More Outside Love

Everything tastes better when you're outside, doesn't it?


So now that our backyard is in better shape and the weather's getting a bit cooler, we're outside as much as possible.  Yesterday was the boys' first day at daycare and Christian didn't want to leave when we went to pick him up so I guess that's a good sign.  Dave made this yummy dinner above:  Grilled flounder stuffed with crabmeat (ala Trader Joe's- we love their frozen fish) with black beans & rice, and salata.  {Did you notice the leaf that fell from the tree above.. Here comes Fall!!}



After dinner we all enjoyed a fire:


And then we put the kids to bed & enjoyed this:


We've just recently reminded ourselves that we need to savor the little things...  to take pleasure in the every day.  Have a beautiful one!!


xoxo, Lauren

*After reading the comments, I should add here that the black beans & rice shown is boxed Zatarain's & if you don't have time to make it from scratch, this stuff is THE BEST.  (Try all of their flavors...  We love the jambalaya and dirty rice and adding sausage & shrimp & fresh herbs makes it Heaven!)

24 comments:

Lilacandgrey said...

is that the Zaterans black beans and rice? We LOVE that stuff!!

Laura Trevey said...

It sure does... and it always tastes better when someone else prepares it for you :)

xoxo

pve design said...

Trader Joe's is on my list for today along with enjoying dinner outside - with a sweater on and a fire!
Love these gentle reminders to take pleasure in the everyday beauties.
pve

Liz Bradley said...

My family adores spending our evenings outside! Love it!
Liz
http://mylovelylittlelulu.blogspot.com/

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

There is nothing better than a meal outside on a beautiful evening...yes, enjoy the small stuff! Janell

La Petite Gallery said...

God bless you and your family. Yes, the weather is changing and outdoors is devine. I am planning a Party outdoors for the group of Artists in my neighborhood.
Your Son is precious.

yvonne

Melissa Marie Head said...

Good for you! Enjoy those small moments - and I love the PJ's at dinner. We are getting a Trader Joe's in a few monthes and I am mega excited.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Dinner and the fire look great!
Have nice day.
Teresa (Splendid Sass)

Jules said...

Obviously totally ignorant but...what is black beans and rice...cause it looks absolutely delicious?!
I hope you enjoy your autumn as much as we are going to enjoy spring...when it finally gets here!

Living It At Home said...

I am inspired to enjoy every minute that we have left to be outside and dine! Grilling is so easy and makes everything taste great! Looks like a wonderul dinner and yummy too! I also love your outdoor fireplace. I have been meaning to get one or even build one outside. We live on a half acre and I could do more with the space for sure!

All the best,
Jamilyn

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

Dinner looks really tasty! I was looking at that same moon last night!! Beautiful.

Ruthie {Look Learn Love} said...

I LOOOVVVEEE eating outside. Backyards, sidewalk cafes, picnics in the park, whatever! - the food definitely tastes better!

Gretchen O. said...

So nice...no trader joes near us...boohoo, but I DO love Zatarains (has saved me many a night!) So great to have a fire with the hubby after kids are asleep. Bliss. Glad the first day of school went well:) --Gretchen O.

Anonymous said...

we love Zatarains too....
al fresco dining is tres bien!
xoxo

DecRenew Interiors said...

Feeling jealous of your weather. Still HOT here in Texas. I've still been enjoying my Gazebo by the pool with a glass of wine after the kiddos have gone to bed. Savoring the little things is what life is all about! Spending time with our little blessings and our men is what keeps us stable when we feel off balance. They keep us on track and remind us what really is important.

Ruthie

Acquired Objects said...

I thought I was the only one who ate Zatarain's, love the stuff. So glad to hear Christian loved school, whew huh?

Unknown said...

I knew he'd like daycare!! It's playtime and new friends, new toys, new stuff! A whole fun new world.

Unknown said...

My hubby and I like to call moments like that, "bliss!" And then to wrap it up with putting the kiddos down and enjoying is heaven. Working on redoing our outdoor space and getting a little fire pit. You have inspired me even more. Thanks!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

We love to eat outside too. This post is lovely!

Also, headed to NY next week to see Nate? If so, would love to meet you.

xo,
cristin

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Yum! It looks so peaceful at your abode!

Donna Lynne Cox said...

Wonderful!

red ticking said...

every day is truly a gift... faith and family... friends... health... love.... all we need... and your family looks wonderful xx

LindsB said...

What time shall I come over for dinner? YUM!

Kathysue said...

What a perfect day!!! So glad to see you enjoying your family and your yard, it doesn't get much better than that.Kathysue