Monday Pinspirations

Ah, Monday...we meet again.

So, today, I'm sharing a few of my favorite Pins from the week for a little Monday Pinspiration! Let's go!

ONE.

I love this challenge from "The Abundant Mama" blog. One of my goals for 2016 was to get up BEFORE my kids in order to start my day in the right frame of mind and get a little "me" time and quite time in before the hustle of the day begins. So far, I've done it almost every weekday (although I'll admit my time was only 10 minutes one morning...it was still before the kids!), and it has made a HUGE difference for me. If you need inspiration and help in this area like I did, check out this challenge!

TWO.

This was such a great reminder for me. We are one, yes ONE, document away from being DTC (dossier to China), and it is SO hard for me to stay present right now. My excitement and anxiety is just so big right now as we approach a major milestonein our adoption process, and it is taking every ounce of self-control for me to be present with my kids, with my husband, with my job. I pretty much need this one tattooed to my forehead.

THREE.

I mean...this could not be more ME if it wanted to be. I'm HANGRY more than I'd like to admit. ;)  Sadly, it's no longer available on Zulily...but if anyone knows where I can find it, shoot me a comment! I. NEED. THIS.

FOUR.

How cute and EASY is this kids' craft?!! I am totally planning on using it for my classroom, but it could be SO cute as a gift for daddy or grandparents from the kiddos, too! You could totally do flower petals using the same tools later on in the spring. I just love this craft!

FIVE.

 I made these Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies the other day just for fun, and they were TO. DIE. FOR. The kids and adults both adored these fun and colorful treats. Super easy (you could even skip the sprinkles if you don't have any on hand) and a serious crowd-pleaser. For those of you that love the flavor of yellow cake batter like me, you will love these! 

SIX.

I'm not afraid to admit that I'm already dreaming of warmer weather...this Texas mama doesn't do cold. I LOVED this basic long-sleeve strip top paired with Converse and pops of color in the jewelry. So easy, comfortable, and cute! Sigh...come on, April!

SEVEN.

Had to end the post on a funny. This cracked me up! We hear you...we always hear you. Sometimes, we just don't like what you said. :) 

Make it a great day friends!!!

Monday Meal Planner

I am typically one to plan out the menu for the week on Sunday night, but since we've recently joined a Bible Study on Sunday afternoons at our church, it got put off until today. I typically choose 2-3 meals to make during the week, and we fill in the rest of the week with a night of leftovers and a night out. (We are major fans of Taco Tuesday. If you haven't tried it, GO and thank me later. $8 typically feeds our family of four!) 

The recipes I'm making this week are the two that I typically take to friends or family when they've had a baby/death in the family, etc because they are BIG, and I'm always asked for the recipes, so I thought I'd share them here! They are crazy fast, crazy easy, and crazy GOOD.

Baked Parmesan Turkey Meatballs (This is Carter's favorite meal. Like EVER.)

1-1 1/4 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Italian-seasoned)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves minced garlic

Pinch of salt

2 eggs

1 tbsp olive oil

(Optional: If I have it on hand, I sometimes throw in a cup or so of frozen, defrosted spinach. The kids never know it's there, and it's a bonus for getting some greens in them!) 

So simple - First, line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with some nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, form into golf-ball sized meatballs, and drop onto cookie sheet. (Optional: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each before baking.) Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce over your favorite pasta. 

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders (Makes 6-8 servings)

6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or fresh, if desired)

1 1/2 cups (12 oz) BBQ sauce, any flavor 

1/2 cup Italian dressing

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

Place chicken breasts in bottom of slow cooker. Whisk together the next four ingredients in a bowl, and pour over chicken. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Shred with two forks and serve on King's Hawaiian rolls topped with a little more barbecue sauce. I always send this meal to friends with some potato salad and fruit, but the sides are really up to your taste - cole slaw, chips, beans, fries, anything you'd find at a BBQ joint would really be fantastic with it.  

Hope you enjoy!