Waking up early and having a little coffee in peace while I write is one of my favorite ways to start the morning. I start getting excited for it around 8:30 every night. Or maybe it’s me just looking forward to going to bed at that time? 🤷♀️ Regardless, there’s a general sense of excitement that strikes then every night. Coffee + A little Growing Up Kemper = Sheer Quiet Happiness. Now add my 21 month old into that equation mixed with a little negligence on my part. Coffee all over the laptop and the motherboard fried. Nothing like taking a few weeks off my little slice of the Internet because I left my coffee too close to my laptop. Ugh…

But now I’m back with a beautiful new laptop and a whole rejuvenation to get going with Growing Up Kemper again. And what better day to start back than with Shay and Sheaffer with a little What’s Up Wednesday! Here’s everything we’ve been up to!
What We’re Eating This Week
One week we had winter and then BAM! Spring has sprung in Kansas City and it’s just oh so beautiful! The farmers markets will start opening their doors in the next couple weeks and all those beautiful cold weather veggies will be making their appearance in my recipes. Look out for an amazing Lemon Asparagus Angel Hair dish that will blown your mind in April!
But this week, we are going to stick to those hearty, simple (because we’re staying outside until the last possible second), delicious springtime favorites.

One of my favorites…and one of my most pinned dishes! You’ll love how flavorful and easy these Grilled Shrimp Tacos are!

Maybe lemon = springtime in my world? That zest brightens and lightens so many of my dishes. This Lemon Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is a family favorite and one we keep in a steady rotation this time of year. Not too heavy makes this one a great weekday meal!
What I’m Reminiscing About
Loading up the fam and going out to the Kansas City Royals games! Opening Day is Thursday and I’m dying to get back out there to get some sunshine, some family time, and to watch our boys in blue. 💜

And speaking of Opening Day, look at these adorable baseball tees I found on Etsy!



What I’m Loving This Week
It’s planting season!! Well…there was a chance for a frost this weekend, but…it’s planting season in my mind! 🙂

Our last frost typically is the first or second week in April so I am planting seeds, tilling beds, mapping out my plans, and getting those cold weather seeds ready to be planted outdoors in the next few weeks
If you’ve been following along for a few weeks, I’ve been doing a weekly series called “What I’m Gardening This Week.” It takes you through my garden, week-by-week, so it can be a little more manageable for you. I’ll give you the calendar, the ideas, and the reminders each week for you to do a big thing…in small, simple chunks. It’s not too late to get seeds started and join in! Don’t want to start seeds? That’s okay! We’ll get to planting outside soon!
So far, I’ve gotten into DIY grow lights and Companion Planting. This week, it’s time to get our Tomatoes, Peppers, and herb seeds started under our lights. Print out this calendar to keep you on track to a successful growing season!!

What We’ve Been Up To
These temps have been getting us outside morning until night doing all of our favorite things.
Zoo?

Check.
Playing with friends?

Check.
Loving life outside with Grandma?

Check!
I feel like we’ve suddenly come alive again. That was a looonnnng winter, guys. I’m ready to get outside and see the world again. 🙂
What I’m Working On
Boy do I have some great things planned for you! I have some great spring recipes to share, adorable snack and dessert ideas to take along with you on your Easter plans, spring wardrobe pieces that I can’t live without, and a guest bathroom DIY that will save you so much money on wallpaper!
Okay, maybe a sneak peek at that bathroom. 🙂
When the wallpaper you love is too much…just DIY!
What I’m Reading
I just finished reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and LOOVVEED it!! The dry humor and the twists in the plot make this one of my favorites!

Currently, I’m reading The Paris Seamstress.

I’m not immediately loving it, but I keep telling myself that it has amazing reviews and it’s an International Bestseller. It has to be good, right? I’m not giving up on it just yet. Anyone else read this book yet? Does it get better? I’m about halfway through right now and hoping for a better end than beginning!
What I’m Wearing
These shorts are the perfect not too short, not too long, don’t cling to your bum, just the right amount of distressing kind of shorts. Even better…they are running on sale for under $38 right now! All jeans and shorts are 25% off right now.

I also did a major haul at Target and Ulta this past weekend and wanted to share the pieces I’m loving, and what I’ve got on the way.
A subtle, soft pink neutral of a lip combination.

NYX Buttergloss in the color Creme Brulee

MAC Lip Liner in the color Soar
One of my favorite pore minimzers out there is the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer.

Goes on soft and smooth, and stays all day. This coverage is out of this world and lasts far longer than anything else I’ve ever used. My biggest issues is my pores so I’ve been through the cosmetic gamut. This one is my favorite and most highly recommended.
What I’m Doing This Weekend
Time with family, planting my first pots of pretty little pansies, and digging out a brand new garden. I don’t know that I could be more excited for these sweet, slow days outside.
Happy April, everyone!
I’m salivating looking at your meals!