I don’t know about you guys, but we have an incredible weekend of weather on tap for us the next two days. And after everything that’s been going on this past week, I honestly have little desire to do anything besides sit by the pool with a cool drink in hand. Grocery shopping? Laundry? Meh, we’ll see if I get to it.
I kid, I kid. I’d be nuts come Monday morning if I didn’t. But once those items are complete, you’ll know where to find me. Poolside, baby. Thank goodness for my parents’ pool!
In the meantime, if you feel like it, check out some of the weekly reads and fun finds I caught this week. There are some amazing recipes, some great posts, and fun home décor ideas that I think you’ll like!
YUMMM…FOOD!
Salted Caramel Buttery Crumb Bars (I’ll take 20, thanks)
Banana Split Banana Bread with Strawberries and Pecans (how GOOD does that look?! You guys know I love a good banana bread!)
Cucumber, Black Bean, Corn, Tomato, & Avocado Salad (how much does that scream SUMMER?! I’m all about it…minus the fresh cilantro. Not my thing)
The Healthiest Fast-Food Lunches (love seeing some of my favorites on there!)
20 Grab-and-Go Recipes For the Busiest of Mornings (because I think many of us can relate the chaos that is mornings! I’ve been wanting to try the freezer sandwiches for the longest time now…)
BE HEALTHY & FIT
5 Strength-Training Moves That Double as Cardio
25 Ab-Toning Moves — No Crunches Required!
A Calorie-Burning Workout For People Who Hate to Run (raises hand…!)
The Perfect Yoga Sequence For Desk Dwellers (oh my gosh, YES!)
FAVORITE BLOG READS
Second Time Motherhood via The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart
Why I Unpublished 200+ Posts (and Why I Think You Should, Too) via Katy Widrick (definitely has me thinking I should check back in the ol’ archives…)
FOR THE MOMS (AND DADS!)
The Thing (in your head) That Might Change Everything (definitely gives you a different perspective)
Make Noise This Summer With These 5 DIY Noisemakers (I know Lucas would love these…but I think maybe we should do them at Nana & Papa’s house) ;)
The Breastfeeding Lie: How Nursing Made Me Gain Weight (SUCH an interesting read, because I was not one of those who “magically” lost the weight due to breastfeeding)
FAVORITE HOME LOOKS
Supercute “She Sheds” Are Redefining Backyard Bliss (a reader shared this post with me earlier in the week and I thought they were just TOO cute!)
How To Remove Mildew Smell From Towels (because is that smell not just the WORST, or what?)
I just love this little reading corner! I’m thinking it might be fun to do something like that (eventually) in our basement.
A little bit dark for my liking, but there is something about this room that just totally stands out for me. Maybe if the black wall wasn’t black, haha?
Speaking of master bedrooms…my latest obsession is trying to figure out/find a good idea for a makeup vanity. In a perfect world, we would have had the money to build an extra room JUST for that, but yeah…that’s not the world we live in (or can afford). ;) So now, rather than take up more extra space in the master bath, I want to find a small vanity to have in our room. Maybe something like this or this?
How about you guys? Have any good reads this past week? Feel free to share ‘em below. <3
Jenn P&C says
Dying over the reading nook! I’m hoping to do some sort of easy access book shenanigans in the new house if we ever get to close on it! Hopefully we’ll both be moved and settled soon!!! <3 Thinking of you guys!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
That cucumber and bean salad looks delicious. I would have loved to have that reading nook as a kid. I was a huge bookworm an I’m pretty sure I would have spent hours there every day.
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
‘woo! thanks for the reads! the bean salad with the avocado looks SO DANG fresh! Perfect for a park picnic!
Lucy says
I have the Malm dressing table from Ikea and I love it! Could be great in your new home. http://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/10203610/
Melissa says
Oh my gosh–thank you so much for the yoga for desk dwellers. I knew my hips were tight, but I had NO IDEA how bad they were until I just went through that sequence! That’s going to be part of my nightly routine from now on.
Also, love that bedroom. I think it’s the elegance of it. Maybe you could do a dark grey in the bedroom? I have Greystone by Benjamin Moore in my bedroom, and I love it. Have you looked at the Dear Lillie blog? She has some beautiful rooms that are really approachable and homey-feeling that I’ve gotten lots of ideas from!
Elle says
I really wanting a vanity too, but we are totally space limited. A space to sit down and spread out my makeup would be such a luxury!
I’m now inspired to clean up some of my old blog posts, but when will I find the time??
Sammy says
Courtney, I made that veggie salad and it was amazing! I love cilantro though…great with chips too as a salsa type dip!
Erin M. says
I’ve made those salted caramel crumb bars a couple of times and they are absolutely ridiculous. You should definitely make them!! Or, I can send you some the next time I make them :)
Laur says
I had a “reading closet” when I was younger and LOVED it. I would sit there for hours and I think it was due to the fact it was my “little space”. I recommend it!
Angelina says
if you really want to save on space, check out the Ekby Alex from Ikea (of course)!
Katie says
This is hilarious! That reading nook is my sisters basement!! I did a double take as I was reading this!! haha!!
Courtney says
You’re kidding?? How funny is that?! Small world :)
Krystina says
I loved that article “That thing (in your head) that might change everything.” I have a 10 1/2 week old and for a couple weeks, she would have a “witching hour” every evening, around dinner time. At first, it would frustrate me, but then I just planned for it and would make that my priority. It quickly became less irritating and I felt like I was able to soothe her better since I was more calm. It’s been a little over a week since she’s had a “witching hour” and now everything just seems like a breeze!