Weekly Meal Planning Printable

So ever since moving over a month ago, I have been so horrible at planning and making dinner. I just haven't quite gotten into a set routine yet. I have been working towards getting better at meal planning and creating a schedule, but it has just been crazy adjusting. I finally decided to use a simple meal planning sheet to help me start planning our dinners more often, however when I looked to Pinterest I didn't find anything simple with just a week for planning, so I designed one myself. Feel free to download and use!

You can download the printable for free, here.

Blake's Graduation

Blake did it! He completed his undergrad and is graduating with a Bachelor's in Psychology. He has worked so hard to earn his degree and did so with great grades! Not only did he go to school full-time, but he worked and managed to be an awesome dad too! We are so proud of Blake and had a fun day celebrating his awesome accomplishment! Blake's parents as well as my family came up for the special day.

We spent time with family in the morning and rather than going to commencement decided to have a little family party together before heading to convocation, where Blake would be recognized for completing his degree. The warm Rexburg summer made for a great day to enjoy celebrating!

  

 

July 4th {2016}

We decided to take a small weekend trip down to Utah to spend the holiday weekend with family as well as bring Boston back up to Idaho. The whole week before we came down, he spent time at his grandparents just for fun. It was so weird to only have Ella and she sure missed him, Blake and I did too. We had a great time swimming in the pool, enjoying barbecues, and just spending time with family. Blake had school on Tuesday so we made the drive back to Rexburg that evening and although we didn't really do fireworks, we got to enjoy some on our way up. We still can't believe we are so close to moving down to Utah, it doesn't seem real that we will be so close to family. Just a few more weeks!

Modern Eclectic Master Bedroom

My client {L} had a large master bedroom and was just struggling with how to fill the space. She wanted a place to relax, watch TV, and read, as well as it be a comfortable place for their kids to hang out while they entertain. Wants include a; tv above the fireplace, refinish the fireplace, as well as needing help with placement of furniture. With an eclectic taste she liked bold patterns but wanted aqua/teal to be the accent color. Besides keeping her current bed, nightstands, coffee table, cowhide rug, dresser, and floor lamp, everything was new.

 - - - - - - - - - - - BEFORE - - - - - - - - - - -

CONCEPTS

FINAL DESIGN PLAN

A light and airy master with just enough color to create interest. The subtle wallpaper with an elegant pattern sets the stage for the room, the contrast between the light and dark furniture adds a warm and welcoming feel to the space, inviting relaxation. Gray paint contrasts with a mix of bold and light blues. The Carmel Cream Limestone fireplace adds texture and the gold tones complement and tie in with the accessories, giving a polished and finished look. Symmetry is key to the balance in the space with identical table lamps and decor bringing in some personality. Incorporating bolder hues of blue tie in with your large artwork while still evoking a spa like feel. An elegant sleeper sofa and two accent chairs create a comfortable area to watch tv or just relax. Teal curtains keep the balance of blue by tying in with the pillows on the bed.

3D RENDERINGS

Classic Banana Bread

It had been quite a while since I had made banana bread and I was up for trying something new. So I scoured Pinterest, my go-to for any recipe, and settled on a banana bread labeled The BEST Banana Bread. I luckily had all the ingredients I needed, even though I desperately needed to go to the store, so most of these ingredients you should have on hand and can whip up when a craving of banana bread strikes you, and believe me after you have tried this that craving will come strong and often!

Ingredients:
3 bananas
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 
2 3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions: 
1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees (Fahrenheit).
2. Spray a baking dish, I used a 9x5 loaf ban, with nonstick spray.
3. In a medium bowl combine, bananas (mashed), eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla, mix thoroughly.
4. Combine dry ingredients, and mix until combined.
5. Stir in walnuts if using, and pour into prepared pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour, bread will be ready when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7.  Allow to cool before slicing and enjoy!

Father's Day {2016}

This year for Father's day we had a simple celebration. Our church didn't start until one so we enjoyed sleeping in as much as the kids would let us, and then I got working on breakfast - biscuits and gravy! Blake's favorite! We had some time while the biscuits were cooking to do some presents so we decided to do them before church rather than after (when we call our families) it made it less stressful that way. Blake got a couple of ties, the movie Hercules (one of his favorite) and some candy. 

We are so grateful for Blake and all he does, he is such a hard worker and works to provide the best he can for us. He also is so good with Boston and Ella and they just adore him, so glad that my children get to grow up with a father as great as Blake! He is so wonderful and I am glad I get him by my side!

After church we enjoyed a delicious meal of Chicken Alfredo, breadsticks, and some steamed veggies. It was so good and one of Blake's favorite dinners! While our food digested we called our families and wished our father's a "Happy Father's Day!" We can't wait to move closer so we can spend some more time with family. Ending the days events we unwinded with some cheesecake (again one of Blake's favorite things) and watched a movie.

So many times holidays we celebrate get over looked for the reason we celebrate them, and become so commercialized. It isn't about the gifts, but the gesture of appreciation. And I very much appreciate Blake and all he does! Happy Father's Day, you are one in a million!

A Trip to The Zoo

With our days left in Idaho being short we have wanted to soak in us much as we could before Blake graduates and we move. We haven't done very much at all since living in Idaho because we knew it would be temporary and to be honest had school to worry about. So we wanted to do something fun and knowing how much Boston loves animals we decided to take the kids to the zoo! Last time we went Boston was Ella's age.

We got there as soon as it opened and ended up being the only ones there for a good solid half an hour. It was so nice to have the place to ourselves, it felt almost like we had VIP access. The weather was a little chilly at first but started to warm up as we went along. The monkeys were the favorite by far, we went through the exhibit probably three or four times because Boston just loved them! Some of the other favorites were the otters and the penguins.

Boston LOVED the zoo and it was so much more fun to take him this time because he knew the animals names and could make the sounds. He also would not stop talking about it after we got home and wanted to go right back. We might have to go one more time before we move away, but we did get two little animals from the gift shop as a fun little memento.