I'm back to celebrate another glorious summer Friday. So excited!



I say I'm back like I went somewhere when in reality I've just been a busy little bee. I've thought a lot about blogging and things to write, however, I just haven't had the time to sit down and write like I want to.

But let's talk about what has been awesome this past week:

1. Two weeks of summer school in the book. Only one more to go, thank goodness!

2. My sleep number is money! I've been sleeping on air, literally. And I love it!



3. While I say I've been a busy little bee, I did find time to read Divergent and Insurgent. They were excellent and I can't wait for Allegiant to come out in October.


4. A gorgeous Saturday spent in the back yard with good food, games, and friends.


5. THIS happened.


Funnel. Cake. Cupcakes. There were as good as they look. Thank goodness for my friend Natalie and her baking skills.

Tonight, the boyfriend and I are headed out to see Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line. The weather is going to be perfect for this outdoor concert and a few beverages of course.

How was your week? Read anything good lately that I should add to my reading list? Or did I make you want to bake some cupcakes this weekend? Hopefully you're not drooling on your keyboard right now, haha!

Have a great weekend!

I like to reflect each week on what totally rocked and link up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk.

This week, my world is better because:

1. 12 in '12 baby! My STL Cardinals are currently playing in the NLCS AGAIN. It feels unreal to be back in the same position we were last year. AND I get to go to Game #5 tonight to hopefully see them clinch the pennant.

2. Fall just showed up. One day this week as I turned onto my street I was bombarded by fall colors. We are still dealing with up and down temps but the colors are finally getting on track.


3. I got my school picture this week and it reminded me that I am becoming my mom. Slowly but surely...it's happening.

It's Friday?

On summer vacation the days just seem to melt together so color me happy that it is the best of all days of the week, Friday! I'm linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for her High Five for Friday party.

My top 5 favorites from this past week:

1. I'm feeling motivated. I attended some amazing professional development this week that really makes me wish it was August already so I can implement some of the new learning that took place this week. Crazy right? I just spent four weeks counting down until summer and now here I am wishing I was at school. Dork!

2. So far I have cooked every meal at home this week. This is a personal victory as I don't think I have ever not ate out even just once in a week. And I'm on track to continue this trend...amazing what a little planning can do.

Pesto Seared Salmon with Lemon Couscous ...fancy!

3. Cheesecake stuffed strawberries rocked my world this week. Another Pinterest inspired recipe that definitely lives up to the amount of times I've seen it repinned.

4. Pedicures with my mom and sisters.



5. Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Flea walked across the stage on his hands!

Hope you had a great week and an even better weekend!

Looking at my latest pins it appears that I'm hungry for new and interesting dishes. Now that I have the time because it's summer my goal is to make dinner every evening - not only to stay within our budget but to expand our dinner repertoire beyond tacos, hamburgers, and Swiss Chicken. I worry about the day we ever have children and getting them to eat vegetables because we would be the worst examples as parents!

This "Green Monster" smoothie supposedly doesn't taste what it looks like. I need to get my hands on a blender to try it out for myself. Anyone ever tried this before?



The BF bought a pork loin on whim last week and I had to figure out how to cook it - this seemed like an easy and simple option, it's on the menu for Thursday with some mashed taters.



This lovely desert is on the menu for tomorrow night - so excited to try it out however I'm nervous because I don't have an electric mixer and it might be difficult to give the cream cheese the right consistency. I'll post the results tomorrow, wish me luck!



Ok so not all of my pins were food but this still belongs in the kitchen - it's cheap, easy, and cute!



And I don't know where this pin fits in but I really want an infinity ring. I blame my slight obsession with the infinity symbol all on Pinterest. Our six year dating anniversary coming up and even though I've been super obvious about wanting it we usually don't do presents beyond sentimental stuff so it might just be a little present to myself.

 

Like what you see? You can follow me on Pinterest and see more good stuff on the daily.

Pin anything good lately? Link up with The Vintage Apple and leave me a comment so I can check them out!