What I'm Reading

Hey, friends!  Hope you had a Happy 4th of July yesterday.  We had a great time - sunny weather, fun with family and friends and I'll have a recap ready to share with you on Friday.  Today, I've got some great reads to share with you. I read several books and tons of blog posts this month.

I hope you can find some new favorites in my list of things to read:

Best Books:

How to Win Friends & Influence People 
by Dale Carnegie
I have been hearing amazing things about this book for YEARS!!  I purchased it a few years ago and finally got around to reading it this month.  It was VERY interesting and I loved how a book written in 1936, revised in 1981 could still be so relevant today.  I loved hearing stories of presidential encounters with people, stories of famous people dealing well with people and learning tips to be able to really interact well with others.  I think this book would be really interesting for anyone in management or anyone in customer service.  I learned a lot about how to deal with people and companies and the book gives you tons to think about.  I love the emphasis in praise, listening attentively, honesty, giving authentic feedback to people and the important of compliments.  There were great one liners throughout and I think that everyone would benefit from reading this book.

As Southern As It Gets 1.071 Reasons to Never Leave the South

By H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I posted all about As Southern As It Gets last week!  It was a fun read for summer.

Creating Calm in the Center of Crazy: Making Room for Your Soul in An Overcrowded Life
By Nicole Johnson
I loved the idea of the book Creative Calm in the Center of Crazy by Nicole Johnson.  It seems like everyone would benefit from more calming in their days.  I was disappointed in the slow start to the book.  I struggled to relate to Part one of the book where Johnson was detailing her story without giving many details and it was very slow to wade through.  Part two was more interesting and applicable giving ideas for actually creating calm in your own life.  Part three was definitely the best part of the book!  I really enjoyed it and wished there would have been much more written on the boundaries, keys and calm sections.  These pages were filled with interested research, quotes and tons of helpful application to real life.  I loved her thoughts on boundaries with technology, getting your entire family on board with creating calm and setting yourself up for a life filled with being in the moment, gratitude and calm.  I'd recommend this book, but be sure to tell the reader that the best content is at the end of the book.
*I was gifted this book from Booklook in exchange for my honest review of it.

Best Blog posts:

A Week's Worth of Meals.  If my kids were older I'd definitely have them be in charge of making lunches for the family.  I LOVE Stephanie's ideas on mothering and her activities to teach her kids at home.  She really teaches them skills that will serve them so well when they are older.

I thought this article on delaying Kindergarten was really interesting.  Especially since Olive is starting K next year.  I hate the idea that K has basically become first grade and is no longer focused on play, social interaction, having fun while learning and wish it was still half day.  If Kindergarten Wasn't So Much Like First Grade, We Wouldn't Need to Delay It.

A Farmhouse Table is on my kitchen wish list so I loved seeing Kelly's new table along with the plans.  One day I'll have one...

Our 50 Favorite Picture Books was a great list of books!  I loved seeing their favorites and added several to my wish list for our family.  What is your favorite picture book for kids?

The Email She Never Wanted to Write and Neither Do I was a great read on Christian marriage.  It was written after Lysa Terkeurst's recent announcement about her marriage.  I've loved Lysa and Proverbs 31 Ministries for a long time and enjoyed many of her Bible studies/books.  I hate to hear of her hardship and this article really helped me to see the importance of praying for other people's marriages.

Easy All American Supper by April sounded delicious.  I'm not usually a meatloaf fan and I've never tried to make mashed cauliflower, but both sound amazing!

I really love this 2 Step Bun from Kate @ The Small Things Blog and it makes me want to cut some shorter layers the next time I go in for a trim.

If Your Husband Does These 10 Things, You Hit the Jackpot.  I think this article goes both ways and was a good reminder to me of all the areas that I could work for my husband.  I think I could work on #3, #4 and #5.

Favorite Kid books:
We've updated our weekly book check out amount to 16.  Fletcher picks out some board books, Olive picks out a few books that catch her eye and then I pick out some books I think they'd both like.  It works out great for our daily book club and then we return the books at the end of the week.  I have loved getting into a good routine of checking out books for the kids.  We keep them in a special spot in our house and we do our book club there every day.  The kids know the books have to stay there and enjoy them all week long.  Here are our top picks from each week:

Olive is obsessed with Madeline.
How to Grow a Friend came highly recommended and was a darling book on friendship
The Play-Doh books are always a hit.
Counting Cars was tons of fun and each page was filled with things to name and count.
Mouse Shapes we loved naming shapes and we really enjoy this series of mouse books.

Pancakes, Pancakes! was a cute Eric Carle book that was new to us.
Fancy Nancy is always a great read.
Counting Christopher was a cute book about counting things everywhere you go.
Dinosaur Train was a funny read about bedtime.
Day Dreamers gave us tons to talk about for dreams.
Madeline and The Cats of Rome was really cute.
Everywhere Babies was a really neat book.  Amazing illustrations and so much to talk about on each page.  It was almost like an I spy of people.

Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep was a great bedtime story.

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! was funny, catchy and silly to read.

The Girl and The Bicycle was AMAZING!  It's a WORDLESS book so we really enjoyed checking out the expressions and the illustrations to tell our own story each time.  It's amazing how the author/illustrator was able to tell the entire story without words.  Olive loved this book and was fascinated by the fact that there weren't any words.

Trouble Gum was a hilarious tale of the troubles of bubble gum.

Demolition was a fun read to name all of the big equipment.

This Little President was a great book to introduce Olive to some of the former presidents.  She was really curious about their stories and facts about them.

What have you been reading lately??

It's time to link up for What We're Reading Wednesday.

Join us with all the things you read in June.

I can't wait to see what everyone has been reading!

Johannah: https://johannahsirois.blogspot.com/

Crystal: http://www.masonsmama.com/

Justine: http://www.littledoveblog.com/

Whitney: https://polka-dottyplace.blogspot.com/

Heather: http://www.myglitteryheart.com/

Keri: https://www.kerilynnsnyder.com/

An InLinkz Link-up

4 EASY Last Minute Recipes for the 4th

Like most people, we started our 4th of July celebrating on Friday.  It feels like a really long, holiday weekend for many people.  I whipped up a few easy recipes to take to gatherings this weekend so I thought I'd share them with you today.  They require just a few ingredients, are great for kids to help with and are really yummy.  I found all of our red, white and blue ingredients at Meijer.  I love to make festive food that isn't packed full of food coloring.  These 4 recipes fit that description perfectly.

1. RICE KRISPIE POPS
6 cups red, white and blue Rice Krispies
3 T butter
1 small bag of mini marshmallows
a handful of Kraft star marshmallows
straws (found mine at The Dollar Tree)

Stir up the rice krispies as directed on the box and let them set for 30 minutes in the pan.  Cut them into large rectangles.  Press them together with your hands to make them more compact.  Cut the straws in half and then push the straw into the Rice Krispie pop.  Top with a star marshmallow.

Kid approved :)

2. RICE KRISPIE TREATS
6 cups red, white and blue Rice Krispies
3 T butter
1 small bag of mini marshmallows
Prepare them as directed on the box.  Cut and serve.

3. STAR MARSHMALLOW FRUIT KABOBS
Star marshmallows
strawberries
raspberries
blueberries
sticks for kabobs

Wash all fruit and slide it onto kabob stick.  This is a great recipe to make with kids!  We aren't big marshmallow eaters, but both kids loved these star marshmallows.  They were fun to play with, count with and eat.

4. 4TH OF JULY FUNFETTI CUPCAKES

1 box of red, white and blue funfetti cupcake mix

water

oil

4 egg whites

buttercream frosting

sprinkles

cupcake liners

What are you making to bring to your 4th of July gatherings??

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July holiday with family and friends!  We're planning to do some grilling, some yard work, let the kids swim and play in the water and enjoy the day living in the great USA.

See you back on the blog on Wednesday!!  

As Southern As It Gets

Let's talk about all things Southern today.  We lived in the South for two years - Arkansas for one year and Mississippi for one year.  We LOVED so many things about living in the South and the people/traditions of the South.  It really is a super special place and unlike any other area of the country.  It just has a different feel.  Different than out west, different than the Midwest.  It's a special place that will always hold a special spot in my heart.

(Trip to Savannah 2014)

My Favorite Southern Things:

1. Their love for college football, the SEC and tailgating.

2. Southern people know how to throw a good party with so much attention to all the details - the linens, the menu, the cocktails, the dessert.

3. The accents

4. The slow pace of life.  I'd always heard about this, but things truly do move slower in the South.

5. Southern food, Southern cookbooks and the love of enjoying delicious meals together

6. Southern homes and bold decor

7. Friendly conversations everywhere you go

8. Churches everywhere

9. Southern Style.  Big bows, smocked dresses, bold patterns and really dressing up for church.  Sundays in the South really made me smile.  Think hats to church, fancy dresses, special church clothes, etc.

10. Beach access!  I miss living three hours from the ocean.

11. A heart warming abundance of God Bless Yous

12. The flowers and landscaping

13. The Bible studies going on at every single church

14. The manners - yes ma'am and yes, sir - everywhere you go

15. Amazing Chicken - fried chicken, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes

(Olive age 1 in Mississippi posing by our Azaleas)

So naturally, I was excited to dive into As Southern As It Gets: 1,071 Reasons to Never Leave the South to see what he deemed the best reasons to never leave the South.  The book is darling with the plaid cover and it's the perfect size to flip through.  I'm sure any Southerner would enjoy the Southern quotes and reading the list of things in this book.  I found myself nodding my head and smiling throughout the book.  It's nostalgic and current.  You feel heartwarming pride for all of the special Southern traditions that you either grew up with or are able to enjoy when you visit.  The South is special and this book reminded me of all the reasons why I love it.  It's the perfect book to add to your coffee table collection.
*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review from Booklook.


Are you a fan of all things Southern?

What are your favorite Southern things??

My Summer Style

I wanted to share my go summer outfits with you today.  I've always loved the idea of doing a capsule wardrobe and the idea of only having things hanging in my closet that I love to wear.  I have been working on cleaning out and weeding out clothing that no longer fits or that I don't love wearing.  It's a work in progress, but it feels so good to have less hanging in my closet and knowing that I really enjoy the things that are there.

These are my must haves for my Summer style:

1. FLOWY FLORAL TOPS:
Olive snapped this picture of us last weekend in the backyard.  I love it and love that she's getting big enough to take pictures.  She was so proud of herself and I appreciate her skills.  I have found some really cute ones at Gap, JCPenneys, Old Navy and TJ Maxx.  I'd always recommend trying on a printed top before judging whether you'll like it.  It's hard to tell how the fabric will flow or how the pattern will look on you without a visit to the dressing room.

top - JCPenneys
skinnies - Walmart
shoes - Sperrys

2. KIMONOS:
Kimonos are my summer cardigan of choice.  I love layering them with basics underneath.  I have several and just rotate them.  This is my newest kimono and I think the colors are so pretty!  You can expect to see me wearing this every week from now until it gets cold.  I have had great luck finding kimonos at JCPenneys, TJ Maxx and Wal-Mart.  Check out the junior's sections, swim cover up sections and accessories departments instead of the clothing sections.  Sizing is so very strange on these so be sure to ignore the size and just start trying them on.  I own a variety of sizes and just buy the one that fits me the best.

kimono - TJ Maxx jr section
top - GAP
jean - Old Navy
flats - Target
earrings - Kate Spade

3. PATTERNED SHORT SLEEVED TOPS:
I've got stripes, polka dots, aztec patterns and pineapple prints.  I have found some really cute options at Old Navy, GAP and Target.  I pair them with shorts and skinny jeans.  I'm no fashion blogger so my real life snapshots will have to do for showing my love of patterned tops.

YOGA PANTS & SOLID TOPS:
I tend to go for patterned pants and solid tops.  That way I can mix and match in all combinations.  These floral pants from GAP are some of my favorite work out pants.  They're fitted and don't stretch out and they look brand new after lots of wears.  I wear these when I'm home playing with the kids, working out and make sure that I end up wearing real outfits more than yoga pants every week.

top - old?
floral pants - GAP
shoes - Asics

I'd love to add some new distressed skinny jeans to my summer wardrobe or some colored denim, but I haven't found any that fit me well.  I'm looking for pants with a higher waist with some stretch that hold their shape really well.  None of this stretching out huge after one wear business.  Do you have any pants you LOVE right now??

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy today.

Preparing to Be Spontaneous

I've mentioned before that no one would ever describe me as a spontaneous person.  I'm not good at last minute and it's hard for me to be flexible.  I've gotten better over the years because I force myself to say yes to fun things that come up.  I almost always end up having a great time so it's a good motivator for me to be spontaneous.

I love to plan.

Everything.

All the lists.

It's my happy place.

Parties, trips, dinners, play dates, etc.  I will usually write out a to do list, supply list, timeline or at the very least make a mental list.  I have learned over the years that I am better about being spontaneous if I've prepared for it.  The planner in me just has to plan in some way.

I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, but let me explain...

I really enjoy baking for other people and bringing something when we're invited somewhere.  I have learned that I can stir up cookie dough, scoop and freeze it out in scoops so that if we have to take a treat last minute I am prepared.  It takes 15 minutes from freezer to done.  It's so handy!  This saves me from having to stop and pick up a store bought dessert last minute.

I also have my pantry stocked with some favorite things to help me say yes to last minute play dates.  Snacks, muffin mixes, easy things to take on the go like granola bars, rice krispie treats, etc.  I'll pick up steaks when they're on sale and surprise my husband with a fun steak dinner during the week.

I have a bag of extras in my car for those last minute things that come up.  Snacks, books, towels, hoodies, extra diapers and wipes just in case.  My Ergo baby carrier and stroller are always in my car.  I can say yes to last minute things if I have those things with me all the time.  My gas tank always has at least a half a tank of gas in it.  That way I'm not having to get gas last minute.  Not a huge deal, but it's nice to know that's already taken care of.

I try to schedule doctor appointments for first thing in the morning.  That way the rest of our day is free to do other things that come up last minute.

I buy cute gifts when I see them and save them for birthdays.  I find great kid items at TJ Maxx so I snatch up any cute Melissa and Doug toys and save them for when we get invited to a birthday party.  I also will buy things when they go on super sale on Amazon.  I keep an eye out for my kid's favorite toys to go on sale and then pick them up to give as gifts throughout the year.

I pack our swim bag ready to go in case someone makes last minute plans to head to the water.  I don't have to round up every swim thing we own for all three of us - I just grab the bag.  This also comes in handy if Kevin gets home from work and wants to head to the pool.  Everything is ready!

I'm not a morning person so I stock my freezer & pantry with easy breakfast options for my family.  I make a big patch of pancakes and freeze them, buy french toast sticks at Sams that bake in 15 minutes and have lots of cereal/cereal bar options.  All of these help me come up with fun breakfast options on a whim.

Is there anything you do in advance to help you be spontaneous??


It's time to link up with my favorite Tuesday Talk ladies!
Be sure to join us with your favorite post.
FYI We are not having Tuesday Talk next week - enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends!

Beth at Our Pretty Little Girls | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Crystal at Hall Around Texas | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram  

Jessica at Sweet Little Ones | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram
Stefanie at Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam, & Dylan Too | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Stephanie at Wife Mommy Me | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Becky at BYBMG | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram
Lindsay at Lindsay's Sweet World | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram
Sarah at Sarah E. Frazer | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Justine at Full Hands, Full Heart

Tina at Go Big or Go Home | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Whitney at Polka-Dotty Place | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

An InLinkz Link-up

June Recipe Round Up

It was a delicious month at my house.  Lots of colorful meals, lots of home cooking and lots of variety.  I end up cooking 5-6 nights a week and we get takeout a time or two.  I'm excited to share my favorites with you today:

TERIYAKI CHICKEN & VEGGIE BOWLS
Boil in a bag white rice
Grilled chicken w terikyaki sauce + some to drizzle on top of bowl
zucchini, yellow squash, purple onions, carrots, yellow onions, broccoli, sweet peppers, edamame

Grill the chicken with teriyaki sauce and slice it.
Saute the veggies all together with soy sauce.
Boil the rice in a bag.
Let everyone build their own bowls.

OPEN FACE TACOS
We've been grilling chicken a lot this month.  And by we... I mean Kevin.  I do all of the marinating and he does the actual grilling.  Teamwork dinners are my favorite.  I have been using Zesty Lime Vinaigrette dressing by Kraft for my marinade and it's so good.

We added all the grilled veggies - peppers, onions and corn along with our favorite taco toppings to make these yummy tacos.  Everyone built their own tacos based on what they liked.

Remember this from last month?  Here's that dressing I've been talking about nonstop.  Go and get some today!  It's less than $2 a bottle.


CHICKEN WRAPS
These have been the best lunches this month!  We grill extra chicken for dinner and then have lunches taken care of.  I added cheese, corn, black beans, grilled chicken, lettuce, avocado and a drizzle of Zesty Lime Dressing to my wraps.  They were filling and delicious.  We mixed pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese.  Yum!

TONS OF SIDE SALADS
We had small salads with our dinners a lot this month.  I'd buy lettuce in bulk and then either do a berry salad or a veggie salad.  I learned NOT TO BUY the Kroger brand Poppyseed dressing because it was gross and we all liked having fresh salads each night.

SUMMER POUND CAKE
This was definitely the best dessert I made all month long.

 CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA MUFFINS
We made lots of muffins this month because they're so easy and my whole crew loves them.  These banana muffins were a big hit.  I prefer to make MINI muffins because A. they bake faster than big muffins and B. they're the perfect size for little hands to eat.

Have you tried any new recipes lately??

Now I'm starving!!  Which recipes are you anxious to try???

I'm linking up with 2 of my favorite cooking ladies today
and we're all sharing our best recipes from the month.

Linking up with Southern Plate

Katie @ Cup of Tea
New Recipes to Try

Whitney @ Come Home for Comfort

What We're Eating June

Head over to their blogs to see what delicious meals they are sharing this month!

 We've also started a Pinterest Board called
New Recipes We've Tried and Loved!
Be sure to check it out and get some great ideas for meals at your house.

The Best Parts

We've had a busy week full of fun things at our house!  We kicked off the good times with Father's Day, had friends over, took a quick road trip and enjoyed all things summery this week.  

Here are the best parts:

// 1 //

BRAIDING

One of my summer projects was to learn how to braid my own hair.  Thanks to several youtube videos and practice my skills are improving.  

// 2 //

CLIMBING

Speaking of skills that are improving... Fletcher's climbing skills are a little too good.  I found him hanging out on the couch this week and he's the master of figuring out how to get where he wants.  I found him standing on top of our picnic table and spend my days saving him from himself.

// 3 //

SUNDAE DATE

Once the kids were in bed Kevin headed to McDonalds to grab us sundaes.  It was a yummy treat.  It was nice to enjoy it and catch up on our days.

// 4 //

CHUNKY SALSA

I whipped up a batch of this chunky salsa and we've been enjoying it all week.  We've dipped chips in it, put it on tacos and made Mexican pizzas with it.  It's delicious and SO COLORFUL!

// 5 //

BAKING BUDDIES

These two love helping me in the kitchen and they especially love the taste testing part.  We made some chocolate chip cookies for our neighbors this week and they loved eating some dough.  I posted a cute video on instagram of them baking with me (@polkadottyplace)

// 6 //

FATHER'S DAY FUN

We ate Kevin's favorite foods, did his favorite things and enjoyed a fun time with him for Father's Day.  He requested watching the US Open and relax on Sunday and that is just what we did.  Fletcher thought it was super interesting.  He kept pointing and saying What's that???  

// 7 //

LIGHTNING BUGS

Kevin taught Olive how to catch lightning bugs this week and she's obsessed.  Our backyard is FULL of lighting bugs for about 20 minutes at dusk so it's the perfect summer night game.  She's gotten really good at it :)

 // 8 //

BLOGGY BUDDY MEET UP

Justine from Full Hands Full Heart and I have been bloggy friends for a couple of years now.  She's darling, has the best Wal-Mart and Aldi shopping tips and she keeps things real being a mom to five cute kiddos.  We planned a meet up in her town, had to reschedule a time or two and finally got to meet up this week!!  It was so much fun!!  Her kids are darling and my kids had the best time playing with them.  This splash park was so neat.  It made me wish we had one in our city.  

// 9 //
SCHOOL PREP

We received God Bless My School by Hannah C. Hall in the mail this week.  I was so excited for the school version of the God Bless book series because my daughter is struggling with back to school anxiety.  It'll be her first year to head off to school so the timing was perfect.  The book was wonderful!  The characters so sweet, the illustrations so happy and the message of the book was so encouraging.  I loved the reminder that God is always with us, there are new friends to be made and that there are so many things to pray about for heading back to school.  My daughter loves the book and we have started reading it daily.  She loves the rhyming text, seeing all the moms and kids and really enjoyed seeing some images of what school will be like.  It's the perfect book to get for your kids to get them excited for school.  I would highly recommend it and am thinking of giving a couple of copies as gifts.
*I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review of it from BookLook.

We are having the best summer!!!

Hope you had a great week :)

Linking up with

 ThoughtsforThursday,

HighFiveforFriday, FiveonFriday, and Momfessionals