It's the last Wednesday of the month and I am linking up with Sheaffer, Mel & Shay for What's Up Wednesday to share a little about what's going on in our world...
Last week I shared Menu Planning 101, and had a few people ask for an example of my monthly menu. I will be sharing my complete August menu next Tuesday. Be sure to check it out if you need a few ideas. Here' what we're eating this week...
Sunday: Cajun Chicken (from Trim Healthy Mama's Cookbook) over Zoodles & Caesar Salad
Monday: Lemon Pepper Tilapia over Quinoa, & Ina Garten's Roasted Broccoli
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday (In a Low Carb Tortilla)
Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken Parm with Dreamfield's Noodles & Salad
Thursday: Pulled Pork With Sugar Free BBQ Sauce (Buns for the family, Low Carb Tortilla for me)
Friday: Kitchen is Closed!
What I'm Reminiscing About...
What I'm Loving...
You guys know I watch my carbs closely, and after hearing my Dad rave about his Zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a while, I broke down and bought a Veggetti. Here's the deal, if you make a really good sauce, like my Olive Garden inspired Alfredo Sauce, you won't even miss the noodles.
What We've Been Up To...
Since school started I have more free time, and I am trying my best to stay on top of housework and laundry. All is right in the world when my house is organized. I found this schedule on Pinterest last week and have been trying my best to follow it.
I just realized how sad it is that my what I've been up to lately is about cleaning and laundry.
What I'm Working On...
It hit me last week that Kendall is a JUNIOR! She has TWO years of school left! I have been working on a spreadsheet (yes, I'm crazy) on colleges that we need to check out, how far away it is from home, how much it costs a semester, and what the requirements are for Kendall. We are even planning some college tours this fall. As much is it makes my heart ache to think of my baby leaving the nest, I am so excited for her future.
What I'm Excited About...
My weekly Bible Study starts a week from today, and I am so excited about it. It is hard for me to be disciplined enough to study the Bible daily without a scheduled plan. This Bible Study helps me to study scripture, but it also gives me perspective from a variety of women, which I love! Women with grown children, women without children, women raising children, I love the perspective! This Bible Study is always one of the best parts of my week!
It's been a long time since I've done a Jennifer Rothschild study, but I really like her. She is an amazing speaker and writer who lost her sight as a teenager. She is completely inspiring, and I can't wait to see how she challenges me through this study. If you're a local friend, you should join us next Wednesday!
What I'm Dreading...
Is it too early to be dreading January?
What I'm Watching/Reading...
Consider this a Public Service Announcement: The UP Channel (which is 188, if you have Dish) has the best reruns ever. Shows like 7th Heaven, Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, The Middle! This may be completely old news, but this is the first time in a LONG time that my TV has been on in the afternoon for anything other than an animated show.
(Picture from HollywoodReporter.com)
I do have a goal to read one book in September, and by that I mean not a Curious George or Pete the Cat Book. I'm not usually a book reader, but am pushing myself to be. I love to write, and I think my writing skills will improve when I read more. I have narrowed it down to Uninvited by Lisa TerKeurst or Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I'd love your input, if you've read either of these, or have any other suggestions for me.
What I'm Listening To...
Fact: I've been stuck on Billy Joel lately!
(Picture from UltimateClassicRock.com)
His music is soothing! I pulled up my Pandora station to see what my top ten stations have been lately, my musical taste are all over the place...
1. Billy Joel
2. Rod Stewart
3. Adele
4. Dan Seals
5. Needtobreathe
6. Prince
7. Eric Church
8. Outkast
9. Randy Rogers
10. Hootie & The Blowfish
Everyday calls for a different soundtrack, right? Just, beware of the Outkast days, y'all.
What I'm Wearing...
This is always hard for me, because I am not a fashion blogger by any means. Now, don't get me wrong, I love shopping and clothes, but at this stage of my life (i.e. raising kids) fashion just takes a backseat. So, consider this your second Public Service Announcement today: Go To Dirt Cheap! Have you been there? Yes, you have to dig, but the savings are ridiculous! I bought these Rock Republic jeans advertised on the Kohls website for $88 for $12.
Yes, $12! I wasn't sure that I was cool enough to pull off distressed jeans, but I was willing to test the waters for $12. I also saw some Tahari and Lilly Pulitzer dresses in there for between $12-$20, too. If you have a Dirt Cheap near you, it's definitely worth a stop in.
What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month...
Jentry and Jesse celebrate birthdays one day apart in October, so I'm looking forward to planning their 3rd and 5th birthday parties, and start shopping for their presents. I am also looking forward to breaking out some soups, chili, and stew as the weather cools off.
This month's bonus question: What is your favorite transition piece for fall?
This fashion related question was super easy for me! My military jacket is by far one of the most worn items in my closet, especially this time of year! My fashionista friend, Andrea, says olive is going to be the "it" color this fall, too! I love that this jacket is easy to throw on and matches anything, PLUS the utility pockets make it so easy for an afternoon at the park...I don't even have to tote around my purse.
That's what's up with us, what's up with you?
Emily