Happy Friday to you! I’m feeling a bit chit-chatty after a bonkers week, so it’s time for another round of “Currently“!
Time and place: 1:42pm, sitting at my kitchen counter. Lincoln just went down for a nap and I’m enjoying the warmth and view from my open back door (though not the noise of construction for the second summer in a row!) as I type.
Loving: lattes at home. This week I experienced my annual freakout/confusion over turning another year older in July, but instead of moping I decided to get the party started a few months early and ordered a Nespresso machine as an early birthday gift…to myself. Details. Anyway, we are OBSESSED!! I was debating on buying an espresso machine that had a built in grinder to keep things super fresh (the Nespresso uses pods,) but at the end of the day, or rather, the beginning of the day, I just want something quick and delicious, which the Nespresso is providing.
Plus check out the FOAM the accompanying milk frother creates! Could not be happier with this purchase – especially because it means I’m not spending $5+ on almond milk lattes from the coffee shop three, ok five, times a week. Total cafe experience at home. Lov-ing it!
Seeking: welcome mat. Do you have a suggestion for an outdoor mat that doesn’t stay soggy when it gets rained on? Even with a big flower pot our front porch feels uninviting, but all the mats I’ve bought in the past stay wet for days after it rains, getting moldy and smelly which makes Ben rage-y.
Craving: sweet cherries. It is rare that I crave fruit over something savory but the sweet cherries that have been popping up at the grocery store recently are just too good. I’ve been enjoying a big bowl each night as a feel good snack.
Destroying: Enjoy Life Cookies. In the same breath I have to tell you about the Enjoy Life Soft Baked Snickerdoodle cookies I recently received in a GF snack box. Oh my dear Lord – squishy pillows of pure cookie bliss!! Food allergies or not (Enjoy Life products are free from the top 8 food allergens,) you have GOT to try these cookies – they are some of the best I’ve ever had. Psst: locals, they’re on sale at HyVee right now!
Cherishing: quiet mornings. I recently became very aware that our quiet mornings will become a thing of the past come October, which is why I’ve been getting up at 6am everyday to sit and do…nothing. Make coffee (photo is pre-Nespresso purchase,) sit on the couch, watch the Today Show, check emails (but being disciplined about not getting too involved with work at that hour) – just cherishing and relishing in the quietness that is my life at this moment before well, it’s not. It’s been difficult “shushing” the part of my brain that tries to remind me of all the things I should and could be doing besides sitting on the couch for an hour, but it’s been very rewarding mentally and a great way to start the day.
Cooking: everything grilled. I’ve grilled dinner approximately five of the past seven nights – I just love how little clean up there is afterwards. One night I made steaks using this method (works every time,) another night was chicken marinated in Best-Ever Italian Vinaigrette which I drizzled on top of the chicken after it was done, salmon, Brat Burgers – #cantstopwontstop! What’s your favorite grilling recipe right now?
Playing: gluten-free playdough. I’ve made gluten-free playdough for Lincoln before but it’s kind of a pain in the butt, plus gluten-free flour is more expensive than all-purpose. Anyway, I did a quick hunt on Google and found a big tub of it in multi colors at Discount School Supply. It came a few days after I ordered and while it might be a tiny bit tougher than regular playdough, Lincoln has played with it as happily at home as he does with the regular playdough at school. Pass it onto your GF friends and family!
Eating: egg salad. Last weekend my Dad, Ben, and I were talking about the weird stuff we ate growing up – Ben: bologna and butter sandwiches (bahahahaha,) me: bologna, lettuce and mustard sandwiches, and my Dad: egg salad with sugar. Well, the idea of egg salad (sans sugar!) stuck with me and I’ve been eating it every day this week – totally forgot how good this easy dish is! I just smash hard boiled eggs with yellow mustard, mayo, salt, paprika, and tons of hot sauce, then eat it with rice crackers. Perfection.
Hating: pregnancy jeans/pants/shorts. The devil’s creation – can I get an Amen?! I’m avoiding them at all costs and am anxious to whip out my maternity maxis when it gets warm on the regular (which should be next week.) I can’t say being pregnant in the summer is ideal, but having an excuse to wear muumuus for four straight months = priceless.
Snacking: super snack. I recently created this “super snack” for The Laughing Cow that I am l-o-v-i-n-g. Gluten-free crackers are slathered with The Laughing Cow Creamy Original Swiss then topped with superfoods including blueberries and chopped walnuts. I love the combination of creamy, fresh, and crunchy.
Anticipating: planting. I think the really cool nights are finally behind us (knock on wood,) so I’m going to pick up flowers to plant in pots all over the front and back deck this weekend. They add instant color and life to our house, and make me feel like summer’s really arrived. Can’t wait. (Snapshot from this same weekend last year!)
Collecting: wanderlust photos. Ben and I have accepted the fact that, at this stage of our lives, travel is simply going to slow down. Before, our biggest challenge was working around Ben’s work schedule, since I can work anywhere, but now it’s two kids, three plane seats, naps, strollers, bottles – just things that make traveling to far off places not that enticing for us personally. As much as travel means to me (at one point it was everything I worked for,) right now I’m actually ok with sticking around the US, choosing a Colorado vacation over a Swiss Alps one, and taking a jaunt instead of a journey, knowing that someday we’re going to have twice as much fun seeing the world with our two kids (there’s nothing like seeing your child experience a new place!) That said, I’m still collecting travel inspiration for when that day comes. I keep a folder in my iPhone for screenshots of must-see places including these beauties…. Where are you currently dreaming of visiting?
Celebrating: my Dad! Happy birthday to this guy TODAY! Gosh how he makes us laugh. He’d do anything for anyone (if he likes you, anyway ?) and man oh man does he love his Grandkids (and Rolling Rock aka Donkey Water.) Happy birthday, Pops – you’re my Dad! ❤️
Pick a couple “Currently” categories and share with us!
Sharaka 06.06.2016
I have a doormat on this order. There are tons of them on line. Just google rubber door mat.
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy 06.06.2016
Happy almost birthday, friend! And oh my goodness I didn’t know you were pregnant! Congratulations and yes – enjoy those quiet mornings and nap times!! Sending big hugs and wishing you all the best.
Eve 05.30.2016
Anticipating: Summer break, six days of school and I get to hang out with my three boys full time.
Collecting: Owls, picked an adorable one up at Pier One closing sale this winter for 99 cents and I’ve been up obsessed with them since.
Cooking: Very little, busy schedules with end of school year stuff, little league games, Tball games and a ton of other commitments, means lots of small easy meals before heading out.
Kristin 06.01.2016
Love the owl collection – so cute! :)
Terri 05.26.2016
I love the Water Hog rugs from LL Bean. I don’t use them outside, but have 2-3 inside that I use year round at high traffic areas. They absorb liquid fast and stay dry, plus they’re good for collecting dirt. They are well worth the expense, IMO.
Carma 05.25.2016
Thought of you when I was grilling brats the other night. Your post with the Cheddar Brat Meatballs mentioned that you like brats…possibly like you enjoy breathing.
Have you been to the new Fresh Thyme grocery store in WDM? They make excellent brats and sausages in-house. The spices are perfection. Not too much but just enough for a good flavor. And several types. (Pork and some chicken ones) I’m sure you would have to double check about allergens, but I know they don’t use MSG.
By the way, congrats on baby #2. Bet someone is going to be a terrific big brother.
Kristin 05.27.2016
Hahaha, yes, that would be an accurate statement in regards to how I feel about brats. ? No, I haven’t been over there yet but have been meaning to check it out. Thanks for the push!
Erica 05.24.2016
I actually was in Hallstatt, Austria today! It was rainy but still just as beautiful as the pictures. I also decided to visit because of an Instagram photo!
sarah 05.23.2016
how did i mis you were pregnant?! did you post?
congrats! two kids is fun!
Kristin 05.23.2016
Thank you, Sarah! Just announced recently here: https://iowagirleats.com/2016/05/06/10-gluten-free-mothers-day-recipes-for-moms-who-love-to-eat/ :)
Colleen 05.23.2016
I’m addicted to Enjoy life snickerdoodles! I order the 6 pack on an Amazon subscribe and save program ($2 per box is as cheap as I’ve ever found them). <3
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 05.22.2016
I LOVED being pregnant in the summer. Sanders and flowey dresses were perfect. I’m scared of being pregnant in the winter when I have to wear closed toe shoes, a winter coat, and drive in the ice/snow.
Emily @ Life on Food 05.22.2016
Morning time is the best. Enjoy every second. Of course morning snuggles with a newborn is pretty darn good too.
Casey the College Celiac 05.21.2016
Let me just say AMEN to the Enjoy Life cookies – the new double chocolate chip ones are UNREAL! Currently…I”m standing in my kitchen eating a night snack after a hot yoga class. And I’m currently craving everything bean for super…homemade burrito bowls, black bean soup, salads with beans and sweet potatoes…weird but true! ;P
Ann S 05.21.2016
Happy Birthday Mr W!
Jenni @ SincerelyIowa.com 05.21.2016
I love that view of your backyard. So calming and relaxing! I don’t have any suggestions for a welcome mat, because mine seem to all do the same thing. :-)
Adrienne 05.20.2016
I love my doormat enough to log in and comment about it :) I was totally going to recommend the LL Bean waterhog mat too like someone above did! I was given one as a house warming gift and LOVE it. I have the grey one with the initial, and it looks just as good years later as it did the day I got it, and is extremely functional.
Kevie 05.20.2016
Wow, I am out of the loop… congrats on expecting your second!! As for outside front door mats, we love LLBean Waterhog mats as we have FOUR! (front door, back door, garage, and laundry).
Pamela E. Suba Poynter 05.20.2016
Just returned from Door County, WI. with Cherry Salsa, Cherries covered in dark chocolate and Swedish Lingonberry preserves. Cherry orchards bursting in bloom where the climate and soil favors their growth. Beautiful place to relax.
Deborah 05.20.2016
I follow Kenny Rogers on Facebook and he posts the BEST photos, from all over the world. There are some really amazing shots. It makes you want to visit, for sure!
Also, my dad and my husband’s birthdays are this next week, so Happy Birthday to yours and mine! Both are great dads and husbands.
Marti 05.20.2016
Love my nespresso! What’s your fav pod so far??
Kristin 05.23.2016
It came with the big sampler pack then I ordered a bunch of their decaf and Altissio pods!
Colleen 05.20.2016
Currently I too am enjoying some quiet time, but from the other end of the age scale.
I am an Innkeeper in Rotorua NZ and my darling husband, of 41 years this week, has just bought me a cup of tea in bed.
We are just coming to the end of a very busy tourist season and there were no guests last night, hence the sleep in.
We had thunderstorms last night, but the day has arrived filled with Autumnal sun so it’s garden clean-up time today before our new guests arrive around 2pm. Oh I also have some really brown bananas I will convert into a cake for their afternoon tea.
Happy weekend!
Nora 05.20.2016
Check out World Market Flip Flop mat – it’s awesome!! Colorful – drains well – really FUN?