Friday Fun

What are you up to this weekend? We have a few errands planned and the Blue Angels are in Seattle for the annual Seafair Festival, hoping to spot them in the air about town. Have a great one!

+ a new (to me) healthy food website that's got me hooked

+ kind of love this this flag cake (for next year...obviously missed the boat for 2019)

+ want to try these potatoes sometime soon

+ embracing the Dutch concept of niksen, you should too!

+ a magic grid of salad dressings

+ heard great things about these cozy sweatpants - anyone tried?

+ love this nordic wallpaper - maybe bookmark for the kids' bathroom someday...

+ this made me laugh out loud. so true!

+ just started this book - enjoying it so far

+ loving this unique, international kids birthday party theme

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Saturday Snooze

+ intrigued by the concept of blender lemon pie

+ the hardest things (necessary) things to say to your kids (and if you haven't read her book, please do, it's exceptional)

+ amazing news out of Iceland, if only the US could follow suit

+ ever had golden syrup banana dumplings?! I guess they're a popular favorite in Australia.

+ how camping affects your kid's brain

+ why is that so many men in politics don't know about how a uterus works

+ kind of loving these jeans

+ all the best places in NYC - makes me want to get back there!

+ loved perusing this new, family-oriented, vegetarian cookbook

Have a great weekend!

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Friday Fun

+ check out my post on children's audiobooks over at Libro.fm!

+ intrigued by this ayervedic stress busting nightly concoction for better sleep

+ trying to cut down on my sugar intake, but these brownies have me wanting to postpone that endeavor

+ more chores = more successful kids, score!

+ excited for this new cookbook, except I'm like #99 in line at the library!

+ a great, refreshing, and healthy salad for summer

+ one of my favorite YA books is now a movie

+ I love this new way to beachcomb with your kids

+ the Japanese secret to a longer, happier life

+ the invention of the beach read. always a good idea!

+ ever heard of Trancoso, Brazil? Sounds magical.

+ also on my list - Nantucket!

+ growing a minimalist wardrobe go-to guide

+ a unique pie for summer

What are you up to this weekend?

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Currently...

Can you guys believe it's June?!  Where has 2019 gone, seriously!! We're full swing into end-of-the-school-year mode around here, and it's bittersweet as my oldest is finishing a 3-year chapter at her beloved pre-school. We're sad to move on from dedicated teachers and dear friends, but excited for what lies ahead. What are you up to this week?

+ thinking about starting this show while waiting for this debut this weekend

+ just purchased this delightful baking cookbook, excited to dive right in!

+ devouring back-episodes of my favorite podcast

+ just started this new book for my book club

+ intrigued by this Harry Potter news

+ loving this clean, fresh, and fruity shower gel

+ bookmarking this sweet treat for a summer night

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Friday Fun

+ the ultimate breakfast deliciousness

+ ten ways you can give up plastic easily - right now!

+ excited for this new cake cookbook

+ the impending sixth extinction - this is extremely terrifying

+ what do you think of the new Taylor Swift song, "Me?"

+ this marinated appetizer will definitely be pinned and added to my ever-long "must-make" list

+ rewatched this favorite movie this week - love it more and more with each watch!

+ rumor has it instagram is deleting the "like" feature. I feel like this could be a good thing

have a good weekend!

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Friday Fun

We're wrapping up Spring Break and eager to jump into Spring.  Our stint of sunny weather seems to have been replaced with a few days of endless rain, but we're making the best of it with extra trips to the library, legos, and the occasional puddle jump.  What are you up to this weekend?

+ upping my veggie sandwich game

+ wise wisdom about how to be a better listener

+ regardless of your religion, do you have a sabbath practice?

+ a gorgeous national park that you've probably never heard of

+ just listened to this podcast about this NYC restaurant, and now I want to eat there!

+ an inventive interpretation of the wedding reception

+ love this beautiful dress for spring (if only it was a tad cheaper)

+ this with salmon for dinner? delish!

+ goal for easter = try naturally dyed Easter eggs

+ just another article reminding us the mental health benefits of girls' weekends

+ heard nothing but good things about this series - have you read it?

have a good one!

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Friday Fun

What are you up to this weekend?  We had such a gorgeous week of bluebird days and sunny cloudless skies.  There was a dash of rain today but it was barely a blip.  Loving this kickoff to Spring.

+ I've been enjoying this funny show on Netflix, which kind of makes me feel like an old lady, but I don't care (I love the dynamic between Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda)

+ just finished this captivating YA tween read (this one is also excellent!)

+ Holi is underway, take a look at these vibrant colors!

+ landmark legislation attempting to ban toxic chemicals in cosmetics was just introduced in California (this bill would ban asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, and 17 orther toxic chemicals in cosmetics). 

+ this post makes me want to visit Seaside, Florida

+ check out this phonetic map of the human mouth, so interesting!

+ want to try my hand a focaccia, Samin Nosrat makes it look so easy on Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

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Currently...

+ just finished this audiobook (highly recommend, her voice is so soothing) and started this one

+ also reading a paper copy of this young adult book - about 2/3 through and really enjoying it

+ been making this banana bread a lot lately

+ looking to make a dairy-free version of this next week

+ eyeing this gorgeous color for my collection

+ loving this essential oil for sleep

+ spending rest time perusing these new cookbooks I checked out from the library

+ dreaming about a vacation and staying here

+ thinking about this, an article worth reading

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Friday Fun

+ this squash-onion bruschetta concoction sounds pretty delish

+ doesn't this sound like the loveliest 40th birthday party?

+ i've never been to charleston, but after reading bridget's post (and seeing the bea's nest) I reallllly want to go!

+ i'm not much of a super bowl watcher, but I do love super bowl fare!  thinking I might spice up my frozen trader joe's soft pretzels with these toppings

+ go vegan and you could get beyonce tickets for life...for reals!

+ pretty excited for these colorful stamps slated to debut in 2019

+ i've had a renewed zeal for this podcast lately - loving their thoughts + recommendations

Have a good weekend!

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Friday Fun

How's your week been?  We've had a sick one 'round here.  That January sickness is rough, I tell ya!  It seems we're on the mend and very thankful for things like Kleenex, Netflix, and hot tea with lemon.  Hopefully you're staying healthy wherever you are.  This weekend's my birthday and I want for my birthday this year is for everyone to be happy and healthy.  Here are some links I've rounded up for the week.  Have a restful weekend!

+ dinner anyone?  How do fire roasted pulled pork stuffed peppers sound? Yuuuuummmmm!

+ need clean products for the men in your life? the mens collection, counterman launched this week!

+ New Year's resolutions based on Meyer's Briggs personality types.  Mine's spot on!

+ i'm growing bored of my breakfast routine, might need to mix it up with this

+ just put this book on hold at the library, planning to read cover to cover!

+ have you seen these 3D geode puzzles?  I'm intrigued!

+ this dairy free mint-chip smoothie sounds kind of amazing

+ kind of obsessed with my new shoes that are beyond comfortable

+ hoping to try this creative project with my kids sometime soon

+ keep your data to yourself! 15 privacy changes you should make right now

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Friday Fun

Countdown to Christmas is on!  What are you up to this weekend?  My sisters are flying home from their respective cities, families in tow, and we're got a Christmas concert on the agenda for tomorrow, and a baking day with friends on Sunday.  Looking forward to enjoying holiday cheer with family and friends.

+ officially obsessed with these two new cookbooks

+ holiday foods I want to try making this season: lefse and latkes - ever made either before?

+ and maybe these brownies...I've mostly dairy-free except holiday sweets are my kryptonite, and who can resist salted caramel?

+ loving these family photos (loved this other photo shoot of theirs from years ago)

+ can't stop thinking about this NY Times article

+ middle school misfortunes, this is a heartbreaking but necessary read

+ love the white on white, hardware, and clean lines of this kitchen

+ a Christmas miracle? these two New Yorkers paid off 1.5 millions of people's medical debt

+ ever had pie for dinner?

+ this soup sounds ideal for cold winter nights

+ have you watched the second season of mrs. maisel yet?  the first episode disappointed but the season recovered - p.s. enjoying Zachary Levi as the newest cast addition

+ love this modern version of guess who

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Sunday Snooze

It's been a busy season for sure- I can hardly believe Christmas is just 9 short days away!  This weekend alone we saw the Nutcracker and did the Polar Express train - joy, smiles, and cheer all around!  What have you been up to?

Here are some notable links I've rounded up from the week...

+ another great week for Beautycounter - #1 trending brand of 2018 and the winner of the corporate social responsibility award

+ totally crushing on this diffuser

+ love this 12 days of cookbooks gift guide

+ break one habit - it takes ten minutes to practice and will change your life forever

+ our local schools have swapped high school and elementary start times - seems to be paying off

+ is it just me, or does this candy sound kind of amazing?

+ love this holiday entertaining spread

+ just started reading this non-fiction book per a few rave reviews

+ have you watched this movie about the Christmas story with your kid? I've heard good things.

+ hoping to make these cookies sometime before Christmas

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Saturday Snooze

Today is a rainy Saturday afternoon. My husband and kids are downstairs cozied up next to our first fire of the season, watching their new favorite cartoon, PJ Masks.  While screen time isn't my fave, I was pleased by this scene as I walked in from the garage, armed with loaded bags from Trader Joe's and a a flat of Costco groceries.  Their faces were suspended in delight, eyes alit with excitement over this little weekend privilege.  A few days ago, immediately after watching an episode of the same show, they bounded up the stairs, arms extended, eagerly soaring around the circle that makes our kitchen and family room, pretending to be PJ Masks, exclaiming, "I'm Owlette!"  "No, I'm Owlette!  Okay, I'm Cat Boy!" punctuated by their own cacophony of swooping and flying sounds.  Their creativity, their imagination, their excitement over playing pretend was a delight to behold.  This is our life.  These little everyday moments.  Many mundane, some extraordinary, all special in their own little way.

Here are some links and articles I've read and bookmarked from the week.  Have a lovely weekend!

+ the 9 most important state legislature elections this November

+ in keeping with our cozy environment, this comfort food is in the works for dinner for all but me

+ how Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos

+ food for thought on the lost art of the phone call

+ an interesting q + a on sharing a family bed

+ did you know? brown and bronze ballet shoes are being made for the first time! long overdue!

+ 7 key phrases montessori teachers use (and we ought to too)

Friday Fun

+ I've always been a fan of old-fashioned correspondence and this lovely article was simply the icing on the cake - there truly is power in writing and receiving thank you notes!

+ this family costume idea is genius!

+ don't think my kids would agree, but I think this side dish sounds delectable

+ hoping to make these little guys with my kids this weekend

+ might have to carve out some time to bake this even more perfect apple pie

+ these two guys doing a michael jackson cover on the cello is insanely good!

+ I have ambitions to incorporate this village into our Halloween decoration someday

+ did you read this cookbook?  interested in the new show based on the book

+ ever thought to style your fall outfits after seasonal molly moon ice cream flavors, I don't know about you but vegan plum crisp sounds pretty delightful!

have a great weekend!

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Saturday Snooze

Hello...hello.  It's been quiet on the blog for two weeks as we've been volleying back and forth between sicknesses.  First a stomach bug for my kiddos then an intense cold + cough for me.  Capped off with a lot of concealer + makeup for our family photos this morning, and phew, I'm spent!  What are you up to this lovely fall weekend?

+ been thinking a lot about the Christine Blasey Ford testimony this week.  Her bravery, her courage, the strength she's given to other survivors.  This TIME article is worth a read, and quote in particular stood out to me:

"The facts remain unsettled, and Ford’s testimony may not prevent Kavanaugh’s confirmation. But it was a powerful warning that wealth, status and a record of professional accomplishments were no longer enough to override credible allegations of sexual assault, no matter when they occurred. To young men, it was a message that drunken violence could shadow them all their lives. And to victims, Ford’s testimony was an invitation to speak up, no matter how powerful the accused, no matter how long ago the attack. People will listen, the country seemed to reassure them. We will believe you."

In other less controversial news...

+ bookmarking these easy crockpot carnitas for dinner next week

+ this really struck a cord with me, do you usually find yourself behind the camera? I definitely do.

+ kind of love this tote bag, you've got mail is a personal favorite of mine

+ considering this wall color for our family room - what do you think?

+ do you have a family charter?

+ daydreaming over this airbnb in santorini, can we go tomorrow?

+ eyeing this cozy (currently on sale) sweater for fall

Have a good weekend!

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Currently...

Hello, hello.  Sorry my blog has been a bit neglected in the past two weeks.  First, me grandma passed away, which was a devastating loss.  She was an amazing, wonderful woman who had a long, happy life until the end.  Although we knew it was coming, the loss still hits you like a punch in the gut.  And in spite of that sadness, life goes on...  

We had a busy, busy weekend, I hosted an already planned Beautycounter open house, had a long overdue brunch with my college girlfriends, and then my son caught a stomach bug.  He's on the mend, but we're all a little tired - emotionally and physically - as we shift back into gear for the week.  

+ took a break from my go-to rerun show to binge this in a manner of days. I just loooove John Krasinski, and I thought he did great in an action role.

+ reading and thinking about this candid advice on raising teenage girls (wise wisdom, bookmarking this for later).

+ just finished this amazing book...seriously amazing.  like top 5 reads of my life!  in depth post to follow (p.s. I listened to the audiobook which I highly recommend, the first narrator's voice was so eloquent and hypnotically captivating).

+ made this for dinner this week to kick off fall, and it was a surprising hit with my kids who historically haven't been fans of soup.

+ did you hear, there's going to be a downton abbey movie?!  am I the last to know?

+ taking notes on yet another one of ashley's amazing travelogues, have you ever been to puglia?

What have you been up to?

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Friday Fun

Hello, how are you?  Guess what?  I became an aunt again today!!  Yes, and my first niece!  Sweet Lyla Ann was born today in Michigan mid-day, so the weekend is off to a fantastic start!  Also, we're celebrating my daughter's birthday this weekend with a rainbow-unicorn birthday party - bet you wish you were invited to that, am I right?  What are you up to?

+ another great article about Beautycounter's clean mission (if you need another reason to be swayed to this company)

+ i've always wanted to do a New England road trip - but now I'm thinking of narrowing my focus to Maine might be enough - the seafood, the lighthouses, the salty air.  sounds like bliss!

+ might be purchasing this costume for halloween - anyone else thinking ahead?  one kiddo is set in her decision and has been for months and the other is incredible indecisive.  a few of his ideas have included...fire truck, impact hammer, frog, doggy, astronaut kitty...

+ intrigued by this post - do you have a morning "power hour?"

+ some great gift ideas for the 6 and 7-year old range - lots of creative items/products I'd never heard of before

+ wanting to add this to our dinner rotation - I love me a lettuce wrap!

+ ever been to hydra, greece?  me neither.  now i want to go!

+ just abandoned this book, about halfway through it just got dull.  in search of a new one...any favorite recent reads? 

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Saturday Snooze

Happy September!! Is it really September already??  The summer just flew by!  You're probably in the back to school swing of things - or starting shortly.  Wishing you a happy and stress-free first weekend of September.

+ this recipe for homemade churros + caramel sauce....yuuuuuum!

+ dream trip: a week in france's loire valley. so dreamy!

+ been trying to avoid dairy, but might have to make a one-time exception for this recipe...

+ do you follow kendi everyday?  seen her new clothing company, everyday & co?

+ food for thought: what is better, rewards, punishments, or neither?

+ just started reading this book, have you read beatriz williams? I'm a fan of many of her other books

+ portland, maine is bon appetit's food city of the year, have you been?

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Currently...

We just got back from a fun weekend of camping with friends, and are gearing up for a busy week!  Back to school is in the air?  Freshly sharpened bouquets of pencils anyone?  (Name that movie!).

+ currently obsessed with this audiobook...

+ ...and because i've become such a recent superfan, binging on her podcast

+ just finished reading this book, and started this one

+ diffusing these this oil for a calm, zen vibe

+ just discovered these snack bars (less sugar + more protein than kind bars + D/GF)

+ just started using this shampoo, it has a subtle ginger ale scent (sounds weird but smells nice)

+ just started watching this funny show, I'm digging it

+ loving this dress for my girl for back to school

How's your summer wrapping up?  Are you ready for back to school?

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Saturday Snooze

What are you up to this weekend?  My mother in law is in town, so we're staying in town, running errands, riding bikes, and just enjoying the warmth and loveliness of August.  

+ these sandwiches look positively scrumptious

+ great podcasts to listen to in the car with kids

+ is it really the end of summer?!  Oh well, here's 10 delicious end of summer salads to make (she has the best ideas!)

+ love the look and color of this casual day dress

+ love the design and color palette of this guest room

+ another itinerary I want to replicate verbatim

+ if you have a dairy sensitivity/intolerance, have you tried grass-fed dairy?  it's working for me!

+ or just skip the dairy altogether with a delish dairy-free mango ice cream, yum!

+ do you follow along on my instagram account yet?  If not, please do!

have a good one!

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