It’s my birthday tomorrow and so my three guys took me out to a rare dinner out on Saturday. We ate super early at 530 but it was nice to sit with my family and enjoy some Italian food. And best of all, the kids were well behaved and they enjoyed their dinner out too. The husband had also ordered me a sinfully rich chocolate cake from a bakery not too far from the restaurant.

On Sunday, we met some good friends and their kids for a picnic in the park. Everyone had a great time. It was a warm sunny weekend but the picnic area is up on a hill and caught some nice breeze so it was very pleasant. The kids all ran around the two playgrounds, tired themselves out and fell asleep easily after bathtime!

 

And the books I bought at the recent Book Outlet sale finally arrived!

Currently…

 

Reading:

 

 

 

Watching:

I’m kinda switching back and forth between Gossip Girl and Bones. Because you just don’t want to be watching Bones while eating lunch.

Listening:

Nothing at the moment. Recently finished Dear Mr You and haven’t downloaded a new audiobook yet although I recently got some great recs on Litsy.

 

Eating:

I had a slice of ciabatta and a tiny slice of chocolate cake. I emphasize the tiny because really, all that is manageable is a tiny slice. It is SO rich.

Drinking:

PG Tips with milk.

Cooking:

I am trying to figure out what to do with stew meat (beef) other than you know, beef stew. I would do a rendang  but my kids can’t eat spicy. I may try using this cut of beef to do a slow cooker version of stroganoff (which perhaps may defeat the purpose of doing a stroganoff? But maybe it’s worth a try)

The 6yo is in a full-day science camp this week (9-3) so I have to pack him lunch! Yesterday I made some ‘Hot Pocket’-like pastries, filled with salami/ham and cheese and some pizza sauce. So will pop one in his lunch bag later. And maybe a sandwich tomorrow, quesadilla another day. It’s good practice for when the school year starts and I have to actually pack him lunch!

 

Last week:

I read: