Things I’m Loving Lately #35
Good morning!
Hope your week has been going well. My week has been really confusing. Having the day off for the 4th of July was wonderful, but it also has me questioning what day it is every hour or so.
Some people decided to take Monday off which is probably smart. Though, I didn’t DARE ask for the day off because I just got back from two weeks away.
Still, it feels nice that the weekend is almost upon us!
In keeping with my typical Thursday theme and continuing that positivity from yesterday’s post flowing, here are a few things I’ve been loving this week! As always, leave a comment below and tell me what’s making you smile. I love reading them! 🙂
Our 4th of July
Initially, we were planning on doing the typical hamburgers and hot dog bit. But Katy was craving carnitas. I was craving margaritas. So we decided to change the menu to Mexican food! Besides, it felt more patriotic to celebrate America’s independence with food from other countries. That’s how we ended up celebrating our 4th of July with tacos and tequila.
“Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)”
In the musical Hamilton, there’s a line in Yorktown where Lafayette sings, “Immigrants. We get the job done.” Now there’s this video out with a song from the Hamilton Mixtape – inspired by that one line. It is so unbelievably powerful and, surprisingly, still so relevant in our current climate. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or or a Trump-fan (because, yes, that is a party of its own), we all know there’s shit going down with immigration. Trump has threatened and marginalized immigrants (both undocumented and legal) and this is one of many reminders that it’s NOT. EFFING. OKAY. I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that there are still so many people in this country who think they are more deserving than another – simply because they were lucky enough to be born here. This video and these lyrics just swim through my brain all day long.
Homemade Masala
My aunt and uncle are unbelievable, selfless human beings who set aside time every few months to make homemade masala for the family. They make several batches and then overnight them to each of our homes all over the country. It takes hours upon hours to do the chopping and mincing and dicing and cooking of the masala. And then they package it in individual baggies or Tupperware and ship it to us. Which makes my life a heck-of-a-lot easier. Because all I have to do is then scoop out a few spoonfuls in a pan, throw in some veggies and chicken, and, in under 20 minutes, we’ve got homemade Indian food on the table. We are absolutely spoiled with their love. And we are so grateful to get a taste of home even though we’re hundreds of miles away. We love you Masi and Aurps.
Sheet Pan Dinners
If you haven’t already gathered from above, I’m a fan of quick meals. Things that come together FAST. Mostly because I’m always hungry and I feel like if I don’t get something in my system ASAP when I get home from work, I will fall over and die. This is probably not true. But why test it, y’know? Sheet pan dinners come together in a flash. In less than 20 minutes, I finish dicing everything and throw it in the oven. And then I watch an episode of 30 Rock. And, by the time that’s over, my dinner is ready. So. Fast.
You Are a Badass At Making Money
I finished reading this on the plane back from California. And I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s like The Secret but less hippy-dippy. More practical. And also more sarcastic and witty, which I appreciated. I enjoyed it so much that I went to her website and downloaded all the modules she includes in her courses and have been listening to a few of them each night before I go to bed. It’s not simply about making money. It’s about setting goals and crushing them. She’s a really positive, inspirational person. But not in that typical self-help way. I highly recommend it!
Questions of the Day:
- How did you celebrate the 4th of July?
- What is one thing you’re loving this week?
SHeet pan meals RULE! I don’t know why they are just getting trendy, but my mom made them back in the day for us kids and we loved them then, too!
Those margs look divine! We celebrated w/family and I definitely had a few adult beverages myself 🙂
That is so sweet and awesome that they send homemade masala out like that! How cool to get a taste from home even when you are far away.
I LOVE that book, too! and i like tequila 🙂
sheet pan meals sound so convenient! that’s a great idea. can’t wait to try some out this summer!
I am loving the idea of margaritas today. Nevermind it’s only 10 am here as I read this. You totally got me craving them. I’m thinking later as we’re out at the pool, there are going to be margaritas in my plan.
Fun read! Thanks for sharing
I just read that book and loved it! I hope she keeps coming out with new ones!
I love the idea of celebrating the 4th of July with tacos and margaritas! Then again, I don’t need much of an excuse to make tacos and margaritas!
I love Masala! You wouldn’t have the recipe would you?
I just read that book and loved it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sheet pan dinners!! Love that the whole thing is right there together. Thanks, too, for the book recommendation.
I think tacos and tequila are the perfect way to spend the 4th! I need to replicate your sheet pan dinners – they look so easy and healthy!
Love the drinks! and Also sheet meals are the best. I’m all for simplicity especially for busy moms!
Oh boy, now I’m craving tacos and a margarita. Thanks for the book recommendation! It sounds like just what I need right now.
I really don’t get how people feel they are more entitled to be in the U.S. than anyone else. Unless you’re full Native American, you’re family was an immigrant, you know? I recommend you check out the book Refugee by Alan Gratz! It comes out July 25 but it’s SO good. I think you might like it.
I had to work Monday too – it did feel weird having a random Tuesday off. haha
Ooh. I’m curious about You’re a Badass at Making Money! I need to check that out.
Sheet pan dinners have been my thing but as well! They’re such a timesaver and make it cleaning up so much easier
Independence day was great this year! Tacos and tequila sounded like a fun way to celebrate! I’m liking the idea of sheet pan dinners.
I think margaritas and tacos are perfect for any celebration! We did the traditional hotdogs and hamburgers, but I’m really wishing I had a margarita or three to wash them down! 🙂
I’m curious about the book! I have to see it. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE a good masala!! And I’ve read You Are a Badass, but didn’t know there were more in the series! Will definitely have to check that out!
Sheet pan dinners are a totally awesome idea! I like that you bake the meal in the oven instead of frying or something.
We spent a quiet July 4th at home since our family vacation was thwarted by mechanical/vehicle issues and we had to turn around and come home.
As for what I’m loving this week, I would have to say I am loving my bullet journal. It’s a newly discovered creative hobby for me and even though I’m not artistic AT ALL, I’m still having a blast with it.
How thoughtful of your aunt and uncle. You sound like you’ve got one of the kindest, most selfless, caring families out there and it truly makes me smile in awe, because not everyone has that, you know!
You are surrounded by an abundance of love, friendship and sincerity. xoxo
Sheet pans for the win! I love them for veggies and making chips and of course can’t forget cookies ha!
well i dont celebrate 4th of july because im mexican and i live in mexico but i loved the idea of celebrating it with tacos and margaritas!!!!
i also love quick meals!! i dont always have time to prepare food when i get from work and i like t have stuff ready
The fourth through off my week, too, ha ha! Sheet pan dinners are awesome 🙂
This is the most random post ever, I love it! I want in on the homemade masala! Amazing! That is such a sweet family tradition!
That sheet pan dinner looks super healthy and delicious!! Also, Mexican food is one of my faves. Looks like you’ve been enjoying yourself this month!
I don’t ever really make sheet pan dinners, but after seeing yours I might try some !
I made masala for the first time this week, too! It was pretty delicious. I love your sheet pan dinners. That is something I need to put in my rotation ASAP! We celebrated the Fourth by hanging at a neighbor’s house for a barbecue. It was also their son’s birthday and he is under the impression that all of the hoopla is just for him! This week I am loving the water. My daughter is taking swimming lessons and she is actually enjoying herself this year! Have a wonderful rest of your week!
That masala looks absolutely delicious! I am a huge fan so I wouldn’t mind taking a bite… or two, or three, or four!
I don’t think I have had masala before, because I haven’t seen Indian restaurants serve it in a vegan dish, but I would love to make some! It looks delicious, and my husband loves it in the chicken dish he orders. I am a big fan of easy meals too, and I have been meaning to start making sheet pan dinners for my blog!
Great post, I love that song and what an inspiring message!
Once I do move out and start cooking on my own those sheet dinners seem like they would save my life, I have seen some really yummy looking ones on pinterest!
I love that book in the original You are a Badass. I met her in April at A book reading/signing and she is amazing! And I can’t believe I’ve never heard of sheet pan dinners! I love quick meals!!
I bet that homemade masala has some great flavors. I would love to sample it for myself.
I have been so confused this week! I have no clue what day it is. I totally forgot to put out the trash and I have never forgotten in the past 30 years!