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Thursday, March 31, 2022

Things I Love Thursday // 3.31.22

Custom Converse

Seems like everyone has a cool pair of high-tops this year and I didn't want to be left out. I love the look with joggers, dresses, and jeans. Decided to go with a classic: Converse. I designed the perfect pair for me (off white with a neutral accent) and I'm so happy with how they turned out. This platform style runs true to size.



Orzo & White Bean Soup

Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup is another hit from Half Baked Harvest that my family absolutely loves. I make this every few weeks on Meatless Monday and the girls are able to take leftovers to school in their lunches (keep a little extra broth on hand to help with the consistency of next-day servings). 


Amazon Slides

These "house slippers" are amazing. And yes, I wear them outside of the house too. They are squishy and durable --I'm a big fan. Geneva calls them my OjÄ«chan sandals (which means "grandpa" in Japanese). I call them fun.


Free Little Art Gallery

I'm sure you've heard of a Little Free Library --but have you ever come across a Free Little Art Gallery?? My city is so cool! The basic concept is just like the little libraries: the Free Little Art Gallery movement invites passers-by to pause for an accessible and unexpected art encounter. Take a piece, leave a piece, or both! They're gaining popularity. Here's a Washington Post article about where the idea started and what's behind it.


Allergy Medication

Wow. This season has been off the charts. I'm grateful for modern medicine.


Coupon Gifts

One of my all-time favorite gifts (holiday, birthday, Mother's Day) is a COUPON from my kids. Most recently, I cashed-in a coupon for "Dinner" and Piper planned, executed, and (mostly) cleaned up a delicious meal of pork chops, jasmine rice, and green beans. Delightful!


Sweet Peas

If you've been hanging around here for long, you're sure to know that I love some simple stems in a vase. I've blogged about grocery store blooms, my appreciation for Trader Joe's flowers, and even cuttings from the yard. I'm so tickled with the way these sweet peas fan out from one of my favorite vases (a lovely gift from a great friend).


Oscar Party

I'm not going to comment on the drama (pun intended) --but I would love to share some details of the lovely party I attended Sunday evening (in my PAJAMAS). The hostesses went all out with the Oscar theme and the guests went all out with their contributions of appetizers, sips, and sweets. We met new people and visited with good friends, played games, made predictions, and laughed a lot. It was fantastic!










This post may contain affiliate links and I may make a HUGE commission (j/k it's literally pennies) when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You should know (and I'm legally required to tell you) that as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Feel free to make me RICH. lol ;)

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Things I Love Thursday // 3.3.22

Spring-Like Weather

Which means front porch-sitting, one of my favorite pastimes. Our neighborhood is lively with cyclists, students, and all of the dogs out walking with their people. Nothing better than cool sips, background music, conversation (or a book), and warm sunshine from the best vantage point. We've had two of these patio sets for a few years now and while the cushions have had to be replaced, they have held up so well and I just love the way they look. Cheers!

(Indoor/Outdoor Rug)

MLS Soccer in our City

This weekend is the Charlotte FC home opener and the stadium is sold out. The weather should be fantastic and the Joneses are pumped. It's time to start learning the chants (Banks, Beer, and Soccer is already my favorite). I'm all in.

They haven't said dogs are allowed in the stadium yet
but we're all hoping the announcement is coming soon! 

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

I rated The Flatshare 5/5 stars because it was delightful on all fronts. It's maybe not the best book I've ever read (I actually listened to it and the accents were brilliant --highly recommend) but it's certainly one of the books I've most enjoyed. The characters were fun, layered, and likable. There was tension and story. I cared about what happened and was humored and entertained the whole way through. Check it out.


Hoisin Ginger Noodles (Milk Street Magazine Jan-Feb, 2022)

I've made this recipe so many times that I know it by heart and make it by feel. It keeps in the fridge for several days and it's easy for the girls to pack for school lunches. I've added browned ground chicken and shredded rotisserie chicken on different occasions --but it's delicious without meat as well. (I liked the ground chicken better and when I add a protein, I just increase the sauce by a bit.) Boil a package of linguine noodles according to directions. While cooking, make the sauce in a large bowl by mixing: 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (this adds a LOT of heat --reduce the quantity, if needed), 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or a giant squeeze from the bottle). Drain and rinse the noodles and add to the bowl, tossing with the sauce and 3 green onions --thinly sliced. Garnish with 1/4 cup salted, roasted, peanuts. Enjoy!

{image via Milk Street}

Playing Dress-Up with my Friends

My girlfriends have a hilarious Instagram account where they dress up like the characters of some of their favorite television programs. Seriously good fun. Occasionally, they invite a guest to appear in one of their posts and last weekend it was ME! If you've not watched The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window yet --look away! But if you have, please enjoy my Buell! LOL

This post may contain affiliate links and I may make a HUGE commission (j/k it's literally pennies) when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You should know (and I'm legally required to tell you) that as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Feel free to make me RICH. lol ;)