Things I Love Thursday // 4.15.21

BIG BEN, this Target Dress and Hat, and Fran's Lemon Jelly Sandals

Would you just look at this guy? He's growing like a weed. He's 12 weeks and almost 35 pounds. We are all smitten. He is having some health issues --so it seems like we might have some longterm (simple) care to throw into the mix... I will keep you posted. We've just done some preliminary tests so far. In less-stressful news, how cute is this outfit? HA! I love a dress that you can throw on the makes you look like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. That is this dress. I wish I could tell you the dress was still available; however, I bought it in the fall when I under-packed for a few weeks on the west coast and it is no longer online. But this one is similar and from the same brand, as is this one. The simple knit hat is easy to pair with nearly anything and you can't beat the price. I love having a hat for when the weather in wet. No matter the effort I put into styling my hair I can count on lots of frizz and tons of not-so-good volume even if the air is barely damp. I borrowed these adorable sandals from my friend, Fran, (as we were heading to a soggy outdoor gathering and every wedge I own has a very porous heel). I'm thinking I might have to pick up a pair of my own --they were incredibly comfortable and super cute! Necklace and bracelet stack are favorites too!

Planting the Garden

We put the garden in over Spring Break. It's been just under 2 weeks, it's already coming along so nicely! Last year we harvested tons of tomatoes, radishes, squash, and banana peppers. We had less success with the pole beans, carrots, strawberries, and kale. This year, we skipped the carrots and kale, planted a couple different onions, went for peas instead of beans, and are trying our hand at cantaloupe. I'll keep you posted!

Progress shot!

Planning

A Visit from Simone and Coco

One of my besties and her sweet tween, Charlotte (aka, Coco), came out from California to spend some of their spring break with us and to explore the Carolinas. We were so happy to have them --though it wasn't for nearly enough time! We dined, played, relaxed, sipped, and shopped. Simone also had this lovely plant potted into a perfectly-matched-to-my-kitchen-island pot when we visited the PlantHouse (formerly known as PlantBar).

Riverbend Retreat

Later, during our break, we had the pleasure of spending a couple days with our friends at their mountain retreat in Todd, NC. Their home is located on the New River and we passed our time playing games, kayaking, taking walks, watching our puppy torment their older and less-enthusiastic older dogs, hot tubbing, and snacking. We intended to stay a bit longer but as I just mentioned, we brought our new puppy along so it ended up being more work than we had in mind.

Minari

This movie is a beautiful look at what defines family and what makes a home. We laughed out loud throughout and during the in-between times, fell in love with each of the characters as they worked through their individual struggles. It's a quiet movie so if you're looking for big action and weighty drama this one might not be for you. 

Chicken Braised in Coconut Milk with Sweet Potatoes and Rice

An oldie but a goodie. This flavorful dish from Half Baked Harvest is one I will continue to come back to. It manages to be both hearty and bright. The Instant Pot method results in fork-tender chicken and sweet potatoes that are swimming in coconut milk seasoned with fresh cilantro, spices, shallots, and lime juice. Over rice and with a toasted piece of naan --this dinner is a winner! 

Cupcake Surprise

I saw an amazing post on Instagram from a favorite follow: @Flourdeliz. In celebration of the quickly-approaching Derby, Liz had created a Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea cupcake. I mean, come on! I shared the post in my story and invited anyone to bake me a few. To my ultimate delight, the doorbell rang yesterday evening and our amazingly thoughtful friends were standing on the porch with a tray full of these cupcakes! I'm not even kidding. I was thunderstruck --and then I was very full (because I had to have TWO). Thank you, Sara, for your kindness. I mentioned at the top of this post that Ben has been having some health issues and yesterday was a doozy of a day. Sara could not have known just how much I needed a little sunshine in my day --and boy did she deliver!

Normally, the blooming azaleas would also make my "love list"; however, now that the sticky blossoms adhere to Ben's feet and bumbum like sap, they are struggling to make my list.

This OUTFIT

Basically, all of it. :) I bought these ankle-length, "90s Cheeky jeans" from Everlane (my first pair from there) and they exceeded my expectations. What I love: the waist is high enough to be current but not so high that I look and feel like an idiot; the pockets are set on the higher side which creates a more flattering look, the waist fits AND the hips fit too (hard to accomplish). The tank is as comfortable as they come --but the cut makes it feel a little more "elevated" than it really is. I bought the one pictured here at a tiny boutique in Bend, Oregon a couple summers ago but this one is similar. This "oatmeal" cardigan (named by me for the texture and color --though, it does come in a dozen other colors too) is perfect for the in-between season we're in (mine is a medium). These plastic sandals from Old Navy are cute and ridiculously easy to wear all day long (even with my high arches). Even the sunglasses are an inexpensive favorite --and they have a coupon code available at the moment!

What is she looking at? What is making her smile? No one really knows.
(Foreheads in image are smaller than they appear.)

Easter Festivities 

You may have noticed that I skipped posting last week. Spring break plans, the Easter holiday, guests from out of town, and Ben seemed to fill up all of my days and I found I just didn't have enough time set aside. I did want to note how nice it was to spend the gorgeous Easter holiday with Greg's mom (who has recently relocated from California to Charlotte and now lives about a mile from us). After a delicious brunch to a newer restaurant in town, The Artisan's Palate (oh my gosh, GO! if you're in town), "Grandma Lulu" spoiled us with outdoor games, prizes, and a delicious ham dinner. We are beyond grateful to have her so close --especially knowing the girls will be heading off before we know it! Also, Ben was super handsome in his borrowed bunny ears, don't you agree?

"Bok bok"

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Things I Love Thursday // 3.19.20

• Working in the garden - Good for the soul and good for the SOIL. *chuckles to herself* For her tenth birthday, we gave our daughter a garden. She wanted a phone. Since then, the garden has been loved and ignored depending on the year. Last year, it was ignored and now it is in terrible shape. It's going to take a lot of work to get it back and guess what?? We have a lot of extra time right now. The girls cleared the beds the other day and I've been spending time in the afternoons pulling the weeds between the containers. In an effort to freshen and prepare the containers for a new growing season, I ordered what might be enough soil for the entire neighborhood. Oops. I'm pretty sure we have this year's freezes behind us so I hope to have some things planted by this weekend. I look forward to keeping you informed!
  
  

  

  Birthday Girl 2015

  

  Neglected Garden before/after 2020

  

  Exactly how much is a "cubic foot" anyway?

• Our School District & Community - One of the major concerns regarding the closing of public schools across the nation has been keeping programs in place that feed children breakfast and lunch, daily. I am so impressed with our own district and the swift action that they've taken in order to continue providing free breakfast and lunch to every child under the age of 18. These meals are available for drive-by pickups at 70 campuses across our district. Thanks to the organizational efforts of local chef and restaurant owner, Christopher Sottile and the generous donations of many Charlotteans, there are also many local restaurants that are providing addition food for children. If you know someone who might benefit here in Charlotte, please share this list. I also love that many of the grocery stores in our area are providing "senior only" shopping hours for those in the highest risk category and some are even offering free delivery to local seniors. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Card Games, Board Games, Puzzles - Sweet, simple, fun --Oh, and the nostalgia is pretty awesome too. Honestly, it's been ages since we busted out our deck for Sleeping Queens. It stands up! Certainly, not a hugely strategic game --but playful and fun while we're talking about other things. Have you ever played The Game of Life with your kids? When the girls were little, we used to insist that they "name" their spouse once married (and then name all their kids too) --was fairly insightful at the time but I don't think they'd fall for it now. They learned how to play Texas Hold 'Em a couple summers ago (Thanks, Uncle Ben) but it's time to wager more than candy and work on their betting strategies. I firmly believe that poker is a lifeskill. What are your family's favorite board games (for teens)?
  
  
  
  
  
• Humor on the Internet - We all need a giggle right about now and some of the homeschooling memes and tweets out there are hilarious: Here's a good list. And have you seen any of the hysterical threads where people who are trying to work from home share what their kids are doing but call them "my co-worker" in the sentence? Wow. Funny, funny stuff! There are a lot of co-workers refusing to wear clothes, a lot of employees cannot recall the last time their co-workers brushed their teeth, there are lots and lots and lots of snacking/hungry co-workers, and my favorite entry from this thread has been, "My coworker cut his own hair. My other coworker was supposed to be doing math work on Khan Academy online but instead was playing Teen Titans Go when the coworker cutting his own hair came to tell on him. I want to quit this job."
  
  
  
  
  
• Amazon Prime Workouts - Did you know that if you're already subscribing to Amazon Prime Video then there are hundreds of free "Exercise and Fitness" video workouts available that you can do at home? I did not. Now I do. The girls and I tried yoga this morning. It was great. If anything, there were too many options to choose from. News Flash: G does not like yoga (unless it's with goats). She did hang in there for a solid 15 minutes though. Tomorrow we will try something else. Any ideas? Any favorites? Also: There are a lot for young kids too! So if you're looking for a PE substitute for your own homeschool program, have a look!
  
  

  

  Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial this week on my "Quarantine Hair"

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Leaf & Petal

I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting old friends from the neighborhood who years ago moved "back home" to Alabama. While there, among an entire list of "favorite moments" was a trip back to one of my favorite places: Leaf & Petal. My first visit to Leaf & Petal in Birmingham was several years ago. Since then, I've been following them on Instagram (@leafnpetal).

Leaf & Petal has four locations: Mountain Brook Village, The Summit, Botanical Gardens, and a new location called Leaf & Petal Deal Depot. I've only visited the Mountain Brook location but the others will go on my short list for the next trip back to the Birmingham area.

Coffee table books, candles, candlesticks, cake stands, lanterns, place card holders, picture frames and more. I'm told the gift shop at the Botanical Gardens location has the best selection.

 
I wanted to take home ALL THE PLANTS. Unfortunately, airlines have restrictions on that sort of thing so I settled for a few small vessels that I filled with sweet green babies from Charlotte nurseries.

If you ever get to Birmingham, Alabama, do yourself a solid and swing by one of the Leaf & Petal locations in and around the Mountain Brook area. In the meantime, follow them on Instagram for some visual satisfaction. 

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My Crop!

Who knew growing a little backyard garden could be so fun? Though I admit feeling slightly "put out" every once in awhile, after a very long day, to head out to the yard for 20 minutes of watering... Once I get started on my veggies and flowers, the watering really becomes "zen" for me.

So, from our humble beginnings:

We got started with some cucumber blossoms which quickly took on the appearance of little pickled gherkins (which always gets me thinking about my Grandpa).

It only takes a couple days for the little 3 inch "nub" to become a full-fledged cucumber! This plant has gotten HUGE. When the lettuce bolted I pulled it all up to make more room for the cucumber vine. This was the "green light" the cucumber had been waiting for! Good thing we like cucumber.

Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

dressing:

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp water

(mix until well-blended)

salad:

2 cucumbers, halved and sliced thin

1/2 small yellow onion, diced fine

10 fresh mint leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon ground chili paste

6 fresh cilantro sprigs, chopped

(toss with dressing and chill for at least 30 minutes)

top with:

2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts

Yum!

We are almost ready to pick our first Winter Squash. This one is the biggest of the 4 on the vine so far.

The other night we made it out to the farmers' market in our tiny downtown and picked up some Walla Walla onions. Once we got the kids in bed, I gathered a few things from the garden and put together a veggie saute over brown rice.

I used the rosemary,

some zucchini,

a yellow squash,

and that's oregano across the pile.

It was so good! Of course, I forgot to take a picture of the dish before we gobbled it all up!

It seems the tomatoes and the peas took their time making appearances in the garden. Oh, the red peppers have yet to make a decent showing as well (but I planted them WAY too close to that damn cucumber and they are fighting for their share of sunlight).

The cherries were the first to arrive.

Slowly, but surely, they are ripening...

with more than 40 little tomatoes (and big ones too) on the three plants I have going, I'm concerned that they're all going to ripen within the same week! Good thing I have some great recipes for bruschetta, salsa, tomato-feta salad, etc.!

We might get our first big tomatoes by this weekend! I hope they're half as sweet as the ones my Grandpa grows!

The beans have arrived (as I've posted earlier) and we're having a lot of fun snacking on them in the backyard.

Here's a little mini-harvest I plucked a few nights ago just before the girls' dinnertime.

And just so y'all can be sure I'm "keeping it real," here is that same harvest along side fully-processed chicken nuggets!

Bon Appetite!

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