The sun does amazing things to my soul.  Jacob and my brother would actually prefer rainy/cloud/foggy days, but no matter what the temperature is, if the sun is out, it just makes me happy.

Chicago had amazing weather this weekend – temps near 80 on Saturday and in the 70s yesterday.  I can remember some Easter Sunday’s when it was so cold Hannah had to wear a winter coat and boots with her sleeveless Easter dresses.

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I love seeing the green grass, although I just look and see how I haven’t really taken care of the yard as Tony would.  He was very particular about the lawn – me?  Not so much!   The dogs love being outside running around.  It is a rare feet to get Roman to sit still but I caught him just as he was resting.  

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It’s hard to believe that picture was taken on my iPhone!  I used the portrait mode, which softens the background around him.  

I didn’t get home from work until 10:00 on Friday night – so much work to do with the office move this week.  Saturday morning I was in my pajamas, on my laptop, with coffee with the windows open and it was divine.  I got a lot of paperwork done, had to dispute a charge on my credit card, just a bunch of stuff that I’ve been meaning to cross of my list and it was nice to do that.  Who says you can’t be productive in your p.j.s?  The kadults were at work Saturday morning and called to see if I wanted to meet for lunch – yes please!  Always say yes to lunch with your kids 😀

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Beef tostadas for the win.  #nsv?  I only ate two chips to see how hot the salsas were, and skipped the queso fundido (that looked amazing by the way!).  While at lunch we made the menu for Easter. . .  while the kadults went home to take a nap, I went grocery shopping – pretty much my favorite thing to do.  I know some people hate it, but I love it.  Check out the size of this carrot?!

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At Sam’s Club, I’ve been eyeing this bone-in ribeye for quite a while.  With perfect grilling conditions, I knew Saturday was going to be the day – the cook on this will be another post later this week – it’s a reverse seared steak and the perfect way to cook a steak that is 2.5 pounds.

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I love that shot that Hannah got!  Stay tuned later this week about this amazeball steak. 

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Not a shocker that my Mom spent Easter Sunday with me, you know, being her favorite child and all.   I always like to have a little tasting plate when she gets here since we weren’t eating dinner until nearly 6.  If you haven’t checked out Aldi for cheese, you really should.  They have an amazing variety and the prices are nearly half of that of regular grocery stores.  Take for instance that brie cheese – $2.99!

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Heat oven to 350.  Place the brie on parchment paper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons real maple syrup.  Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese starts to soften.  Top with salted toasted pepita seeds (I had raw pepita seeds that I just toasted in my cast iron skillet with sea salt for 8 minutes) and pom seeds.  I loved this combo – the maple syrup kind of caramalized on the bottom of the cheese, so you got a sweet/salty punch with each bite.  

I grilled a ham (the beef was meat my Mom brought that she wanted me to cook for her for later in the week – she doesn’t have a grill anymore).  

Aunt Martha, I totally misplaced this grill mat that you gave me for Christmas LAST year and am kicking myself because it’s awesome.  I cooked my green beans on the stove for about 5 minutes after the water boiled, then ran them under cold water to stop cooking.  I marinated the green beans in a tablespoon of balsamic dressing, then finished them off on the grill – the mat worked great – they didn’t fall through the grill grate, yet they still got charred.  Then I put the green beans on a cookie sheet, put a couple ounces of herbed goat cheese on top and put them under the broiler.  So good!

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Mom brought a bake in a bag turkey breast from Jennie-O.  It was great that it went straight from the freezer to the oven and cooked in a bag.   Hannah made a ramen noodle salad, that’s really delicious.  I guess I thought I could eat a lot!  I only ate a little over half of this plate.  So delicious and lots of leftovers for the week.

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I am keeping my meal plan simple this week because of my work schedule – I think I’ll have to work late every day to get all my work done before the move.   But there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Thanks Momma for coming over!

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This is the look you have when your Mom tells you that you need to cut your bangs Open-mouthed smile

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And thanks for bringing this amazing dessert – I am going to post this recipe later this week – it’s a WW recipe that is kind of like a dark chocolate mousse in this light phyllo dough.  It looks so simple, but this was divine.

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Hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful Easter with good friends, family and food.  Happy Monday – make it a great day!  The sun is shining, so I already know it’s going to be a great day.