Quote of the Week

"Look closesly at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming." 

~ Alice Walker

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Quote of the Week

"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life--and travel--leaves marks on you."

~ Anthony Bourdain

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Little Women

Have you heard, there's a new version of Little Women coming out by Lady Bird director, Greta Gerwig. I'm such a sucker for anything Little Women, and the last few remakes have been pretty sub-par in my opinion, but I'm feeling enthusiastic about this one.

Quote of the Week

“Instructions for living a life: 

Pay attention. 

Be astonished. 

Tell about it.” 

~ Mary Oliver

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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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Seen Any Movies Lately?

I read this book ages ago (well, technically listened to the audiobook, which I'd recommend) and now it's a movie. Looks pretty good, what do you think? Any other good movies worth watching these days?

 

Quote of the Week

“When people talk, listen completely. Don’t be thinking what you’re going to say. Most people never listen. Nor do they observe. You should be able to go into a room and when you come out, know everything that you saw there and not only that. If that room gave you any feeling you should know exactly what it was that gave you that feeling. Try that for practice.”

— Ernest Hemingway

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Dinner Last Night: Chipotle Salmon Tacos

How do I always forget about fish tacos until it's halfway through summer!  One of the season's delights when all the accompanying produce is flourishing, bountiful, and in season. These tacos were delish! I normally gravitate to white fish when we made fish tacos, but a friend recommended this recipe, and it was delightful. The crunch of the cabbage, the tang of the mango-avocado-cilantro slaw, and the spicy kick of the chipotle aioli packed a punch. Definitely making again!

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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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Quote of the Week

"Motherhood has a very humanizing effect.  Everything gets reduced to essentials."

~ Meryl Streep

Dinner Last Night: Slow Cooker Korean Tacos

Crockpot for the win - yet again! These Korean pork tacos were a hit with my family, and pretty darn easy. Just chopped up matchstick carrots, Persian cucumbers, cilantro, and a little cabbage slaw, and pack in a tortilla. The perfect amount of sweet, spice, and crunch. 

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Dinner Last Night: Lamb and Mint Flatbread

After bookmarking this recipe and deciding it was a little too complex for a weeknight meal, I found a simplified version a la Rachael Ray which was just as tasty!  The yogurt + sauce + cuminy lamb + flatbread made for a delicious combination, which my kids devoured as well. Dinner for the win! Now this tabbouleh recipe I paired with it, that's another story, not a hit at all...Way too lemony. 

Anyone have a great, simple tabbouleh recipe?

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Quote of the Week

“If all you did was just looked for things to appreciate, you would live a joyously spectacular life.”

― Esther Abraham Hicks

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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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Dinner Last Night: Tofu Tikka Masala

This is one of my new favorite crockpot dinners - it's so easy and delicious. When making for my family, I omit the cayenne pepper, and my husband and I just add it in to our preferences. We serve over coconut rice and alongside Gwyneth's Indian creamed chicken from her It's All Easy cookbook.  An easy Indian dinner for the win!

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Quote of the Week

"My dream bench's handles are like mood rings and the rest of the bench is filled with encouraging words that would make anyone smile."

~ Eva Gugsa

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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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Quote of the Week

"So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world."

~ Vincent Van Gogh

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Weeknight Baking: Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie

It's the height or rhubarb season and I'm determined not to let the short season of my favorite fruit (that's actually a vegetable) pass me by! Last week, I made Smitten Kitchen's almond rhubarb picnic bars, this week was Joy the Baker's strawberry rhubarb crumble pie atop my favorite butter crust, also from Joy the Baker's cookbook, Homemade Decadence. Whoever thought to marry strawberry + rhubarb is a bonafide genius in my mind's eye. Utterly delicious! With our cool temperature these past few days, it's been the perfect weather for pie baking, where the oven makes the kitchen feel cozy instead of stifling. Bon appetite!

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Dinner Last Night: Indian Butter Chicken

All this time I've been making chicken tikka masala - but I think Indian butter chicken is officially my new fave. This recipe was delish, and my kids gobbled it up too. Paired with frozen/reheate naan from Whole Foods, and Indian creamed chicken (with coconut milk) from Gwyneth's It's All Easy and we had ourselves a dinner! Makes great leftovers too - cha-ching!

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Quote of the Week

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

~ E.E. Cummings

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Weeknight Baking: Almond Rhubarb Picnic Bars

Finally got around to making these almond rhubarb picnic bars a la Smitten Kitchen, and oh my, were they spectacular!  My intention of trying the recipe on a random weeknight was to practice for making these for a baby shower I'm co-hosting in a few weeks.  Always a fan of rhubarb, I always lament when the short rhubarb season ends and I haven't taken advantage of the bountiful tartness this unsuspecting red vegetable has to offer. Note to self: next time, better make two batches...since I polished off half this batch by myself in a flash!

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Quote of the Week

"We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone."

~ Katie Thurmes

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Quote of the Week

"Let there be a half hour of story time at the end of school in primary schools up and down the country.  Make this the half hour they all long for, that they don't want to be over.  Let the children go home dreaming of the story, reliving it, wondering." 

~ Michael Morpurgo

Dinner Last Night: Beef Biryani and Samosas with Apple Chutney

I'm trying to widen my kids and my family's culinary palette by trying new recipes at home that are unfamiliar to me and frankly a bit outside my comfort zone. I've found success in this by following recipes of bloggers and instagrammers whose recipes are consistently tasty, and adapting them to fit our dinner time routine.  Smitten Kitchen, Pinch of Yum, and Dinner, A Love Story are favorites when it comes to recipe consistency.

Last night, we tried Beef Biryani a la Pinch of Yum along with Indian Samosas and Apple Chutney (recipe c/o Tiffani Thiessen's cookbook, Pull Up A Chair).  I save these kinds of labor intensive, multi-course meals for weekends when I have my husband home to help out with the kids, so I can focus on prepping throughout the day.  I like to add in a kitchen hack here and there when it saves time or additional steps.  For example, I don't make my own samosa dough, I used frozen and defrosted puff pastry dough.  This goes over better with my kids as they like the fluffiness of puff pastry and saves me time and energy.  Plus, this apple chutney from Tiffani Thiessen's cookbook is sooo delicious!  It might be my favorite part of this entire meal.

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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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Quote of the Week

"You make each day a special day by just being you."

~ Mister Rogers

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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Weeknight Baking: Chocolate Coconut Almond Scones

Joy the Baker saves the day yet again.  After day 3 of straight rain, we procured an especially large haul from the library, my kids cozied up with their new books and I scoured our pantry for sweet ingredients to make scones.  Chocolate - check!  Coconut - check!  Almonds - check!  They were sumptuous, light, fluffy, and delicious.  The perfect recipe, also worth noting the entire batch was devoured within 24 hours.  Maybe make a double batch next time...

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Quote of the Week

“My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved. I have been given much and I have given something in return. Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.”

— Oliver Sacks

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Green Book

Have you guys seen this movie?  I vaguely remember seeing a trailer ages ago, but I watched this weekend with my dear friend Vanessa.  It was such a good movie!  Viggo Mortenson and Mahershala Ali at their very best, it's no wonder it was nominated for all kinds of awards.  Take a view of the trailer at the least, I imagine you'll enjoy it!

What Are You Reading?

I love having a stack of good books in my to-be-read-next pile.  Having just plowed through a bunch of good ones recently (novels/memoirs: Unmarriagable, Inheritance, Becoming, and YA reads: No Fixed Address, The War That Saved My Life, and Nowhere Boy).

I'd love any recommendations!  What was the last great book you read?

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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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Audiobook Switch

Ever since having kids, I have a renewed interest in the audiobook.  I probably hadn't listened to a legit audiobook since my family took our annual summer road trips to rural Oregon when we were kids, bulky set of audio cassettes in tow.  However, these days, audiobooks are significantly easier to obtain, borrow, and buy, with the added luxury that bulky CDs and listening accessories are no longer necessary.  

For a while, I did the audible route.  You've likely heard of audible as they've dominated the audiobook market until recently.  After a few months, I grew weary of the high cost per book and began looking into other audiobook options that were A). both more affordable and B). supported small businesses in my local community.  

Enter - libro.fm.  Have you heard of them?  I hadn't either, but they're brilliant!  Libro.fm is your independent bookstore for digital audiobooks.  The same, easy, downloadable audiobooks you know and love fo cheaper AND Libro.fm works with independent bookstores to create co-branded audiobook storefronts.  When signing up, you select a bookstore in your local/preferred community, which will received earnings with each book sale. Basically, your audiobook listening benefits small bookstores in your local community.  Audible for sure doesn't do that!  Plus, to sign up today use the code "SWITCH" to get 3 audiobooks for the price of one. 

Here are a few of my recent favorites - and note, I'm a stickler for a good narrator.  I've been known to return many a book where the narrator did not fully capture my attention.

+ A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

+ Educated by Tara Westover

+ Inheritance by Dani Shapiro

+ Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

+ Blood, Bones, and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

+ Becoming by Michelle Obama

+ At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider

+ Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

+ Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

+ Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

And - for kids' books, there's also an enormous library!  My recommendation, Matilda by Roald Dahl (narrated by Kate Winslet).

So, there you go!  You ready to make the #audiobookswitch to libro.fm?

Dinner Last Night: Chicken Apple Wraps

This is a quick, easy, throw together dinner that makes for excellent leftovers!  I omitted the mint (since I didn't have any), raisins (because yuck!) and curry powder (mostly because I simply forgot) and added sliced almonds and I think it was even better than the original recipe.  I also used fresh mango instead of mango salsa which gave it a refreshing kick, highly recommend doing that as well.  Al in all, it was a crowd pleaser, even if my children deconstructed the entire salad and ate each component individually.  Oh well!

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Lovely Little Reads

It's been a while since I've mentioned my children's book blog and instagram on this site, so wanted to fill you in about this project I've been working on. 

As a former 1st and 2nd grade teacher, currently on sabbatical for a few years while I stay home with my young kids, one thing I miss most from my teaching days is the reading and sharing of children's books.  Hence, I created my own page to share my favorites, brief synopses, and links so you can check out these books on your own.  I hope you'll follow along!

instagram @lovely.little.reads

facebook @lovely.little.reads

blog www.lovely-little-reads.com

Weeknight Baking: Banana Bread

We are big fans of snack bread in our home.  Pumpkin bread. Banana bread.  Cinnamon toast.  Basically all the gluten.  My usually go-to is this scrumptious double chocolate banana bread a la Smitten Kitchen, but I figured my kids should have some recognition of banana bread that isn't a deep chocolate brown from the added cocoa powder.  I found this recipe via a quick google search and it yielded tasty results.  I used 1/2 cup of coconut sugar and 1/2 cup of white sugar because mentally I convince myself I'm being "healthy" by doing this.  Whatever works, right?  Well it was delicious, and we've already torn half of the loaf in a few short hours.  Perhaps we'll save a sliver for my dear husband when he comes home.  Or not...

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Cookbook Crush: Pull Up a Chair

I really don't need to pine over another cookbook.  But this one, Pull Up A Chair...it's just too delightful to resist.  Perhaps it was her lovable Kelly Capowski alter ego from the Saved by the Bell glory days, but Tiffani Thiessen seems like a much more relatable, dare I saw "normal" celebrity turned cookbook author.   She just doesn't seem to take herself too seriously in the vein that Gwyneth many others tend to do.  

Her recipes are reasonable, inventive but not too complicated, and at first glance, I felt like I'd make more than I wouldn't.   the sound of most.  A few that popped out at me; nectarine caprese salad, pickle and potato salad, and samosa hand pies with apple chutney (which I did make, and it was delicious).

Anyway, it's worth a perusal at the least. Bon appetit!

2018 Goals Recap

Well, here we are again.  2019 is 3 months in, and I'm just recapping my 2018 goals now.  I guess it's a slight improvement on last year, where I didn't get around to documenting until June - halfway through the year!

Here were my goals and how I did...

1. start journaling again 

I started journaling, but not super frequently, however a start is a start, amiright?

2. get outside as often as possible 

Yes, we have improved significantly on getting outside, regardless of weather (rain, shine, sun, and snow)

3. make cinnamon bread (my daughter has been asking to make this since we read this favorite book) 

I'm embarrassed to say we haven't done this yet...

4. paint my nails more often 

Yes, I do.  However, I often "forget" and write a note in my planner that says "paint nails tonight."  Is this a sign of getting old?

5. celebrate the little things 

YES!  With a few acquaintances getting some life changing news this year, I'm definitely striving to celebrate the little things and not sweat the small stuff

6. work out at least 3-4 days a week 

Yes and no. I have done better at exercising, some running, mostly cardio at home, but I find I do this in spurts.  A great stretch for 30 days and then I take time off, and then another 2 months, and then time off.  Need to improve on consistency

7. make smarter eating choices (avoid the sugar) 

Trying, not always succeeding.  Weekly meal planning and avoiding shopping while hungry certainly helps.

8. try and limit checking my email/social media to time before my kids are awake / rest time / after bedtime (i.e. avoid being on my phone in front of my kids) 

Yes, I implemented the new screen time limits on iPhone on my phone, so I get warnings when I'm approaching my daily time limit and have to ask for permission to extend the deadline. 

9. cut myself some slack (underlined three times)

I try...always a work in progress.

10. get a new instagram account for the blog up and running

Yes, come follow along over at @our_lovely_little_life

11. read 70 books (my current goal on Goodreads)

You guys...I was soooo close!  68/70 for 2018.  Which, if I do say myself is pretty damn good.  That's more than 1 book per week.  Favorites included A Place for Us, Educated, This is How It Always Is, and Where the Crawdads Sing.

12. save $--- for my destination travel fund, always inspired by this blog

We have saved, would like to save more...

13. grow my Beautycounter business

Yes, I had a very productive last few months of 2018.

14. make montage videos for my kids' birthdays

Still working on it.  

15. try more savory (international) options for breakfast (getting sick of boring ol' granola over here)

We do a lot of sausage + hash browns; yogurt, granola, and honey, and baked oatmeal these day, so widening our palette, though most days they prefer Rice Krispies (go figure)

16. make pita bread from scratch for this favorite dinner which we always have in rotation 

I didn't make pita bread, but I did make a flat bread for a lamb flatbread recipe in Tasting Paris, I'll call that a win.

17. sub a few times this year (getting back in the swing of teaching, as I miss it so)

I did.  Admittedly only twice, but hey, better than nothing!  My hat is back in the ring!

18. enjoy every little moment. stop. look. listen. breathe.

Yes.  Always working on this one.  

Stay tuned for 2019 goals, coming soon!

Dream Crazier

Have you seen this new Nike campaign?  It's awesome. I love how this campaign seeks to reframe how women are seen in the context of emotion. Women showing emotion have been called dramatic, hysterical, irrational, and crazy.  Let them call us crazy.  Show them what crazy can do. 

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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Salt Fat Acid Heat

Have you read the mega-cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat?  Truthfully, I checked this book out from the library and found it a bit daunting.  It's packed with useful tips, tricks, and information to understand and master the art of cooking, using the four essential elements of food; salt, fat, acid, and heat.  But...it is extremely text and science heavy, which was too much for me to digest.

However, the Netflix original TV show of the same name was much more my speed!  Samin Nosrat travels the globe in search of flavor, and her travels and culinary adventures are a joy to watch.  Plus, it's only four episodes, so a quick binge.  One episode for each element.  Salt. Fat. Acid. Heat.  Check out this preview below.

Sex Education

When I initially saw the ad for the new Netflix original series, Sex Education pop up on my Netflix

feed, my knee-jerk reaction was, nah, no thanks.  Another high school show?  Really?

However, my tune changed after a close friend suggested I at least watch the two minute trailer, and give the show a chance.  This I did, and now I am recommending this show to friends and family alike in droves.  

Here's my quick synopsis.  Set in a high school in England, Otis, the main character is an awkward, sexually inexperienced boy on the outskirts of the school's social scene.  He virtually moves through his day unnoticed by most peers.  He lives with his Jean, a single mom, and successful sex therapist who is forward thinking, progressive, and very open with her son regarding dialogue about topics surrounding sex.  Otis' world mainly consists of his mom and his best friend Eric, a dynamic, energetic, openly gay kid, the only son in an immigrant family among four sisters, who while loved by his parents struggles to have them fully understand and accept his gender identity and is personal choices.  

The story takes off when Otis is unfortunately paired on an after school project with the school's bully (and headmaster's son), Adam.  After Adam exposes Otis' mom's professional life online, to unfettered ridicule and embarassment, a string of unforeseen circumstances lead Otis and mystery-girl Maeve to stumble upon Adam in an embarrassing situation, the tides having turned.  Otis, being the kind, affable teenager that he is, offers to help Adam, offering words of advice which Adam takes to heart and subscribes to.  

Maeve, who is essentially orphaned and struggling to survive on her own, sees the potential in Otis and capitalizes on this moment, suggested he provide similar sex advice to other kids in the school, charging a small fee, making this a lucrative operation for both of them.

The show is explicit, NOT little kid-friendly in the slightest - please be aware...there's nudity, explicit language, and many sexual topics covered. On the flip side, it is also incredibly heartfelt, with moments that inspire laugher and tears.  The music is spot on, and the storylines have elements of truth, humor, and believability.  I like that is is a window into high school life, highlighting that no matter where you are in the social hierarchy, everyone struggles with something, whether that be insecurity, pressure, challenges, or navigating touchy topics with parents.  

I laughed and I cried, and highly recommend!  (Truth be told, I've have already rewatched the series twice!).