Friday Favorites March 1st

  Happy March 1st!  I am so excited for this month. I have a couple fun trips planned, lots of college basketball to be watched, the days are getting longer & lighter and we will wrap up the month with Easter! Linking up  with Andrea & Erika for a peek at some of my random favorites from the week!

one

So about 2 years ago we discovered Buc-ee's in Florida. Now I had seen people share videos about this place on Instagram and most of them seemed to be in Texas. When I saw they were now in Florida I had to check it out. That saying "Everything is bigger in Texas" sure rings true here. It is really hard to put into words what this place is. It has over 100 gas pumps, the cleanest restrooms anywhere, brisket sandwiches, a fudge shop and about one million other random items. Like you can get a shopping cart when you walk in. I'm telling you it lives up to the hype!

Here I am with the mascot!  This blow up is available to purchase there in case you were looking for a blow up beaver for your front lawn! LOL

We actually ate lunch there on our way home. We had brisket tacos and sandwiches and they were delicious. We always get the nuts! They are cinnamon glazed and they are warm.....such a good little car snack!

two

I had one of my most favorite hair days in Florida. I don't know that I could recreate it, but I loved it. I put some mousse in it and let it airdry most of the afternoon. Then I just added a few curls with my curling iron and it had so much volume. I had two random women compliment it while we were at dinner. I am really hoping I can create this look again! 

And speaking of hair, another favorite from this week was getting my hair done! While I don't love to sit and get my nails done, my hair is another story. Maybe it's the great conversation with my hairstylist or that I can read a book (or write a blog post) while I get it done or maybe it's the head massage. Whatever it is, I love it- it's so relaxing to me!

three

I shared these bracelets in my What's up Wednesday post this week and I think they are worth another mention. 

They are just the right pop of color and look great alone or mixed with other bracelets. I have worn mine to the beach and in the pool and they have held up really well. This is the full stack that I have,  but there a ton of color options. 

I also have the neutral stack.   Ella has swiped a few of mine....they would be a great little Easter basket item for your teen or tween!

four

 Now I know this may sound like a crazy favorite, but I was so happy to grocery shop this week. After being on vacation, I love getting back into a meal routine and grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do! I shared a few ideas of what we were eating this week and a couple recipes earlier this week too. You can grab those here. 

five

This has been my favorite snack this week!  A little popcorn, made with coconut oil for some sweetness and a few dark chocolate chips. It's like the right amount sweet and salty.

This is the popcorn I get at Wegmans and I just got these chocolate gems in my latest Thrive box. I love HU chocolate products. Real ingredients and tastes delicious! If you have not tried Thrive yet, you can get 40% off your first order with my link!

six

Our girl got a haircut while we were away. She will be 9 this month and it getting much more grey around her face. It's so noticeable when her hair is long. A short cut has her looking like a puppy again and I love it!

And that's a wrap on my favorites for the week! I am looking forward to volunteering a great fundraiser with my girlfriends tonight and then a low key weekend with some warm temps outside. 

Have a great weekend friends!

 See you on Monday, there is always room for one more at our family table.

xoxo
Genevieve

What's Up Wednesday February 2024

Hi friends! It's the last Wednesday of the month and I am linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for a little What's Up Wednesday. I fun post sharing a little food, a little what we're wearing, a little what we're doing, a little what we're watching and a little bit of everything all in one post!

What We're Eating This Week

We are back from vacation this week and I was excited to get back in the kitchen and cook! This was our menu for this week. Paul had a fish dish in Florida that he loved and we are trying to recreate it this week. If it's a winner I'll share the recipe here soon!

I shared an easy recipe this week that will be on your table in less than 30 minutes. You can grab the recipe for these Air Fryer Chili Salmon Bites here.  

We ate a ton of delicious seafood on vacation and this was by far my favorite. I order it every time we come to this restaurant. It's called the Island Salad and has the most amazing mango vinaigrette and I add blackened shrimp. It is Ah- Mazing!!

What I'm Reminiscing About

Last year for Winter Break we took the most wonderful trip to the Bahamas. We stayed at Baha Mar for the week and it was our favorite family vacation ever. The hotel property and food was perfect and we got to swim with the pigs. 

The team at Mix & Match Travel Agency took care of every detail in planning it for us. I should really do a post to recap the trip, I would highly recommend it!

What I'm Loving

Honestly a 2 week break between sports seasons! As much as my kids love playing and we love watching them, between work, school, practices, games and tournaments it's a lot! It's nice to have a couple weeks with a lighter schedule. 

What We've Been Up To

We had a great trip to visit Paul's parents in Florida. We celebrated his Mom & Dad's 82nd & 89th Birthdays. 

We wrapped up the Winter sports seasons for the kids. They each had a great season, Luke in his first year of high school basketball and Ella in her third year of indoor track. As I mentioned we have a two week break before Spring Sports kick off. Luke is still practicing for his club volleyball team, but managing 1 sports schedule is way easier than three!

What I'm Dreading

Honestly......unpacking. We got home Sunday night and this is the status of my bags. 

While I love to travel, I despise unpacking. Maybe it's the reality that the trip is over or it's because I have to put away the 23 extra outfits that I didn't wear. Either way, I don't love it. I took a poll on Instagram to see who was team unpack as soon as you get home and who procrastinated. It seems like more of you are on the ball and getting it done right away. Maybe I should turn over a new leaf???

What I'm Excited About

I have a fun work trip coming up soon, and heading to Orlando. I am flying in a few days early to spend some time with one of my peers. She and I are staying at one of my favorite Disney properties and spending a day at Animal Kingdom.

I had the opportunity to go last year too. Now I have been to Disney several times as a family and Paul and I have been there a few times before we had kids, but going solo. Let me tell you... what an experience! I didn't have to worry about anyone but me.  It was a totally different experience to not be worried about lines and Genie Plus and snacks for everyone. It was just me and a few cocktails around the world. 

What I'm Watching/Reading

I read a few great books on vacation and I plan to share a full recap on them next week. 

The Housemaid's Secret

Apples Never Fall was so good and I am excited for the new mini series coming out that is based on the book!

This is what I am currently reading. 

What I'm Listening To

I have started listening to the Mel Robbins podcast when I am walking on the treadmill. She has so many inspiring and insightful messages to share. The guests she has on really add a lot of value on how to approach so many different facets of life. 

What I'm Wearing

I shared this sweatshirt before and I can't quit it! I have it in 2 colors. It is just like the Lulu scuba for a fraction of the price!

It comes in 16 colors!!!! How cute is this lilac for Spring???

Shay shared this fleece and well its a winner for me. The color is so bright and great for Spring. But if green is not your color, it comes over 30 other colors!

I got these bracelets last Summer and love them. They are just simple and stackable. I pair them with other bracelets I have and they are thin enough to layer with an Apple watch. I have worn them in pools/lakes and all Summer and they hold up well. So many fun colors to choose from.

 

This is the full stack that I have but there a ton of options. 

I also have the neutral stack.   Ella has swiped a few of mine....they would be a great little Easter basket item for your teen or tween!

What I'm Doing this Weekend

Friday night I am volunteering at a fundraiser for the PUNT Foundation. An amazing local organization helping families that are navigating life with a child with a cancer diagnosis. This was me and my girlfriends at the event in the Fall. Such a great night for a an even greater cause!

And then for Saturday and Sunday we have a pretty clear calendar and I am not mad about it!  Maybe I'll get that suitcase unpacked- LOL!

What I'm Looking forward to Next Month

March Madness. I love the college baseketball season and so does my family. We loved hitting a college game to see our favorite Villanova team play a few years ago!

And I cannot believe I am saying this, but we are starting the college tour process with Ella next month. Like, what? How are we here????

She has some top contenders in South Carolina so we are heading there first. We plan to spend some time exploring Charleston. Everyone I have talked to about the area says how much they love it and rave about the food! So if you have been to Charleston and have any must do's or restaurant recommendations, send them my way!!!

Wishing you a great Wednesday. See you back here on Friday...the first day of March! There's always room for one mor at our family table. 

xoxo

Genevieve

Something New for Your Family Table Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls

 Happy Monday friends. We are back from winter break, and in full swing of school, work, and all the activities!

Today, I’m sharing another recipe that with the help of an air fryer can get dinner on the table pretty quickly. I mentioned this before, but my family loves a dinner that we can make a bowl out of. This is another “bowl dinner”…..sweet chili salmon bowls.

Here's what you’ll need. 

4  Skinless salmon fillets, cut into bite-size pieces.

3 tablespoons of liquid aminos

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Sweet chili sauce. We use the Wegmans brand, about 1/4 cup

Jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to build your bowl

Your choice of raw veggies. We use sliced cucumbers, abut we have also done carrots, edamame, and love pickled ginger on any Asian inspired bowl. 

Mix the liquid aminos and garlic powder in a bowl, and toss the salmon pieces to coat. I usually let them sit for about five minutes.

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil, to prevent sticking and add the salmon. Spread them out, so they are in a single layer.

Air fry at 375 for about six minutes. 

Pull them out and brush them with the chili sauce.

Put them back in the air fryer for another 3 to 4 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Add your choice of rice to a bowl and top with some salmon and your veggies.

Again. Another meal idea that I hesitate to call a recipe. Because it is pretty simple comes together quick and is a healthy meal choice!

If you don’t have an airfryer you can bake the salmon bites. Line them on a baking sheet and cook for about 7 minutes at 400. Take them out and brush with chili sauce and finish off in the oven for another 3-5 minutes.

Part of my hope with this blog is to encourage people out there to experiment with different flavors in the kitchen and realize that it doesn’t have to be super complicated or time-consuming to get a healthy meal on the table during the week!

I hope you try this one! We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, for What’s Up Wednesday. Remember, there’s always room for one more at our family table.

Xoxo

Genevieve

Friday Favorites February 23rd

  Happy Friday friends! We are wrapping up our last few days of Winter Break. It's been a relaxing week filled with some much needed sunshine. Today I am linking up with Andrea & Erika for a little Friday Favorites. A peek into a few of my favorite things from the week. 

one

We have enjoyed sunshine and warmer weather this week. It was much needed, after seeing a lot of brown and gray over the last few months. I’ll share more on the trip soon, but sunshine and palm trees are always a favorite for me.

And this salad is for sure a favorite. I get it every single time we come to Florida. This Island Salad is amazing, I really need to try and recreate at home!

Travelling with my favorite people!

two

Earlier this week, I shared one of my favorite things that has changed my life for the better. Around six months ago I introduced plant based wellness into my daily routine, and it has given me a sense of peace and calm that has been missing for my life. As a busy mom with 9000 things running through my brain at one time, I found it harder and harder to focus, or to shut my brain off at times. These supplements are part of my morning routine have been a game changer in bringing that peace and calm to my mind. I shared what I use and why, in the hopes to help other women (and men) out there that maybe feeling that racing mind too.  You can see my story here. 

three

Last week I shared a few of my favorite travel pieces and thought I would show you a few more favorites that made their way on this trip.  Ella has these little pouches which are just adorable and perfect for caring her skin and face products. You can get both for under $16. They would be perfect in a teen Easter basket too!

I recently got the cutest crossbody and brought it on this trip. I love the quilting with the black piping. The strap adds some style and is a great neutral for Spring or Summer. Its large enough to hold essentials without being crammed in. It's under $25 and comes in a bunch of colors. 

I really love this color too!

Blue Grey Crossbody

This next item is random, but I have shared before that I don't love getting my nails done. I just can't sit there for an hour while someone polishes my nails. Anyway, these nail polish pads are always in my travel bag. One pad is enough to take care of both hands,  Even if you don't use them for travel, they are just really convenient without having to deal with the bottle of remover and cotton pads.

four

I shared a super simple recipe for your family table this week. Anything Mexican inspired is a favorite at our house, so these Mexican Pizzas were a hit! They come together pretty quickly and you can customize your toppings just like a taco. It's a fun twist on taco night! You can grab the recipe here. 

Have a great weekend friends!

 See you back here on Monday with a new recipe! There is always room for one more at our family table.

xoxo
Genevieve