Weekly Menu 12-2-24

 It's been almost a year since my last post. I was beginning to get a little lost and burnt out creatively, so the weekly menu fell by the wayside. Honestly, most of my socials went kind of quiet and I didn't make much art (which is my happy place). But, I'm back... for now.

A little year-in-review life update. 

We took an amazing family trip to Costa Rica in the spring to celebrate Jared and I turning 40. We flew into San Jose, drove to La Fortuna and spent a few days exploring hot springs, hanging bridges, and waterfalls. Then drove to Monteverde, where we visited the Cloud Forest, did a coffee and chocolate tour, and had amazing food. Then we headed to the west coast to Playa Del Coco and spent 5 days at various beaches and pools soaking up the sun, drinking batidos en agua, and eating all the Ranchitas and lime Elotitos.

I also took a super fun trip to Napa in September with college friends to celebrate all of us turning 40 this year. We haven't all been together for close to 12 years. Life happened and we scattered. 3 of us are still in Ohio, but all in different regions. The other 3 are in different states. It was so good to reunite and stay in a super cute little house in Napa for a long weekend. We also spent a day exploring Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf in SF.

My sister stayed with us for 3 weeks this summer because she and her family bought a house 12 minutes away (instead of 4 hours!!) but the house wasn't ready before she started her new job. But now the little cousin crew sees each other weekly instead of 3 times a year. During the summer, we went creeking, visited Lake Erie, and had lots of playdates.

All the siblings and our kids met again in Columbus at my brother's house for the 2nd annual 4th of July party. 

I grew nasturtiums this year and I really love to pat the leaves in the pot. (if you know, you know). I harvested a lot of seeds so I can grow more next year.

In August, we took a trip to Athens and kayaked at Strouds Run.

Then Fall brought back some creativity and I started making random art again, writing, and trying out new and fun recipes. And we attended Ingenuity Fest again!

And finally, my Goodreads Reading Challenge is at 41/15 books read. I didn't set my goal very high this year but I have clearly been reading more than I expected. I read a few manga series this Summer so that really boosted my total. And a big thanks to my bookclub gals for choosing books I wouldn't normally choose myself.

And if you got this far, I guess you want to see my menu for the week. Its a pretty simple plan, after a weekend full of activity.

Monday: Veggie Soup

Tuesday: Ground Beef Tacos

Wednesday: Carne Asada Nachos

Thursday: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Cowboy Butter Pasta with Blackened Chicken (found recipe on IG. I'll let you know how it is)

Sunday: TBD. I have book club, so I will likely eat out.

Its really cold this week, try to stay warm. Feel free to leave a comment if you wanna say hi, share your meal plan, or have any questions about mine.

Have a delicious week!