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

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Things I Love Thursday // 12.9.21

I hope these last few weeks before the end of the year find you with ample time to enjoy the things that bring a smile to your face and some happiness in your heart.

Easy Peasy Family Photo Sessions

Last time we had our pics done as a family was mid-2020 during the height of quarantine. My friend, Lillian Shamy (an amazing teacher at our former elementary school and fabulous part-time photographer), came to the house and sat us for some "porchtraits." Loved them. However, some of us had side parts and braces then so obviously we were due for some updates.

Walks (Pulls) with These Guys

The days are getting chilly but so far, we're managing to stay mostly dry. Ben is absolutely terrible on his leash (totally our fault for not being consistent) but we traded constant monitoring and corrections in favor of being able to enjoy each other's company, carry a beverage, and walk side-by-side. Worth it.

Building a Charcuterie Board

I think this is becoming my jam (pun intended). There is something so satisfying about putting together a beautiful platter of deliciousness. It's almost as fun as eating it. Well, ok... maybe not THAT much fun --but still a lot. I feel like my boards get a little better every time. I have a few hot takes from professionals I've picked up along the way. Use a combo of cheeses (soft, semi-soft, and hard). Use a platter that has a bit of a lip or edge so you can really crowd everything together. Spread the color around. Add a few dishes with yumminess inside. Use fruit. FOLD or roll your meats. Use fresh herbs for fillers and color. Here are the details of this board (90% is from Trader Joe's). 

Meats: calabrese salame, prosciutto, capocollo, 

Cheeses: toscano drizzled with truffle oil and cracked pepper, sharp cheddar, Boursin, cambozola, cranberry-rolled goat cheese

Fruit: fresh grapes, dried apricots

Nuts: spicy pecans, rosemary marcona almonds

Crackers: beet crackers, pita chips, gluten-free nut crackers, fruit and nut crisps, truffle + black pepper Parmesan crisps, baguette

Dishes: sweet gherkins, Greek olive mix + pepper drops, Mike’s Hot Honey

Garnish: fresh basil, rosemary, and sage

Decorating the Tree

As is our tradition, we bought our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving but then we didn't end up have any time that matched up in all of our schedules to decorate until the last weekend. I'm so happy that my kids still want to decorate the tree with us. They're certainly a lot more helpful than they were when they were shorter! Another thing I love about decorating this year is how little else I did. After the tree came together, we hung the stockings from the mantle and put a wreath on the door. I think that's it for me this year. Of the 8 giant boxes my family carried up from the basement, five and half went back down full. Don't get me wrong, I am totally feeling the holiday spirit this year --I'm just passing on a lot of the work and all the extra STUFF. Besides, where on earth would I put all the houseplants to make space for Christmas tchotchkes? 

Richard Parker Here & Richard Parker There

If you've been around here lately you know that Ben (or covid puppy) has dominated the attention of nearly everyone in the household. He and Richard Parker are not friends yet. We're working on it... slowly. When Ben came home, Richard Parker almost immediately retreated to the basement (it's a cat palace down there, trust). He was fairly out of sight unless it was breakfast time or dinner time. Now, he's suddenly living his best life in all the places Ben is not allowed unsupervised --so literally anywhere except the kitchen. He spends his days sprawled out on one of the beds upstairs, lounges in the living room, and finds laps wherever he can. Welcome back to the rest of the house Richard Parker! We've missed you!

Organic Cotton Napkins

What is it with me and cloth napkins these days? Is this a side-effect of being almost 48? Honestly. I'm delightfully baffled. But every time I see images like these of adorable cotton or linen napkins I'm like, "Oh wow. YES. I need those." Let me tell you how often my family uses cloth napkins: two times a year. That's it. But I'll tell you something else: that better change soon because I'm not sure I can hold out much longer without these in my life.

Exploring Charlotte

My friend, Anne, is always up for a new experience. No idea how it got on her radar --but she threw out an invitation to join her on a holiday tour of "Historic Rosedale" on Tuesday. Her email to a few friends went a little something like this, "Hey, does anyone want to check this out with me? Tomorrow works on my end. Sorry for the short notice." Four of us were able to make it! We met up about 10 minutes outside of Uptown on the 9-acre property of Rosedale. It was a chilly but beautiful day and we had a guided tour of this family home built in 1815 that had been decorated throughout by Christmas scenes spanning the decades. The grounds and gardens are plentiful and I'm sure a visit in Spring would be beautiful. Thanks for your spontaneous idea, Anne!

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Things I Love Thursday // 4.1.21

More Progress on the Study

The walls are filling up and the shelves are getting styled! I found some simple black shelves at Marshall's last week and have been playing around with getting them styled. I just ordered a small piece of art so they will likely change again before I'm "done" --and really, I'm never "done." I also (finally) found a narrow shelf unit for under the window. I wanted a home for some books, cocktail accessories, plants, and photo albums but was having a hard time sourcing something vintage/second-hand that was the right size. The unit I ended up getting is from Overstock and it was very easy to put together. It looks quite handsome too. We picked up a couple small beverage tables from West Elm and plan to use the window sills for cocktail rests too. Most of the time, the middle of the room will remain empty for ease of traffic through the space; however, when serving appetizers or dessert in this room, I have a "deconstructed" coffee table solution I look forward to showing you soon.

plant propagation, my paternal grandparents, Mr.&Mrs. vases from my MIL, and some odds and ends

The console table is unavailable; however, this one is similar as is this one.

Greg's maternal grandparents on their wedding day... sorry about the glare.

An heirloom painting (and featured vase below) from Greg's family at the bar cart might be my favorite.

The Cutest Linen Cocktail Napkins

What a lovely surprise to ring in Spring! My sweet and thoughtful friend, Amy, just gifted me these super-fun cocktail napkins from August|Morgan by Kate Hersch. The detailing is perfection and the sentiments are right up my ally! I cannot wait to put them to good use. That ram is full-on Capricorn and I am here for it!

Our Dogwood Tree

The bloom never lasts long enough --so if you blink, you might miss it! If I were more clever, I might attempt something along the lines of my friend, Laura (CityStems) with these amazing branches. Just look at this arrangement she posted today in her Instagram account! She's too damn good. Sorry non-Charlotte readers... she offers local delivery only --but definitely follow the account for some eye-candy.

Ben the Bernedoodle

The puppy has nearly doubled in size and he's still figuring some things out... like how to be a good passenger in the car. (No worries, we were not moving when this picture was taken.) He is playful, sweet, NIPPY, and is getting so much better in his crate (though he still thinks 5:30am is a good time to wake up). My favorite time is when he's sleepy and/or altogether asleep --though, he does fart when he's snoozing and that is definitely not awesome at 26 pounds --so I hate to imagine what it's going to be like closer to 80 pounds.

Live-Edge Shelves

I absolutely love these wall shelves from Anthropologie. Each one is unique (and so freaking heavy). Unfortunately, one of the sizes I purchased is back-ordered --so it will be some time before they get installed. I'm planning to put them adjacent to the large round mirror in the living room and style them with terra-cotta potted plants (as the window there is one of the few that gives great light). 

This one is size small.

This is the idea... (from the Anthro website). I ordered these sizes + an additional small.

Planning to arrange the shelves in this space.

Ben's Playpen

My friend, Tracie, loaned me this giant playpen for Ben and it's been wonderful. As he is still only 10 weeks old, he must be under constant supervision. When Ben is in his pen, we can all still enjoy movies together in the evening --or even porch time when the weather is cooperating. This is a game-changer and he doesn't seem to mind it at all.

Ben's Tag

Ok, ok! It's a "Ben-Heavy" post... but can you blame me?? Just look how handsome he is in this sweet tag I had made on Etsy. When he was at the breeders, he was called "orange male" and we've kept the orange theme going --because he's so handsome in orange, obviously. 

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Things I Love Thursday // 2.25.21

Progress

After much deliberation and so many choices, we finally decided on a rug for the study refresh. We wanted something with a fun but understated vibe. I'm always drawn to color so many of the first considerations were quite LOUD. I'm so pleased with where we landed. This rug is interesting in its asymmetrical design. I like the boldness of the black markings against an ivory background. It has fringe on only one side (cool!). Plus, it's super soft (just ask Richard Parker). I love how it's helping to pull the room together. Already, it feels so much warmer and "finished" (almost) in there. The company was great to work with and the shipping was swift between Morocco and the US --but then there were a few delays due to weather. No complaints, really. No one is coming over now anyhow!

Please note the piles of STUFF still unorganized and NOT put away just outside the archway.

Vaccines

YAY! It's finally happening. My mother-in-law (in California) has received both of her shots already --though, the second one knocked the wind out of her sails for about 2 days. Then today I got the best news! My dad has an appointment to get his first shot (Oregon, VA Hospital) next week. I hope your loved ones are having as much luck --or better, in finding available doses. I feel like we're making strides.

Big hugs to the safari-rockstar on the right who secured dad's appointment!
BTW, this is what I looked like at the end of 8th grade.

Kids Are IN School

Speaking of making strides, my kiddos got to go to school IN PERSON this week. It's the first time they've had classes at school in nearly a year. Our district is working on a 1 week on, 2 weeks off rotation and my girls were placed in the first of three groups (there is a fourth group who has selected to remain full-remote for the rest of the school year). Both report that things feel safe and they certainly have new springs in their steps this week. Had you asked me last week about how school closures were impacting them, I would have reported they were holding up fine and had transitioned well --which is true. BUT seeing their energy and happiness spike this week has really opened my eyes to how much they've been missing out on. Next week, back at home, will likely be a little rough.

Health Screen? Check.
Mask? Check.
Rocking 8th grade WAY smoother than her mom did? Check.

Ginger Cumin Beef Bhuna

The recipe for this South Asian curry dish is from my latest issue of Milk Street Magazine. We've enjoyed several recipes from this issue already and we will definitely repeat this one. It simplified things that it was made in the pressure cooker, though my husband would remind us, "The 'instant' in InstantPot is very misleading." The dish still takes almost 2 hours from start to finish --but aside from the cutting board, there's not much else to clean up along the way. For us, there were plenty of leftovers to make the investment of time worth it --as it provided lots of lunches too. Do watch out for the whole peppercorns when you're eating it (just push those aside) and if you're a little heat-sensitive, reduce the serrano peppers to just one.

A Touch of Spring

Yo. The sun came out this week and everyone rejoiced. Seriously. We live across the street from a college quad and it's suddenly full of frisbees, footballs, picnic blankets, and music. The plants are greener and the birds are nearly delirious with song. It won't even last through the weekend but we are soaking it all up with enthusiasm while we can. Look at the happy new growth on one of my City Stems babies:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Damn. This book. I listened to a copy on Audible and it was outstanding. I'm planning a longer review in my Instagram account soon. If you're not following SourJonesBlog over there, you're missing out (she said so herself)! Have any of you read The Midnight Library yet?

The Crispy Bits of Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Seriously. These are unintentionally created in every batch next time. Whenever I pull out a tray of roasted brussels sprouts, I eat all these little crispy bits before I even transfer the rest to plates. I just stand over the oven and snack. Tell me you all understand the level of delicious I'm talking about here! I need to attempt to make a whole tray of just individual leaves next time. Is this a thing? Do people already do this? 

Could also be those giant salt crystals that help make the whole dish extra tasty!

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Things I Love Thursday // 1.14.21

Hello again! I apologize for being MIA last week --despite it being our birthday (I share the day with my youngest), I just could not bring myself to write anything optimistic and frivolous last week. The events at the Capitol were horrific and bookended by a visit to the ER and several days in the hospital for my dad. Dad is home and doing well. (He'd want you to know that while enjoying salads is "hard," he does like them better than heart attacks, so...) Thankfully, consequences are coming due for those involved in the insurgence (at every level). In the meantime, I'm forging on. Here are some things that are bringing me joy, comfort, and distraction. May they do the same for you!

Printfresh Pajamas

You guys! These jammies are qual-a-tay. I love them so much. I asked for them for my birthday and the family came through! The cotton is heavy and soft and I love the piping details (regardless of print or style). Of course, the Bagheera Blush is my favorite. Does anyone else have a pair of these?

I do have 5 toes.

Our Birthday

I generously gave Piper my birthday fourteen years ago when she decided to show up and help me celebrate my 33rd. Since then, I like to joke that I've not aged --as the day is hers and no longer mine. But if you know me, you know that's totally inaccurate because I just might be the adult in your life who makes the biggest deal about their own birthday. Growing up, my birthday was rarely celebrated and when it was, it was never my own (even then, I shared the occasional party with a cousin who's birthday fell in the same week). Coming so close off the heels of Christmas, presents were typically lumped together and more often than not, my birthday would pass as "just another day." Hold your horses before you start feeling sorry for me. My brother, whose birthday is December 23rd had it way worse and I have certainly spent my adult years making up for the past! I started just as soon as I was old enough to take the reins and begin planning my own celebrations (that can last for weeks). The fact that Piper and I share our birthday makes it even more special. Obviously, most birthdays during a pandemic are not a lot of fun; however, our people made sure that Piper and I enjoyed as much celebration as possible and felt very loved. 

Our felt crowns were made in 2008 to celebrate Obama's win. We've worn them for every single family birthday since then.

Upside-down Bear Mug

Isn't this the sweetest? I guess the way it's made is pretty cool too, as it keeps your beverage hot while not heating/burning your hands (something about double-walled glass). But mostly, I just love the way it looks with a beverage inside! They also make a cat or a duck version!

He'd be a polar bear if I liked milk.

Thrive Mascara

This Thrive Causemetics "Liquid Extension" Mascara was another amazing birthday gift and I am astounded at how well it works. Here are some absurdly big closeups of my face to prove it! The before and afters are no mascara versus one coat/application. I did find that you can thicken and lengthen with multiple coats (but it does get a little clumpy). When I washed it off (which wasn't difficult) I realized that it's a "fiber" mascara (you know, the kind that comes off in little black mascara-threads. Makes sense. 

These are my pores.

These are my other pores.

Truffle Hot Sauce

Dude. TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce. I'm addicted to this stuff! My friend, Sarah, has created a monster by gifting me this hot sauce (and adorable spoon). I'm not one to "invest" in my hot sauces (lol) but now I just don't see a way forward without this in my life. I suppose I'll have to make some adjustments to my budget because I use it liberally and often. Have you tired this??

Yes. That is a wooden spoon celebrating our text group: Foodie Night!

Old Fashioneds

We are still loving our Unpretentious Palate Old Fashioned set. I know it's too late for you to get your hands on one, but if you're in the Charlotte area they are currently offering a new set of eight of the city's "Best Moscow Mules" by leading bartenders across town. The kits are sponsored by Effen Vodka (another new favorite thanks to another sweet friend). You can check the kits out and order here.

Is that a functioning fireplace I see?? Indeed.

Soft Cotton Masks

I'd seen this style of mask around town and never had an opportunity to ask the wearer how to get my hands on one. Just before Christmas, I found them in a little boutique in town and the prints I saw were perfection: Naked Ladies! They were much more affordable than I assumed. Of course, I bought myself this set of three and put it in my own stocking on Christmas Eve. Best news for you: They are totally available online!

( . )( . ) and behinds

Addie LaRue

I'm so behind on giving you a book review post! I'm sorry. Things have been busy and I've been reading less than normal. But... I've still been reading some. Like so many others, I just raced through what seems to be the hot book of the moment: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. If you're looking for an original, captivating, well-written novel, this one has all of that and more. Have you read it yet? Do you agree?

I don't own these plants or this wall. I don't even own this book. My photoshopping skills are getting passable!

Home Projects

We've been busy on the house. I think it's a universal theme, given the pandemic we're all living through. Everyone is HOME all of the time these days and I think it's safe to assume we are all getting more than a little bored of the view. Saving quite a bit from our travel budget in 2020, we've been able to make some updates to our family living spaces --creating more room for us to all hang out together, more comfortably. You'd think we'd be over all of the "together time" --but instead, we are all curling up together in the evenings to watch movies and shows --something we've never spent a lot of time doing. (Hence, we have only just fallen in love with "Baby Yoda" --BTW, he's not actually Yoda.) Anyhoo... refreshed living room, re-imagined study, and a new look for the entryway. I'll show you next week!

This is a very large cat on an absurdly large couch.

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Things I Love Thursday // 9.21.17

• Adulting in Vegas with My Love ~ Greg and I celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss (Yes, every second of it has been "blissful" -HA!) next week. To commemorate, we spent a long weekend in Las Vegas --where we happened to spend our first anniversary as well. Amazingly, our great friends were heading there too for the same weekend and the four of us had a nearly perfect time. We stayed in a beautiful hotel. We ate great meals here, here, and here. We spent lazy days at the pool. And we saw a terrific show. The only reason I would describe it as "nearly" perfect is because I found it impossible to sleep in the first morning --other than that, I'd say it was aces (pun intended). 
  
• The Americans ~ We are finally watching The Americans (which has been on FX since 2013 and is in its fifth and final season). Though we're only a few episodes into the first season, I have to say, I'm loving it --and it's not just the rad 80's outfits, sets, and music. The show is about Philip and Elizabeth Jennings who are KGB spies in an arranged marriage, posing as Americans in a suburb of D.C., shortly after Reagan is elected. It has suspense, espionage, and family drama. I'm old enough to vaguely remember what the Cold War felt like and I remember hearing about the possibility of Russian spies living among us, as Americans. If that sounds familiar or interesting to you, this show is definitely worth a shot.
• Just Between Us ~ The girls and I have been writing back and forth in these journals since 2012. They each have one and we actually don't write to one another very often (which is why we still have plenty of space); however, it has been a great tool, a nice tradition, and as we approach the "middle years," might come into more practice (I hope). They have a new one out now for sisters that I'm considering. 
  
• Emily Henderson ~ I follow her on Instagram. I subscribe to her blog. I love her style --and you might too. She mixes vintage with modern and her ideas are very approachable. #swoon
• Tell the Wolves I'm Home ~ I just finished this novel by Carol Rifka Brunt and it about wrecked me. It's a beautiful story. On her webpage, the author sums it up as, "a tender story of love lost and found, an unforgettable portrait of the way compassion can make us whole again." 

  

  {via Amazon}

• Little Big Meals from The Fresh Market ~ The Fresh Market is like a mini-whole foods that feels less corporate and more "community." It reminds me of the Cosentino's Market in San Jose that I grew up visiting on occasion with my grandmother. Sadly, Cosentino's closed in 2011 after 63 years in business. *sigh* Today, at least we have places like The Fresh Market. The company was founded in North Carolina about 30 years ago and while it has expanded since then, my location in Dilworth (new since 2016), manages to feel small-towny. If you're lucky enough to live near one, I recommend trying a Little Big Meal. They're a great value, so easy to prepare, and also delicious. We enjoyed Sesame Garlic Sirloin Stir Fry with Pork Pot Stickers last night. Next week, they're offering Lettuce Wraps and we will try them too!

  

  {via Fresh Market}

• ArtBreak ~ The girls are out of school today and tomorrow. Piper had some plans and Geneva and I found ourselves with a free afternoon. I'd read about ArtBreak months ago and added these monthly offerings to my calendar but hadn't managed to actually go to one. Today was the day! ArtBreaks are free, 30-minute guided tours on the third Thursday of each month at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Mint Museum Uptown. Geneva and I chose the Bechtler and had a great time (we added a walk through The Green and a stop at Amélie's to round out the day). 
  

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