A Molly trying to be a Samantha, why your coffee tastes weird, and what I'm eating with a broken fridge
weekly report 5.08.26
What is the Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T? I wanted to create a fun weekly format to share food, reads, hobbies, items, shows and more that I’m currently loving or making my life easier. I see “Efficient Kitchen” embodying the whole home as well as the people in it. I also want to hear from YOU. What are you enjoying? Comment on the post anything you’re loving in a R.E.P.O.R.T category.
Trying to fill the hole in my heart while I wait for EML vol 9, I decided to read Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. It’s her lesser known trilogy and a bit darker and more biographical than Anne of Green Gables. Anne and Emily are similar in the way they talk and think and drone on, but I find Anne way more cringey. (Sorry! The first book is tough for me. Even as a kid!)
One thing that I’ve learned lately is that if I’m struggling with understanding a book I’m reading, I need to pause and to read about the author’s life before continuing on. The best authors write about what they know, and understanding their life gives you insight into their writing. I started Emily and thought “oh we have another orphan going to live with a cranky old spinster” trope again. So I paused the book and decided to read more about Lucy Maud Montgomery. After diving into a few websites, I see that this book is very autobiographical even down to the odd mysticism in it?
I did enjoy the book minus one storyline with a much older cousin that grows bigger in book two (apparently). It’s a hard storyline to swallow when you think about it. Because of that storyline, I wouldn’t recommend it for young readers like the beloved Anne series, but it is an enjoyable read for an adult. The workings of New Moon farm and the characters were charming as well as watching Emily grow and mature over her time there.
ICYMI, My fridge and freezer have been broken. Honestly, my worst nightmare come true. Thankfully we have a small garage fridge/freezer to try to salvage and cram everything into the tight space. Since I don’t have my meal prepped breakfast right now, I have been loving this single serve protein pancake in the morning for breakfast with some fruit. It’s really light and fluffy- almost a dutch baby pancake texture.
I also am really excited to launch new meal plans with full Sunday prep steps next week to help make your weekdays and weeknights easier. We have so many activities going on that I keep having to be even more efficient than ever. I hope by giving examples, you’ll be able to see how easy the plug and play system is, but also giving you a no brainer plan to follow when life gets hectic.
My mission has always been to save time, money, food and sanity in the kitchen for moms. I started developing this system when my middle child was only 8 months because I was so tired of the drive thru and felt terrible. I wanted to cook more but not get burnt out or pull into Chick Fil A constantly because we were hungry without a plan. I’m excited to launch it and hope it will serve your family well.
Guys, I finally collected the final infinity stone of being a basic middle aged white woman- I learned to play mahjong.
I know. I know.
I actually loathe playing board and card games, so I thought I would hate it. I decided to go out on a limb and learn because one of my friends volunteered to teach us. Since friend is a former teacher, she made her own handouts taking up step by step on learning the tiles and the game rules. (I was honestly so impressed and glad I have something to reference now.) It is a complicated game, but it’s actually so so fun.
I found an “affordable” set of game tiles here that I think are really cute and hope to get sometime. (Hobby Lobby has a $20 set, but it’s missing blanks which would make it difficult to play in my opinion.)
As an avid American Girl Doll Enthusiast and lover of nap dresses, this collab feels like it was made for me. I was a Samantha and Molly gal growing up, and the infamous Ellie nap dress is on preorder right now. I think they sold out in 5 minutes which is crazy!
(I did find this nap dress on a decent sale and most sizes left as well as this LOVELY Scarlett dress. Hill House also launched their summer capsule and it’s just so pretty! I’m obsessed with this new style and print.)
It’s been awhile since I talked about coffee. If you are with me and think that coffee tastes disgusting out of a stainless steel cup or tumbler, you’re not crazy. There is actual science behind how the material you are eating and drinking out of can effect the taste. Stainless steel is a porous material and so all that residue from your old coffee or beverages will somewhat linger in it.
I personally LOVE this coffee mug because it has a removable glass insert. The outside is a regular stainless steel mug so you get the functionality of keeping your coffee warm without it tasting weird. I also love this larger version for the road that perfectly fits in my cupholder. I just got tired of taking my ceramic coffee mug everywhere and constantly spilling coffee on myself.
Equip launched their limited edition chocolate churro protein powder this week. Be sure to snag some here and use the code JORDANEK for a discount. I quickly snagged a bag to make some cookies for my family. (I have a tahini chocolate chip cookie recipe)
I have to be careful with dairy and this is one of the main reasons I love this protein powder. No dairy, only beef. Three out of the four of us have used it almost daily for years.
I also wanted to note that my favorite walking pad/treadmill company is having a $200 off sale right now. Here’s the updated version of the one we have and it’s $200 off right now. I love hopping on for 30 minutes a day and reading or watching TV.
Bauble Bar is still having 20% off site wide and my favorite necklace that I wear every single day is included. I have the size large.
Let me know any of your recommendations below! I would love to hear them.
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