News: Roundup

1.Homemade Granola: I can't bring myself to spend $$$ on store-bought granola when homemade is so simple and frankly, so much yummier. All three of my guys basically eat this every.single.day for breakfast. I just make tweaks based on what I have in the house. 

2. Fried Rice, Egg, and Avocado Bowl: On the off-chance that someone prefers eggs to granola, or I just plain forgot to meal-plan something for lunch, this is an easy go-to. We typically make a big batch of brown rice at the beginning of the week and can always throw together a bowl with egg and avocado, or any other veggies we have on hand.

3. Chicken Tikka Masala: This is seriously such a hit in my house. If we've overdone it on the meat for the week, we'll switch this to a vegetarian version. 

4. Whole30 Pumpkin Chili: A great way to sneak in some extra nutrients with creamy pumpkin. It sounds like a weird combination, but trust me- this will end up on your weekly menu plan!

5. Fiery Hot Chicken Chili: My mother in law actually made this recipe for me several years ago and we've been hooked ever since. I usually tweak it by subbing ghee or avocado oil for the butter, and omitting the sugar. I also sometimes sub veggies for the chicken in my quest to eat more plant-based. The combination of spices gives this a super addicting flavor, and despite the name, it's actually not that spicy.

6. French Lentil Soup: Beans in general are a big hit with my kids, and they especially love this lentil soup. We make it vegetarian, or sometimes crumble sausage into it for a heartier meal, and serve over rice. 

7. Almond Crusted Chicken: A healthier take on chicken fingers, this is actually one of my favorite meals- delicious with or without the strawberry balsamic sauce.

8. Stuffed Zucchini: My kids would never voluntarily eat zucchini, but the "boat" shape of these makes them fun to gobble up.

9. Savory Paleo Breakfast Meatballs: Amazing for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever. 

10. Ina Garten's Roasted Chicken aka "Engagement Chicken": Whether you're looking to get engaged or just feed some picky eaters, this engagement chicken recipe will do the trick (it worked for me in both instances!).

11. Easy Fried Rice: If you need a very basic meal with a twist, this is your go-too. Make a big batch like we do, and you can use it all week as your base for any rice bowl you need to throw together. Having this on hand has saved me for many meals when I'm not on point with my meal-planning game. 

12. Beef Stir-fry: Our kids have been eating flavors like soy, ginger, and garlic since they were little thanks to their chinese grandmother, so they love a good stir-fry. The good thing about stir-fry's is that you can use whatever you have on hand and make it as basic or complicated as you want.  

13. Banana Chocolate Ice Cream: If you have a high-speed blender, and some ripe bananas, then you can make banana ice cream and add whatever you want to flavor it. Normally, I have cacao powder so that's what my kids get. They literally love this just as much as the real thing, and I love that it's a vegan treat.

14. Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Pudding: The Minimalist Baker Blog is one of my favorite food go-too's when I need inspiration, and this recipe is no different. Once again, it's very simple and I usually have the ingredients on hand but if nothing else, you can blend avocados/cacao powder/sweetener of choice and have an amazing chocolate pudding. 

Do you think you'll try any of these with your children? What are some other recipes that you swear by in your house? Let us know in the comments!

Header image c/o Glamour.com

Summer is just around the corner, and with that, it's time to bust out all of the lightweight clothing that has been collecting dust for what seems like forever! This year, more than ever, I am REALLY feeling all the gorgeous ethereal, flouncy dresses that you can throw on with a slide/statement earring and be done. Here's a roundup of my current wishlist (plus a few maternity picks because preggo's need to look fabulous too!), although I could have definitely included so many more:

No summer dress roundup would be complete without some Zimmerman. This label is queen of bohemian luxury. This could go to a wedding with some strappy sandals and a clutch, or out to lunch with some white trainers and a crossbody bag. 

Pregnant or not, this is a wear-it-now-and-later silhouette. Perfect for the mama-to-be at her baby shower.

3. Zimmerman, $960
Once again, Zimmerman can basically keep you dressed all summer long. I love that the waist on this can accomodate a growing bump. 

4.. Teat & Cossett, $198
The flounce asymmetric hem on this adds just enough detail to keep  this dress interesting, but it's also basic enough to layer under a sweater or blazer. Like the rest of the Teat and Cosset line, it's also nursing friendly for the bf'ing mama!

It's like the slipdress of my dreams came to life!

6. Saloni, $825
This gown can go fabulous with fun accessories or to the beach worn open over a white tank and cut-off's.

7. Asos, $83
Asos has an amazing assortment of summer-ready dresses and this one is at the top of my list- plus, you can't beat that price.  

Which pick is your favorite?  Or, do you have your own uniform that you swear by in the summer months? Share in the comments!

Mother's Day is coming up fast and that means wishlist time! Personally, I think that I am the easiest person to shop for as I truly love everything from a chic candle to a serious, keepsake piece of designer jewelry, but not everyone falls under that category. Below, I listed some products that are a little more off-the-beaten-path than your average bouquet of flowers and chocolates (although, those are certainly always welcome!), yet are surefire ways to make mom smile.

 1. Mignonne Gavigan Earrings, $125 -the most fun, edgy-yet-wearable accessories that instantly elevate any jeans/tee shirt combo 

2. Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $185- I have yet to hear anything less than an evangelical review of this wonder serum. Even though it's a bit of an investment, I'm ready to see what all the hype is about!

3. Chanel Boy Bag from The Real Real, $4000- As long as we're wishing, I'm going for it hard. I have been lusting after a red boy since I had an unexpected encounter with Zanna Rassi carrying hers while we were both shopping in Buy Buy Baby. It was love at first sight! 

4. Color Me Floral, $24- my love of florals has no color limits, but there is something especially chic and sophisticated about a monochromatic arrangement.

5. Loeffler Randall Heel, $495- These bedazzled heels are just the ticket to dress up an LBD.

6. Luna Skye Ring from Ring Concierge, $1100- Traditionally, Mother's Day is a huge jewelry-gifting holiday, and I for one am not about to go against tradition. Lately, I've really been coveting the idea of a signet ring- traditional or modern both work for me, but I must admit I love the cool twist on this one with stars and moon motif.

7. LoveShackFancy Dress, $395- this clothing line is my spirit animal. I'll take one of everything! 

8. Family Cameo Print, $75-$175- For a slightly quirkier take on a traditional keepsake family photo.

9. Produce Tees Pineapple Shirt, $35- this is actually a line of maternity tops bearing the fruit that correspond to the appropriate number of weeks pregnant (perfect idea for the mom-to-be). Despite my non-pregnant status, this pineapple was just too cute and smile-inducing to pass up! There is also an adorable matching watermelon tee/onesie set for mama and bebe. 

10. Paris Picnic Club, $19- Imagine that your friend is a crazy talented chef that  co-authored a gorgeous collection of recipes based on her time in Paris, where a weekly picnic turned into a pop-up restaurant. Oh, and manages to create all the dreamy illustrations...while pregnant! You #humblebrag all about it and put it on your Mother's Day list asap.

Leave a comment below with the ways you're planning on celebrating Mother's Day this year!