I'm so excited that this week marks the start of summer vacation from school. I love not having to get the girls off to school in the morning, to a new kind of relaxing routine, to enjoying time and activities together . . . woohoo! One fun summer tradition we've had the past few years is a summer soundtrack. I make a playlist and burn it to a couple of CDs (I know - so old-fashioned of me) and save it to my iPhone and we absolutely wear it out listening to it all summer. This is the start above. A couple of additions have been "Nocturnal" by Billy Jonas, "You and Me" by Frances England, and "Pineapple Princess" by Annette Funicello. Little already knows the words to a few of the songs and it makes me smile to hear her singing along in the back seat. During the year, I think of and start a little list of songs to put on the list and the girls nominate some too (see Katy Perry above) and it's fun to put together and use all summer.
A few friends have asked me about my summer bucket lists of past years. For some reason, it's felt a little overwhelming to me this year and I've decided that if it's not absolutely necessary, to stop doing things that make me feel overwhelmed. However, we're revisiting favorites from old lists and things we didn't get to. I have no definitive plan but I still want to take my kids to Sea World (yes, I know about Black Fish, so sorry) and I have tickets (thanks Aunt Jody!) to take Big and Middle to the Hollywood Bowl.
Okay . . . as a follow up to the last post about finding kid-friendly suppers, here is one that was super easy and a big winner at our house. It's only 4 ingredients, only takes about 20 minutes and is nutritious and tasty. You're welcome!
Chicken Caprese Bake (serves as many as you want)
Chicken breasts
Prepared Pesto (I like both the Kirkland brand and the Trader Joe's)
Roma tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella (you can buy shredded but I've been liking the fresh kind)
Spray a 9x13 pan with olive oil spray or other non-stick spray. Place as many chicken breasts as you want to bake in the pan. Spread some pesto over the top of each breast. Top with a slice or two of roma tomato. Grate some fresh mozzarella over the top of each one. Bake at 350 for 15-30 minutes (depending not the thickness of your chicken breasts) or until the chicken is just cooked through and the mozzarella is melty.
This Chicken dish has become on of my favorite go-to meals on busy days. It's perfect for Monday night when I get home from work and want something that comes together quickly. I add rice and a vegetable and have a satisfying full meal.
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