WEEKNIGHT MEALS: PERFECT LEMON HERB ROASTED CHICKEN RECIPE

I try really hard to prepare a menu for the week ahead, so I'm not rushing around like a crazy person or trying to figure out at the last minute whats for dinner. THE WORST. Here's a dish that's easy to throw together with dried herbs and chicken (which I generally keep in the freezer). Put together with some easy sides like roasted potatoes and a salad (fruit salad for the kids) makes an easy peasy weeknight dinner.

LEMON HERB ROASTED CHICKEN
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INGREDIENTS

Juice and zest of 4 lemons, plus 2 whole lemons
2 tablespoons rosemary
2 tablespoons sage
3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
8 chicken thighs/legs trimmed of excess fat
Kosher salt

PREPARATION

1. 1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Remove 2 tablespoons marinade mixture; place in a small bowl, and stir in olives. Set aside.
2. 2. Add chicken to remaining marinade, tossing well to coat. Seal bag, and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.
3. 3. Preheat oven to 450°.
4. 4. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Place chicken on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes or until done. Place chicken on a serving platter. Spoon reserved olive mixture evenly over chicken.

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What's your go to weeknight dinner (besides Urban "Pizza" Pie:-)

xxB
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FOR THE WEEKEND | A FUNNY BOOK, MOVIES I'M DYING TO SEE, & LINKS!

ITS THE WEEKEND - WOOT!

I think all of my favorite actors and comedians got together and made movies and decided to release them all at the same time. Frantically searching for a sitter so that I can dive into at least one of these movies - HILARIOUS, EMOTIONAL, TERRIFYING - over the weekend. I've corralled the trailers for your viewing pleasure. Also, if you're going to see either, ping me just in case I need to leave hubby at home for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT.

 







Speaking of Girls Night, I'm almost finished with this hilarious book. The author has described southern women to a tee - which I found equally hilarious and offensive?!  Hoping to finish it up over the weekend and dive into a few other things:

I'm trying to find something fun to do over the long weekend in October. I'd love to share this huge amazing house with some friends in mountains of Asheville, I've never been before - but a fall trip to the mountains would be a good way to unwind from the hustle of back to school… Hints to the hubby..

Stumbled on this Cozi app - the tag line drew me in - family.  life.  simplify - I'll take some of that.

Going  overboard over on Pinterest - looking for inspiration for fall porch decor ideas starting with this inspired Pinterest board. I'm thinking galvanized planters, purple mums, white stenciled pumpkins...

SHOUT OUT! So jealous happy for my bloggy pal Mimi who has just signed on to blog for Good Housekeeping - WOW!! I want to be just like this chic when I grow up. For Real tho.

SO In love with the style and design of this Chicago apartment. Currently deleting all my pin boards and starting over with these photos:-) Oh and I'll be stalking her super cute blog over the weekend.

Locking myself in my little guest room/office for a bit making more of these lovely bracelets - I think. Enter to win one for yourself - SHARING THE LOVE.

xxB
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TMI + 5 HEALTHY AFTERNOON SNACKS I WANT TO TRY

CAN NOT believe I am in here crying watching Bachelor In Paradise. Especially after I swore it was a crock and I would never even watch. Welp. I'm glad Marcus found love after Andi.  AND Sarah... I think you made a big mistake letting Rob go/comparing your relationship to others is never a good idea. P.S. I am now following you on instagram - I can be such a little stalker sometimes..  Now on to Farmer Chris and the Bachelor WOOT. #whoareyoutojudge:-)

So Yes - SNACKS.

They have been such a hindrance in my baby weight loss goals (is it still baby weight if the child is 2.5??). I actually don't have a problem giving the kids and hubby treats like cookies and ice cream and such because I feel that we do a decent job at balancing it out with healthy meals - lots of fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains. But I tend to go a bit over board when I dig in (can't eat just one). So I'm on the hunt for some healthy snacks that feel like a treat for the kiddos and myself.

Here are some that I found on Pinterest and am dying to try:

babble.com

everythingfab.com

fifteenspatulas.com

redbookmag.com

Those roasted chickpeas!! And some other healthier yumminess I'd like to try here.  Perfect for before lunch or after school snacks right?

Currently I've been munching on cucumbers with this dipping sauce or red and yellow peppers dipped in hummus. 

What's your go to snack? Please share!

xxB

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MAKE THESE FOR LABOR DAY | DIY RIBBON BROOCHES

ITS DIY WEDNESDAY!! 

I just made that up:-/ 

No but really, I saw these in a magazine., and decided to give it a whirl. something cute to add some flavor for Labor Day. I think they turned out pretty dog gone cute? So much so that  I got a little carried away…

These were super easy to make. Just cut a length of ribbon, make about 5 or six flat knots and then tuck the ends into the last knot on opposite side and secure with glue. Add these little pins on the back with a little hot glue as well. You could also use a safety pin.

What You Need:
Gross Grain Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun
Nickel Pin Backs (available at craft stores)          

              

I think I'm going to make one for all of my guests. Little favors, so that everyone looks festive? Let me know if you want one.. I've got extras:-)

xxB

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Make This! Seersucker {Everyday Napkins}

I've been meaning to do this for some time now - Make some cloth napkins for the house. We have the nice white linen ones we registered for and pull out for dinner parties and such. But I wanted some that we could use for lunch/dinner every day in lieu of using a gazillion paper towels.

Entertaining 101 - A Lesson from Fancy Nancy

On Parties.
Its what I love to do. I dont need a reason. I pack a table and table cloth for the playground on Saturdays (and a bottle of wine - its for my nerves).

I'm sure you already know this. But just in case. Here is how to ALWAYS be prepared to give a pretty little party.

Fancy Nancy sets a great example, so I'd like to start here. Invest in these few things and keep them in your closet for spur of the moment occasions or your planned parties. You wont regret it.

Table Cloth  A real one. Not your grandmothers heirloom. Something you wont mind washing again and again. Start at Target and go from there.

Cake Plate - I keep one on the counter in the kitchen even if its empty. Its pretty and I like to look at it. Your guests will too.

Plates and Cups - Real Ones. Not glass but some fancy acrylic (bpa free) tumblers will do.

Fancy Pastry of some sort - Cupcakes, cookies, scones, muffins...

Fresh Flowers - A few stems in a mason jar is a good start.

Name Tents - some white card stock, pretty paper and colored pencil/marker (or printer) are all  you need.. Pop over to the Michaels, go to the clearance rack. Pick up your favorite and keep it in your drawer. You'll be glad you did. And if there are name tents you know there were actual

Invitations. Not Evites. I saved this until last, because I thought it might offend some people (and I'm not judging). Now I get it, we all live very busy lives. Who has the time to find, print, address, mail and track RSVPs for a real invite?! But it MUST BE DONE. Parties are personal. Thats why we have them. To eat, laugh, share, celebrate, make memories.. And the invite sets the tone. My suggestion is that if you cant send an actual invite, send a personal email to the effect of: "We are are having a little something for baby Sarah at our house; I hope you can come..." Its better. Electronic invitations are blasphemous. I'm not judging.. I'm just saying.

Check out my Pretty Play Dates - Essentials Pinterest Board where I've been pinning like a mad women with  super cute inspiration.

i should be sleeping..

but instead i'm tooling around on the web looking for inspiration for my munchkin's 2nd birthday coming up at the end of august.. oh. and also working on some compliance modules for work:-(

didnt have much luck on the party planning front but i did run into these inspiring ideas for grown up outdoor shin digs for the summer..

I'm so looking forward to a little something like this.. I have a birthday coming up and a little birthday backyard (deck) brunch sounds perfecto!

 I'm SO doing this for my next get together.. little bags.. check! scalloped scissors.. check! maybe i'll use grapes instead? Nah.. these red cherries really pop!

these fruit spritzers are making my mouth water even now... now if i just had these tall sleek tumblers... i think they would look just as yummy in my mason jars?

can someone pretty please get my hubby to build me one of these canopies for my back deck? it would be so super cute with some little paper laterns for a little deck barbeque?

 just as soon as a get a sewing machine i'm going to make pretty slip covers for my teak deck furniture.. no really i am..

 

she made this table cloth by sewing 15 bandanas together.. dollar tree here i come!!

 cute, cute, cute.. thanks martha!