crazy thursday

via

Whoa.

That’s all I can say about today. It has been a doozy. First, I woke up late -with a migraine. Then I realized I had forgotten to transfer a load of pants to the dryer last night hang dry and iron (hi mom). I think I tried on 437,432 clothing items and looked/felt horrible in every.single.thing. My solution to this problem was to throw said pants in the dryer while I ran around  crazy and walked the dog. Did I mention this was also the day I chose to begin my first whole30 challenge? Which also means I had a fridge full of chicken and chopped veggies I was planning to put in the crock pot before leaving for work. This was not the morning to screw it all and stop by Starbucks on the way to the office.

Sigh.

I miss you already s-bucks.

Ok, focus.

So, I frantically loaded up the crock pot and then threw a couple of eggs in the microwave. Yes, I said the microwave. Don’t judge me people. I can’t fail this challenge on Day 1. I threw the eggs in a travel container and headed to work. I’m only 30 minutes late (bother). As I’m checking morning emails and eating microwaved eggs I realize I’ve left my gym bag on the counter at home. Really?!? What else can go wrong today. I’m supposed to be meeting my friend Mel for yoga after work.

I’ll tell  you what can go wrong. This can happen.

Did I do that??? 

(imagine that said in a Steve Urkel Voice)

#familymatterskid

You can hit the flippin’ curb on your way to have lunch with a friend (a whole30 compliant meal I might add) and blow a hole a HUGE hole in your tire. Please tell me this day is over now. I will have to say that my brother, LB,  was awesome and came to my rescue. It was his day off so he was there in about 15 minutes. With tools. Boom.

I know technically how to change a tire but let’s be honest- these wimpy girl arms couldn’t budge a lug nut. Plus, I was just released from physical therapy yesterday. Toting tires around is not in my skillset these days. But LB had it all under-control. He changed the tire and I’m currently driving around on the donut (I’m one of those people today) while my tire is being shipped to the local auto shop. Everything should be back to normal by tomorrow and I’m thankful LB was around to help. And Heather, who kept me calm and company until LB could get there. I never did make it to lunch with Heather, but I did end up at home making calls to various auto places where LB made me this for lunch.

Bacon and collard greens. So good. And perfect for whole30. I also ate the last piece of chai pumpkin bread I made a couple of days ago. You can find the basic recipe here. It will definitely be a repeat around these parts. LB has been full-time paleo for around 6-7 months now so he loved this as a treat. I didn’t follow the recipe exactly so I’ll try to post the changes I made soon. I’m hoping if I could make it through this chaotic day and still stay true to the whole30 challenge, the rest of month won’t be so hard (yeah right). Hopefully, I’m up to the challenge.

1 day down, 29 to go.

Have you tried a paleo/whole30 challenge before?

wish list: kitchen essentials

Halloween is not even here yet, and I am already excited for all the food, fellowship and general cheer that the holiday months seem to bring along. Cooking dinner, having friends over, playing board games and watching holiday movies always top my to-do list. I typically host Thanksgiving for my family (but not sure what we are doing yet this year). Regardless, I’ve already started thinking about some small kitchen tool upgrades.

(1)    I’m been lusting over enamelware from Le Creuset for years. It’s still only on my wish list, but I love this oval Dutch oven in rosemary green. Absolutely perfect for stews and roasts.

(2)    If I had my druthers, this olivewood salt well would be hanging out beside my stove at all times. I visit it every time I go into Sur la Table. You just know that burled wood will just get more beautiful with time.

(3)    Love this marble serving board. Hello cheese + grapes + nuts + me. Done.

(4)    I am still loving the gold toned flatware that West Elm introduced last year (or the year before)? What do you think- are the metallic here to stay for a while?

(5)    My beloved single cup espresso maker finally bit the dust (insert wailing and gnashing of teeth). I loved it because the base was stainless steel (in lieu of aluminum) but the rubber gaskets finally gave out and I couldn’t replace them. It has been months since, and I need to find a replacement. Any recommendations?

(6)    I absolutely love aprons. With initials. And pockets. Pockets on aprons are absolutely essential to me because I can keep my phone and kitchen timer handy. Who want to burn something because you can’t hear the kitchen timer in the other room? Not this girl.

(7)    Have you heard of Rewined? I love their candle scents and that they use recycled wine bottles to hold the candles. 

(8)    I’ve never owned a good set of knives. But lately I’ve been paying them a great deal of attention. Good knives can really make for a great experience in the kitchen. I’ve had my eye on some of these wooden handled knives by Schmindt Brothers at West Elm. I’m still wondering if I have the dedication needed to care for wooden handles longterm (hmm).

What about you?

What would be on your wish list for perfecting a feast from your own kitchen this year?

rr lately

I’ve been so busy lately and the holiday season isn’t even here yet –geesh. Here are some of the things that have been happening lately. 

• Found myself at a Matt Nathanson concert last Tuesday night. He was awesome. I'm still in love with this song. Joshua Radin opened the show so it was double exciting. Now I'm listening to this song on repeat. 

• I’m finishing some upholstery for chairs in a friend’s bedroom. I’ll post more pictures when this project is finished. 

• It’s actually starting to feel like fall (even here in the South). I’ve traded in all my sandals for ballet flats.

• Had delicious coffee at Octane with Heather. You can’t beat a Saturday afternoon with coffee and good conversation with your BF.

• The sky has been filled with absolutely beautiful and interesting clouds lately. Must be the changing season (?)

• I've been doing some experimenting with making my own all-natural make-up. Once I have something perfected I'll report back.

• I've been living in this Heart and Soul sweatshirt this month. 

• Attended a Revive Birmingham event downtown to promote local artisans and restaurants returning to empty storefronts in the theater district. 

• A friend got married at a local nursery- such a beautiful location for a beautiful ceremony.