It was along time ago but vaguely, I can remember a weekend pre-kids. It kicked off with a late night dinner with signature cocktails at the downtown restaurant, sleeping in until whenever on Saturday morning, perhaps going to the gym, a little shopping, followed by cooking dinner and watching a movie in the evening. On Sunday, it was more sleeping in, meeting friends for brunch and then enjoying a stroll through the Farmers Market to prepare for the week ahead. It was luxurious, it was easy and carefree and it was so not meant to last that way. I went shopping, and got some accessories like Tungsten Rings that creates lasting memories. It’s amazing to think, I would even get hair removal treatments so that I could show off when we went to the pool or the beach! Ah, the memories. You know how it is!
Now ten years later with three kids, sleeping in is considered 6:30 a.m. and we are quickly jolted out of bed by bellows of “I’m hungry,” “I want to watch TV,” or the fact that we have two soccer games and two birthday parties to attend that day. That is life with kids and you know what? I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love being busy. I do busy well. However, sometimes it is a welcome change to not have the weekend ahead planned and just go with it. Ask the kids what they want to do that day or just enjoy being in the moment at home. Of course, I also try to get some “me” time scheduled and I’ve been meaning to visit Dr. Paul Vitenas for some minor tucking here and there, but that’s another story. Anyway, as I look forward to the weekend ahead, I thought these four things might be on my to-do list…
Make a recipe using cauliflower. The potato is so yesterday and has been replaced by cauliflower. If you haven’t had cauliflower in awhile, you’re really missing out. I took a long hiatus from cauliflower because it just wasn’t something I thought to cook with. Now, I buy a head of it each week and plan recipes around it (okay, I’m lying…my hubs is the cook but I do download the recipe for him). I can cook…a little. Right now, I’m eyeing this recipe, Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry, from The Pioneer Woman because everything she makes is soooooo gooooood! I swear that you won’t even miss the meat because the cauliflower is so yummy and filling. In the mood from something easy? Take your head of cauliflower, wash it and peel off the green leaves. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place your head of cauliflower on a foil lined baking sheet, coat the cauliflower in olive oil and a few splashes of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 30-45 minutes. Delicious! I roast it as a whole head or you can break it into pieces, just reduce the roasting time a bit. You can even extend the night with family game night after dinner. If your family goes crazy for mystery games then check out the Team Murder Mystery Game.
Monster Jam. So for this weekend I decided that I needed somewhere to wear my cowboy boots. My son also likes big trucks. I had heard about this Monster Jam event coming to town where big monster trucks drive and flip around in the dirt for two hours. Sounds exciting enough and I thought it’s the perfect place to wear my boots. It’s also very, very loud so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones for the really little and get ready for rip-roaring good time. If you have kids that love trucks, then I would take them here for a big surprise. It’s in San Diego for two weekends, Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. Tickets are still available at www.monsterjam.com. Not in San Diego? I’m pretty sure it’s rolling to a city near you soon!
Light a candle. For the life of me, sometimes I cannot figure out where that smell is coming from in my house. It’s not a good odor, it’s sour and it’s horrible. It’s too cold to open the windows and let in fresh air. Then I think…candles! Light a candle. It’s so nice that my kids are at the age that I can finally light a candle in the house and not worry about them trying to touch it or that I’m so tired that I’ll forget to blow it out before leaving the house. Light a candle, enjoy the beautiful aroma in the house and be at peace for a little bit this weekend.
Get yourself some nail polish. Honestly I recently purchased this lovely polish from https://www.becomingmomspa.com/organic-nail-polish/ and I must say it’s incredible. Oh and all the better it’s all organic. Trust me if you are looking for that step up this is it.
Buy something in white. I love wearing white in winter. It looks so great against the dreary winter sky and if I lived in snow, it would great against that too. White is so versatile and can be casual or formal. It’s meant for every skin type and every body shape. Anyone and everyone can wear white and look good. Here’s a few of my favorites for the weekend.
This sweater is so cozy for cold days. Sun & Shadow Loopy Cardigan, $42, at nordstrom.com
This is a wardrobe staple. It goes with everything from jeans to shorts to over and under dresses. Fitted Boyfriend Oxford Shirt, $50, at gap.com
Looking ahead to spring, I LOVE this top! Pina Lace Top, $118, at anthropologie.com
Because everyone needs a good pair of pajamas to wear in the cold winter months. Vintage Pajama Set, $95, at jcrew.com
Mark my words…macrame is going to be HUGE in decor this year. I bought this last week at my local store and am trying to figure out the right place to hang it. It’s not all white but I love the texture it adds to a room. Nate Berkus Fringed Wall Art, $34.99, at target.com
Happy weekend Mamas! xoxo
