Things I Love Thursday // 9.12.19

• Cotton Swabs - Ladies, if you are 45+, you need to hear this: You are likely walking around all day with residue mascara smudged on your eyelids (near the lash line) that you inadvertently placed there while applying your mascara the same way you have been doing since you were twelve years old (or if your parents were paying too close attention, 15 years old). The reason it is a problem now is because our eyelids are a little different than they used to be (just saying). And it's not been a problem before so you're not on the lookout. And you probably can't see the little smudges behind your lashes without taking a careful look up close to the mirror (which you're not doing because you've never had to before). SO... before you snap the lid shut on that last cosmetic and head out for your day, please grab a little cotton swab and take a close peek at your eyelid situation. We may have to lean in close to the mirror these days for a clear view --but we don't have to encourage people to attribute more years to our age than we have earned. 
• Toddlers in Goggles - *giggling*
  
• Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce - I'm posting about a Trader Joe's item nearly every week. (If you don't have a TJ's near you, I'm so sad for you.) I bumped into a friend while shopping and she was enthusiastically in favor of me trying it. Holy cow. It's not just hot, it's tasty. Maybe the fermentation has something to do with it? It's seriously spicy so proceed with caution. We've added it to pasta, scrambled eggs, and sandwiches. It's great with cheese and crackers --or just crackers. You could mix a bit in with macaroni and cheese, add some to mayo or spice up your ketchup for a dipping sauce, punch up your marinade, or just enjoy it by the spoonful. KIDDING. Don't do that. It's very spicy and you may even think it's not for you after the first taste --but you'll soon realize you have to have more.   
  
• Target Dress - If you're a regular reader here, you might think that Target and Trader Joe's (and plants) are my whole life. I promise, I have other interests and activities. Anyhoo... this dress from Target is comfortable, easy, and flattering. When you put it on with a pair of earrings and some sandals --you look like you really made an effort. So easy. I love the brown color --but don't think I can quite pull it off (near my face). The pink is a lovely, soft shade. I went with "Dog Bone" (ivory) and definitely need a slip with it. Also, it's longer on me than it appears on the model in the ad (not shocking --since only I'm 5'6" (don't let my family try to convince you that I'm only 5'5.5" --you're supposed to ROUND UP, people). 
  
• Frozen Avocados - Have you tried these? They're great! Let's be clear, I haven't actually defrosted any to make guacamole --but I love adding some avocado to a smoothie and a few of these frozen wedges are perfect for that. Fresh avocados are a staple around here but they can be so finicky --like, "Sorry, Tammy. I know I was perfectly ripe about an hour ago but..." 
  

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Things I Love Thursday // 9.5.19

• A Surprise - Especially when the surprise is my little brother on the back porch! Greg went to the gym, per usual, at the crack of dawn on Friday morning. But when he wasn't home at his regular time and then 20 minutes past his regular time, I started to get a little worried. Before I could get too concerned, he zoomed up the driveway and out of the passenger seat popped this cutie! As we live on opposite coasts, I don't get to see my brother all that often. (To be honest, I don't see my "this coast" brother very often either. *sigh*) We were due for a visit in August, but as you might remember, we had to cancel our trip at the last minute due to chickenpox. Anyhoo... THIS GUY coordinated a surprise with my husband and we enjoyed a very lazy weekend of golf, shopping, eating, and catching up. Love.
  
• Quick Lunch Ideas - And this week's new winner is Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice from the frozen Asian food section. It takes 6 minutes for the girls to heat this bag in a skillet on the stovetop and another minute to transfer the deliciousness to their thermoses. It's the perfect amount to share between the two of them. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Keep your fingers crossed that they don't fall out of love with this too soon, as I plan to stock up for 1-2/week offerings.
  
• Little Big Meals - Speaking of easy food prep... The Fresh Market's weekly offering of their "Little Big Meal" is the best deal in town! Any day of the week you can swing by your local Fresh Market and pick up this meal "package." It's usually a main and 2-3 sides portioned to feed 4 people and it is always $20 or $25, total. Everything is prepped (chicken breaded, burgers formed, veggies chopped, salads made, etc.) and it typically takes about 10-15 minutes to put dinner together. Ta-da! (They do offer pot roast and lasagna sometimes and those take longer to cook but are still totally simple to put together.) Every Wednesday they swap out the meal. You can look ahead to see what's coming by visiting the Little Big Meal link. 
  
• THIS PLANT - So my friend, Fran, is totally ridiculous (in only the best way) and she hired City Stems (who I mentioned last week) to create this "thank you" for me (which was very NOT necessary) for some neighborly favors the girls and I took care of for her during a very hectic time recently. And... because Laura (of City Stems) and I are friends and both crazy plant ladies, she knows that I have been fostering an unhealthy obsession with finding a variegated plant. I haven't had any luck on my own but she had this little baby up her sleeve and BOOM: Now it's mine and I'm so in love. She definitely needs a name... Any suggestions?
  
• Getting Tucked In - Now that they are getting older and we are getting old, Greg and I want to climb in bed well before the girls are ready to "shut their show down." It took us a little time to figure out a new goodnight routine that seemed to still work for everyone and it is this: They tuck US in. Goodness how times have changed! (Please enjoy the photo below of P's first "big girl" bedroom setup. She was such a stinker at bedtime --having to be RE-"sleep trained" about every 8-12 months. This was the phase were we had to go over her Sleep Rules before bedtime every night.)
  
• Listening to Books - I love a good audible book. I usually have two books going at all times: One to read at home (especially in bed while I'm waiting to be tucked in) and another in the car that I listen to whenever I'm alone --even if it's a 4 minute drive to the grocery store. My family thinks I'm so funny *not* when I never tire of asking them on group outings, "Are you all dying to find out what's happening in my book? Would you like me to turn it on for us?" Kidding aside, listening to someone else read to me always adds more texture to the story. Professional readers add tone, humor, and timing that enhance the characters as well as the plot. I recognize in myself the tendency to rate a book higher if I've listened to it --rather than read it. (Yes. I rate all the books I read on a scale of 1-5 on Goodreads or 1-10 in my book club.) I've lately begun deliberately selecting audible books in which the narrator has an accent. Delicious. My recent favs include: The Song of Achilles, Circe, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Paying Guests. Who doesn't love an accent?? 

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Things I Love Thursday // 8.29.19

• City Stems - You guys. I cannot express strongly enough what you are missing (in Charlotte) if you do not yet know about City Stems (on Instagram @city.stems). My unbelievably talented friend, Laura, offers floral and plant arrangements "uniquely designed for your interior" --and she is as lovely in-person as the creations she puts together for any and every occasion. Even if you're not in Charlotte, do yourself a solid and follow her Instagram page for a regular dose of WOW. For consultations, orders, and questions, contact her via Direct Message or the information readily available in her Instagam Bio (linked above). Below is a screenshot of her feed.
  
• Monstera Earrings - Speaking of plants and how I'm basically obsessed these days (now that I've figured out how to keep most of them alive), check out these sweet Monstera Leaf earrings I found recently at a boutique here in the Queen City. BTW, (and I'm sure this goes without saying) this picture of me is totally filtered! Ha! While you can't order these online, I did find similar designs here, here, and here.
  
• Our School Routine - I never think that the summer is long enough. I enjoy lazy mornings, unstructured evenings, and open schedules. However, every fall, I fall in love again with our school routine. Because the girls have a late start (9:15am), our busy mornings still manage to be *almost* pleasant. Busy days whip past and we all feel more motivated. We sent them both off to their last year of middle school together this week but it still felt like they left the house like this:
  
• Rock Steady - Every Thursday afternoon I have the absolute pleasure of spending about 90 minutes supporting, encouraging, and exercising with 15-20 of the loveliest folks in town. The Rock Steady Boxing program is a "non-profit organization that offers people with Parkinson's disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum." In addition to what this program offers to participants, volunteering with them gifts me a sure-fire way to fill my bucket. I am so rewarded and honored to witness their fight as they kick Parkinson's ass. 
  
• Greeting Cards from Trader Joe's - When the typical greeting card at Target or the grocery store is going for about $5, please keep in mind and stock up on so many lovely choices the next time you're in your neighborhood Trader Joe's. For just 99¢, they have you covered for birthday, graduation, thank you, thinking of you, get well, sympathy... The card stock is quality and the illustrations are unique. Look how perfect this one is for my Sour branding! Love.
  
• Book Club - If you're not in a book club, please join one or create one. Seriously. Make the effort --even if you're not a big reader. As I've "grow up," I have found that my opportunities to engage in regularly scheduled, thoughtful discourse about non-work-realted topics grows smaller and smaller. I look forward to my book club meeting every month. Sure, we drink wine, snack, socialize and talk a lot about our kids/husbands but then, after about 30 minutes, we load up our appetizer plates, fill up our glasses, and settle in for a solid discussion about what we read and how we reacted to the plot, characters, and theme of the selected book for the month. It's always most enjoyable when we disagree and/or have conflicting responses to the text. I love to hear how the stories are processed by my friends through the filters of their experiences. For about 2 hours, once/month, we are thoughtful and silly and it fills me up! 
• Jergens Natural Glow (face) - My friends, be careful with this one... I use this product about once/week and I love it. Applying the quantity pictured below carefully to my face (avoiding eyebrows and working carefully to blend at the hair, ear, and jawline) gives me a warm, healthy glow that I appreciate --considering that my face is covered daily with sunblock (preventing me from achieving any "real" sun-kissed" glow). You can apply it more often, if you desire but do go slow. The color develops over time and I don't want to hear about it in the event you over do it and look silly. Also: Wash your hands with warm water and soap after you apply!  (They also offer this in "Fair to Medium.")
  

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Things I Love Thursday // 8.22.19

• Eye Shadow - This Maybelline eye shadow quad comes with instructions printed IN the makeup. How simple is that? I bought "Chai Latte" but the quad comes in lots of lovely choices. I can use the base and lid colors for a subtle look during the day or vamp it up with a heavier application of all four colors for an evening out. I hope it goes without saying that you should use brushes to apply your eye makeup and not the little spongy wands that come in the palette.  
  
• Southeastern - This 2013 album from Jason Isbell is far and away the playlist I return to again and again. I shuffle through these songs at least four times a week and I cannot imagine ever feeling tired of his voice or his storytelling. Isbell's most recent album, The Nashville Sound, is also crazy-good (as is everything else I've ever heard him sing) but the simplicity of Southeastern is the best. Even if you're not a fan of "Alternative Country/Americana" (I am definitely more of an AltRock girl) you owe it to yourself to give this album a listen. "Songs That She Sang in the Shower" was the first Isbell song I fell in love with, closely followed by "Flying Over Water," "Relatively Easy," "Cover Me Up," and on and on... {In full disclosure, there is one song on this album that I will skip because it's a little too twangy for my taste.} 
  
  
  
  
  
• Fleabag - Oh my. Raise your hand if you've had the pleasure. Here's the premise in a nutshell from Amazon, "Fleabag is a hilarious and poignant window into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, grief-riddled woman, as she hurls herself at modern living in London. Award-winning playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge writes and stars as Fleabag, an unfiltered woman trying to heal, while rejecting anyone who tries to help her and keeping up her bravado all along." There are only 2 seasons, a total of 12 episodes. That's all there ever will be (for a long time at least). This show is definitely one to save for after your kids are out of the room. Enjoy!
• Heeled Sandals - These little sandals from J.Crew Factory are a perfect neutral with a great heel. The height is flattering and with the block-style heel (which offers good support) still very comfortable . I love the ankle strap and the wood detail. These shoes are very walkable and best yet: on SALE now. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Charlize Theron as Megan Kelly - Holy moly, People. Have you seen the trailer for Bombshell?? 
• Unquarantined G - Did you know that 1/10 people who have been vaccinated for chickenpox can still get chickenpox? It's true. Who knew? Not me. Anyhoo... after a very long, mandated stay in our house, Geneva was finally re-released into the wild this weekend. She had a great time with her friends and the joyful little bounce in her step has returned. Happiness.
• Athleta Romper - My friend, Sally, wore this romper in black when we went golfing together a few weeks ago and it was so perfect for the outing. She looked comfortable, sporty, and adorable. So of course, I copied her and bought one for myself. I found this olive-colored one on the sale rack (red is on sale too) and will be ordering a black one as well (not on sale, but sweat-proof). Talk about effortless --and in the sticky southern heat, nothing could be better. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Back to School Photos - 'Tis the season for all the kiddies to return to school and I absolutely love to see all my friends and family posting pictures of their cuties as they tromp off on their new adventures. Most of the faces have smiles, some do not. That's ok. I believe education is a human right and quality education is a gift. I also believe it's foolish to think that every kid feels the same way. 

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Things I Love Thursday // 8.15.19

• Big Brown Pants - ;) I read about these cropped, wide-legged pants on Emily Henderson's blog and decided to give them a try. As you know, I will try just about anything from Target, and their Who What Wear line is one of my favorites. These pants are pretty cool, people. I love the white stitching, the oversized pockets, and the high waist. The crop falls just above my ankle. (Which is fine and due to my being 5'6" --but not quite AS flattering as what appears on the model. Obvi.) Forever between sizes and on account of my generous behind, I ordered an 8 and a 10. The 8s fit perfectly; however, they are 100% cotton and I would love to be able to toss them in the dryer. If the 8s shrink at all, they won't be as "everyday comfortable" as I want them to be (as I imagine wearing them constantly this fall). I'm leaning toward returning the 8s and being carefree about the drying of the 10s. (Reviews on the site say they run a tad small.)
  
• Instagram Account @haleydrewthis - Haley Weaver and her thoughtful illustrations were introduced to me at a mother/daughter conference I attended with G a few years ago. Haley's illustrations are insightful, authentic, and refreshing. It's a lovely surprise to come across a new post and a simple way to give yourself an inspirational treat as you scroll through your feed.
  
• Michelle in the Middle - I just mentioned a mother/daughter conference in the previous love item. I had the pleasure of attending the conference ("Right in the Middle") with each of my girls as they were approaching middle school. Michelle Icard is a writer, speaker, educator and author of Middle School Makeover (get it). She publishes insightful articles, has had multiple appearances on our local show, Charlotte Talks and on The TODAY Show, offers summer camp programs for girls and boys rising through middle school, and has created and carefully moderates an amazing resource on Facebook for parents across the country. Less Stressed Middle School Parents is a page/group that primarily offers support to its participants. With over 5000 members who share concerns, ideas, advice, and experiences, I would readily argue that there's something useful for every one of us hoping to do this parenting thing with intention. 
  
• Bangs? - Ugh. (Wasn't even on the list until I just saw this side-by-side.) Truth is, I only love them when they're "done" --which adds more work --especially when it's this HUMID. (Good grief, Charlotte!) Ok... holding that thought and moving on.
• Thoughtfulness - My girlfriend texted me the other day, "Hey, I'm going to Costco. Can I pick anything up for you?" I'm not ill. I'm not swamped. I'm not running up against a deadline. I'm not recovering from surgery. She just wanted to save me the trip. It was such a simple gesture and so appreciated. Do something thoughtful for someone today. Make it a habit.
• Little Bee's Cheesecakes - Brittany used to be the office manager at my chiropractor's office. She recently left her desk job to focus more fully on her passion: making cheesecakes. She launched her business from Instagram (@littebeescheesecakes) where you can drool over her latest creations. Not only are her cheesecakes absolutely delicious, they are stunning and affordable too. Unfortunately, you have to live in/near the Charlotte area to get your hands on one. If you're reading from afar, come on out for a visit --I'd love to have an excuse to order one for us. :)
  
• Yogurt - Greek Gods Yogurt is a favorite breakfast or even dessert offering around here. We love the Honey flavor best. It is a bit on the indulgent-side in terms of calories, carbs, and sugar... but you've got to live sometimes, people. With a little fresh fruit, some granola for texture, and a drizzle of honey, you've got yourself a simple, beautiful, DELICIOUS treat!
  
• Fresh Figs - See above. Wow. I wish I had a fig tree. I love them plain, in yogurt, wrapped in prosciutto, on a pizza, as a jam, with my cheese... What am I missing?? 
• Thoughtfulness (Again, because there's no such thing as too much.) - Hold the presses! I'm adding another remark about thoughtfulness this morning before I publish this post. I was just greeted by a little surprise on my doorstep that has me reveling in the kindness and consideration of friends. Stemming (pun intended) from a remark I made the other day, my plant-loving (and über talented) friend Laura (of @city.stems), just gifted me this overly-complementary (just ask my grumpy Caladium) and very cool mug. For no reason except to bring me a little joy. How lovely. Be a joy-giver today and comment below about how you're accomplishing the challenge. 
  

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Recipe Review | Quick Sausage Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

I came across this recipe while scrolling through Instagram yesterday. If you don't already follow Epicurious (@epicurious), you should start. You can also sign up for their newsletter via email. They have a ton of amazing-looking dishes. Not only did this particular recipe look delicious, it also appeared to be super quick to prepare AND we had a lot of the ingredients (or similar) already on-hand. Bonus, bonus, bonus. I made a few adjustments to the recipe (noted below) and this will definitely return many times in the future. Everyone liked it and it was very easy for a busy weeknight. Its actual title is "10-minute Sausage Skillet..." but mine took longer than that, maybe 15-20 minutes (due to extra prep time for the veggies I added and to ensure the sausage was browned and the tomatoes burst). I plan to enjoy the leftovers tomorrow morning with a fried egg on top.

10-Minute Sausage Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

via Epicurious

(4 servings)

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What you need:

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

12 ounces fully cooked Italian sausage, sliced into 1/4"-thick coins (I doubled this and used andouille because it's what I had and I needed to cook it up.)

2 pints cherry tomatoes (I used about 1 1/2 pints.)

2 garlic cloves, pressed

4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed from stems

2 bunches broccolini (about 1 pound), trimmed, halved lengthwise

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (I added this to the recipe.)

1/2 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces (I also added this.)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

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What to do:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 2-4 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, and thyme, stir to combine (not too much --let them brown) and cook, pressing down on some of the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to encourage bursting, 2-4 minutes. 
3. Add broccolini; season with salt and pepper. Cook, covered, 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
5. Divide sausage mixture among plates. Serve with crusty bread or over rice (like we had it).
   

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Things I Love Thursday // 8.8.19

• Floral Dress - This comfortable and flattering dress is from Amazon. It's less than $30. There are tons of prints to choose from. I wore it with a slip and paired it with heeled sandals. There is some bra exposure under the arms --but not too bad, IMO. I tied the attached belt in the back, rather than what is modeled in the link. I wish the belt were detachable, as a straw belt or wide brown leather belt would look great too. (I may just bust out the seam ripper and remove it.) I usually wear a 6/8 in dresses. I ordered this in a Small and it fits great. At ankle-length, it is on the long side (I'm 5'6"). The slit is not too high. Some pics on Amazon look like there are pockets --my dress has no pockets. It's a dress that is easy to wear and looks like you put in a lot of effort when you actually didn't. The v-neck is not too deep. I'm sorry this is the only picture I have with me in it and my bag is blocking almost the whole thing! LOL 
  
• Puzzles - I love working on puzzles. If you can't remember the last time you sat down to a puzzle, do yourself a favor and bust one out. I find them to be very relaxing (especially with a glass of wine). They can be fun to do with the family and if you set up on a card table or side table, you can come and go --working on it over the course of several days. We find that a puzzle is great to take on family beach or mountain vacations and I usually have one out over our holiday breaks. These days, there are some really great looking designs available (like the one below with gold leaf accents). My friend Anne and I even trade and pass along our puzzles after we've completed them. 
  
• Hand Lotion - Y'all! (I wrote that because I found this next favorite while visiting friends in Alabama a few weeks ago and I think I'm really funny.) I love the smell of gardenias. If you do not, please feel free to skip ahead. We were in a little gift shop full of lovely treasures and trinkets and I'm so happy that I didn't miss this small jar of hand cream. It's from Boll Weevil Soap Company and the scent is "Summer Gardenia." The cream itself is silky and nice but for me, this product is all about the way it smells. The photo below shows how much I use for one application to (the back of) my hands and the fragrance lasts forever! (Also, it does not clash with the body whip I posted about last week. Bonus.) As I've mentioned, I do not care for lotion on my hands; however, I love this so much that I use it at least twice a day. I put the cream on the back side of my hand and and then rub the backs of my hands together. Am I crazy? Maybe --but I smell great and my hands don't feel lotiony (which is definitely a real word). If you're interested in getting your hands in some, call Chad Wester at 334-393-SOAP because the Gardenia isn't kept in-stock online but is available in their store and they will ship you some. They have tons of other scents and products. If you discover something different that you LOVE, please let me know by commenting below.
  
• Pineapple Necklace - I would not describe myself as any kind of "pineapple-loving person" (the fruit is quite nice --but I'm referring to decor/accessories). However, when my friend, Simone (who happens to be pictured with me above in the Amazon dress), and I came across these lovely little keepsake necklaces in Charleston during her last visit out from California, they turned out to be perfect little keepsakes to remember our time together near the beach. We each bought one for the other. Each of the "Sea La Vie" necklaces are packaged sweetly with a little saying inside the box. The sentiment with this pineapple design reads, "You basically have to be my friend forever because you know too much! Wear this necklace and know that if I had to share my last piña colada with someone, I'd pick you every time." There are great little messages to share between friends or mothers/daughters that speak to encouragement, gratitude, and attitude. The company that produces them, Spartina 449, has a storefront in Charleston that we spent a good amount of time inside (the air-conditioning was enjoyed as well). In addition to this line of delicate necklaces, we found lots of things to love while shopping around, like this, and these, and this too. 
  
• Banana Bread - The Chiquita Banana Bread Mix is the best I've ever come across. Obviously, from-scratch would be best. However, since trying this boxed mix, I have not returned to purely homemade. This one just tastes too good and is too effortless to abandon. The recipe calls for 2 over-ripe bananas (or as my friend, Miffy, would say in her amazing Australian accent, "grumpy bananas"), water, and an egg. I found it years ago in the neighborhood grocery store but since then, have only been able to find it through Amazon (where I buy 3 at a time). It's always a hit around here.
  
• Cheerful Sneakers - I found these Soludos sneakers (for Geneva on her birthday) --or should I say, they found me? --I'm pretty sure an ad for them popped up in my Instagram feed and that's how they got on my radar. I looked carefully at the reviews and decided to pull the trigger. I couldn't be happier that I did (and more importantly, neither could she). They are so well-made! The leather is soft and pliable. The stitching is beautiful and vibrant. The only downside is that they might be a little delicate for any real wear-and-tear. For example, I've mentioned to her that if she were to sit on the sidewalk criss-cross-applesauce, she would surely scuff, dirty, or even pull some of the threads along the resting side of the shoe. Sizing is very true; however, if you're slightly between sizes, I would go up. She wears a 7.5-8 (just like me YAY!) and the 8s are just right with a thin "no-show" sock. 
  

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Recipe Review | Milk Street's Israeli Hummus + Spiced Beef Topping (Kawarma)

Several months ago I was introduced to Christopher Kimball's Milk Street magazine. I don't remember how I stumbled upon it, but after thumbing through a few pages, I was sold. Literally. I am now a subscriber of the print edition (they have an online version as well) which arrives in my mailbox every-other month. It is gorgeous! The recipes are plentiful and varied and the entire package is presented in a way that makes me want to read it cover-to-cover, like a novel, as soon as it arrives. Also, there are NO advertisements. None. Below are the first recipes I tackled. The story part of the Israeli Hummus article was enlightening as well. I don't think I'd every heard of serving hummus warm and certainly not as a main dish (typically the breakfast choice in Tel Aviv and often eaten with a spoon, like soup). The suggested accompaniments (sliced hard boiled egg, roasted eggplant, Kawarma) take the dish in different directions.

Israeli Hummus

via Milk Street (Special Issue)

Makes 4 cups (leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days)

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What you need:

Cold water

8 ounces dried chickpeas (Whole foods Market 365 Everyday Value brand recommended)

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup roasted tahini, room temperature (Kevala, Soom or Aleppo brands recommended)

3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika 

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What to do:

1. In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of cold water, the chickpeas and 2 tablespoons of the salt. Let soak at room temperature at least 12 hours or overnight.
2. In a large stockpot over high, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Drain the soaked chickpeas, discarding soaking water, and add to the pot. Return to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium and cook until the skins are falling off and the chickpeas are very tender, 45 to 50 minutes.
3. Set a mesh strainer over a large bowl and drain the chickpeas into it; reserve 3/4 cup of the chickpea cooking water. Let the chickpeas sit for 1 minute to let all liquid drain. Transfer to food processor. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, then process for 3 minutes (even if you think the consistency is smooth sooner, use all three minutes for a very creamy and light result).
4. Stop the processor and add the tahini. Continue to process until the mixture has lightened and is velvety smooth, about 1 minute. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the processor bowl. With the machine running, add the 3/4 cup of cooking liquid and the lemon juice. Process until combined. Taste and season with salt.
5. While still warm, transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl and use a large spoon to make a swirled well in the center. Drizzle the well with olive oil, then top with the parsley, cumin, and paprika. OR make the Kawarma (below) and too with that instead!

Spiced Beef Topping (Kawarma)

via Milk Street (Special Issue)

Makes about 2 cups

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What you need:

1/2 pound 90% lean ground beef

2 teaspoons sweet paprika

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, divided

1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tahini, to serve

Optional toppings: toasted pine nuts, fresh mint, feta, pickled red onion

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What to do:

1. In a medium bowl, use your hands to mix together the beef, paprika, salt, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, cayenne, garlic and 2 tablespoons of water.
2. In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef mixture, onion, and olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until the onion is softened and the beef is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add another 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and cook, scraping the pan, until the water has evaporated and the mixture begins to sizzle, about 5 minutes. Off heat, stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Taste and season with salt. 
4. Spoon over hummus, then drizzle with tahini (and add toasted pine nuts and fresh mint if you want to enjoy it exactly like we did).
   

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Things I Love Thursday // 8.1.19

• Photo Box - If you're looking for a gorgeous way to keep/display memories from a favorite trip or event, I couldn't recommend this Photo Box from Artifact Uprising any more. It's very well-made and the simple style is eye-catching and unique. The front photo is on full display. It holds up to 50 photos (5x5 squares). Artifact Uprising prints your images on beautiful, thick paper. I find that thumbing through a "deck" of photos is a refreshing update on the memory book or album route. The set can be a little pricey ($60 for the box + $22 for 25 prints or $44 for 50 prints) but I think the product really showcases and celebrates a special time. This would also be an amazing milestone birthday gift for a family member or friend. 
  
  
  
• Re-reading a few great "trashy" (?) novels - This is funny. I know. The thing is, sometimes it's nice to indulge in some mindless entertainment. While at the beach a few weeks ago, I found an old copy of Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon in a thrift store. It was 25¢ (no tax). I remember reading it when I was about 15 and that it was the first novel I read that had such an unexpected twist that I felt my brain do a little somersault at that passage. I wondered if it would still "stand up" and entertain me like it had before. After several flight delays and an unplanned overnight at the airport hotel on our return leg from the beach, I decided it was the best quarter I ever spent! I was engrossed. After posting about it on Instagram, several friends recommended other "trashy" reads and I've plowed through since: including Master of the Game (another Sheldon --boy, does he have some weird thing with powerful and twisted women!) and Twilight (I know. --but only the first book in the series!). Fun, fun! I'm about 1/4 of the way through Forever by Judy Blume (which I never read as a teen) and I'm considering revisiting Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews. Do you have any other trashy recommendations? Please comment below!
  
  
  
• The Library - You guys! (Aside from that quarter at the thrift store, I didn't pay for any of the books above.) The online library situation is legit. If it's simple and user-friendly in Charlotte, then odds are it's pretty great where you are too. Digital loans are so convenient and couldn't be easier. Do you have a Kindle? Then you have an unlimited number of free reads right at your fingertips! If you have a kid between the ages of 8 and 28, chances are they can help you navigate the borrowing system and show you how to transfer your loans to your device (an if not, I'm certain a librarian would be very helpful). Game-changer. Our library also has an audio book option and you can listen to your loan right from the app on your phone. Brilliant. 
• Flower Child - Apparently this fresh, plant-forward (plenty of protein additions available) restaurant started in California. Makes sense. Charlotte just got one and the lines are out the door and down the street (or they were at lunch this week when I was there with a girlfriend). Not to worry, the line moved fast and there were plenty of spots inside and on the patio. Parking was not as abundant so if you can, carpool, light rail, walk, or ride. Don't miss the Tomato Toast. I can't wait to go back and try All Of The Things. 
  
  
  
• Target Jumper - Here's another cozy/lounging alert! I love, love, love this super-soft jumper from Target. I found it in the lounge/pajama section and it's great for when my caftan is in the laundry {wink}. I have worn it out of the house (on the return flight from the beach I wrote of earlier) and it was great with a colorful sports bra. Usually an 8 in bottoms, I bought this in a medium and it's just right. I feel like this is something I should buy a second one of... for when this one gets a little worn and I'm sad it's not available anymore...
• Sitting with this guy on our porch - No explanation needed. ;) 
  
  
  
• Golf Outings - Double-date golfing is super fun! Though, I do have a few requirements: 1. Moderate weather; 2. 9-hole maximum; 3. Icy adult beverage; 4. Not keeping score; 5. The option to pick up my ball (hopefully, it's "findable") and throw/drop it wherever I want on the fairway or green; 6. The understanding that if I swing and miss my ball completely, we behave as though I was taking a practice swing. Ta-Da! SO fun! Let's play. 
  
  
  
• Egg Thins - I literally just made an entire post about these versatile little wraps that substitute for bread or tortillas. In case you missed it and you're a person who cares about carbs and sugar intake, I'm mentioning them again. 

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