ryan has a really cool job.

 

 

and i'm so, so proud of him. (he is actually flying the helo in these photos!!)

movie nights.

 

this week has been rainy & gloomy in virginia. on top of that, ryan & i have been fighting off colds (our third of the winter). so, two nights this week we nestled down to watch a movie. we LOVED both these movies. crazy heart touches your soul. tangled is so entertaining -- we just love animated movies (if you're been watching modern family, we are so phil & claire...). have you seen any good movies recently? we're absurdly excited to see hop!

chicken ginger soup & maple biscuits.

last night i made one of my all time favorite comfort dinners: chicken ginger soup & maple biscuits. i discovered this recipe combination in real simple years ago, and over time, it's become a staple. i don't add the turnip or scallions & think the whole key to the soup is using fresh ginger. the biscuits are heavenly and oh so easy to make.

as we nestled down for this comfort food, i realized i've shared most of our absolutely favorite recipes: roasted vegetables, whole wheat pasta with tomatoes, tuna pasta, avocado toast, & burgers with hummus & couscous. i still need to share two of my family's most unbelievable recipes: chicken crescents & puffed potatoes. i think these recipes have been so well used because they turned out pretty great the first time i made them (so i was encouraged to make them again!), have really fresh ingredients, incredible flavor & were clear winners with ryan. i also think there's a balance in that they require some work, but are relatively simple. i also know them well enough to love preparing them.

we had pandora on last night & the music was just so great; ryan was doing some work in the family room & i was chopping vegetables in the kitchen -- it all just felt so right. a nourishing meal on the way, the time to prepare it & someone i love going through life with just a room away. feeling blessed & grateful.

our kind of weekend.

 

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happy weekend!

i LOVE this quote!

my travel has been so crazy i feel like i haven't seen or talked to ryan all week. i'm excited to get some solid time together, some fun things done around this wonderful house of ours, and see dear friends. we're also gearing up for a crazy april, so i'm planning on soaking up some calm. if you're looking for a great conversation starter for tonight, read this. we will definitely be discussing! see you monday! xo

summer kicks.

how cute are these?! come on summer...

pasta with tuna.

you know those recipes you LOVE,  then accidentally forget, and then rediscover?! i can't believe i ever lost this one. it is so, so simple & the flavors are magnificent. if you're looking for a new weeknight dinner, this pasta with tuna is your jam. p.s. isn't this great food photography from real simple?!

you know when the men are gone.

a fellow military wife recommended this amazing collection of short stories & i haven't been able to put it down. truly incredible writing, really gripping stories & unlike anything else i've read about military life. if you're looking for a good read, try  "you know when the men are gone."

our laundry room.

 

so, i can't believe after sharing my linen closet & closet, i'd post about my laundry room, but honestly, this room makes me so happy. it used to be this plain, cold room (literally -- the floor was frigid) & we've totally brightened it up.

first, this fantastic/affordable dash & albert rug. some gorgeous succulents in galvanized bins ($4 each!). artwork my sweet friend made. two of my favorite frames & one of my favorite engagement photos -- and, it's organized! the charms of an old house include old cabinets with character. they perfectly hold paper towels, detergent (which ryan calls "washing machine soap" - he's so cute) and footballs on duck tape. my favorite part? the late afternoon sunlight that pours in.

let's just say it's a tad brighter/girlier than ryan would have made it, but hey i was considering hot pink for the walls & i do a lot of the laundry (wink, wink). plus, there are usually flight suits hanging up, so that makes it very manly. next ridiculous part of the house to show you? our pantry! (is anyone out there enjoying these?)

brotherly weekend.

 

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