Easy Weeknight Recipe Roundup

One of my goals for 2018 is to try more new recipes. I don't know about you, but sometimes I get into the rut of making the same meals over and over. Don't get me wrong, I love tacos, but I do think there are so many great recipes out there just waiting for me to try to change up our usual meal plan!

My husband and I both work full time jobs, so we don't always have a ton of time to cook. I am always on the lookout for recipes that I can make in 30-45 minutes without dirtying every dish I have in my kitchen. I recently decided to start a checklist note in Google Keep on my phone, and every time I come across an online recipe that I want to try, I add the link to my note. Once I have made the recipe, I check it off - easy peasy! I also have started to add an additional note beside the link that details whether or not we liked the recipe. I really have enjoyed this system for two main reasons:

• It let's me keep track of what I've made, and that gives me a sense of accomplishment which can be really beneficial if cooking isn't really your thing and you need the encouragement that you do make new, delicious things (if you tend to forget, like me!) 
• It also allows me to keep a running tab of meal ideas that I can go to when I'm needing to meal plan for the week and don't know what to make! 

I know this might seem really basic, and it's essentially like keeping a recipe box. But if you are like me, and don't always take the time to write down the recipe, it's a great way to organize ideas. I thought I would share a few of the recipe links that are currently on my list of recipes to try or ones that I have tried thus far! 

No. 1 - Chicken Caesar Salad (actually planning to make this tonight!) using this homemade caesar dressing recipe and this super easy instant pot chicken!

No. 2 - Taco Tuesday, anyone? This pork carnitas recipe looks easy and delicious!

No. 3 - My favorite blogger shared her cajun chicken pasta recipe, and man, oh man does that look good!

No. 4 -  While Kyle's not a huge "breakfast-for-dinner" kind of guy, I love it. These 2 ingredient pancakes are so healthy, and I am so interested in trying!

 What are your go-to easy weeknight recipes? I would love for you to share in the comments, and maybe I will add them to my ongoing recipe list! 

Twenty-Four

I'm a day late, but yesterday was my birthday! Man, oh man, did my husband Kyle make it a sweet and special day. Kyle is a pretty simple and quiet guy. He's not one to get super excited about holidays, but he's an amazing gift giver and he loves to surprise me!

We started off the day by hitting up our local Starbucks on our way to church. He told me he had reservations at 5:30, so we spent our afternoon relaxing and cuddling with our pup (I think Ollie thought it was his birthday too ;)) For dinner, he took me to The Melting Pot which is a delicious fondue restaurant. After dinner, we went to the movies. I LOVE to go to the movies, and we saw The Greatest Showman. It was SUCH a good movie. I absolutely loved it.

My sweet sister-in-law and brother-in-law got me these gold balloons. It was my idea of a perfect birthday, and I am so thankful for the friends and family in my life that made it extra special.

Twenty-four - you're looking good!