I am a big fat liar

I just don't know what is going on with me. I really do want to come here and let you all know every boring detail of my life ... Talk through my goofy problems ... Share too many pictures and find my rythym again but something is just not clicking. 

It is obvious I lied a few weeks ago when I said I was back in action but it's no secret that I haven't even tried to sit down and write a sentence since than which is silly because we definetly have been busy doing some of my favorite things so I'll give you a quick life update. 

Two weeks ago we spent time up in Door County Wisconsin. It was the best weekend we have had in awhile. The weather was perfect ... The colors were just starting to pop and I had a great ten mile run. I completely undid the hard work by gorging myself with all things pumpkin and yummy but it was worth it. 

Speaking of... I have felt some guilt over a few extra LBS lately and I'm just so sick of feeling that way. I take good care of myself 99 percent of the time but then I really wreck myself on the weekend. It's a really bad cycle that I think most people can relate to. I just want to enjoy myself and find balance so I have been trying to celebrate where I win and notice when I have taken it too far... 

I have also really been trying to let myself have what I want without eating every last morcel and that seems to have kept the binging "I love life" monster at bay for a few weeks now. I really love bethenny frankel's book "naturally thin" and when I need a reality check that's where I go to reread some great advice. I don't really know if I would proclaim to the world that's she is the perfect role model but that book is gold in my opinion. 

This seems like an unnecessary tangent but I guess since we have been so busy filling up our beautiful fall weekends with fun, it's hard to keep my skinny jeans from getting too tight. 

Thank god I run.

&&& thank god the two boys I love most like to now too! Last weekend for my dad's birthday we (the husband and I) bought him a race entry to a fall 5k in a beautiful arboretum by our house in Illinois. My parents came down from Wisconsin and it was great. It was the first 5k I think I actually liked and the thought of doing more has crossed my mind. 

I can't even believe I just typed that. 

For you non runners... I am a distance loving runner... At least for the last few years I have been. 5ks are usually too fast and painful for those of us who need 5 miles before we feel like we love running. But somehow I kinda liked the pain this time around and trying to accomplish some speed goals seemed like a welcomed challenge. I ended 6th in my age group out of a little over 100 which made me pretty happy. Jake and my dad did great too! 

This weekend Jacob and I are camping for the first time ever. For me it's the first time ever in my life! 

We came to an agreement that with all the little trips we like to take on weekends we have still been living on a budget of two adults who work full time... Not two kids who live with their parents and are taking out expensive law school loans...so !!! since most of our getaways are outdoorsy anyways we decided it might be a great hobby if we don't kill each other or even more likely I die from irrational fears and flash backs to the Blair witch project. 

Well I am not sure how much of an update this was but I typed something so I'm pressing publish :) 

Have a great weekend pretty people!! 

Xoxo

Jess

boo! I am back just in time for pumpkins, boots, & spiked cider.

I can't even believe it has been almost two months since I sat down to write a blog post.

Honestly once Jacob joined me here in Illinois (about the last time I wrote) I just wanted to experience the next month or so without any social media. It wasn't a choice I made on purpose but it happened and I would be lying if I said it wasn't actually a really nice break. I have posted a few things on instagram if you follow (if you don't, you should :) so click here!!) and on my personal facebook.

I really thought with how much transition we were going through it would be great to write it all down and share the good, bad, and the ugly but in reality I just wanted to ride it out quietly.

I have felt like a bit of a hermit. I am sure many of even my close friends are wondering what is going on but about an hour ago I made some pumpkin spice oatmeal, sat down with a perfect cup of coffee, felt the cool breeze blow through our windows and listened to my very-sexy-law-student-husband type away in the next room and realized I think we came through on the other side. So I deemed today the day that our "transition period" has commenced and now it is time for my freaking favorite time of year (all things fall) & I offically think it is okay if I start coming back down from wherever I was & start finding my place back in this little world.

So pick up a pumpkin spice latte, with all its bad for you goodness. 

& let me tell you a few things you missed while I was away. 

{One}

Jacob and I celebrated two years of marriage!!! We ended up spending the night out celebrating in the little town I grew up in here in Illinois. They have a very cute downtown and the night really made it seem like life sure does come full circle. Of all the places I have been and lived I find it totally bizarre that Jacob and I spent time walking down my memory lane as a little girl for our anniversary (I hadn't visited the area in yearssss). We even chatted about how we could really picture ourselves there permanently in the future. I am not sure I would have ever thought I would raise my family exactly were I was raised but it sure makes my heart really happy to think about.

But truth be told wherever we call home after this law school experience will be just fine with me as long as I have this guy next to me. I couldn't imagine my life with anyone else.

{Two}

I ran one of my best half marathons to date. It was my SEVENTH &&& here is something absolutely shocking, it was one of my slowest. That nagging hamstring thing I was complaining about all summer just hasn't gone away. I trained enough for the half but I knew going into it there might be a chance I need to stop or walk a lot of the miles but I went into the morning of the race with the best attitude and SHOCKER it changed the whole day for me. I listened to how my body felt and I took some stretch breaks. I didn't miss one single water stop & I just jammed out andddd enjoyed the beautiful day. It was awesome.

The Madison Mini has been voted really high in the country as one of the best races and I am not surprised. Everything about the race was flawless. Except for the beer...the beer was weird...some bitter crap but it basically finishes in a beer garden so there is plenty to buy instead :)

{Three}

Speaking of running I guess I should let y'all know that on November 9th I will no longer be running the full marathon. I think my hamstring issue is really my sciatic nerve and it just absolutely cannot take the training. I went out for a 14 mile run by myself the other weekend and I rocked it, very slowly but I rocked it. However mentally I am just not there because I know I am not 100 percent. It was so hard to press the submit button and switch to the half but I know it is the right thing for my body. There is always next year :) Right??? Anyone else have to switch a race before??? were tears involved? or am I just crazy...

{Four}

I made a completely huge, almost unforgivable blogger mistake. I never celebrated my one year on this little space. It was July 6th & I guess by missing it I have confirmed that I just am not made from the perfect blogger mold. I want to grow this space and learn as much as I can to make it better but at the end of the day it really is just where I come to be honest. I hope that is enough for you to stick around awhile longer :)

source

I hope y'all had a beautiful end to your summer. I am sure I missed a few important updates but I promise I will be back on the regular so hang tight :)

XOXO

Jess

Where in the world am I now?

This week you will find us in Texas visiting familia. It was a super last minute decision but those are just the best trips in my opinion...plus staying with family is amazing. 

First, they break out the good stuff even if your arrival isn't until 11 pm on a Tuesday night. 

They are great people. 

My lips are still smiling from the happiness that came in this bottle. 

Then because normal people work all day, we get to lounge around their house being bums and feeling like real kids on summer vacation until they come home and ...

Take us out for some delicious seafood! 

My heart stopped, sang songs and then continued beating again. You are looking at shrimp wrapped in bacon filled with jalapeños cheese. 

Try your hardest not to be jealous. 

On a running note ...

When I get back home I need to get serious about mileage and this marathon in Novemeber. Finally being on a low key vacation I have had more time to read up on my different plans of attack via the interwebs and my dusty (breaks my heart) Runner World magazines that made it through our move. I feel a little panicky and behind :( 

Oand refocusing on a clean diet and hydration might be wise too. 

On a previous post I made some goals for 14 days and my two week mark was on Tuesday. I will talk results soon! 

In the meantime have a great Thursday!! I'm headed out the door to run until sweat burns my eyeballs, so probably only a mile or two... It is Texas after all.

Xo

Some thoughts with my coffee on a Sunday

This weekend we are back up north in Door County, WI !!!

For those of you who don't know, it's the most beautiful place on the peninsula or the little finger of the state, situated in Lake Michigan. I grew up coming here and when Jacob decided to deal with me for the rest of his life, he proposed here too. Smart guy:) this place has slowly become a part of us as much as it was a part of my family before him and it makes me so happy. 

                            

 

                                     

We have a huge reason to celebrate this weekend because Friday was Jacob's very last day of work. We are officially a one income couple living with his parents... Oh boy! :) 

My heart swells though when I think of what the future holds for him and the smile he gets just talking about it. School (law school) starts up on august 21st so he has just about a month to relax...

But let's be honest ... I will be his obnoxious BFF dragging him to everything I can and soaking him all up. Jacob has never had a job where second or third shift wasn't part of the deal. I wasn't too clear on that before because I didn't want crazy stalker internet people to know that I was home alone a lot but I can count the number of Tuesday night dinners we have had on one hand in four years. 

Every couple has their struggle and I am sure tons of couples deal with this, but his schedule has put the worse strain on us and our relationships with friends. When Saturday night is the only real evening together it is so hard to give it up to others... Its been hard but now it's all over !!!! &&&& I think unlike other couples we are really super prepared for the demands of law school. Pretty much if I get to see him for thirty minutes on a week night that is more than I ever have :) so I'll take it.

Well anyways back to Door County... I am sitting here in our little cottage feeling the cool breeze of the lake and drinking my coffee and feeling completely overwhelmed by how much I actually love just being here. This place ...the roads and trails and even the buildings and structures have not changed in 26 years. Each milestone of my life has been really celebrated here. From my first step, to my first heart break. I drove for the first time on an abandoned road here and ran my first half marathon. I have memories with every single member of my family (the ones still here and the ones in heaven). I said the most important "yes" of my life on my favorite pier three years ago &&&& I can't help but add this milestone into the mix ... Jacob and I starting all over again and pursuing what some people would really categorize as a huge risk. Sharing that leap and celebrating that here has been exactly what we needed ....oh &&& lots of ice cream, cherry pie and wine :) 

I may still be rather young but it's starting to set in not only how fast everything goes but how often we forget to really taste and enjoy our memories. We forget to stop and celebrate our leaps and our failures. I love Door County for all it's beauty but the reason it is so meaningful to me is it holds all those chapters of my life. I am just really happy that even as an adult the new chapters are still being celebrated here too.

I kinda hope everyone has a place like this.

One last thought this morning!

A very wise friend posted this on the Facebook the other day & I couldn't help sharing. 

"Two words. Live boldly. Every single time life offers you a choice that involves greater risk, take it. You will lose on many of them, but when you add them up at the end of your life you will be glad you did." 

Go live boldly this week!!! Xoxo

oh! hey Friday!

I am sneaking in one last post this week...

Remember when I said my "new" life would give me more opportunities to blog???
Ya, remember that?
I wish...I just need one more hour in the day but I am probably preaching to the choir so moving on...

I am so excited to try a new link up today!

Karli blogs here & if you blog you still have time to link up so GO :) 

{ONE}

first let me keep my promise and share the sangria recipe I used this past weekend to help achieve my drunken, food coma state.

here is what you need:

one bottle of cheap Merlot 

(NOTE: I am a wine snob but sangria doesn't need good wine--You are mixing in other ingredients that will alter the taste.)

one 1 liter bottle of zero calorie sparkling water 

(I chose an orange flavor. You can get these everywhere now. Try Target or Walmart.)

peach schnapps (6 shots)

two fresh oranges

bag of frozen berries

directions: 

I used a pitcher

& poured the bottle of wine in.

Then I poured six shots of schnapps in.

I dumped a little over half of the liter of water in. 

Pealed, diced, and added the oranges.

Poured a little over half of the bag of frozen berries in. 

I let it sit for an hour in the fridge. 

It was yummmmy !!!

{two}

I have been toying with the idea of getting a fitbit or a jawbone for awhile now...

Today is my half birthday so I decided it was appropriate to snag one 

(FYI it is completely okay that I am a twenty something and celebrate half birthdays. 

I don't care what you think. Actually I do, so don't make fun of me.)

I went with the jawbone and it is currently charging next to me. 

I was basically bouncing as I checked out at best buy. I need to stop being such a nerd. 

I will definitely review it once I spend some time figuring it out.

{three}

This weekend I am determined to achieve one goal. EAT every summer thing I love. 

I  have yet to devour fresh corn on the cob off the grill while sitting outside. I plan to only hydrate with watermelon for the next two days & I fully intend on getting a stomach ache from an obscene amount of s'mores. 

We have just been so busy the last few weeks & I haven't had much control over our whereabouts and  meals so I am really excited to make sure this weekend is the definition of summer cuisine.   

{four}

I am truly sad that Rachel McAdams is not having Ryan's baby. 

that is all.

{five}

I can smell dinner. 

It is stir fry that my brother-in-law is making. 

He just came to tell me it is my half birthday so therefore my celebration dinner. 

Boom!!!

I totally married into the right family. 

Have the best weekend, pretty people :)

the WIIB aftermath

If you read my previous post you know this past weekend was our family's annual WIIB fest. It was every bit as crazy as planned. The only downfall is that we found it appropriate to party the hardest on Sunday...you know the day before Monday??? BAD idea. However, if I had to do it all over again I would still make the same BAD choice & I don't think I would be alone.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

a taste of the chaos

WIIB love

 

I was super proud of my WIIB shirt.

 

the grill master himself- Jake's dad

beersbie is the offical game of the WIIB. playing brings pure joy to the boys



Sistas

Emma's happiest

the chair I lugged all the way home from Mexico was put to good use

***************************************************************************

I guess I should mention, since this is a "healthy-ish, lifestyle-ish" blog, weekends like this last one and if I am being completely honest, the last few weekends, have left me feeling less than great (health wise).

Thank goodness my job keeps me so much more active than my previous job and I have been really nailing some great workouts each morning but NEWS FLASH!!! "abs are made in the kitchen", or so they say, & my bloated self has made some really poor desicions on pretty much everyday that ends in day lately.

My struggle, my constant struggle, is that I love my life and I want to enjoy it but I also want to feel and look my very best.

I wonder when I let myself relax if I am just making excuses...

andddddddd then on the flip side, when I buckle down I constantly ask myself is it really that worth it to say no to social situations or family time because I want to eat clean and get some extra miles in???

Some days the answer is clear and other days it isn't.

I know many of you struggle in the same way. It's just recently with being back in Illinois we have so much more going on. More opportunities to do fun things but they usually include all the booze and all the yumminess of summer and I just don't want to completely derail. I also don't want to be consumed with caring so much either. It's just alot of noise for me.

Sooooooo I think I need to proclaim some goals on here, just to get my head back on straight.

Starting today and for the next two weeks...

1. I will not drink a sip of soda (I only drink diet but it is usually so much easier for me to stay on track without it. I don't like to admit it but it is true. I feel better without the crap.)

2. I will not step on the scale (I hope to write a longer post on this soon. I know my body & it is really hard for me to not focus on a number, SO I am being strong and removing it as a habit for at least two weeks.)

3. I will not eat after 9 pm (This could be the hardest. I know when Jacob reads this he will laugh out loud, really hard. I don't really snack but I am known to make a midnight MEAL. Even though I usually take note of it, stopping at 9 will help me wake up feeling better & if nothing else, hungrier for my all time favorite meal. BREAKFAST!!)

 

 

Okay so I will check back in with y'all on these three goals July 22nd!

If you want to join me, shoot me an email! I would love to support eachother if these are habits you are looking to break :)

One habit I will not break is wine so stay tuned for the Sangria recipe I used this weekend!!! It was actually relatively healthy and a huge hit.

XOXO

a holiday I can guarantee you have never heard of & a little running update

Like everyone else it seems I am super pumped and slightly freaked out that it is ALREADY JULY!!!

But I cannot be sad this week because it is a hugggge holiday in our house. HUGE.

Yes, it is the Fourth of July, which I actually do love a whole lot, but somehow this year our very own family holiday falls on the day after the 4th which has our house in shambles, freezers full of food, and more than a couple of air mattresses laid out in inconvenient places (please note: I keep saying "our house" really I mean our in-laws if you are new around here, god bless their souls).

The holiday is called the WIIB (Wings + Ribs = WIIB) & originally it was created as a day to celebrate and eat the amazingness that comes from the grill master himself, Jake's dad, but it has grown into a massive party full of family and close friends. This won't do it justice but in short... it is a wonderland of lawn games, too much booze and grown adults walking around with barbecue sauce all over their face and clothes for a full 24 hours. It's ridiculous.

Anyways this fiesta (read: fiasco) even earned a trailer this year to add to the excitement...


told you it was a big deal...

please note: I am not the creative mind behind that trailer. I can't even add pictures correctly to this blog :)

as if you need anymore details, the boys of the family seriously start emails and planning for this "holiday" shortly after Christmas. Crazy.

Which brings me to a very important point...I have promised to prepare the Sangria &&& if you have a great recipe please let me know!!! I will end up posting the recipe I use and I promise to give you credit and a shout out :)

Ok and a quick running update because booze and running is how we roll around here...

I got this email the other day...

19 weeks till the big day!!?! So in response I decided I need to be honest with myself. My left hamstring hates my guts.
It has this whole spring season.
So I am laying off.

A part of me feels nervous that I will end up losing some endurance but I am cross training like a beast and I know it is the right thing to do. It's hard to be smart though, and if you are a runner or a type A freak like me you know what I mean...

Ok well have a wonderful Thursday, which for most of you is really Friday so yay! TGIF :)

XO

The Modern Tulip

Maeg featured me over on her blog today!!!

We teamed up to bring you some of the best advice for beginner runners.

I would love if you clicked on over to read the post (Click HERE) and visit her beautiful site. She really is a blogger I admire A LOT. To make her even cooler she has her very own BOUTIQUE too :)

&&&& she is offering 10% off with code: TULIP (Click HERE)

Happy Monday, pretty people!

a good ol' fashion about me

This week I have noticed a little bump in traffic on the site! Which, by the way, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside...then I quickly come back down from my cloud and realize that people may have only stopped by to find out why a girl in her late twenties loves rhinos so much *weirdo* but in a hope that you stuck around waiting for a new post I wanted to write a quick welcome to anyone new.

Side note: I do share the story about the name of this blog here. If you still haven't popped over to read it go right ahead. It actually has to do with me being a distracted mess and my husband dealing with it and less about actual rhinos if that brings you any solace.

 

Anyways back to the point of this post. If you are new and I guess even if you aren't, I thought it would be completely unclever of me to just answer a good ol' fashion survey. Remember those on facebook or AIM or god-help-us-MYSPACE circa early 2000s? Well I swear I am more clever and older than 15 but maybe you will learn some useless information about me &&& decide we are long lost soulmates and keep coming back around :)

So let's get to it:

What is your name?

Jessica

What is the last thing you ate?

Pickles. I eat pickles every darn day. If there is not a jar in the fridge, I pretty much panic.

Last person you hugged?

The three year old I nanny for. She hugs and kisses me everyday, all day. It's the best.

***This is probably a good segue into explaining a little more about our life currently. My husband is going to law school in the fall, in Chicago. So we packed up our life in Milwaukee (sold our house, quit our jobs and moved back in with his parents for the time being. We do change BIG.)

 

I nannied in college & after moving back home (Chicago) I found a perfect family to nanny for while we are here & I couldn't be happier. It is quite a change from the corporate world :)

One food for the rest of your life, go!

At first I would say peanut butter but I guess I don't want it alone so I think on the spot, in this very moment, I would have to say sushi.

 

If you were a crayon what color would you be?

I think this is an excellent question because it isn't exactly "what is your favorite color?"

You would want to be the favorite crayon so I would say "jungle green". It is more unique then just green, a tad brighter, but still picked a lot.

What is your favorite movie?

Sweet Home Alabama.

 

What time did you wake up today?

5:20...ya I know, EW. Ever since our move though I have been a part of the 5 am club and @ the gym or spending time with my running shoes each morning. I am afraid to skip a day because I am going on a month &&& I feel awesome that I have stuck with it.

If you were an animal what would you be?

Dolphin without a doubt. I think they are the coolest. They behave a lot like dogs in the water & they get to swim, jump, & play all day through out the waters of some pretty beautiful places.

How would you spend a day off of work?

I would run in the morning, outside & in perfect conditions.
I would have sushi for lunch with Jacob followed by FROYO.
I would get my nails done and go shopping WITH an iced coffee.
Then for dinner Jacob and I would curl up with either Chinese food or something we grilled PLUS a bottle of really good red wine & play scrabble.

Favorite TV show?

Of all time??? Easy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Runner-up? Friday Night Lights

Do you look like your mom or your dad?

I always say dad but you decide :)

3 things that upset you?

illness ---being sick, other's being sick, loved one's hurting

not being organized ---I went through stages of being a total slob but now I am ridiculously organzied, probably to a fault, but being a mess and losing stuff makes me want to scream

cars/insurance ---I am saying both count as one because they cost so much damn money for little return. I mean yes, I like being able to drive everywhere, but cars are worthless after you take them off the lot and insurance is a ridiculous scam


&&& so that you might actually get something out of this...question by moi:

Why did you start this blog?

I started this blog to connect with other women and to help support the blogs that I have read every day for so long. I love running and fitness so that is a focus I want to get better at representing but mostly I just love finding new people to connect with over all of life's little things---the small stuff that drives us crazy or makes our whole day.

Thanks for reading :)

Now so I get to know you better, answer a question from above in the comments!
XO

GiGi giveaway!!!!

This week I am part of a pretty amazing giveaway!!! These ladies joined in on the fun too!

The Modern Tulip // Make Me Up Mia // F Yeah!

Rad Maverix // My Cup Of Sparkle // Wearable. // But First, Coffee // Flowers In My Hair Birdie To Be // Lot48 // Recent Somethings // Army Ever After // Kids And Cabernet
Let me start this off with, "Hello! My name is Jessica and I have a bag addiction."

anddd being a part of this giveaway isn't helping any because now I want a GiGi New York clutch like no other.

To be honest, my collection of bags really haven't seen the light of day lately. For awhile now, I have only been loving on clutches and wristlets.
They are quick and to the point.
They hold just what I need and not a single thing more.
So it is noo wonder I just have to have a GiGi clutch asap.

I have started seeing these clutches all over and the option to add gold intialing pretty much makes me pink-puffy-heart-LOVE it even more!!!

I am kinda dying over this color.

 

All of the images included above are directly from my pinterest style board. Go follow me right this second, as well as these other pretty ladies for a chance to win one of your very own!!!

I Love You Rhinos // The Modern Tulip // Make Me Up Mia // F Yeah!
Red Maverix // My Cup Of Sparkle // Wearable. // But First, Coffee // Flowers In My Hair Birdie To Be // Lot48 // Recent Somethings // Army Ever After // Kids And Cabernet
Winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted or a new winner will be chosen randomly.
The winner has the option of adding gold initials into their clutch. Winner will have to pay $15 (per clutch) for initials.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck dolls!
xoxo

What I have learned from a three year old.

As some of you know I have started nannying again.

I left my stressful days and endless hours in front of a computer &&& tied to a phone to instead be hugged, kissed, & playing dress up everyday. Real rough.

I am taking care of two munchkins, ages one & three. Honestly the one year old could not be easier. She smiles all the time, eats like a champ, and sleeps longer than my dog can. She wraps her tiny arms around my neck real tight when she sees me and it pretty much makes my whole day.

The three year old though gives me a run for my money, in the best way possible. The things she comes up with & says just can't be made up, but those will have to be stories for another day because I really just want to recap how she has changed me in two short weeks and probably taught me more than I have learned in the last year...

1. The first one is easy. Do not over or underestimate the power of a good hug or kiss for no reason at all. These girls are love bugs and although not all children are, or go through stages where they don't even want to be held, it has taught me to think about those two sweet actions more.

As adults we really only do these things to the people we love when we are greeting them or leaving. We probably aren't hugging or kissing our loved ones because they gave us our milk or helped us find something that went missing but maybe we should because it feels great to be loved a little more. 

2. Celebrate everything. It seems that three year olds celebrate everything from pooping to their favorite song playing on the radio. Every great thing that happens during their day gets celebrated and they are definetly happier people because of it. This celebration also is not commonly a simple "yay". No sir. It's a full blown dance party and if appropriate (& even if it's not) they make sure everyone around them knows the reason they are so happy. Three year olds are so smart because even at such a young age they realize that life should be a celebration and that happiness is contagious.

3. Time outs help. Sometimes I wish I could put the driver in front of me in time out or the rude lady at the grocery store but that's not what this point is about. 

This three year old I spend so many hours with honestly really has it together but obviously still receives a daily time out and it helps everyone. It helps her gather herself & gives me a second to breath as well as build more patience. If you take a few seconds to think about it basically her and I meditate everyday. May seem like a reach but it's honestly what it feels like when the house is quiet for five minutes. Then we come back more composed and enlightened. 

Since I have a little more time during the day now (i.e. Nap time) I have been doing this more on my own... Taking a few minutes to reflect, breath deeply and not touch my stupid phone. 

If a three year old needs breaks in her day to think, sleep and reflect &&& her biggest responsibility is learning how to color inside the lines, I would like to know why as adults we don't think we need/ deserve the same or more.

I am sure I will be adding to this list soon but that seems like a good start. If you have kids or work with kids I am sure you have some great lessons too. Pass 'em on! 

Xo

The ONLY salad you need to eat this summer.

Moving in with your in-laws has a lot of perks especially if any of the following apply:

1. you love them

2. they are super hilarious

3. your MIL is the best cook (possibly in the world)

Because of number three there is a good chance my kids may actually survive one day. I tell Ellyn (my MIL) that we will be having full blown cook offs by the time I move out :) ----well let's hope I actually learn enough to make that dream come true... so far I am just doing a lot of eating.

Anyways, she made this salad the other day and you need to make it right this second. At the end of dinner I may or may not have been found with the serving bowl and spoon in my hand. I couldn't stop.

It is so fresh & light & only gets better with age (meaning you can make a huge vat of it on Sunday and let the yumminess continue throughout the week without anymore effort- awesomesauce, right???).

She got the recipe from Alton Brown and the Food Network Website here, but I will post it below.

Ingredients
12 ounces fresh or frozen shelled edamame, about 2 cups
1/2 cup fresh corn kernels, about 2 ears of corn
1/4 cup finely diced scallion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the edamame, corn, scallion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a 13 by 9 metal pan and stir to combine. Place on the middle rack of the oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the edamame begins to brown. Remove from the oven and place in the refrigerator until completely cool, approximately 30 minutes.

Add the tomato, basil and vinegar to the edamame mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!!! 

Let me know if you are as obsessed as me :)

Friday photo dump!

My goal was to be world's best blogger once I moved and started my new job but turns out I just take a ton of pictures on my phone, plan to share, and fail miserably at opening my computer at the end of the night. 

I still have hope once I'm in the swing of things (it's only week two) I'm able to get my act together but for now here is a random update of all the things I missed posting... 

First! Our first weekend home (aka the weekend I moved to Illinois) we had an amazing cookout ... It pretty much marked the official start of summer for us.

Thennnn the next day we woke up and caught a train into downtown Chicago, met my bestest for brunch and ran on navy pier and by the lake... I should have blogged about this more because it was a perfect day but chances are this will be a regular occurrence now which is still weird to say/believe !!! so it's probably better I left it for a different time.

Also Emma misses Jake miserably since he is still in Wisconsin during the week... It kinda break my heart... 

I miss him too so I work hard at work on things like this to make him feel loved ...

Coloring and swinging all day is really hard work btw, just in case that was your next question (my post about what my new three year old BFF has taught me is still coming, dontcha worry) 

Speaking of!! hanging with little ones all day makes seeing small things in nature so much more fun. It's funny how quickly as adults we forget to be really excited about the world around us.

&&& with that I hope you have an awesome weekend and treat your dad pretty great on Sunday!

I'm taking my daddy-O running of course !!! &&& then helping him drink back the burned calories in beer :)

XO