Flora

Lately I've been thinking about outdoor spaces. When I was dog sitting this past weekend, there were so many pretty flowers and trees and shrubberies (I just love that word), that it made me want to sit outside the whole time and kill mosquitoes enjoy nature. My favorite was sitting outside right at dusk, usually with my feet dangling in the pool. A fruity beverage would have made it even more enjoyable.

I snapped a few pictures one afternoon to get ideas for flowers...

Of course, there has to be room for a regulation badminton court too. I told Tyson we were hosting a tournament at our housewarming party. Have I mentioned we got a house? :o)

Menu Planning Monday

images via here, here, and here

monday :: blackened chicken with cilantro lime quinoa (tasty, but the avocado cream was not as awesome as I'd hoped)
tuesday :: caribbean salad (good summer meal; Tyson said it was perfect after his run)
wednesday :: beef ziti (very basic...easy for sure!)
thursday :: leftovers
friday :: summer corn, bacon, and potato chowder (didn't make--we were in College Station!)
saturday :: no plans yet--I am sure we will grill or go out!

Lots of packing in my future this week. And cleaning. And organizing. Hopefully I can sneak in some scrapbooking and a nap sometime.

Random side note: I made this recipe for honey beer bread last week and it was super yummy and definitely the easiest homemade bread recipe ever. The end (and thank you Pinterest).

Another random side note: I've been going back and editing what we actually made and my thoughts on recipes for previous weeks' posts. This is more for my ability to remember what we actually liked and would recommend. :o)

Thoughts

Currently Reading

Divergent series, Veronica Roth | Um, yes please. Yet another dystopian fiction, but done very, very well. The second book was just as good (if not better) as the first because it had even more action. Love. The last book in the trilogy comes out October 2013 (entirely too long.).

Blood Red Road (Dust Lands series), Moira Young | We read this for a summer book club--another dystopian fiction. The characters were sketched vividly, but there was still a ton of mystery about why the world is the way it is. Very interesting and full of action. I read that it's been optioned for a movie, so read it now! The next book comes out this October.

Mark of the Lion series, Francine Rivers | Honestly, I can't believe I hadn't read these sooner. I've only read the first two, but, wow, are they fabulous! I became obsessed. It's historical fiction circa 62 A.D. in Rome. I love the characters. I love the description of the surroundings of the time. There were so many similarities between their culture and what I see around me today. Just very interesting. And she's the same author of Redeeming Love so you know it's good!

Between the Lines, Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer | This is our book club's next read, and I just finished it last night. It's a really cute book about characters' thoughts and actions when the story ends. There is the fairy tale point of view, the prince's, and a fifteen year old girl reading the story. Super duper cute. Putting this one on my class library bookshelf for sure.

Any must-reads while I still have some free time?

Random Photo Wednesday

"Look at how cute I am!"

Happy Independence Day! Taking time to be thankful for our freedom + eat delicious food. I think our plans include grilling fajitas and swimming. Always a good combo.

Mostly tongues.

I had to share a few pictures from dog sitting! I just love these pups. But don't let the fluffy clouds and cerulean sky fool you--it was only like this for about two afternoons. Mostly it was overcast and rainy!! 

Yawny McYawns a lot. 

 Sticking her tongue out at me.

They are all so sleepy! 

Overseeing the pack.

 Doesn't he look like King Lazzy with his royal subjects/toys?

Seriously. Licked me right on the lips.

Menu Planning Monday

images via skinnytaste, the enchanted cook, and kayotic kitchen

Finally, a semi-normal week of dinners! Hooray!! (thoughts on the meals in italics)

Sunday :: Homemade pizza with pesto and grilled chicken
Monday :: Stuffed Zucchini with couscous (request from Tyson)--I decreased the onion and it was really good this time!
Tuesday :: Garlic Lime Marinated Pork Chops with cilantro lime rice--super tasty and easy!
Wednesday :: Independence Day! We don't have specific plans yet, but I'm sure grilling will be involved.
Thursday :: "OMG Chicken" + broccoli--so moist and delicious!!
Friday :: Sticky Finger Salad--did not make; I had a baked potato instead!

I am glad to be home...now I have laundry, cleaning, unpacking, organizing, and debriefing of what I learned from ISTE. I think I will be kept busy!