What's Up Wednesday - March 29th

1. What we're eating this week

Monday: leftovers 

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday! Shrimp & Pineapple Soft Tacos

Wednesday: Crispy Catfish & Lemon Cream Sauce

Thursday: I am having Lasik done Thursday morning so we will most likely be having leftovers

Friday: Kevin is having Lasik so we will be hanging at home. We usually order pizza or burgers but since I have a BA meal I might make this....or save for Sunday and order pizza! lol

Spice-rubbed Roast Beef with Collard greens & Potato Salad

2. What I'm reminiscing about

eek - nothing currently?

3. What I am loving

Ryan's new room color! 

We went from Serena and Lily Grass (no longer available)

to Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams

Selecting paint is a PAIN - and especially Gray paint! Ugh...but I found this color and I am in LOVE. I think we might change Hayden's to this once she is ready for a room update. 

Here is a great review of Repose Gray

4. What we've been up to

Spring Break

Charleston (post coming soon!)

5. What I'm dreading

Wearing my glasses for three days before surgery! It's torture!

I know I look happy in this pic AND that is only because there is less than 24 hours left of wearing these!!! 

6. What I'm working on

So I finally made progress on Ryan's room but (surprise surprise) it isn't finished. I am having a hard time figuring out what to do with his walls. I really want to do some shelves for his Lego creations & all the little LEGO men. 

I love this idea from Jedi Craft Girl for the little LEGO men. Looks easy enough :)

And I am just trying to figure out if I want to put a small desk (because eventually he will need one) or just work with the little storage cube we currently have. My only hesitation is that if I hang stuff on the wall now, it will have to change later when he does get a desk. That and what color to do? White, Gray or dark wood like the rest of his furniture? 

7. What I'm excited about

Lasik-- It's finally happening!!! 

Why have I waited this long??? Well, I wanted to wait until we were done having kids....and nursing...and well then life just kept happening. And before I knew it I was 34 years old and working on my 22nd year of contacts!!! Yeah. When I realized that I had been wearing contacts for over 20 years I definitely felt old. 

So excited to get it done! And Kevin too!

8. What I'm watching/reading

Currently reading All the Missing Girls and I am about half-way through. 

So far so good....it's hard to put down at night. I hope I can finish it this weekend!

And we started watching Homeland - I didn't realize season six was out. A little late to the game BUT it's kinda nice to have a bunch to catch up on.

9. What I'm listening to

I heard the song "Greatest Love Story" by LANco last week and I instantly fell in love with it. I don't really know much about this group and I only found three other songs by them - they aren't really the same kinda vibe so I am not sure how I feel about that. 

Also, I love Disney music and have no idea why I don't have any of it to play in the car - but now I do. First up:

Lastly, on the subject of music, I realized that I desperately need a good mix for running. I don't run all that often but when I do I want music and I just don't have a good mix quite yet. 

10. What I'm wearing

Right now I am loving all the ruffle sleeves and cold shoulder tops! 

 Jcrew: Cold Shoulder Top /Jcrew: Ruffle sleeve top /JCrewFactory:Ruffle Sleeve t-shirt 

And one of my new favorite tops that I found at an adorable shop (Maris Dehart) in Charleston 

11. What I'm doing this weekend

Lasik

Baseball (Grayson has a buy week and Ryan's game was cancelled by the other team)

Soccer

12. What I'm looking forward to next month

Easter

Stonewall Jackson Elementary Auction

What's Up Wednesday - February 22

1. What we're eating this week

After four days of all inclusive food & drinks in Mexico Kevin and I are ready to get back to our normal eating routine. We started our first night out with my favorite salad from Nordstrom's Bistro N- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad. The Family Table cookbook is no longer available but this lady shared the recipe on her blog - so check it out here. 

And my Blue Apron box this week includes: 

Seared Steak & Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Steak Sauce 

and Catfish Katsu Yakiniku Sauce with Cabbage & Jasmine Rice

2. What I'm reminiscing about

Our trip!

3. What I am loving

My new rug for the living room

4. What we've been up to

Just hanging around - the weather has been really great and its so much fun to run around outside without mosquitos!!! I know they will be here soon....

5. What I'm dreading

mosquitos!

6. What I'm working on

ha. apparently the same exact things from last month. February is really short!

The Playroom

- Painting the entertainment system 

- Decorating the walls

Ryan's Star Wars Room

- Paint walls

7. What I'm excited about

Charleston!

8. What I'm watching/reading

I finished The Girl in Cabin 10 in Mexico and loved it!

and 

although I never tend to reread books I ended up reading this one again...I couldn't remember what happened! I have no idea how I can completely forget these things...I think I must have read it when Hayden was still nursing...those middle of the night reading sessions didn't really stick with me.

And the HBO mini-series just started - can't wait to watch!!!

9. What I'm listening to

n/a

10. What I'm wearing

n/a

11. What I'm doing this weekend

-Spring Moms party 

-hanging with the kiddos and enjoying the weather!

12. What I'm looking forward to next month

Spring Break & Charleston girls trip!

What's Up Wednesday - January 25

1. What we're eating this week

We are still LOVING our meal deliveries from HelloFresh

This week we received:

Shawarma Meatballs with Bulgur and Sumac Veggies

We made this Sunday evening and it was a solid meal. Although I don't really know what "Shawarma" or "Sumac" technically are, I am down with meatballs, veggies and bulgur so I was up for the challenge. All in all it was good, but the meatballs could have used a little more flavor. 

Sweet Apple Pork Chops with Cauliflower Mash and Snap Peas

This was hands-down my favorite meal of the week. Yes, I realize it was only Tuesday when I made it,  but OMG it was so good. Maybe because I was completely surprised by how much I actually liked it - I am typically not a fan of the sweet & savory in one meal. Anyhow, the cauliflower mash was excellent. I realize most people do cauliflower mash to save on carbs from the potatoes BUT this mash was half potato half cauliflower and it was so delish! I also was able to easily make this Whole30 approved by using ghee instead of regular butter!

One-Pot Tortelloni with Kale and Parmesan Bread crumbs

I haven't made this yet because I am not a huge fan of tortelloni - I'll save this for the kids to eat when Kevin and I have a date night.

2. What I'm reminiscing about

I can't believe that Ryan is halfway though Kindergarten. This week I started seeing flyers for Kindergarten Round Up (for kids entering Kinder next fall)! I can't believe it's already that time again!

Sweet boys at their Kinder Round Up

3. What I am loving

BeautyCounter

I stocked up during their winter sale and some of my Must Haves include the Blush/Bronzer Duo, The Love & Luster lipgloss set, the Lip Shine, & the Charcoal Mask - even Kevin loves that!!!

I also bought the kids shampoo & conditioner - we haven't used it yet, but will soon!

4. What we've been up to

Whole30

Well, I finished the Whole20 (I know that's not really a thing) but it's something in my book :)

5. What I'm dreading

Nothing at the moment. Of course that could change...

6. What I'm working on

The Playroom

- Painting the entertainment system 

- Decorating the walls

Ryan's Star Wars Room

- Wall decor

- Maybe painting walls?

7. What I'm excited about

 Our laundry room is finished! I'll do a post on this soon :)

8. What I'm watching/reading

Just finished The Nightingale

Wow. This book is about two sisters living in France during WWII. It's heartbreaking and intense but a beautiful story that follows these ladies on their path of survival in German-occupied, war torn France. 

Now reading Reconstructing Amelia

9. What I'm listening to

We have been getting a lot of requests for "Gummy Bear". I haven't met anyone that is familiar with this song, but it could be because it was released in 2007, so we are about ten years behind.  Oh well, YouTube recommended it and it is a hit for us. 

It's kinda catchy!

And I hear a decent amount of YouTube Kids....my kids are obsessed. Oye.

10. What I'm wearing

Lots of jeans and sweaters. repeat.

I actually made a little goal to not buy any new clothes in the month of January. My plan was to use the month to purge what I don't wear without bringing in anything new....well, I haven't bought anything new, but I haven't technically purged anything either. Oops!

11. What I'm doing this weekend

-Celebrating my father-in-laws birthday with a family brunch at Mudhen. I have never been there and it's down at the Farmers Market - another place I haven't been! 

-a handful of kids birthday parties

- Hayden's swim lessons

- Ryan's basketball game

- Maybe sneaking in a date night 

12. What I'm looking forward to next month

This view

Kevin and I are heading to Mexico for a long weekend with friends! I am so excited! I also cannot wait to go shopping for this :)

13. Who is your favorite bachelor and bachelorette

Kevin and I do love some Bachelor/Bachelorette - a guilty pleasure indeed! I might be partial but my favorites are Sean & Catherine, and JoJo & Jordan. And....maybe they both live down the street from me. ha! Not that I know them by any means, but I do follow them on Instagram so it's kinda like we are friends? right? lol. I have seen Sean and Catherine at Tietze park a few times....a few years ago I actually got a pic with them. 

So fun!

What's up Wednesday - August 31

1. What we are eating this week

Monday: Mix & Match Mama's Spinach and Swiss Meatballs over quinoa

Tuesday: Grilled Steak & Chicken kabobs (recipe from simply scratch)

Wednesday: Leftovers (soccer practice!)
Thursday: Must-go (leftovers...again....gasp!) We are headed out of town Friday so everything Must Go! This is what my Yiayia always called leftovers and it kinda stuck.  
Friday: Out of town

2. What I'm Reminiscing about

The kiddos first day's of pre-school!

I guess I didn't take a picture of him standing next to his 

2012

Pre-K 3

Grayson's first day 2013

2014

Ryan last year

Grayson last year

3. What I'm loving

This is so random but I am so happy with my food service foil sheets that I got at Costco. Ha! I am a huge dork but it really makes grabbing foil so much easier! It's like a box of kleenex, but it's 12x12 foil sheets. I always line my baking sheets and or wrap things to go quickly...and it just makes it that much more quick. Plus I hate those serrated edges on the regular foil boxes!

And on a much more 'cool mom' note, I am loving my new Lululemon short sleeve top - it's the perfect cover up for the hot weather. Since I typically work out 4-5 times a week I do end up in my workout clothes more often than I would like during the day. I always feel kind of naked when I just have my workout top on so I love that I can throw this on over. It's quick, cute and breezy. lol!

Dash to Class Short Sleeve

4. What we've been up to

The first half of August I was consumed by party prep for the Pirates and Mermaids party. The second half has been focusing on going back to school - being in school - and squeezing in more summer fun with the littles before they go back!

5. What I'm dreading

Soccer practice. I'm such a bad soccer mom but I am so not a fan of soccer practice. It's always right smack in the middle of dinner time, it's always hot, and I am always chasing Hayden around because she doesn't like to sit still. This season the boys both have practice on the same night, at the same time....and not so much at the same field. As far as our area goes, they are complete opposite sides of the neighborhood so it is not possible to go to both - darn. lol. Carpool :)

On the other hand...look how excited Grayson (and Hayden) are for soccer practice!

6. What I'm working on

House stuff (Purging, organizing, simplifying)

Speakeasy Party (Stonewall Party I am co-hosting with some fun ladies!)

7. What I'm excited about

We have a lot of fun stuff planned for September - excited for a fun month!

8. What I'm watching/reading

Bachelor in Paradise. of course.

Stranger Things 

We are probably half-way through the season and my feelings on it are pretty neutral. I enjoy watching it, but I am not obsessed. lol. 

I have hear The Night Of is pretty great so I am excited to start that HBO mini series next. 

And onto reading....

I just ordered two new books:

And

I'll let ya know what I think!

9. What I'm listening to

I downloaded the Audible app from amazon and am excited to try some books on tape! I have heard from a handful of mom's that their kids love listening to stories on tape so we are going to try one on our way down to Austin. 

 I downloaded Roald Dahls Big Friendly Giant so I am hoping it holds the kids interest!

10. What I'm wearing

Well, just like everyone else here in Dallas I am ready for some fall weather. I realize that probably won't get here for another month or so, so I guess not much will change. 

11. What I'm doing this weekend

Grayson's 4th birthday! We will be down in Austin at Lost Pines with friends so it will be a great way to celebrate!

12. What I'm looking forward to next month

- Football season starting. Not that I am a huge football fan but I love having the games on and hanging with friends.

- Little's starting school. This year Grayson will have Ms Karen and Ms Liz, the same teachers that Ryan had! We loved them so I am thrilled that Grayson is in their class.

- Speakeasy Party. I am hosting a Speakeasy party with a bunch of Stonewall mommies.

- Carrie Underwood concert!

That's all I got! Happy Wednesday!