Things I Love Thursday // 10.31.19

• Kindred - The hubby and I had the pleasure of celebrating a friend's recent nuptials in Huntersville last weekend. The drive is about 30 minutes north of Charlotte. Since we were heading up there on a Saturday evening for the festivities, we thought to start our night at the critically acclaimed Kindred restaurant in Davidson beforehand. We had both been there on other occasions but never for dinner and never together. We had excellent cocktails, an amazing meal, and so much fun. Look how funny I found my cocktail to be (photo below). Getting there might be more effort than the typical date night warrants --but the dining experience will definitely be worth it if you make the journey. (Our Uber was about $30 and the luxury of not driving was priceless because like I implied, they offer many amusing beverages.)
  
  

  

  "This cocktail is hilarious!"

  

  Scallops a la Plancha

• Optimist Hall - With a day off of school this week, I finally took the girls to Optimist Hall (located at 1115 N. Brevard Street). If you haven't been there yet, it's definitely an outing that should be added to your list. The building, a 147,000-square-foot redevelopment of an old gingham mill is now Duke Energy office space and an impressive food hall that includes some retail (Archer Paper, Pet Wants). The restaurant tenants open at the time of this post include: The Dumpling Lady, Undercurrent Coffee, Zukku Sushi, Bao and Broth, Honeysuckle Gelato, Papi Queso, Village Juice Co., El Thrifty, and The Spindle Bar. If that already sounds like an impressive list, get this --here's a list of what's still to come: Aix Rotisserie, Fonta Flora Brewery, Ava Neopolitan Pizzeria, Suarez Bakery & Barra, Billy Sunday, Felix's Handmade Empanadas, Botiwalla Indian Street Grill, Boxcar Betty's, Velvet Taco, and Mezeh. (Wow. Maybe we should agree to meet there daily until we've had a chance to sample all the goods?) As for the space, the brick, hardwood floors, and exposed duct work are original but the fresh coat of paint, big windows, and abundance of plants creates a bright, open, and inviting feel. They have ample seating options both inside and outside. The girls and I hit it on a Monday afternoon and the weather was sunny and warm. We were delighted to run into a handful of the girls' teachers and several neighbors and friends. Great minds...
  
  

  

  {photo via Charlotte Business Journal}

  
  
  
• "Weekend Plans" Art Print - We picked up this gem a few weeks ago for G's room. The print is by Shawna Koontz and it couldn't be more perfect for our girl(s). In case you can't see the text on the front of the book in the photo below, it reads "How to Smash the Patriarchy". Art prints are a versatile, affordable way to decorate. This 11x14 print was about $20 and the frame was on sale at Michael's for about $15.
  
  
  
  
  
• A Backyard Oyster Roast - Ahhh! I love oysters and I love them best freshly steamed with friends gathered around a backyard table in the fall sunshine. What a treat! Our friends sourced their oysters from Porcupine Provisions in Charlotte and they were exceptional! 
  
  
  
  
  
• Effortless Entertaining - On that note of gathering your friends together... A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hearing DeeDee Dalrymple tell the story of how she came to the idea to write her workbook/instruction-manual Effortless Entertaining. Both her presentation and guide book are packed with great tips, menus, resources, and stories. The idea that I find myself coming back to is this: inviting friends/family into your home is a gift. Specifically, DeeDee says, "Dinner is not a performance. It's a gift of friendship. Entertaining is about enjoying family and friends, not pursuing perfection." In reframing the starting point (from "putting on a perfect evening for your guests" to "enjoying a warm and genuine evening with your friends") she changes the energy and focus of the whole affair. In theory, this will help us all to move past any misgivings/stress around the idea that we have to prepare a perfect meal, have a spotless home, or be polished, well-practiced hosts in order to pull off a successful dinner party. We don't even have to strive for that --in fact, we should not. Instead, according to DeeDee, we just need remember and "appreciate that our friends are excited to be together in our homes... They'll arrive with open hands to receive our gift of hospitality." Don't wait until you think everything will be perfect; everything will be just right because you've extended the invitation.
  
  
  

Read More

Things I Love Thursday // 10.17.19

• This moment - On the back porch on a late Sunday afternoon, listening to the rain, enjoying a book, sipping wine, in my cozies, with a lap full of Geneva. Bliss. (And totally wearing the Athleta sweatshirt AGAIN... Also wearing some new leggings from Zyia that I'll test a few more times in my workouts before deciding if I'll recommend them here. So far, they're excellent for lounging!)
  
  
  
  
  
• Date Night at Dogwood - Located in Sharon Square by Southpark Mall, this is one of our favorite spots to end the evening (or spend all evening) when we have a date night. I have enjoyed dinner in the restaurant a few times and lunch on the patio once --but nothing comes close to bellying up to the bar and letting Bryan Lorusso make you a cocktail (or many) designed to delight specifically YOU and based on your preferences. You might consider taking an Uber or taxi --I'm confident you'll want to sample several creations.
  
  
  
  
  
• St. Anne Tote - I got this Barrington bag (first photo) at Christmastime in 2016 and blogged about it before. Now, almost 3 years later, I continue to use it OFTEN. (I added the tassel from Noonday Collection. No longer available but similar here and here.) It has held up so well. It looks like fur but it's not. The print is vinyl and the straps and bottom are leather. This bag is a workhorse. I take it on every trip because it's a great carry-on that I can fit tons inside: magazine, kindle, light sweater, beverage --in addition to all of my regular purse items. I have been tempted in the past 3 years to order another. There are so many variations on the website and you can customize and create the exact style you like. This new print (second photo) has me so tempted but I haven't seen it in person yet so... still undecided. I like that it's similar to what I already have but not the same. Would be a great option for you if you've been thinking of getting "The Bambi" but haven't pulled the trigger. What do you think?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The sound of a candle with a wood wick - Have you ever burned a candle with a wood wick? I only recently found out this is a thing. (Am I totally late to this party?) I have to say, I find the gentle crackling noise really suits the cooler weather we've been enjoying. It's literally adding another layer or texture to the enjoyment of a lit candle: scent, warm glow, and a natural sound effect too! Bonus. I made mine at The Candle Bar in Charlotte but you can find wood-wicked candles almost anywhere (again, late to this party) so choose your scent and let me know what you think. Amazon, Target, Walmart 
  
  
  
  
  
• Merida Flounced Midi Skirt - This skirt from Anthropologie is just right to transition into fall. I love the colors and the print. The camel/beige and wine colors against the navy background are perfect and I love the birds. (It's also available in a black, textured, "window-pane" fabric that looks cool.) The skirt is lined and moves well. I think it's feminine and flattering. You could dress it up with a blouse and heels or dress it down with a chunky sweater and booties or boots. I think it would even be great with a white T and sandals, come spring. I happened upon it in the mall --giving me the advantage of trying it on before purchasing which is good because it does not have an adjustable waist. I found the skirt to be "true to size." As I've mentioned before, I'm 5'6" and 140ish. I typically wear an 8 in pants but can size up or (much less often) down depending on the fit and maker (sorry that's not super helpful). I have a smaller waist and generous hips. In A-line dresses and skirts, I'm usually a 6 (because "Pencil" or slim-fitting is not my jam). I bought the 6 in this skirt and it fits great. Check out the reviews at the link to see what others had to say about the fit. And BEST: it's on sale for $80 and they're offering 25% off that price ("for a limited time") bringing it down to $60! As of today, they have it in sizes 2-14.
  
  
  
  

Read More