Hi everyone! This week flew by and dragged on at the same time. Is that possible? The first half went slow and the second half sped by. We got home from vacation and I did my first 4 loads of laundry (I did 8 or 9 total after vacation!) and had my groceries delivered (hallelujah for that!) and then showered and headed off to the Ionia Free Fair. Ben is the high school principal in that community so we love attending all the local events and seeing students and families. After that, we went out for dinner (hallelujah for that, too!).

Sunday we were off to church and I had a couple recipes to develop. Okay, truthfully, I only got one done. The weekend disappeared!

Monday we had spur-of-the-moment dinner guests, some friends from New York. It’s a guy that Ben has been friends with for ages and I just love his wife. This was the first time we’d actually gotten to really chat (I’ve only met her at their wedding), but she’s the just the sweetest and we get along great. It was such a fun night catching up with them!

So Monday was a bit crazy getting the house cleaned up and finishing my laundry but I managed to throw together a decent summer dinner, too. We ate outside, which was absolutely wonderful. Ben grilled chicken that I had marinated in Greek Style Chicken Marinade and I made a fresh corn, avocado, and black bean salad (that post and photos are embarrassingly old), grilled garlic cheese bread, fresh green beans, and homemade peach blueberry crisp. I could repeat that meal every day!

New on the blog this week: This Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad which I actually ate for breakfast once and this easy to make grilled pizza quesadilla. Both summer staples, if you ask me.

For my home: We have an upcoming basement remodel and I want to accent with blue — I love this rug! (And it’s on sale!)

I don’t need this: But I want it. How cute would this tray be for summer entertaining or decorating around the house?

Looking to meal plan this week? Here are some things I hope to make (or remake!) this week:

Purchased: This bag – I didn’t have a cross-body purse and I definitely wanted one for all the walking we’ll be doing in NYC (read on). I didn’t want it to break the banks since I’ll be spending all our money on food in NYC. It arrived and it’s just as cute in person!

Comment that’s making my heart happy: I adore hearing when you make my recipes and take the time to come back and leave a comment – it means the world to me! This week, Liz made my Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing with Cumin and said, “Made this tonight! I was looking for a recipe without cilantro because I don’t have any right now. This is delicious!” I hope all you cilantro-haters are listening, this one is for you! 

Smiling about: This cute mug.

Need to get before the end of summer: These sandals.

 

Next weekend Ben and I are going to NYC to celebrate my birthday! It’s our first time ever visiting NYC (OH MY GOSH!!!!) and our first time away from the kids (together) for more than one night. I can’t wait! And I need all your NYC suggestions! I have a pretty packed itinerary already, but there’s always room for more, right?

On that note, I’m looking for a cute pair of walking shoes for NYC. I’m looking at these, these, these or these. Thoughts? I’m such a dunce when it comes to fashion.