0 In Nesting

Nesting

Nesting - moving into our new home, family photo in front of new home

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Nesting on this rainy September weekend.

Whew it’s been a bit hasn’t it?? I know I’ve been quiet over here lately and there’s good reason. We moved mid August! We always knew that our previous home wasn’t our forever home. We had actually been planning on building and had a hold on a lot. But then in June, this beautiful home came on the market in one of my favorite neighborhoods and all the stars aligned!

So August we scrambled to move in and then a week later we left for our annual summer vacation in Rhode Island. Then came home to get the boys ready for school. Now everyone’s settling into their routines and we’ve been busy with projects making our home our own.

Today I plan on piddling around and adding some sprinkles of fall to our porch. If you are looking for front porch inspiration here are some ideas.

Here’s what you may have missed recently:

My Fall Wish List – Everything that’s currently in my Amazon cart. And I bought the lanterns, they are gorgeous!!!! Everything is linked here.

Fall Wish List - everything that's in my Amazon cart. Fall mules, fall decor, faux florals

 

These peanut butter banana oatmeal bars – if you’ve got overripe bananas and are looking to make something else besides banana bread, these are it!! Here’s my easy recipe. 

Peanut butter banana oatmeal bars

 

Last week’s best sellers – see them here

Last week's best sellers on Amazon - dumpling advent calendar, sports mom shirt, fall clogs and more

 

What I’ve been Watching & Reading

Furious on Hulu – if you haven’t watched it yet, all episodes are now out and this is a great binge! The acting is phenomenal and it just got renewed for season 2!

Furious on Hulu with Emmy Rossum

The Whisper Man – I plan on watching this new thriller on Netflix today. It features Robert DeNiro and Adam Scott and is about a boy who goes missing in a town where there is a serial killer known at The Whisper Man.

The Whisper Man - What I'm Watching this weekend

The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman- The brand-new series from the bestselling author of Practical Magic, following two brilliant young women in 1950s Cambridge, Massachusetts, as they become immersed in a mysterious secret group of witches at Radcliffe known as the Lilith Society. This is a “Read With Jenna” pick and I thought perfect for fall! 

The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman

**Exclusive Discount Code**

My friend Annie has her own little candle business, Copper Candle Co. When I tell you that her candles smell incredible, it’s no exaggeration. I just received some of her new fall scents, like the blueberry pumpkin waffle and fall festival and they make the house smell so warm and cozy. She gave me a discount code to share with you all. Use code Nicolle15 for 15% off at checkout! Click here

fall candles Copper candle Co discount code

What readers and blog subscribers are saying:

Amy said re: French Onion Chicken Bake – “I made your french onion chicken the other night it was a hit! And so easy!”

Brittany says re: Delicious Grilled Steak Chopped Salad –  “I made this for dinner tonight. Absolutely delish!!!!!!”

 

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead!

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0 In Amazon/ fall

Fall Wish List

Fall Wish List - everything that's in my Amazon cart. Fall mules, fall decor, faux florals

This post contains affiliate links

It’s officially that time of year when I want to buy everything cozy. Cute fall mules, warm candles, cozy lounge sets and pretty fall decor are all starting to fill my Amazon cart.

Today I’m sharing 10 things that are currently on my fall wish list and in my Amazon cart.  Be sure to click the numbers below for links 🙂

Fall wish list - everything I'm eyeing for fall. Fall loungesets, fall decor, cushionare clogs and more

1/2/3/4/5

6/7/8/9/10

 

For more fall feels check out

How to live the cozy fall aesthetic

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2 In DIY/ holidays

Easy 4th of July Gift Idea with Sparklers and Free Printable Tag

Easy 4th of July hostess gift idea of sparklers with a free printable tag that says "You host the party, we'll bring the sparkle" tied up with ribbon

Easy 4th of July Gift Idea with Sparklers (Free Printable Gift Tag!)

Looking for a last-minute 4th of July hostess gift that’s affordable, festive, and guaranteed to make your host smile? Skip the typical bottle of wine and surprise them with a bundle of sparklers tied up with a sweet gift tag that says:

“You host the party, we’ll bring the sparkle!”

It’s simple, thoughtful, and takes less than five minutes to put together.

Why This Makes the Perfect 4th of July Hostess Gift

If you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, pool party, or neighborhood cookout, it’s always nice to arrive with a little something for the host. This DIY sparkler gift is:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick to assemble
  • Festive and patriotic
  • Perfect for adults or families
  • Easy to personalize

Best of all, it’s something everyone can enjoy as the sun goes down and the fireworks begin.

What You’ll Need

  • A package of sparklers
  • Ribbon or baker’s twine (red, white, or blue)
  • A hole punch
  • Scissors
  • Free printable gift tag (In order to get access to my free printable library, you must be a blog subscriber. If you’re not already sign up below)

Click here for access to the free printable library. (Password will be in your welcome email)

supplies to make an easy 4th of July sparkler gift idea. Sparklers, red, white and blue ribbon and free printable gift tags that says "You host the party, we'll bring the sparkle"

How to Assemble

  1. Gather several sparklers into a neat bundle.
  2. Punch a hole in the printable gift tag.
  3. Tie the tag onto the sparklers using patriotic ribbon or twine.
  4. Place the bundle in a gift bag, wrap it in tissue paper, or simply hand it to your host when you arrive.

That’s it! In just a few minutes, you’ll have a charming hostess gift that looks like it came from a boutique.

 

A Simple Gesture That Goes a Long Way

Hosting a holiday gathering takes time and effort. Bringing a small gift is a meaningful way to say thank you for opening their home and creating a fun celebration for family and friends.

Whether you’re attending a neighborhood barbecue, lake party, or family picnic, this adorable sparkler gift is a simple way to show your appreciation.

After all…

You host the party, we’ll bring the sparkle!

4th of July sparkler gift idea. Sparklers with ribbon and a tag that says "You host the party, we'll bring the sparkle"

For more of my favorite 4th of July ideas check out

This red, white and blue candy salad

My boozy bomb pop cocktails

The best recipes for 4th of July

Pin It for Later

Pin this easy 4th of July sparkler gift idea with free printable gift tag

 

4 In food/ Recipes

Delicious grilled steak chopped salad

Delicious grilled steak chopped salad. The viral chopped steak salad

It’s salad season and more importantly it’s grilling season! This delicious grilled steak chopped salad combines delicious mouthwatering grilled steak with fresh veggies to make a healthy, yet satisfying meal perfect for those hot days.

If you’re looking for a meal that combines the hearty satisfaction of grilled steak with the crisp freshness of a colorful salad, this Grilled Steak Chopped Salad is the perfect answer. Packed with tender slices of smoky grilled steak, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Delicious grilled steak chopped salad. Grilled steak on a cutting board with corn, getting ready to add to a bowl of chopped salad

Tips for the Best Steak Salad:

  • Allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling before slicing.
  • Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for the perfect chopped salad texture.
  • Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  • Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to prevent everything from getting saturated and wilted.

Delicious grilled steak chopped salad. How to make the viral chopped steak salad

Delicious grilled steak chopped salad

Ingredients:

  • Grilled steak
  • arugula
  • Roasted asparagus, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup of bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pickled onions
  • 1 cup of corn, cut off the cob

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup EVOO
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • salt/pepper
  • chopped parsley (to taste)

Directions:

1.) In a large bowl add the arugula, asparagus, cucumber, bell pepper, pickled onions and corn.

2.) When the steak is ready, slice into bite sized pieces and add to the salad.

3.) In a smaller bowl, combine the EVOO, balasamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup and dijon, whisking together.

4.) To the bowl of dressing, add salt, pepper and chopped parsley, mixing well.

5.) When ready to serve, add the dressing to the salad and toss so that everything is coated evenly.

Enjoy!!!

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