Mini Weekend Re-Cap and Grocery Guide

Hi there!

First of all, Happy Memorial Day! I'm going to kind of ramble today, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy...

I have been blessed to travel and even to spend some extended time overseas and I will tell everyone unapologetically that I have 100% been happy to come home each time. It's hard to explain, but after spending months on end in other countries I have always been so ready to be home.  It has made me so grateful to live in this country. It's not lost on me that days like today are so important to reflect and show respect and gratitude to those who make it possible for us to grow our families in a safe and free country.

And, before I jump off this subject, I need to give a major shout out to my sister-in-law, Tayler, who kicks some major booty in the National Guard. We love you, Tayler, and we are so proud of you!

So, usually on Memorial Day we have a front-row seat to the Memorial Day parade that comes right in front of our house! Unfortunately, they cancelled the parade this year due to a threat of storms? We are all somewhat confused because the parade was cancelled days in advance and guess what? I've been up for a while and so far no storms...

Given that I will actually be able to get my car out of my driveway this morning, I'm hoping to go get our grocery shopping done and then spend some time with our fabulous neighbors who are still planning to get together to celebrate.

AND...after 3 days and nights at home alone by myself...my husband is FINALLY coming home today from his cousin's bachelor party out in Colorado.

Thank God, because I have been b-o-r-e-d and also irrationally scared to sleep at night.

I've been passing my time by doing all sorts of random things like...

Getting our windows cleaned. Add this to the list of things I didn't realize I would need to take care of once we bought a home. Our windows were so incredibly dirty. Like, so dirty that both sets of our parents had mentioned it. Yikes!

The previous owner left a lot of screens off the windows that needed to be cleaned and put back on, so I'm sure that might have had something to do with our inability to keep the dirt out.

I was also told by the window cleaner that because we live on a busy-ish street, the windows get dirtier faster. Who knew? Anyway, despite the fact that I think I might have gotten ripped off, the windows are clean and the screens are in.

Having a spa day. I have a serious love affair going on with Mario Tricoci. I go there to get my hair done now, and I've been going for occasional facials & massages. My mom gave me a gift certificate, so I figured what better time for a spa day.

This time, I had a facial with a collagen mask & hot stone massage. I also picked up this GlyMed anti-aging masque on the way out that I have purchased before and love. You can use it as a simple exfoliant or leave it on for a mask.

Girl time. I love hanging out with one of my absolute favorite little girls - Miss P - and her beautiful mom, Megan! I went over to Megan's house Saturday night and she had the BEST buffalo chicken dip out for us to have with some vino. After that, we headed out to dinner in Roselle. The highlight of the night was Penelope discovering chopsticks for the first time. Her face when I handed them to her was priceless.

"Ohhhh, can I have THESE?!" :)

Working on my decorating. Yesterday, I was going to get started on a hallway photo wall project that I have been putting off for a good 2 years now. However, after spending several hours on Pinterest in the morning, I gave up and decided my day would be better spent going into the office (ugh, I know).

I do want to get the pictures up on the wall soon. My plan is for all black & white photos and I'm debating between keeping it simple or doing a collage-type wall. What do you think? I know what my husband's vote would be...(sorry, honey!!).

Vegging out. I came home from work last night and treat myself to a some Cooper's Hawk wine, leftover pasta, and a few hours of trashy reality TV (Kardashians & Rich Kids of Beverly Hills). I had to stay up until I was REALLY tired so I would go straight to bed and not freak out about every little noise I heard.

That brings us to today, and it's time for me to get moving! I've got a goal to keep my grocery bill under $100 this week, think I can do it??? Here's what's on my menu this week:

Monday: Buffalo Quinoa Bowls (recipe to come!)

Tuesday: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Burritos

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Burgers on the grill + green beans.

Friday: Wing it or out!

Soak up the holiday, everyone!

xoxo

Jess