It’s Friday! And the weekend is supposed to be beautiful. And hot! I’m going to get some more beach time in. And swap out my planters for some fall arrangements. What are you doing?
Some weekend reading…
Five Instant Pot dinner WINS.
Instant Pot. Collective screams from behind the computers–or mobile devices–of all of you readers who haven’t purchased one yet and are putting your foot down against yet another kitchen gadget. Or maybe just putting your foot solidly down against the damn Instant Pot. I get it. I get it! There was a time when I eye-rolled so hard every time I saw an Instant Pot recipe on Instagram or Pinterest. It’s a little bit like babies before you have babies. Like what really is the big deal? It’s a baby. There’s a million babies. And now… this is my baby and it’s a big freaking deal, and I’m never going to stop singing its praises. Okay, now that we got that out of the way…
Some favorite fall jackets.
you want a jacket that doubles as a blanket? like a socially acceptable sleeping bag? one that wraps you into itself like a cozy cocoon? is there any answer to that question besides a resounding yes? well click on in, then.
Chile-coconut braised beef short ribs. Make this for company and knock their socks off.
I don’t want to sing its praises too loud because let’s say I serve this to someone who read this post and they’re firmly in the camp of my socks were not knocked off. Well, that would be awkward. Better to let other people sing the praises of the food you’ve cooked than for you to sing them yourself. Right?
Read this if you want blow-dried hair sometimes but hate blow-drying your hair.
I hate blow-drying my hair. You’ll notice that I never, ever do it. It’s just a process, and honestly, I think I prefer my hair a little wild anyway. Feels more me. Even so, once in awhile, it’s nice to change it up. Plus, I go longer between washes when my hair is blown dry, which is nice. So, I was delighted to use a tool recently that made the process so easy…
Notes for the Road.
First week of school is complete. These boys are missing each other, I think. But, I’m welcoming (just a bit) some separation from each other (absence makes the heart grow fonder, you know) because prior to school starting, their fighting was getting a little bit frustrating for this mama. End of summer, I suppose! I’m glad it’s the weekend now, though. I need to eeeeease into this transition (and all transitions).
Some weekend reading…
Five family movies to watch this weekend.
That movie night scroll to choose something is a thing I loathe. Especially with four or five different sets of eyes (and opinions) watching (and directing). And, while my children are very good at many things, picking movies isn’t at the top of the list yet. If I were smart, I’d have the movie picked and all queued up before they sit down. But, I’m not so smart. So I find myself doing the scroll with little voices shouting “that one!” at me with every button I click. If you find yourself in a similar situation for family movie night, look no further! Here’s five that we have loved. (For reference, the youngest kids watching are almost 5 and 8.)
Notes for the Road.
It’s Labor Day weekend, the last weekend before school starts here, and I’ve got outdoor dreams. Today we’re going to drive to a state park and run around outside before the school-snatcher comes knocking. What are you doing?
Some weekend reading…
dark by eight.
It’s darker now, when we get in bed together around 7:40 or so, after the nightly haranguing (and friendlyish haranguing): come upstairs, pajamas ON, did you go potty yet. It surprises me, this darkness, yet why should it. It is a full two months and some after June 20, that glorious day when the sun stretches its golden fingers well into the evening and you have to convince your children that it is indeed bed time. That long daylight holds such promise. Summer is just beginning!
Four things I’m loving right now.
Here’s a few things I’m reading, using, enjoying right now…