Weekend Happenings.

About that weekend.... as always, it just sped on by. It was a lovely weekend, free of any major appointments or obligations. I love weekends like that- ones where we can just hang out as a family and enjoy each other. 

Friday evening we kicked off our weekend by hitting up the driving range. You know me, I'm not a fan of anything golf related, but the husband is a golf maniac. Dylan and I were good tagalongs for about 3 minutes before Dylan started running all over the place and in front of golfers despite me planning ahead and bringing bubbles, cars, and snacks to occupy his attention. Can't win them all, right? It really did turn into a win though- Dylan and I stopped by Golden Spoon to kill time before Ben was finished driving.... or ranging... whatever it's called. 

Saturday consisted of boot camp at the gym (me), golf (Ben), errands, and playtime. Dylan and I also hit up Hobby Lobby to stock up on art supplies, and Dylan has gotten to the stage where he enjoys making stuff. 

The boy also enjoys pretending to go fishing in the gutter:

I also made these delicious (completely) and nutritious (not even close) sandwiches for dinner on Saturday night. Ironically enough, I discovered this recipe watching Rachael Ray while running on the treadmill at the gym. They're absolutely amazing- a hamburger within a grilled cheese sandwich. Gah, my mouth is now watering.

Another lovely weekend!

Good eats.

Hello, friends! Since cutting down on work hours I have been able to spend a little more time finding good recipes and cooking them up in the kitchen. Despite having a little more time, my two main requirements are that all recipes must be quick and easy. A third requirement is that is must not contain fish, as the thought of eating fish makes me gag. But that's besides the point, right?

 Here are two gems that I have made over the past week:

Lemon and Rosemary Chicken

via Eat Yourself Skinny

Here are your ingredients:

Recipe adapted from Food Network

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

3/4 pound small red-skinned potatoes, halved

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus 1 Tbsp leaves

1 clove garlic, smashed

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Juice of 2 lemons (squeezed halves reserved)

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Cover the potatoes with cold water in a saucepan and salt the water.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

Pile the rosemary leaves, garlic, 2 tsp. salt and the red pepper flakes on a cutting board, then mince and mash into a paste using a large knife.  Transfer the paste to a bowl and stir in the juice of 1 lemon and the olive oil.  Add the chicken and turn to coat.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken, cover and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.  Turn the chicken; add potatoes to the skillet and drizzle with the juice of the remaining lemon.  Add the rosemary sprigs and the squeezed lemon halves to the skillet; transfer to the oven and roast, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

via The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 3 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Cubes
• 3 teaspoons Cajun Spice Mix, More To Taste
• 1 pound Fettuccine
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 whole Green Bell Pepper, Seeded And Sliced
• 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Seeded And Sliced
• 1/2 whole Large Red Onion, Sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced
• 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup White Wine *** I don't cook with wine, but used an extra 1/2 cup chicken broth in its place***
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Cayenne Pepper To Taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• Salt To Taste
• Chopped Fresh Parsley, To Taste

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when pasta is still al dente; do not overcook!

Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun spice over chicken pieces. Toss around to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Add half the chicken in a single layer; do not stir. Allow chicken to brown on one side, about 1 minute. Flip to the other side and cook an additional minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a clean plate.

Repeat with remaining chicken. Remove chicken, leaving pan on high heat.

Add remaining olive oil and butter. When heated, add peppers, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle on remaining Cajun spice, and add salt if needed. Cook over very high heat for 1 minute, stirring gently and trying to get the vegetables as dark/black as possible. Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove all vegetables from the pan.

With the pan over high heat, pour in the wine and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in cream, stirring/whisking constantly. Cook sauce over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until cream starts to thicken the mixture. Taste and add freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and/or salt to taste. Sauce should be spicy!

Finally, add chicken and vegetables to sauce, making sure to include all the juices that have drained onto the plate. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and hot. Add drained fettuccine and toss to combine.

The simple life.

As previously mentioned, yesterday was my first "real" full day off work as a result of my part-time position. Before this week I was working 8-5, Monday-Friday. Mind you, I was lucky to be able to work from home quite a bit, but it wasn't the same. I wanted to be home when I was home, not be clicking away at my computer doing work. Yesterday I got a glimpse of the simple life that I love so much. 

So my new work schedule is working two full days and one half day each week. I am loving it so far. Yesterday and today I would usually be working, but not anymore- I'm free to do what I want when I want.... well, as free as you can be with a two year old.

Yesterday was lovely... went to the gym, did yardwork, cleaned the house, went to the grocery store, made a delicious dinner, and all the while having quality time with my boy. Dylan enjoyed spending the day with me too- he was my little buddy and helped me (in his two year old way) with whatever I was doing. 

I know that I'm acting like this was the first day I've had off ever.... I'm always off on the weekends and I just got home from a week long vacation. There was just something extra special about yesterday. I knew that I would typically be working the whole day, and it was so nice to not feel chained to my phone or computer in efforts to get some work done. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and it's lovely. 

Is this how full-time stay at home moms feel? A lovely freedom to do whatever they and the kiddos want/need to do? I know that being a full-time stay at home moms is not easy or stress-free by any means, but there is a wonderful freedom in being able to just be at home taking care of your children each day without having to rush off to work. 

I remember The Great Meltdown of 2010 where I had a legit freak out over all the things I was trying to do. Work full time, mom full time, take care of the house, cook dinners, serve at church, pay attention to Ben, tend to my own needs, etc. I felt like I had so much on my plate that I wasn't able to do anything well. Luckily, the worst of those feelings passed, but I always felt like I was trying to do too much. Or maybe I just had too much going on to keep up with the expectations I had for myself. Either way, I am beyond thrilled to have more time at home with my boy. 

I haven't received my first part-time paycheck, so I'm sure it'll be a little depressing to see my income be cut in half. You know what though? I'm not that worried. I know that Ben and I can cut back on our spending and make things work just fine. It is worth it. 

It is so worth it. 

A few things as of late.

1. In a follow up to my last post, I don't think that I can be trusted with nice sunglasses ever. On Tuesday I was driving Ben's car and was also wearing his sunglasses. Somehow I managed to lose his sunglasses while at my old office in American Fork. I was worry stricken, because it's bad enough that I lose my own sunglasses, but unacceptable that I lose my husband's as well. Amazingly enough they were found the next day in a very odd place- hallelujah- by a wonderful Good Samaritan. Thanks Jen and Brenton!

2. I happened upon these adorable bandages at one of my more recent Target runs. Yes, I'm actually hoping for a reason to wear these. Little, tiny scratch? Yep, a band aid will be necessary. Hangnail? You betcha. 

3. Today is my first full day of being off work since going part time. I'm seriously ecstatic about it. What should I do? Spend the afternoon in the backyard with Dylan? Clean my house until it sparkles? Go to the zoo? I'm aware that not being at work does not mean I'll be doing nothing- hello, caring for a 2 year old is real work- but I'm so excited to have more time home without work interruptions. 

Lots more to day, but Dylan is now awake. Adios!

A Sad Story: Sunglasses Edition

Once there was a girl who had a perfect pair of sunglasses. They were beautiful, they were flattering, they were Chanel. The girl took great care of these sunglasses for over two years, and always stored them safely in their case, rather than just throwing them in her purse. "Nice things needed to be treated well," she thought. 

Sadly, the girl made a grave lapse in judgement. One day, she got out of her car and set her sunglasses on the trunk, where they were forgotten for the day. The next morning, the girl had to leave for work. She got in her car and drove off, not realizing that her beloved sunglasses that were still on the trunk. The sunglasses were never seen again. 

Sad, but true. 

The girl needed some new sunglasses, but had not yet saved enough for a fancy pair. Instead, she bought a pair of cheapies that she'd probably only want to wear for a month or two anyway, as they were fun but not quite her style:

In fact, the girl kind of felt like a 17 year old hipster in the cheapies. The girl committed that she would take better care of her next pair of sunglasses in order for this travesty to never be repeated. 

The End. 

Parenting Fail.

While I have plans of sharing photos and whatnot from my fabulous family vacation, I wanted to start things out with some real life. Yes, life is not always perfect, rosy, and well-accessorized. Sometimes you have times when you think to yourself, "Well that was some good parenting, ya dummy." I happen to have that moment on video for your viewing. Watch this pitiful video of what happens when poor Dylan gets on a piece of park equipment that is not for little ones. The kicker is that he said that he wanted down and was all done, and I was less than helpful. Whoops. I'm a first-time mom and I'm still learning, that's my excuse. Let it be known that Dylan was just fine after 20 seconds. 

Please tell me that this has happened to all of you parents?!?

Oh yes, the announcements.

I said that I would post my fab announcement(s) on Monday, and here we are.... 9:41 pm. Better late than never, right? It's been a whirlwind of a day, mostly because of announcement #1. Trying to get all my loose ends tied up and ready to go. Here's a look at the excitement:

1. Dylan and I leave for Indiana tomorrow!!! 8 days of joyful vacation and family time! Ben will be joining us on Friday, and it's going to be fun for all. Double fun: We're all flying out of the Provo airport! No driving all the way to SLC and doing the long security waiting thing.

2. We found a sitter! Thanks to our friends Drew and Jenna, we were referred to a great girl who lives nearby. No idea on how Dylan is going to do without his beloved sitter Denisse, who moves next week. 

3. My sister sent me the link to this website with hilarious commentary on celeb kid fashions, authored by "Suri Cruise." Get ready to laugh. 

And here's the big, huge, fabulous announcement that I alluded to in my last post....

4. I'm switching from working full-time to working part-time!!!! There are no words to express my excitement. Seriously, part-time full benefit jobs are hard to come by with the State, and I managed to snag one! Hooray! Expect a happier, less stressed me. 

May Birchbox!

This month's Birchbox finally arrived! Hooray! Seriously friends, I look forward to Birchbox day all month. More than Glamour magazine day, more than BH&G magazine day, more than any other mail day. Are you starting to understand my love for Birchbox? Yes, it's intense. 

This month's box had a Gossip Girl theme, which prepared me for a glamorous and trendy box. True story: I've never seen an episode of Gossip Girl in my life, but I do know that the show is famous for amazing looks and fashion. Yes please. 

Anyway, I was beyond thrilled with my May box. Here's what I received:

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo- Love. Seriously, if it wasn't $55(!) per bottle, I would be ordering a full-size bottle of this shampoo. It smells amazing, and it makes my hair feel sooo soft, light, and clean. 

Miracle Skin Transformer- I haven't really used this yet, but I'm excited to give it a go. 

Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara- This mascara is absolutely wonderful. I've used Dior mascara before, and it's always been one of my favorites. Love this. 

Dior Miss Dior Perfume- I've been on a major perfume kick lately (currently switching between about 7 different scents), and I was so excited to add Miss Dior to the mix. It's such a classic scent- floral with a little bit of musk. I've been sporting it the past few days and I love it. 

Bonus: XOXO notecard- I have a whole box of cards and stationary at my desk, and I have a serious love for handwritten notes. This is a perfect addition to my collection and I can't wait to use it. 

Alright pals, I know that I've been a sporadic at best blogger lately. I'm working on it. In the meantime, get excited for Monday's post, as I will be making a big announcement. Can't wait to tell you all! And NO, it will not be a pregnancy announcement. 

Anyone want to humor me and try to guess what the big announcement is?  Ready......GO!

Friday Five.

Yikes, I went over a week without an update! I really do prefer to post a few times each week, but life has been so darn hectic that blogging takes a back seat. Here are five things that went on this week:

1. I took a sick day on Wednesday. Was I sick? No, but Dylan sure was. I was up at 4 am with a sick boy and a whole lot of puke. Not so fun. Luckily I have a job that doesn't mean the end of the world when I have to stay home, and a boss that is willing to pick up my slack. Thanks, Jorden!

2. Dylan got better! I actually took him to the doctor on Wednesday, because on Tuesday evening he got hit in the head with a hard, plastic ball and it left a huge bruise and gave him a bloody nose. I just wanted to be sure that the head bump and vomiting weren't symptoms of a concussion. They weren't, thank goodness! Here he is on Thursday night, happy as a clam:

{Helping me cook dinner. He wanted to wear his apron, and he got me mine to wear as well} 

3. This isn't exactly recent news, but I discovered Francesca's, a darling new store at the mall. Gorgeous clothes, accessories, and gift ideas. I bought this necklace on my first trip:

I love this necklace and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. The price was also reasonable- it was about $25. 

It also makes a lovely new addition to my jewelry wall:

{Note: Must spray paint jewelry holder white}

4. This is some sad news for our family: Dylan's sitter is moving to Texas at the end of the month. Dylan adores her and it's so sad trying to find a new sitter that can fill her shoes. We will miss her family very, very much. Boo for people moving. 


5. I went to Sephora on the hunt for a new eyebrow pencil. I've been using MAC for years, but seeing as my local MAC counter went away when Nords closed, I was in the market for something else. Enter in my new cosmetic love:

Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil

I popped down to the mini-Sephora at JC Penney's and was pleasantly surprised. Great color with natural results. I'm kind of in love with this. Another perk of hitting up mini-Sephora? The great girls there gave me all sorts of samples to try out. Love! Turns out I'm also in love with Jennifer Aniston's new perfume. Who would have thought?

Alright friends, that's it for the day. Have a great weekend!

First of the Month Dinner: May.

Hooray! First of the month dinners are back! Actually, they never left- they just never made their way to the blog. Whoops. This month's dinner actually look place on May 2nd- that's because my husband is a rockstar and booked me a massage on the evening of the 1st. It was the best surprise! Thanks, Benjamin!

This month's dinner was actually a pitiful excuse for a dinner- hamburgers and strawberries. To be quite honest, I do make a mean hamburger. My mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder makes the burgers taste amazing, no lie. 

What was special about tonight's dinner was what we discussed- the fun things we would do as a family during the month of May. Ben wants to try taking Dylan to a movie in the theater- probably a matinee at the dollar theater. If things go badly then we're only out $3, right? I want to take Dylan to Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country. 

Sounds pretty lame that two little family activities are considered  extra special, but Ben and I are usually too wiped out from the workweek to really want to do extra things during the weekend. It's just easier to relax at home, but we also realize that it's special and wonderful to do things as a family outside of our house. 

Anyway, here are a few pictures from our lovely dinner:

We like each other.

Delicious strawberries in a happy little bowl.

Aaaaand Dylan decided to pretend to be a puppy and drank out of the cat's water bowl. Ewwww.