Good morning!!!! I’m excited but a bit anxious about it being Monday and almost August 1. I’ll explain at the end of the post. But first I want to share a few snippets of our weekend. If you are a new reader, the Monday Morning Wrap-Up is just a series of iPhone photos from the past few days. We certainly don’t ever do anything that exciting but it’s the appreciation for the mundane that often makes us the happiest.
My Friday was one for the record books. I spend my Fridays with my amazing mom but this time my daughter came along and the three generations of women shopped and lunched together. It’s something that is precious to me as life continues to throw us curve balls. My daughter loved trying on clothes at Tilly’s sand giving us a fashion show. Mom and I danced to the loud music and seriously had a ball. It’s the little things that really do become the moments that stick with you forever. This day will.
We also found ourselves at another set of model homes, just for fun. This was my hubby telling me to come check something out.
And bam! So similar to the butler’s pantry we built in our previous home. I loved that area so much. It really did remind me so much of that DIY spot we created.
So the shower had me thinking! My sister redid her bathrooms and they are all gorgeous. She did something similar that has inspired me. Our bathroom is truly last on our list and we appreciate it now. But I do have plans to cover our seat with a solid surface top like this one. I am also hoping to just tile over the existing floor tile.
We (and be we I mean our great tile guy, Tyler) tiled over the previous tile in our laundry room. I am hoping we can do the same in the shower. So much easier and just think . . . no dusty mess with the removal of existing tile. It’s a win-win.
One of the evenings we headed to a local lake with two other families and let the kiddos just run around and enjoy the water. Potluck style makes nights like these so easy. Always thankful for casual, easy time with dear friends.
Dining al fresco is one of my favorite things ever. There is just something about being outside. Our evening temperatures are very mild, even chilly, so it allows us to do that. I also am very cognizant that as the children continue to grow they will be out and about so we really hang out to the family dinners each night. These chairs are the best deal going. We have loved them since they arrived and held up beautifully. You can find them here. The table was a lucky find from a fabric store that was going out of business. And three cheers to eating outside because for some reason the clean up seems easier. Anytime I can keep the inside clean and push the mess to the outside, I am a happy camper. Anyone else?
These! These are my weakness. My dear friend has made these for the Fourth of July each year and they send me over the edge. Once I have her blessing, I will blast the recipe here for you! You may or may not thank me. That’s up to you! But anytime you combine salted caramel with chocolate I am on board. We also made these to go with our dinner. Always a crowd pleaser. So so delicious.
shorts | adidas | tank top (on sale) | bra (on sale)
May have worn this outfit two days in a row. Do you do that, too? I have this weird thing where I like an outfit and I seriously wear it for two days. Now listen, I obviously don’t if I am running around but if we aren’t doing much I like to put it on repeat. This is one of those outfits.
Be sure to stop in tomorrow as I have a really simple back to school DIY project. We still have three weeks of summer but I am slowly getting my ducks in a row so it’s a smooth transition back. I find that if I am organized and calm, so are the kids.
I mentioned being a bit nervous about August starting. Well, that’s because my husband and I have decided to seriously reign in our food choices for the month of August and get back to working out regularly. Hence the chocolate cookie bars before we get serious.
Listen, we aren’t going nuts and won’t make ourselves crazy but we have definitely indulged way too much this summer. So it’s back to a high protein, vegetable rich diet. That’s normally how we eat but we definitely go off track. We just feel less sluggish and better when we stick to eating like that. So I welcome in healthy recipes. Feel free to leave in the comments below. My downfall is mixing it up. Rule number one for me is meal planning. I will sit down and plan out the meals for the week today. If you have any interest in knowing what we will serve up, just let me know.
Ok, friends. Let’s get this week started!!! And let’s show Monday who’s boss!
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Reign me in with you! Too many lunches and dinners eaten out and the temptations that come with that lifestyle are hard to resist! Please share your meal plans and any recipes. It’s time to put down the fork and the fancy drinks and to get moving!!! Thanks!
Girl! You are so right. I feel the exact same way. I find myself saying yes to happy hours or dinners out and it all just goes downhill quickly! Ok. . happy to share a little of what we do to get back on track. Committed to working out even if it only a hardcore 15 minutes a day. I like what you said. “Put down the fork and fancy drinks and get moving!” Enjoy your week.
Amen to eating outside and keeping the kitchen clean (er). We live in the northeast so we’ve only got a few months where its truly warm enough but we’ve been known to throw on jackets or light up the firepit in order to extend the al fresco dining season. Also, I’m glad to know that we’re not the only ones who take our kids to look at houses. Ours have been known to beg us to pull into an open house if they see a house they’re curious about. We’ve renovated four houses in the past 15 years so I guess its in their blood 🙂
I love so much about this!!! First of all, I love that you all throw on jackets and crank up the firepit. Sounds like something we would do. It’s just so nice to be outdoors. And yes. . . keep the mess outside, people! LOL. You know I remember going to open houses and model homes with my parents, too. Isn’t it funny how it really is just in your blood. I love that you have renovated four houses. That is so fantastic. I secretly dream of having a little fixer upper I could just work on every day. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Have a great week.
Yes , please share what you’ll be eating! Love the blog and your commitment to your family. You’re a fantastic mom!
Lori that is one of the nicest compliments ever. I really appreciate that. Family trumps everything, right?! I will definitely share the recipes we love and our grocery list. Sometimes just a jump start is all we need. Have a great week.
I’d love to see your meal plan!
Thanks, Amy. I will be sure and do a post on meals we try and like. Also my grocery list to get us back on track. xo
I know sweet time with you momma is precious! Such a cute picture. You can tell she was really enjoying the moment. Amen to the healthier eating. Even with our crazy restrictive diets, we get off track. A bit more snacking on the porch! LOL
What I found is helpful in making sure I mix things up is that when meal planning I rotate our proteins and one night have a meatless dish. This keeps us from eating chicken or seafood 7 days a week 😉
Thank you, Lauren. So very precious. xo YES!!!! You are so right. It’s the being outside and relaxed atmosphere that makes me say yes to anything. LOL. I know that if I just sit down and meal plan and stock up on good foods we will be in much better shape! Less carbs and sugar are in order over here. Hugs, Lauren.
I would love to read about your week’s menu! We generally eat healthfully and at home, but don’t get crazy about it and still enjoy a glass of wine in the evening and/or ice cream for dessert. It can be challenging to brainstorm great meals every day so I always love to hear what others are doing. Love your blog!
I like your style! But yes. It really can get challenging and I get in such a rut. Happy to share some ideas. I feel like if we maintain a healthy diet most of the time, it’s easier to stay on track, too. Thank you for taking a moment from your day to comment. I really appreciate it. Have a great week. Keep you posted on recipes we try and like.
Precious pic of you and your mom. I lost my mom almost 8 years ago. Cherish the moments!
It must be cooler where you are (I’m in the south – TN), because I can’t imagine long sleeves and booties in the summer here! LOL
I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I know nothing makes that better. I appreciate your comment so much and will take that in. I probably shouldn’t be busting out the booties . . that was laziness as they were right by the door when I was leaving. LOL. But yes. We have been in the 70s which has been really nice. I am sure our August will heat up.
Those cookies?! x
I know! Not helping with the summertime healthy eating. LOL. Just so good!!!!
I would love to see what meals you plan for your family. We also eat a lot of protein and vegetable meals. Recently, I have made a few of the sheet pan meals for the oven. So easy. However, I am tired of eating the same things, and definitely need new ideas!
Love your blog!
Your comment made my day. Thank you. Well I can’t promise it will be any different, but I am happy to share. Even if we all discover one new recipe here and there it helps us all stay on track. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I haven’t tried a sheet pan meal so that sounds right up my alley.
Have a great week.
I printed out recipes from clean food crush and my kids help pick out what we eat! Lots of lean protein and vegetables. We have liked everything so far! Wish I could fly out there and eat dinner one night! It’s too hot and humid in the Deep South! My problem is that I like to sip wine while I cook.
I love clean food crush. I absolutely believe it’s important for the kids to have a say and be a part of it. Good job, mama. I also am big on them shopping with me. Nice time to talk about healthy choices and they feel more invested. Fly out and I’ll make something healthy to enjoy outside 😉 The wine while cooking . . .totally get you. So yummy.
Would absolutely love any help you could give on meal ideas, have been stuck in a rut for quite a while now.
Ok! Thanks for letting me know. I get so stuck in a rut, too. So hopefully sharing helps all of us. Time to get back on track. Enjoy your day.
I hear you on the summer indulgences! Between so many parties and happy hours, I always put on a few in the summer and get back on track in the fall. I pretty much never miss the dance classes I love so workouts are great, but I definitely need to recalibrate my nutrition intake. Like, put down the chips! Haha. Life is short and I don’t like to go too nuts either, but I could use some more greens in my life. We rented a log cabin in Santa Barbara this weekend so it’s more camping food for me this week, but I can’t wait to be inspired by your August goals when I return. I could use a little push!
Summer can be one big excuse to indulge, right?! But I am with you. Life is short and food is to be enjoyed! Have so much fun camping. And what type of dance classes do you take. I have been wanting to do that forever. You are inspiring me.
It sounds retro but I love Jazzercise. It’s just so fun and as hard as you make it. Club Pilates is a super whole body workout too. I’ve always found that great instructors make a class work!
Courtney-One of my friends has an excellent cooking blog, http://www.homebeccanomics.com (her name is Becca and she is a former home economics teacher:) Her dinners are super clean and really taste good-I’ve cooked so many. She doesn’t try to cut corners with baking because if you are going to indulge, she feels it should be so worth it taste-wise, but her dinners, sides, etc are definitely worth checking out as I think they’d fit into your plan!
Thank you so much!!! I love her entire setup with the recipe card tabs. So clever. And so easy to navigate. I can’t wait to look through all of those recipes. Her family is so lucky. Have a wonderful week, Jill.
Love your weekend recaps! And I hear you on the summer eating. We are down here in OC now, matter of fact, for a little getaway and the drinking alone has been *yikes!*.
xoxo,
Sam
Well, thank you sweet friend. Oh I wish I could see you!!! Yes! It seems like summer is a constant reason to celebrate, am I right?! Enjoy your trip. xo