Weekend Recap!

There is no reason for this except that I think it is hilarious!! 

We were really going to lay low this weekend but then ended up being quite busy #ofcourse  

This weekend was dedicated to the LADIES (my favorite) and it was so fun to connect with some fabulous women! 

Friday, my yoga friend Jill came over and we accidentally drank too much wine and had take out sushi and laughed quite a bit! 

Saturday morning I woke up to teach the swim team yoga again (last one- sad) and then came home to complain how tired I was.  I finally motivated to take a yoga class myself and then did a few errands.  Saturday night I had a dinner party with my girlfriends from work.  It is an annual tradition, and something I always look forward to.  Smart women with good food and lots of wine = perfection!  Paul asked what I was doing when I was leaving and I explained I was going to have dinner with my girlfriends.  He asked their names and when I listed everyone attending he paused and said, "That's a lot.  There is going to be a lot of talking."  True story Paul.  

Sunday Ryan found himself with a single ticket to the Bronco game.  We decorated the house with a Bronco flag and the life size Peyton.  Too bad the ending is not what we hoped for but I think he had a good time (he is currently sulking in the basement, but I am sure he had fun for at least a bit. Ha) 

Headed to work this morning, but this week we have finals Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and so only have half days.  Life isn't bad! 

Happy Monday to you! 

Summer Salad

What do you all make for dinner?  I am feeling so uninspired lately.  I want it to be quick and healthy and taste good.  Is that so much to ask for?  Actually, if we are wishing for things then I wish someone would make it for me too.

We had some friends over a couple of weeks ago and they brought this fantastic salad.  I made it again just a few days later.  It is easy, fresh and tastes amazing!!

Simple ingredients include watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, basil, olive oil and salt and pepper.  Make it today. It's amazing.  You should also add tomatoes and toasted almonds, but we didn't have any and I was too lazy to deal with the grocery store.  It was still really good!

Recipe from here! 

Seriously though, what are you making for dinner?

The Very Best Friends A Girl Could Ask For!

Last weekend Maureen arrived from Texas, Tori arrived from Vail and their only mission was to make my life easier.  They did.

Here are some highlights of what these two did to help make life with a newborn and toddler a bit more tolerable.  Please take notes.  

• They took Paul on many "adventures" to the grocery store, Starbucks, etc.  Paul loves his mom and doesn't always want her out of his sight.  But when the word "adventure" is used, he can usually be persuaded to leave me.  I am sure the promise of hot chocolate did not hurt either.
•  They made us many meals.  MANY meals.  They are all frozen in my freezer.  They have directions on them.  They are tasty.  I did not make them.  I don't have to think about what is for dinner.  It is AMAZING.
• They brought wine.  Enough said.
•  They literally drove my children around so I could have the house to myself for ONE WHOLE HOUR. 
• They stayed up to do the first feeding so my husband and I could go to sleep together.  Incredible.  
•  They helped me figure out the baby Bjorn and took a walk with a newborn and 2 1/2 year old.  This was no easy task.  Especially when the 2 year old insisted that he take his lawn mower on the walk.  And then decided half way through he didn't want the lawn mower.  So your friend carried the lawn mower for the rest of the walk.
•  They rented Magic Mike and sat on the couch with wine and horrified looks on their face. (Seriously- how was that a movie?)
•  They played trains, cars, puzzles, kitchen, and God knows what else with your toddler. 
•  They held the baby so I could eat dinner with BOTH hands.  
• They told me what a great job I was doing.  Even when I was unsure. 

I don't have one picture from that weekend, except a picture of a meal they made.  But trust me- if you have a new baby you should hire these two. My words alone cannot express my gratitude.  I am sure that both left exhausted and thankful that their houses are clean and their televisions are not constantly running an episode of Mickey Mouse.  They were the perfect amount of distraction and help that was conveniently timed with Ryan's return to work.  I am so lucky to have friends like I do.  Please come back.

What's for Dinner?

One of the things I dread when I come home from work is thinking about what to make for dinner. Not only is making dinner a problem but then I find myself in dinner ruts, like Taco Tuesday. Stupid. No one wants tacos every Tuesday.

So I had to turn to Pinterest. I can't believe all the incredible recipes one can find on there. One night this week I made this autumn chopped salad and simply added chicken. It was so good!

from here

Then for dessert I made pumpkin cupcakes with salted caramel butter cream frosting. Amazing. Who am I? Freaking Betty Crocker?

from here

Hopefully this little bit of inspiration can put an end to pasta Thursdays. I'll keep you updated.