world of school.

And then we decided to put Eli in Pre-K. All of a sudden, I'm the one in the whirlwind, making the mad dash for school supplies, a new backpack (only Spiderman-- nothing else will do), and planning our schedule. A few of my friends are caught in this new world with me and we've all realized in the last couple weeks that our lives are about to change (not to sound dramatic or anything).  In a couple of weeks, I won't be doing morning playdates every day of the week, running of to the park with no worry about the time. Eli will be at Pre-K three afternoons a week, plus we do MOPS. Add in T-ball, Awana, and all that laundry and we're done.  You moms of older kids are probably laughing at me but this is a big deal for me!

So now I'm wondering, how do I do it all? How do I fit in time with my kids, friendships, and all that laundry? I'd like to be one of those cute bloggers with new back to school outfits and fabulous hair, but it's just pony tails and leggings over here.

Will you join me? Will you enter this crazy world of school and all that comes along with it? How do you cope with it all?

Sibling Bonds

Growing up, I always loved having siblings. Sure, we fought with each other and vied for our parents' attention, yet all my happy memories are with my siblings. Every birthday, Christmas, vacation, funny moment-- they were there. Now as adults, they are some of my dearest friends.

This is literally the cutest photo we have every taken. I'm not planning 

to ever show any new photos because we are not nearly this cute anymore.

After Tessa was born, I was so excited for Eli to have a sibling. I couldn't wait for the bond my siblings and I had to develop between them. I had those idyllic visions of them being best friends and holding hands all the time. But I have to be honest, they fight all. the. time. Not a day goes by without someone (Eli) pushing or someone (Tessa) screeching at their sibling. We have a lot of time outs and a lot of "sorry"s at our house.

This will probably be on our Christmas card this year.

But you guys, they LOVE each other. This sweet bond has begun to develop that is so precious to watch. Watching them fall in (sibling) love with each other has been incredible as a parent.

Tessa looks like she's planning to be super naughty, and Eli

looks like he has a secret. I have only fuzzy memory of what happened

next but I'm fairly certain somebody pushed somebody.

For Christmas this year my brother bought me the book Siblings without Rivalry (the irony! I know!).  I started reading it right after Christmas and found immediate, practical help. I've so appreciated Faber and Mazlish's wisdom on this topic. A major portion of the book focuses on you as the parent. I always figured my kids relationship was up to them, with me hoping and cheering on the sidelines. But the book takes a different path, challenging me as a parent.

I compare my children more than I'd like to admit. I imagine if you are a parent, you do too. I am often afraid that I am not treating them equally. Am I favoring one over other? Faber and Mazlish push this to the side, arguing "Children don't need to be treated equally. They need to be treated uniquely." And then, the authors push you to focus on bigger skills, those broader ideas that funnel down into good sibling relationships. They write, "Instead of worrying about [your children] becoming friends... [begin] to think about how to equip them with the attitudes and skills they'd need for all the caring relationships."

This book is practical, truthful, and relatable. The authors' honesty helps you feel like you really can make good relationships happen. In the words of Kathleen Kelly, "Read it! You'll love it!"

THIS is the framer. Love them.

Summer Pesto Pasta

We've been in a bet of a recipe rut lately. Does that ever happen to you? I often find myself making the same five or six meals over and over. As the seasons change my cooking style can't quite seem to follow.

My latest solution has been to follow a few food bloggers on Instagram. All their delicious photos have started making me more exited about cooking! Last night for dinner I tried this 20-Minute Tomato Pesto Pasta and it didn't disappoint. Even Eli liked it!

What are your favorite summer meals? Leave a comment below!

You Know You've Missed Me...

It's been a long time, hasn't it? My husband challenged me to begin posting again, so we'll see how it goes! For now, I figured I'd do a quick "what I'm in to" post a la Camp Patton.

1. Can we talk about lace shorts? I recently discovered these and I'm in love. They feel like pajama bottoms but classier. Ben calls them my slutty shorts, because my mom bun and stained t-shirt are making me super hot these days. I got mine from Express on clearance, but the photo below looks pretty similar.

Shop similar: Amazon 1, Amazon 2

2. Did you all watch the Bachelorette this season? Some friends and I have been getting together every Monday night for a little kid-free fun with what I like to call Mommy's special juice (hello Moscato mom's club!), and it's basically the best part of my week. I have to be honest, though, I'm super disappointed with Jojo's choice in Jordan. I was team Luke all the way.

3. I've made it a goal this year to make more time for reading, and it has been wonderful! I feel like I'm more engaged in books this year than I have been in the past. I'm currently reading The Nightingale and Loving My Actual Life. But honestly, I'm just waiting for this gem to come up on my library waitlist. I'm a huge Liane Moriarty fan and I can't wait to see what she crafted this time!

4. Have you guys noticed the "You Are Here" mugs at Starbucks? They have them in most major cities plus a few attractions around the country. My sister-in-law got Ben and I hooked on them while we were visiting them in Canada, and now we're on a mission to collect them all. I think Ben is ready to do a round-the-country trip with the express intention of buying mugs. Can you tell who's the pack rat of the family?

It's so nice to be blogging again. Here's hoping it sticks! Love you all!

Cold Zebras and Superheroes

On Wednesday I found a book in the fridge. Apparently, when Nana brought the kids back from Chick-fil-A, I put the whole kids meal bag in the fridge without looking through it. Today as I went through the fridge I saw the book. Eli saw it too, of course, and wanted to read it right away. So we sat down in the middle of the kitchen floor to read a cold book about zebras. Only Tessa didn’t want to read books, she wanted to sit in my lap. So every time I started reading she yelled, stopping when I stopped, beginning again when I read more.

Today Eli told me he wants to be a superhero when he grows up. I am so relieved to have made it past "garbage man" or "construction worker". A superhero could materialize into any career, really, so we shall see where it takes him.