Roundup: Meet Stella! Plus Shutterfly Freebies, Dog Training Videos & a 2-Week Menu Plan

Things have been changing around my home, and it started with my decision to post roundups every other week with a 2-week menu plan. And then we got a dog! Meet Stella:

She's a six-year-old Maltese that we rescued, and she's as sweet and chill as can be. The 4th of July fireworks didn't bother her, and as long as she's with someone, she's happy. My kids are both over the moon to have a dog, and I'm glad I'll have a companion when they're both off at college. So we're all adjusting to Stella's needs and creating a new routine, while I try not to think too much about how my nest will be empty in a couple of months. 

If you have any advice for adapting to life with a dog, please share! And have a great week 😄(I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

I feel a little foolish admitting this, but it wasn't until recently that I finally got a pair of gardening shears* for when I get flowers. They make cutting stems so easy that I can't believe I didn't think to get a pair earlier!

Through tomorrow (7/8), get a FREE mug, cotton tote bag, set of playing cards, and/or set of coasters with code 4FREE at Shutterfly.* And if you purchase any products that aren't free, go through Mr. Rebates* to get a 1% rebate. 

I now get served all kinds of dog training videos on TikTok, but my favorite is Jamie Diaz.

TWO WEEK MENU PLAN - July 7 - 20, 2025

Monday 7/7 - Enfrijoladas (although my shortcut is to use a can of Herdez Salsa Verde-* instead of making it from scratch)

Tuesday 7/8 - Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon

Wednesday 7/9 - Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Ramen Noodles

Thursday 7/10 - Baked French Toast (I have some brioche rolls in the freezer I'd like to use up), Sausage, Eggs, Fruit

Friday 7/11 - Miso Chicken with Rice

Saturday 7/12 - Roasted Cauliflower and Sardine Pasta

Sunday & Tuesday 7/13-15 - Dinner out

Wednesday 7/16 - Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas

Thursday 7/17 - Tortitas de Espinaca

Friday 7/18 - Chicken Tinga Tacos

Saturday 7/19 - Anchovy Mozzarella + Pesto Melts

Sunday 7/20 - Cauliflower Parm

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!