Top Three: Guilty Pleasures

Too cool for Y2K (an ode to the 90's)...you'll see!

I had so much fun with the Top Three last week (and loved hearing what yours were too!). This week it's all about the guilty pleasures. Those things you really like, but maybe don't want to broadcast (or you enjoy when no one is around to judge you).

Here are mine!

#1. Frat-humor movies. I don't know why.  I love classic movies, indie films and foreign subtitled masterpieces. I love a good family comedy, the occasional RomCom and a solid action film. For the most part I have a pretty average leaning toward pompous taste in cinema. But there's a little black hole in my preferences, and it's anything goofy, dumb and over the top. 21 and Over, Animal House, Old School, American Pie, Neighbors. I'll be chuckling along with it- alone so the hubs won't judge me (because he really doesn't grasp this apparent void in my tastes).

#2. Move theatre popcorn. If you remember the Paleo experiment, I don't eat corn products if I can manage it. However, there is no way in heck I will avoid that nasty salty buttery over-priced popcorn if I go to see a (I'll just say tasteful) movie in a theatre. It's a nostalgia thing. My dad and I used to spend whole days at the movies when I was a kid. It was awesome. And yes the popcorn makes my stomach hurt and yes I have to have it with Buncha Crunch bites (sweet and salty!) which also make my stomach hurt. Try as I may, though, I cannot pass it up! Oh, and yes, I usually eat it all before the movie starts because I show up nerd early.

Oh it's so 90's, I love it!

#3. Anything 90's. T.G.I.F., butterfly clips (technically I never really liked those), criss-crossed hair parts (see Sabrina above). Delia's catalogs, Hardy Candy anything! Wayne's World, Empire Records, MTV's Beach House! Toaster Strudels, Nick at Night, Bop-it's, stretchy weird choker necklaces (also see Sabrina above), daywear being made of satin for some insane reason. Alanis Morissette and Natalie Merchant Records! Oh! Everclear and Gin Blossoms! Boy Meets World and Aaaah! Real Monsters! I could go on and on. I eat that silliness right up. I get so goofy nostalgic, I can't help myself!

I have a million more, but I think I'm beginning to subscribe to what Dave Grohl said about guilty pleasures. I'm going to paraphrase, but basically it goes as follows: "Screw the idea of guilty pleasures. I like what I like and I won't apologize for it."

With that little nugget of inspiration, let me know what your guilty (or no longer guilty) pleasures are! The Monkees? Britney Spears? Judge Judy? Krispy Kreme donut sandwiches? I'd love to know!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

A challenge for your weekend!

How to Be Active in the Summer Heat

Hey guys, it's finally Friday amiright? I personally can't wait for my (one) day off and I just didn't feel like doing the typical "Friday Happies" today.

Instead I put forth the challenge to do three "Summery" things this weekend. Eat corn off the cob cooked on the grill, or hey have a whole cookout! Soak your feet in a kiddie pool while having a nice glass of something cool and refreshing. Watch a storm from your front porch.

Check out the (oftentimes free) outdoor concerts in your town and dance off the hamburgers you grilled out!

Hula hoop, play frisbee or go to the beach (or hula hoop while playing frisbee on a beach- even better)!

Carve up a watermelon and eat it outside (yes, even if it's a little warm out).  Set up the sprinkler and run through it like you did when you were little. I guarantee whatever "Summery" thing you choose, it will bring a smile to your face.

There are only 67 days left of official Summer. Be present in it instead of wishing for Fall (like I've been all week). Let's make the most out of the dog days we have left!

Have a truly wonderful day y'all!

Bastille Day it like a French Gal!

History of the croissant!

Bonjour! It's Bastille Day, and I have no idea why I've always liked and celebrated this holiday. I'm a good ol' 'Merican girl in the Dirty South for crying out loud! However, I just love it and usually hit up my favorite French bakery in town for a fruit boat and tea. I thought it'd be fun today to get some inspiration from these French-inspired lovelies! Why not, oui? Oui!!


First, fashion! I always imagine one of the many reasons the French stereotypically look at Americans the way they do while Americans basically worship French women is somewhere in the French psyche, they imagine the Americans as a clingy lover. One who idolizes and changes in the relationship, when all French people seem to grasp that being a true representation of oneself is key. They certainly don't have articles in French that extol the secrets of the American je ne sais quoi!
Philosophizing aside, it's f-f-f-fashion!

Un: How to create a 5-piece French wardrobe and (theoretically) CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Ha! Love it.

Deux: 12 Secrets to dressing like a French woman!

Trois: How to live like a French Girl!

Food!

Quatre: Poulet Saute Chasseur (Hunter's Chicken). Looks so delicious!

Cinq: Galette de Pomme de Terre (Potato Galette). I love a galette!

Six: 44 Classic French recipes with wine pairing suggestions!

Beauty!

Sept: Twelve French ways to style your hair. SO chic!

Huit: French drugstore products that really work...I'm personally addicted to Rose Witch Hazel.

Neuf: What French women NEVER do to their hair. Fascinating!


Design!

Dix: Seven secrets to French decorating. Love it!

Onze: "French Women" secrets for a healthy home. 

Douze: Eight Feminine French rooms. 

Youngins!

Trieze: What French children are taught about food that American children are not.

Quatorze: This little French bebe, telling quite the tall tale about Winnie the Pooh. My heart, it is so cute!

Au revoir, mes amis!

Friday Happies!

It's over y'all. You've made it to another weekend! Got any plans for Father's Day? I have to work all weekend, but I'll be calling my Papa in Nashville (can't say his gift on here because my folks are my most devoted readers- you cutie patooties) and spending time with my B after I get off work on Sunday (I'm lucky enough to have two men in my life to honor- though with wildly differing tastes). So, in honor of those great men in our lives, I've put a few fun gift ideas, some inspirations and some regular ole Friday Happy regulars to get you stoked for your weekend! I hope you enjoy!

*I <3 Dad chocolates! Because he's sweet and deserves a treat!

*This homemade shirt for Father's Day too, because Awww!

*James Taylor releases his first new album in over 13 years! It's great and what a good gift for a Papa in your life (or really anyone, because its so good!).

*How about keeping his favorite radio station pumping out the great music he loves? Donate here!

*A modern classic for him to enjoy. 

*A classic classic for him to enjoy.

*Why not make him a watermelon grill? He may just laugh himself silly! I almost did.

*A great cookbook for him too (as he loves to experiment in the kitchen)! I'm partial to the John Besh one myself.

*Awesome site of dads and kids! Like Iron Man & Iron Son above. Sooooo good!

Now on to the rest of the list!

*I want to try Graze.com's snack line!

*This is a great article not only on the tiny house movement, but on the "New Old" house movement (of which I am super into!).

*The cast of Gilmore Girls reflect back on one of the best episodes of the series, the dance marathon episode (*geek out*).

*Meet Lenore. She is 99 years old, and very interesting and self-sufficient.

*Have y'all heard of a She-Shed? Let's all go have these now, please!

*Well, here's one way to make lemonade. Due to her dog's rampant stealing of food, this photographer created an adorable series of...her dog stealing beautifully photographed food.

*I saw Jurassic World this week. I loved the action, could not ignore the sexism (really Hollywood?) and delighted in the references and Easter eggs hidden throughout. Oh, and I LOVED Jimmy Buffet's cameo! Loved it!!

*Then zookeepers around the globe began making memes teasing at the the image of Owen and the Velociraptors from that very film. It's called Prattkeeping. Silly and fun!

*I am super intrigued by this group of boys (The Wolfpack) and this documentary about their entire young lives spent locked in a tiny apartment together in NYC. Fascinating and resilient young men.

*Why is this photograph of Professor Sydney Engleberg holding a student's infant child during his lecture sparking conversations on parenting? Check it out for yourself, it's pretty great!

*The Elf Whisperer of Iceland?! Yes please!

*There is a facility/day school in Seattle that is for the very young and elderly to be together. It is awesome and makes me very happy to know it exists.

*This restaurant decided to restructure their financial system by barring tips April 1st. What happened? Their profits tripled, y'all! Their employees and customers all report better experiences all the way around. Check out their cool story!

I hope you have a truly wonderful weekend, y'all! Don't forget the first day of Summer is this weekend!

 Keep the love and positivity flowing. Pour your gratitude out every day and make sure you always tell those special people in your life that you love and appreciate them. 'Specially those daddies! Ciao!

Friday Happies!

Throwback. Savannah, 2008. I simply cannot believe that was seven years ago. Seriously!

Hello friends! How was your week? Mine went by in an utter blur! This weekend is the BIG yard sale. I am so excited to get rid of all the stuff I've gone through during my KonMari adventure. I have a sneaking feeling I will be getting rid of much more afterward. Anyway, here's this week's list of happies, funs, interestings and what-nots to get you stoked for your weekend adventures!

*An anonymous man donated his wife's wedding dress after she passed. He pinned the sweetest note to it and now it's gained worldwide attention.

*Fascinating. A woman vowed to wear the same outfit every day for the month of May as an experiment with "Decision Fatigue". Here is what she had to say!

*Where you lead... GILMORE GIRLS REUNION!

*This mom owned the dance floor at her son's wedding.

*I (and everyone else on the planet) love this little girl's sassy dance recital! Work it girl!

*Heh. Harry Potter and grownups.

*These guys described what they'd like to see their girlfriend's makeup look like to a makeup artist. The results were...mixed.

*I have been drawn to these simple linen aprons lately.

*I tried this scarf trick yesterday at work and we are all obsessed now.

*I'm going to make these for the hubs for his morning nosh this week.

*Coffee ground soap...I'm super intrigued.

*Every time I find this on the interwebs, I get so dang tickled my eyes water. Mischief managed!

*You know I love these "100 years of" videos! The '05 outfit was straight up Lorelai Gilmore!

*The kitchen registry items we still use today (and the ones we wished we had and hadn't registered for).

*"I tried living like every Instagram fashion girl".

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Plated Recipe #3, or Lulu's Adventure with Tamarind!

I finally completed the third recipe from my Plated order last week and it was my favorite of the three!

Seriously, it was so delicious, my staff at work all asked if they could try the recipe. We're going in together on tamarind paste this week!

Anyway, here is the proof. As rice and peas are not Paleo and they caused my tummy to swell to look as if I were three months pregnant, I will be making it with cauliflower "rice" and broccoli next time. But man oh man, was it good!!

There was a lot more prep for this recipe, but it was well worth it!

I'd never made fried rice before. It was kinda fun!

Best way to make chicken, hands down. 

Ta da!!!

Have you ever cooked with tamarind before? It was a first for me and I'm hooked. It tasted, in its packaged form, almost like a savory apple butter that has been reduced to a thick paste. It was incredible. 

Seriously, y'all need to try Plated! And no, this is (still) not a sponsored post. Have a truly great day y'all!

Friday Happies!

Pineapples.

Hey y'all! What do you have planned for the weekend? I have a family reunion here and I'm going to take off a few days for myself to recover from the insanity of the past month as well. Yay! I most likely will be going to see this one afternoon to snort laugh by myself. Anyway, here's this week's list of funs, happies, pretties, interestings and what-nots to get you geared up for your weekend whatever you may have going on!

*Have you had fish grilled in pineapple bark? What the what?! It sounds amazing!

*Some guy took a picture of a woman nursing her infant at a restaurant (a total stranger mind you) and posted it to his Facebook, shaming her for feeding her kid in public. She wrote back.

*I love this summer time gift wrap! So cheeky!

*Now that is how I'd wear a one-piece swimsuit (add high wedge heels and dramatic hat and shades).

*I have to bring something to the family reunion this weekend that can get warm and not kill anyone. I'm thinking this. Any standby recipes you make for gatherings like that? I'd love to know!

*It has been said at times I have the sense of humor of a frat boy. National Lampoon's anything, 21 and Over- those are my movies I watch alone while I laugh like Beavis & Butthead. All of this is to say, THERE IS A NEW VACATION coming out!!!

*And the bluegrass side of Ed Helms (who happens to be in the new Vacation film). He's so talented!

*Molly Ringwald at 47. She's so cool!

*This was so sweet! A dad stops the father-daughter dance at his daughter's wedding to play catch with her. Ack! I ugly cried.

*The British Prince and Princess's debut photographs side by side.

*Fifteen words to eliminate from your vocabulary to sound smarter! Yeeeeah, I pretty much use them all...

*A sweet video of an expectant family and their dogs. Aw!

*For the new front porch (my house is yellow).

*Smart kid. He gets paid to wait in line at one of the most popular barbecue joints in Austin.

*This picnic blanket is awesome!

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Plated Experiment #2, or Lu's Adventures with Pork Banh Mi

Happy Thursday, y'all! I have another Plated experiment for you. So, I had no idea going into this thing what the heck Pork Banh Mi is. I was a little intimidated because I have never cooked anything remotely Vietnamese and my husband is a particular fan of the cuisine, as he hails from Biloxi. Well, it's basically a meatball sub but instead of tomato sauce and cheese it has basil, sriracha, herbs and an onion (or shallot) jam. It's delicious!

 

So this is how it all arrived...

Me chopping away while watching Game of Thrones (those horrible White Walkers!).

The pork meatballs after they came out of the oven. Sidenote, I loved how simple this was to make. It was a really quick meal to put together. I'm going to serve it with sweet potato fries or garlic broccoli next time.

The shallot jam. Now here is the only thing I would Lulu-ify here. It needed a bit more sweetness to round out the intensity of the lime, and sriracha. So, when I make this again, and I will, I will tweak that recipe a little bit. 

I'll also not serve it on buns as I'm just not a bread-eater anymore and it was the only thing about it I didn't enjoy or finish.

Perhaps I'll figure out a way to make it more of an appetizer or serve it on skewers with the basil and mint and carrot...gotta think on that a little.

The blurry picture of the recipe card...things were getting heavy on Game of Thrones, sorry!

My finished product with a "prop" beer so it could look like the photograph a little more. Oh, and it was  an Abita Seersucker, if you wanted to know. Delicious!

And here I am, Miss Cheesecake 2015. Don't mind the exercise equipment in the background or the red face either. I'd just had a stellar workout. Thankyouverymuch!

All in all, it's a total keeper, but needed tweaks to suit our palettes better. As I am trying to break my endless desire to tweak every recipe ever, I did make it exactly how the recipe said. Progress, right?

I would recommend something like this during the summer especially because it is light for a meatball sandwich and the Thai basil and mint work very nicely instead of the American go-to of lettuce on a sandwich.

Would you try it?!

Have a truly wonderful day!!

Plated Experiment #1

Hey y'all! Last week I was feeling a bit unorganized and an email popped up directing me to the food delivery service, Plated. I had a discount code so I browsed their weekly menu and selected three dishes to try this week.

What is Plated? Well, it is a really cool site that creates a menu every week. You select what meals you would like delivered and it comes as a serving for two pre-measured with comic strip-style directions.

Last week we ordered Tamarind Chicken with vegetable "fried rice", Salmon with Asparagus, Charred Lemons and Couscous and Vietnamese Pork Buns. I waited all week with baited breath for this package to arrive and it did this Saturday!

The first recipe we made was the Salmon. Here's how it went!

My beautifully photographed recipe cards.

My not as beautifully photographed ingredients.

Nothing against the Hellman's they sent us for the mustard sauce, but Duke's is all we use in our house.

Mustard sauce with thyme and lemon zest. So yummy!

Browning the couscous (I know, not Paleo, but there aren't a tremendous amount of Paleo options, my only complaint).

Seasoned Salmon cooking away. Doesn't that look good?!

Charring the lemons and cooking the asparagus.

So what do y'all think? It turned out pretty and just like the picture!

All in all, I'd say it was a rousing success. The flavors were great, the directions were simple and the recipe says it serves two, but we had a serving leftover for the hubs' lunch the next day.  I can't wait to try the other recipes. I think we'll start picking one or two a week (it keeps me more organized so I don't go to the grocery store and waste money on food I don't prepare).

Would you guys try something like this? It was a little out of my comfort zone and I felt a wee bit silly ordering food, but I"m glad I tried it. Oh, and this post is in no ways sponsored by Plated. I just like it.

Have a wonderful day y'all!!

Happy May Day!

Great site for old photos of Florida.

I can't believe it's the first of May already (hope you remembered to say "Rabbit Rabbit"). April seemed like it flew by and also took forever. I'm happy to say though, that I welcome this new month and with it more fun experiments, maybe even a day trip to the beach if we're lucky too.

The hubs and I are spending a lot of time in the new house (the beach house as I've been referring to it) and trying to organize, tidy and all-round feather the nest. One thing I've learned so far, living in a tiny house- small refrigerators are the jam!

We bought a small fridge when we moved in partially because the landlord left us an enormous "normal house sized" fridge and it was just too huge for the space. But also, we had talked about getting a smaller fridge a few years ago because we were getting tired of losing food to the back "graveyard" of the fridge and wasting money on wasted food. So, we invested (a whopping $143) on an igloo (can't remember the exact cubic feet but something like 12-19) and we have loved it!

It makes you think before spending money at the grocery store and it's so nice to have everything right where you can see it. So, so far so good. We'll see how I'm feeling when it's time for Thanksgiving leftovers (because my freezer is about the size of a laptop).

Also, so far the window unit air conditioner is doing its job really well. However, it hasn't gotten over 90 yet- so a plan is in effect for that situation when/if need be. Adjusting to not having a shower is...interesting. It hasn't really been an issue yet, but like I said- it also hasn't gotten above 90 degrees yet so we'll see!

I'm surprised to admit that I'm enjoying my postage stamp of a kitchen. It was a real worry of mine when we were in the middle of moving because cooking is my little sanctuary. But I'm happy to say it's been pretty nice. It slopes on one side so that's been kind of a silly "pretend we're just on a house boat" kind of thing.

I did make some delicious Paleo-ish turkey meatballs in an Asian broth/sauce with sesame seeds. I don't really have a recipe for you because I totally made it up as I went, but I'll try to get it written down for you this week.

Anyway! Happy beginning of May and I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Friday Happies!

Oh Kitty. How we miss you!

Y'all. This week. This friggin' week.

It's all good, but y'all. I need a vacation and I know there's no way to get one until June. But here is everything I could give y'all considering I didn't have internet until nearly 10 pm last night. Sigh.

Anyone up for Midnight Margaritas? 

Here we go!

*I want to try this Southwestern (Paleo) Pork with lime and avocado!

*How to get what you want.

*This is so interesting. Apparently around the 1830's or so blue started becoming prominent in every "masterpiece" and has continued to stay as such even today!

*Check out this info-graphic about how houses have changed over the past 40 years! 

*Miss your old decoder ring? Here's how to access the secret hidden menus on your phone!

*How good is your eyesight? Take this (slightly freaky but cool) test!

*Strong is the new pretty. YES!! Those little girls are something else!

*I'm not usually into the celebrity culture minus a mild interest. But I thought this was kind of motivating!

*A hat. And a hat. Oh! And a hat. 

*ACK! This was so sweet it made me tear up! Okay, I'll be real- big fat tears.

*This couple "retired" in their 30's and travel the world...with their baby. Read their awesome (and wise money management) here!

*Want! Me want! Okay...sorry...use your words, Lulu. Ahem...I would really like this pleaseandthankyou!

*I enjoy Rebel Wilson. A lot.

*I like this tenacious little Irish girl. When her parents laughed at her performance of Frozen, she put them in their place. You can't understand a bloody word, but the tone is unmistakeable!

*This littler girl's papa is an astronaut. She wanted to leave him a message he could see from space, and Hyundai was happy to help. Together they also broke a Guinness Work Record. 

Have a wonderful weekend y'all!!

Checkin' in!

Early morning at the lake!

Hey y'all! How's your week going? Mine has been eventful (tummy bug- ew and still moving). Today's all about the updates, baby and here we go!

Day 8: I did pretty great considering it was my B's birthday and we all went out to dinner. I had a yummy salad with grilled chicken on top (though it had a marinated that I'm sure had sugar in it), everything else I did was on target!

Day 9: Sorta kinda did okay except I had the longest day at work (open to close) and resisted the first offering of a glass of wine. Upon the second offering, I gave in. I had two glasses of wine and ended up with the worst headache in the morning (aw, I'm growing up!). Still was totally worth it in the moment.

Day 10: I gave in a little for dinner. I did great up until the offer for homemade Chicken Parm came rolling in and it was lovely! I nixed the extra cheese and didn't eat the pasta (so I didn't go totally nuts). I even skipped dessert.

Day 11: Being so busy and exhausted this week prepping for inventory, I really didn't nourish myself very well. I packed healthy snacks, but failed to really make any quality meals the whole week. Therefore, by the end of a very busy day I was spent and basically just drank water and fell asleep.

Day 12: However...my non-Paleo day was so fun but I learned a lot. First things first, I had such an INSANE craving for chicken and waffles one may have thought I was knocked up (I'm not). So, I planned a brunch with friends and proceeded to devour said chicken and waffles and mimosas and it was all I could have asked for. The problem came when the hubs and I also went out to eat again and had a couple beers (again, amazing). By the end of the night however, my body was like "Um, excuse me...you done being an idiot yet? Nope? Let's see about this!"

Day 13: I get a stomach bug that I feel fairly confident in saying I would not have gotten it if the hubs and I had dialed it back a bit. We had eaten fried food, bread, dairy, sugar, and booze! I know the sudden influx of all that shocked my body and the bug that was going around work last week found me. Barf. Literally.

Day 14: I did well, though my appetite wasn't really back yet. I've been depending on my trail mix a lot (unsweetened coconut and unsweetened cranberries with almonds, pepitas and sunflower seeds) and carrots because that's kind of all I can keep down and it keeps my blood sugar more stable than other snacks seem to. However, I made the time to make sure meals are prepped in advance for next week so I can better nourish my body instead of just getting by (which is really what it felt like this week- surviving).

All in all, I lost an inch (accidentally wrote a pound! ACK! No thank you!) from my bust and no weight. That's okay though, last week's results were pretty damn amazing and I did get a little loosey goosey this week. I managed to walk 1.8 miles every day regardless of all incidences of which I am so incredibly proud, I can hardly stand it! An increase of over 4 miles from the week before!!

My daily yoga sessions (online) got a little derailed but I made it 4.5 days out of 7 and will exceed that heartily this week. Anyway, my measurements say I haven't budged an inch, but my workout pants and leggings kept falling down yesterday which makes me think my body is just lava-lamping. You know, moving the curves around to new places...I'm totally cool with that. I'm a sexy lava lamp lady!

I'm still feeling so motivated and happy and inspired that I can't wait to see next week's results!

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!!

Friday Happies!

Just the essentials, ma'am.

Y'all this week...ugh. I've been working my hiney off to stay positive and stay on track lemme tell ya. Whew lordy! Well, y'all know what day it is! It's time for this weeks list of happies, pretties, interestings and what-nots to usher you into your weekend with a smile on your face! Here we go!

*Slang from all over the country! My favorite is the one about the kittens in the oven- whuh?

*We got gators down here. Don't believe me? Just watch!

*These Molasses Clove Cookies sound divine. DIVINE I say!

*In case you missed it, a "visual story" I made called Lazy Sunday Morning. 

*I love this photo project. It makes me want to clean my purse out (in a good way)!

*Ten tips for a more mindful home. I love it!

*I am kinda obsessed with Foodiggety.

*Did y'all catch Alabama Shakes on SNL two weeks ago? Man oh man. That band is good and that girl can SANG!!

And another one because they're seriously one of my favorite bands.

*This is absolutely my new favorite show. I watched the entire season two nights ago. I couldn't stop. She's so positive and well- unbreakable. Plus I love that the theme song came from them auto-tuning the news. It's like 30 Rock (because the Fey produces it), but with way more heart.

*I'm really enjoying Ella's blog, Deliciously Ella. She changed her diet and her life when diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I love the things she comes up with.

*Did y'all see the huge swatch of seabed that had these naturally occurring metal spheres in it? So weird! Our planet is so incredible!!!

*Apparently men in the UK think heterosexual women want something very different in a man than they actually do!! It's comical, really!

*Tallahassee, Florida has claimed the porch swing as its symbol to represent the laid back, Southern "come sit a spell and visit" small town mentality. So cute!

*What's your go-to midnight snack?? Mine's usually a grilled cheese or a tortilla smeared in spicy mustard with cheese and turkey pressed in a skillet.

*Planting seedlings in eggshells. Spring is on it's way y'all! Apparently this helps with end rot!

One week until Spring is officially here! Take some time to enjoy what is left of Winter and to bid it adieu. Have a truly wonderful weekend!

Friday Happies- Viva Nashvegas!!

Hey y'all! Well, we made it through the snow up to Nashville to visit our family up here. It's crisp and lovely out (though I'm sure they'd all prefer the North Florida sunshine!). I'll be Nashing it up all weekend, but here's this week's happies, pretties, funnies, interestings and what-nots to get you geared up fro your weekend! Here we go!

*My FAVORITE place to eat. Period. It just happens to be in Nash.

*I enjoyed this dad's ideas and tips for traveling as a family with an infant.

*Passionate multi-cultural conversations about clutter (and what to do- if anything- about it!). You know I love that!!

*Awesome apron. So chic, so simple!!

*Ooooh, wearable works of art, you say?

*THE 2015 COOKBOOK COOK OFF! Otherwise known as The Piglet! I'm so in!!

*Kids playing classic rock on xylophones?! Yes please!!

*Norm MacDonald's riveting look behind the scenes of the SNL anniversary. It explains a lot! 

*Button Box! A super interesting-seeming book of historical fiction set in New Orleans. What a great name (and so Southern) for a book! On the list!

*These guys wanted to report on the superhuman strength of pregnant women and moms. So they did something a little...bold! Dig. Pretty confident dudes, I think it's awesome. 

*The hubs adorably calls my romper a "rompy". I think this rompy is particularly ladylike!

*Well that's one heck of a grown up Easter basket!!

*I could use these this weekend! Or...all the time!

*Don't these look delicious?!

*This is one of my favorite shops in Tally, it's all about olive oils and balsamic vinegars! So yummy!

I hope y'all enjoy! Have a truly wonderful day!!

Friday Happies - Birthday Edition!!!

How was your week, friends? Mine was a little off, but good. I worked a lot and spent a lot of time trying to "get ahead", whatever that means. Amiright?

Well, I'm off for the weekend because  IT"S MY BIRTHDAY (on Monday)!!! I love my birthday. It's all red and pink and tulips and chocolate and chilly pretty weather in all its swirly February-ness! Heh. I digress.

I hope y'all all have a nice relaxing weekend planned (and even if you have to work), here is a list of pretties, funs, happies, feel-goods, interestings, and what-nots to at least put a smile on your face! Here we go!

*This is Rami. He is a love child (obviously) of a dachshund and a pit bull. I love him, but there is a wait list at the shelter in Moultrie (just an hour or so from me!) for possible adoptive parents. That is a good thing, because I would totally take him home tomorrow otherwise.

Rami

*Woah. The cost of things in the U.S. after living abroad for fourteen years! Wowsers.

*Heh. Perfect for a birthday girl!

*I love all the ladies on Saturday Night Live. They are incredible from A to Z (Aidy to Sasheer Zamata). This article on Aidy made me smile. She's interesting and funny and smart and I just liked it so there!

*I like practical things that are beautiful. These scissors would be so beautiful on my (one day) desk.

*Peonies and tulips are two of my favorite flowers. But, I never heard of Peony Tulips until yesterday! What the what?! They are the prettiest flower I've ever seen!!!

*Workouts you can do according to how the characters on your favorite shows act! Love it. It's the perfect balance of totally lazy and getting exercise.

*What a pretty garden thermometer! It'd be so pretty outside a screened-in porch (I want a screened-in porch so badly!).

*I got two great records from my dad for my birthday and they have been on constant rotation on my record player since. This one makes me dance around like I'm James Brown!

*Hmm! Coming out as "anxious".  Super duper interesting article!

*Now these are some par-tay shoes!!!

*A really pretty blog about gratitude and other lovely things. The Garden of Eating.

*What a hilariously dark, weird, funny looking movie. The Voices.

*And a beautiful, chilling and charming movie. Woman In Gold. 

*Ahmahgah! I wish I had found these before Groundhog's Day!!! I could make them for myself for like- a regular Tuesday in the future, right? Right?!

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! How could you not after seeing that groundhog cookie? P.S. If the image is no longer moving, refresh the page and scroll down and be prepared for utter joy!

New Orleans by proxy

Image.

Perhaps because I watched the final episode of Treme. Perhaps because I then watched Skeleton Key (a guilty pleasure favorite of mine)...but I have been missing New Orleans lately. I had planned to make a New Orleans-inspired or truly Southern meal every Sunday beginning a few weeks back. I thought it'd be nice to harken to where we are from every week (instead of just being focused on budget budget budget) but my work schedule changed and I generally got derailed. So, last night while the hubs was at school, I hunkered down and made well- the recipe is called "Gumbolaya". It is like a tremendously delicious Louisiana-inspired stew served over rice. I pulled out my grandmother's cast iron and baked cornbread and y'all!!!! It was all terribly terribly (damn) good!

Now before y'all say you don't like that kind of food, it wasn't spicy (unless you want it to be-which I do- but if you don't you can use regular sweet sausage instead of spicy). And because y'all know I can only follow a recipe for five minutes before doing my own thing, I added a lot more parsley, garlic and cilantro than told to (and no shrimp because of budgets, baby). I also added a whisper of sugar which made a big difference and kept everything from getting a too acidic. Also, don't skimp on the okra if you think you don't like it. It adds a irreplaceable earthiness to it and is a must, not a suggestion!

Well, without further ado, here is the yummiest recipe I've made in a minute!

Recipe here. But I have to admit (and one day I'll have the foresight to prove it to you) my version was prettier, though admittedly less Bon Appetit-y. 

Do y'all have any special weekly meal traditions in your house or with your family? The world (sadly) doesn't run the same way as it did for our grandparents but I always loved the idea of a weekly family meal involving ham, biscuits, fried chicken and green beans. You know- a Southern classic. That'll probably be happening sooner rather than later for my little family unit!

I'd love to hear what y'all do and are up to! I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Comfort food!

Even though the weather has gotten unseasonably warm for the moment, I am still in a super comforting soup mood. I've been trying some new recipes that are budget-friendly to get us through (and keep us on our debt paying and saving track).

A favorite at our house right now is the delicious Chicken, Lime & Avocado soup! It is so good, y'all! You have to try it! It's bright and fresh instead of tangy and spicy as it would suggest (and I used one jalapeño instead of two and was very careful not to get any membrane or seeds in there so it's not too spicy). It's so good and flavorful that next time I'm going to make it sans-broth and use it to stuff soft tacos! Yum!!!

Of course mine looked nothing like this pretty picture from the recipe page.

Another favorite is my Broccoli & Pea Coconut Milk Deliciousness Soup (better name and recipe for y'all to try coming soon!).

I hope y'all have a truly wonderful, comforting and cosy day!

Friday Happies!!

More on vintage Airstream trailers here.

Hey y'all! It's Friday! I'm working all weekend long but I hope you are free as a bird! Here's this week's list of pretties, funnies, happies and what-nots to bring a smile to your face and kick your weekend off right!

*A homeless man offered a stranded college student every last penny so she could get home safely in a taxi late at night. What she did for him in return is lovely!

*What a pretty and simple necklace. I'd love to give it as a gift to a girlfriend (and get one for myself while I'm at it!).

*Twin babies hold hands and talk to each other for the first time. So cute! I'm super fascinated by twins.

*Woah. IMPACT!

*I started this Plank Challenge last night in an attempt to whittle down the damage I've done to my tummy over the past two years. I thought it was going to be daunting, but it really isn't and I can feel it immediately (which in my head means I'll just wake up with six pack abs in a week). Whatever works, y'all!

*Okay, so I know this sounds all hippie-dippy & earth-muffiny but these cauliflower tortillas sound really delicious!

*12 things you didn't know about Airstream trailers! I have a soft spot for these silver bullets.

*Ruh-Roh!! A new British murder mystery to get hooked on! Grantchester!

*Trying to eat a bit healthier for the new year? Here are 8 inspiring ways to remove starch from your diet by replacing it with one vegetable!

*I'm originally from Nashville and I'm basically obsessed with Lonny; so a home tour by Lonny of a Nashville home? Right up my alley!! And it's completely cute!

*Dang y'all! Grilled Peach Slaw! Go on, now! That sounds sooooo good!!!

*These would be perfect for work (and life) this spring and summer!

*This both inspired me and cracked me up. The Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe.

*Oooooooh!!!!! The Hidden Caribbean! Meet you there! I'll be the one with the sunscreen and shot glasses!

*Hahahaha! Meet the Flockers and the Quackers! I just love this site, Fresh Eggs Daily!

Have a truly wonderful weekend, friends!! I hope you enjoyed this 150th post of P&PPS!

Colour Therapy- Saffron!

I am all in the mood for the bright, happy cosiness of saffron today! Maybe because it's been so cold and grey, my Vitamin D deficiency kicked in or something.  Just for funsies, I thought I'd spend a little time today sharing some beautiful things to (maybe, hopefully!) get you to feel the metaphorical sunshine on your face too!

In feng shui, a warm happy yellow is a color for health. In meditation, the yellow and orange chakras represent positive use of personal power, meditation and digestion as well as the utilization of creative forces in all aspects of your being (gotta love that!) respectively.  

After this harried holiday season and during this long stretch of cold, and grey we all naturally grow a little internal. I think that's great and really important; but while you're at it, you can at least have a little manmade sunshine in your life. Just because you're cozied in, doesn't mean you have to get all Season Affective Disorder-y on us.

Just think of the daffodils popping out of the frosty ground y'all, they're little shoots of sunshine during the harshest time of year!

Like this punchy saffron sofa!

Velvet pillows! I don't usually like velvet because it makes my teeth hurt to touch it, but the color is fantastic; and if you're not afflicted with the weird velvet/teeth situation then I highly recommend adding them for a comforting texture in your living room or bedroom.

A stunning shade, "Nasturtium" ,to add a pop of color to your walls. I think it'd be pretty painted 3/4 of the way down a wall with a rough border (not with painters tape but kind of eyeballed instead). 

Like this!

This lovely and soft-looking rug from Anthropologie!

Pretty glass beads to wear with a winter white or grey outfit maybe?!

A little bucket/basket to brighten up the inevitable laundry malaise or use as a planter for a leafy friend!

The ultimate soft tee for lounging about in leggings or jammie bottoms (and big wooly socks) watching Netflix marathons.

And last but not least! A delicious recipe to make that will warm your heart and your senses! I truly want to try this! Cardamom & Saffron Pears. Yum yum yum!!!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day, y'all! Don't forget to let the sunshine in!!