Recipe- Shrimp Scampi

A couple of weeks ago we decided to make our own take on shrimp scampi.   We don't have our own recipe but we used one as a guideline and made it to our liking. We bought Argentinian shrimp because they were on sale.  The employee working in the seafood department told us they were sweeter than other shrimp and tasted similar to lobster.  We thought "yeah ok" but we were pleasantly surprised that they did taste similar to lobster! The texture wasn't as soft as lobster but the taste was very similar.  If you love shrimp, it's a definite must to try.

Here is the recipe that we used as a guideline for the sauce.  We added more garlic and butter because we love garlic and butter.  

The photo of our final dish is poor quality since it was taken in bad lighting with my iPhone but it gives you an idea of how it looked!

Life Update- Beach Trip

Instead of a Monday Must-Haves post I thought I'd share a life update with what we've been up to the past week or so!  We've had a whirlwind past week and the next couple of weeks will be the same. I celebrated my birthday last Saturday, the 14th.  To celebrate, I got a pedicure and went to dinner with my family at a local Italian restaurant.  My mom and stepdad got the best strawberry shortcake for my birthday cake.    Even Josh who typically doesn't like cake loved it.  The very next morning, we packed up and headed to the beach for a short getaway. We only stayed 4 days/3 nights but it looked like we had packed to stay for a couple of weeks!  When you have a 3 year old and a 1 year old there's just too much to pack (and unpack).  We stayed at my grandmother's beach condo while we were there.  She's owned it for more than 20 years now so I have a lot of my own childhood memories there.  Both kids absolutely loved the beach and pool.  Benton didn't hate the sand but didn't really love it either, however, he loved the ocean.  We sat him between our legs and let the little waves come up over his legs.  He would squeal and giggle when a wave would come.  Mary-Grace loved the water too and wanted us to take her in deeper, but we didn't because rip currents have been bad lately plus Josh and I are a little nervous swimming in the oceans.  We had storms about half the time we were there but it would stop long enough for us to run out and have some fun before the next storm would come.  We tried to get seafood at a semi-nice restaurant one night but that didn't go so well.  We had to wait forever for a high chair so Benton sat in Josh's lap.  As soon as we got the high chair and tried to put him in it he wouldn't have it so there went that.  Any other parents who can relate?  On our last day, we rode the ferry to Southport to shop around and have lunch.  We try to go with the flow but also somewhat stick to a routine and not completely throw it out the window while on vacation.  Of course I took a ton of pictures and shared a few below.  I think I may frame the top one of them together walking on the sand.

This week we're getting things ready to paint our living room which we're planning to do this Saturday and we're getting things for Mary-Grace's birthday party which will be August 5th.  We also have some other events coming up that we're planning for and that will keep us busy!  What are y'all up to this week?

Outfit- Summer Casual Under $50

Happy Tuesday!  I hope your week has started off well.  We've been busy running errands, going to gymnastics and I'm about to start cooking dinner for our friends coming over tonight.  We're planning for an upcoming trip to the beach and I've been thinking of cute outfits that are casual but still put together enough to be thrown on to go shopping, out to eat seafood, or to the pier.  I can imagine the outfit below just for those outings!  The plus, every piece is under $50 and can be paired with so many more outfits.

Dress: here

Bag: here

Slides: here

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Outfit- Fourth of July

I can't believe tomorrow is the 4th of July!  This summer is starting to fly by.  We decided to host a small cookout at our house tomorrow with my dad, uncle, and grandmother coming over.  We will have hot dogs, hot dog chili, baked beans, chips with dip, and I'm still deciding on a dessert (maybe the s'mores I mentioned yesterday?).

The 4th is one of my favorite holidays.  I love all of the decor, American flags, fireworks, hot dogs, and spending time with family and friends. I especially love a holiday that includes an outfit "theme".  Most people wear red, white, and blue, and/or something with Americana design.  

Mary-Grace and Benton will be wearing these outfits pictured below, from Little English.  They also wore them for Memorial Day and it was so precious.  

Tomorrow I'll be wearing these shorts with this shirt.  I have these earrings in red that I'll pair with the outfit but they are currently sold out in that color.  You can check it all out on Instagram!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday!

Monday Must-Haves for Fourth of July

Last week was a crazy week for me which is why I only posted once.  Josh was in San Diego for work so I was home alone with the kids.  We were all very excited when he arrived back home!  I got by just fine but I did miss his help during dinner and bath time.  We stayed busy with play dates, gymnastics, swimming, and plus the usual responsibilities.  We have a good bit going on this week too but at least I'll have help at night! Do you have plans for the fourth?  We had some tentative plans but I'm not sure if they'll hold up so we're thinking of new plans.  I'd love to go see fireworks but with a 16 month old who goes to bed a couple of hours before the show usually starts, it's not really feasible.  The poor little guy just can't stay awake past 7:30 and it wouldn't be fair to him to drag him out somewhere that late.  What are your plans?  Do you have any traditions?

For those of having cookouts or parties, how cute is this set up below? You can shop here for the look.  Also, how stinking cute is the cupcake kit? Found here.  It would be fun to have the little ones help bake and decorate some cupcakes to take to a cookout or share with friends.

These sparklers would be a lot of fun to pass out to guests at a party.  You can print out the sleeves here.  

And how perfect are these s'mores kits?  S'mores kits are easy and simple to put together.  You don't have to go all out with a label. A clear box or plastic baking bag from the dollar store or craft store with some festive ribbon would also look great!  I can't take credit for the ones below though... you can find the creative gal here.  

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