🌸 Fresh Starts, Flower Pots & Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken Bowls

💐 Fresh Starts

There’s something about finally cleaning out your car that feels like a total reset. Mine had been needing it for way too long—but I finally did it! And wow, just stepping into a clean space has made every little errand feel lighter.

I also planted flowers this week, and I’m so excited to watch them grow throughout the summer. It always amazes me how a little water, soil, and sunshine can turn into something so beautiful.

Charlie’s been my little sidekick through it all. He’s absolutely loving our deck—especially when he gets to splash around with water. Seeing him out there giggling has reminded me how fun the simple things can be.

🍗 Featured Recipe: Sticky BBQ Chicken Bowls

Your new go-to summer dinner: sweet, smoky, and a little crispy.

🛒 What You’ll Need:

• Chicken tenderloins (frozen or thawed)

• Your favorite BBQ sauce

• Brown rice

• Bell peppers (onions optional)

• Seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper

👩‍🍳 Quick How-To:

1. Instant Pot Chicken: Add frozen chicken, ½ cup broth, and seasonings. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then natural release for 5. Shred and toss with BBQ sauce.

2. Air Fryer Finish: Pop sauced chicken in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F to get caramelized edges.

3. Sauté Peppers: While the chicken finishes, sauté sliced peppers in olive oil with a pinch of salt.

4. Serve: Layer rice, chicken, peppers. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you’d like.

✨ Simple, hearty, and totally delicious.

🗓️ Meal Ideas for the Week

Monday: Grilled cheese & tomato soup
Tuesday: Turkey taco skillet over rice
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Bowls
Thursday: Sheet pan sausage, sweet potatoes & green beans
Friday: Mini naan pizzas with your favorite toppings

🍌 Quick Snack: PB Banana Oat Bites

Perfect for toddlers or afternoon pick-me-ups!

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• ½ cup oats

• 1–2 tbsp peanut butter

Instructions: Mash banana, stir in oats and peanut butter, then:

• Chill for a no-bake bite, or

• Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes

⏱️ Time-Saving Tip

No time to thaw chicken? No problem.
Cook frozen tenderloins straight in the Instant Pot with water, marinade, and spices. It’s fast, hands-off, and still full of flavor.

🥬 What’s in Season?

Brighten your plate with these spring stars:

• Juicy strawberries

• Crisp spinach

• Bright radishes

• Fresh asparagus

• Green onions

💛 A Note to End On…

The little things—like clean spaces, blooming flowers, or a toddler playing on the deck—are worth noticing. They’re proof that beauty and joy grow quietly in the background, even when life feels full.

I’m cheering you on this week.

Cara