FYI Friday

Bring that funky track back.  Ooh, bring it, baby.  If you haven't noticed by now, my thought process often involves songs.  I have no idea why that's so, but it's been like that for many years.  What's funny is that I wouldn't say I'm a big music fan.  I listen to the radio when I'm in the car but that's about the extent of it.  I guess the little snippets I hear form permanent wrinkles in my brain.  Now if I could just find a way to get my to-do list to form those same wrinkles!
Here are some things worth sharing.
** Get in my belly!  These bars will be made this weekend!
**  Sugar might not be all bad after all.  I'm not sure I could smear it on my face without licking it off, but perhaps that's a personal problem.
**  I love Indian food restaurants but the thought of making an Indian dish at home scares the bejeezers out of me for some reason.  This recipe might just lift those fears.  
**  New guilty pleasure.  I'm not even sure how I brought myself to confess.  What can I say, I like shows with pretty people and when there are pretty houses to boot?!  
**  Lexington friends, get excited for the first annual Crave Lexington Food and Music Festival.  Tons of local vendors, local music, and cooking demonstrations.  There will be something for the whole family!  By the way, that's my blonde head in the picture on their homepage.  That makes me famous, right?

FYI Friday

Barney got it right, sharing is caring.  Might be the only thing, but it's a good one.  There's so many ideas and inspirations floating around out there, so when I see things I love, I want to share them.  Here's the things that are striking my fancy today.
1.  Are your kids as enthralled with bouncy balls as mine are?  And do they bounce them once and they disappear into the abyss?  Then there are tears and then there's stealing brother's ball.  Good times.  Never fear, get some borax and make your own!

2.  Yes, I did just buy some coconut milk solely for the purpose of this recipe.  Cheesecake for breakfast?!  Sign me up!  

3.  I want to throw a party just to do this.  Who comes up with these brilliant ideas?!  Martha, of course.

4.  Speaking of parties, now I want to have an ice cream or sundae party just so I can hang these around.  Maybe I'll just make them for no reason other than balloons make me happy.

5. Here's another article about "fake" food.  I understand not everyone has the time or desire to make everything from scratch, but this article should at least encourage you to know a little more about what you're buying and putting into your body.  Remember people, you only have 1 life.  I'd rather spend the money now eating healthy, as opposed to spending it in 20 years on medical bills.  Here's just a little excerpt:
"Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer hidden in thousands of foods you and your family regularly eat, and it’s one of the worst food additives ever created."

FYI Friday

1.  There is all kinds of truth, honesty, and wisdom right here.  I want to reread it every day until it sinks in that I'm doing the best I can and I'll never be perfect.  Drill it into my head! 2.  There are some real marketing geniuses out there.  I haven't seen this one on tv, so I'm not tired of it yet.  Not sure I ever will.

3.  Speaking of tv, why must I always choose the shows that no one else watches.  The networks run the shows just long enough for me to get totally invested in the characters and fall in love with them and then,  poof!  They pull the plug.  I hate you CW for cancelling 90210.   4.  I'm totally digging grey as a color to decorate with.  I haven't incorporated it much in my house because I'm afraid I'd tire too quickly of the drab color.  But just look how tranquil and clean it can be. 5.  Want to get your kids to eat healthy(er)?  Put one of these beautiful plates in front of them and watch them gobble it up!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mother's in the world!

FYI Friday

1.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Words I need to practice living by.  My to-do list will never end, so why do I beat myself up for not finishing everything?
2.  How stinkin' cute are these ice cream spoons?  As of this month, Colin is in favor of an ice cream party for his birthday.  Ask me next month and I'm sure that will have changed.  But how cute would these be?  They were sold out but I found the etsy store and she has plenty!
3.  I have managed to resist the temptation to buy Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter.  That is until I saw this recipe.  The problem is, I don't think I could stop at one.  She's entering this recipe in a contest and I don't see how she would get beat.  
4.  I'm in total mourning over the loss of one of my childhood favorites.  Kris (Chris Kelly), of Kris Kross died this week from an apparent drug overdose.  I guess this answers my question, "Where are they now?"  I feel like I should go to the funeral.  Or maybe I'll just wear my pants backwards today in memory.  So sad.  Drugs are bad, mkay.
5.  I've purchased one of these Project Life kits in the past and while I still haven't managed to get around to actually using it, I'm still enamored with their papers and patterns.  It really is a great solution for scrapbook wannabes with far too little time.
6.  Summer in a bowl.  That's all I have to say.

Have a great weekend!

FYI Friday

1.  I am loving this little town near Jacksonville, Fl.  Ever heard of Avondale?  Check it out.  It's just so charming and quaint.  Just look how cute these little shops are.

2.  Wes' dream birthday cake.  It might be a little hard to cut.  Who said anything about cutting?!  

3.  I could eat pancakes for breakfast every day.  No lie.  I'd never get tired of them.  The possibilities are endless, as is the girth of my gut!

4.  I clearly have food on the brain.  I'm not even hungry.  When something says it's "to die for" are you more likely to read/look at it?  I think I am.  I mean, that's pretty serious.  One of my coworkers apparently feels that way about sports on tv.  He said if he had to go a week without watching sports on tv, he'd rather die.  He wasn't lying.  He's a preacher's son.  My dad always said to stay away from preacher's kids.  

5.  If my hands were steadier, these would be the first thing I'd try.  Nothing could beat the look on my sons' faces if I put a big plate of these in front of them.  

FYI Friday

1.  I love some of these ideas for games to play at the dinner table.  I'm a strong proponent of family meal time, so we spend our fair share of time there.  These are some great ideas to break the ice or the monotony.  

2.  Have you even wondered how or why someone was cast for a certain role?  Ever wonder how Selena Gomez started?  I could seriously watch these audition tapes all day.  
3.  Run, don't walk to this place.  Words can't describe how super fantastical it is!  The bad news is that you'll be waiting a while...into May to get a decent reservation.  I don't care if you have to go at 5 o'clock, it's totally worth it!  I could eat there every night and never tire of it.  It's that good.  For real!
4.  Colin got the game ball after his second t-ball game.  The poor kid stood in the same scrunched down position through several batters before his coach told him he could relax when the ball wasn't in play.  He would have stood there for days.  No lie.  He's nothing if not obedient.  To others.
5.  Yes, please.  I'll even eat the flowers.  I'm sure they're edible.  

via Exclusively Food

FYI Friday

1.  While I've missed you guys so much, I have thoroughly enjoyed my little break from blogging.  It was my impromptu Blogging Spring Break!  I'm really trying to stay present with life in general these days, so the old blog was one less thing for my mind to drift to.

2.  I love surprises!  I love to receive them, almost as much as I love to deliver them to others.  Wes' birthday was last weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed surprising him multiple times throughout the week/weekend.  First up was dinner at a new-to-us restaurant, then dinner here, then gifts, and finally a week of some of his favorite meals.  I get a thrill from the anticipation and seeing the happiness in their eyes!


3.  I am in love with this kitchen.  I love white kitchens but look at that entire wall of windows or doors, I can't quite tell.  I'm in my kitchen a lot now, but I honestly don't think I'd ever leave this one.  Except if it was rainy and gross :)

4.  I have seen this shirt popping up everywhere around the net.  I like it but I'm afraid I'd be one of a million wearing it!  I also have to be careful of things making me look too old.  What do you think?

5.  Here's to chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' this weekend!

FYI Friday

1.  I'm losing sleep over Google Reader closing up shop!  Why?  What did I ever do to you?  I'm leaning towards switching to Feedly.  Anyone else have any successes with other RSS readers?  Any to stay away from?

2.  Introducing my newest blog crush!  I spent, well, longer than I should have looking at pages upon pages of her delicious recipes.  I may be able to make an entire month of menus from her site alone.  No joke.

3.  Super excited about a date with hubby and friends this weekend here.  

4.  Sneak peek of my dining room art that I created.  

5.  I can't get enough of these 2 colors this spring.  Well if we'd actually get a spring, I'd happily wear these colors every day!  When I was a teenager, my room was painted these colors.  Just goes to show how trends cycle over and over.  Moral of the story, never throw anything away.  That's feasible, right?

Spring 2012 by de5181 featuring skinny jeans

FYI Friday

1.  I would apologize (again) for being such a sucker to reality tv, but alas, I know I'm not alone and perhpas it's better than reading Spiderman Returns for a 457th time.  I said perhaps.  Someone much more clever and witty than I came up with this great drinking game.  I'm not still into drinking games but his take on each of the last few contestants is pretty comical and right on point. 
  2.  Here's a fun fashion quiz to give the man in your life.  I gave it to Wes and actually thought he'd know some of the answers.  He knew one.  His response, "What hetro-sexual man would know any of these answers?  Ask me what a belt is, I know that one."  

3.  Which is worse - cleaning poop out of tiny toddler's underwear or hearing backtalk from a teenager?  I don't know, you tell me.  I'm still trying to determine which I prefer.  I can tell you poo is not at the top of my list these days!  Thankfully, I have a while to wait for the proper comparison!

4.  I can hear myself as a child telling my Dad I was bored.  I can also clearly hear his patented response, "Only boring people are boring.  Go run around the house a few times."  I took offense to the first part.  Enough so that I often did go outside and run around the house a few times.  I couldn't wait to come back in to tell him I was still bored.  Truth is, the fresh air often cleared my mind enough that I was able to think of something to do.  In case running around your house isn't an option for you or you "bored" child, here are 7 Tips to Fight the Deadly Feeling of Boredom.

5.  So proud of my niece and the rest of her team being runner-up in the 11th Region.  She was named to the All-Tournament Team as an 8th grader!  Way to go, Kiara!

Enjoy your weekend!

FYI Friday

1.  My mouth is watering.  And I don't even like chocolate.  I need this now.

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2.  Speaking of things I need, I would really appreciate a permanent temperature change.  As in Spring can't get here fast enough!  I'm in need of some pretty flowers, green grass, and warm fresh air.  Seeing beautiful images like these certainly don't help the itch.

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How gorgeous are these patterned Easter eggs?  Ah, to have the patience for such artwork!  Not to mention a steady hand.

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3.  Some people have bucket lists of places they want to go, things they want to do, feats they want to accomplish, but me?  I have a bucket list of restaurants I want to try.  I'm a sucker for lists and when they involve 101 of the best restaurants, I'm all over it!  I've knocked 3 or 4 of them off.  Only 97 more to go! 4.  Anyone else crushing on the pastel trend this year?  Last year was neon and bright, this year appears to be soft and pastel.  Of course we couldn't get 2 seasons out of our trendy clothes.  Tisk, tisk.  Then they wouldn't be trendy.  A woman's wallet never rests.

5.  Am I the only person in the world who didn't know who Donna Hay was before today?  I'm in love with her style.  It seems she's the Aussie version of Martha Stewart, except I don't think she's been to jail.  Is anyone a fan?  Anyone tried any of her scrumptious-looking recipes?

FYI Friday

1.  I know I'm not alone in my hatred of folding a fitted sheet.  Well, leave it to Martha to make it look so easy.  To make myself feel better, she probably hasn't folded a sheet since her days in the slammer.  She has some minion to do it for her.  
2.  I seem to have plenty of ideas for play during the week while I'm at work and can't actually play.  But once the weekend comes and I'm confronted with the oh-so-coveted free time, I feel somewhat paralyzed as to what to do.  I've thought (and should) about writing the ideas down as they come to me, but I convince myself they probably won't sound as fun when I actually have time.  I'm sure I'd rather do something else, like cook, clean, watch tv - you know, the boring stuff.  So, even though it's a bit daunting in length, this post with the 10 Best Pinterest Boards for Play seems like it would be a great resource for me!
3.  If I lived in NYC, I'd be sick from all the eating out I would feel like I had to do.  Being a pseudo vegetarian/vegan, my options are somewhat limited here in the Dirty South (read:  meat and potato land!).  A few hundred miles northeast, however, the options are seemingly endless.  Just feast your eyes on this beautiful specimen of sushi, vegan sushi, that is.  Who knew this even existed?  I do now and I want it!

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4.  If I had a million dollars...sing along with me now.  Anywho, I've always loved seeing fun, creative spaces for kids.  I guess it's because I wish I would have had something super cool like that or maybe it's just the fact that I'm still a kid at heart.  Seriously though, look at these amazing spaces!  I might have even developed into a reader if I had that second room :)

5.  Wes and I are headed here this weekend for a post-Valentine's celebration.  To say I'm excited is a bit of an understatement!  See #3 above for the lack of vegetarian options.  This place has something for everyone.  What a concept.  We're also going to check out this cool market place that I've heard great things about.  

FYI Friday

1.  I'd like to dive, face first, into a big pan of these.  I'm not even a diver, but man these are serious.

2.  I'm loving these tastefully simple table decorations.  She suggests them for a wedding, but I could see them on any table - birthday, dinner party, or just your family dinner table.  Such a simple idea that adds just a little touch of color and whim to an otherwise plain table.

3.  I love pizza as much as the next guy, but this is just not right.  Can you imagine the heartburn and indigestion he surely felt afterwards.  I'm not sure I could eat pizza again for years.  Or ever.

4.  I read the greatest, life-changing tip from Dr. Laura Markham this week.  When you're in a bad mood or feel your mood going south, stop and redirect your mind to thoughts of gratitude.  If you have to stop and write them down to focus your brain on them, do it!  Here's a little except from her daily post:

Every spiritual tradition has a practice of gratitude.  Not just for some presumed spiritual or ethical benefit, but because it works. The heartfelt expression of gratitude lifts us out of the mind’s usual restless feeling of “not enough” into the joy of sufficiency.  We open ourselves to take in the blessings that surround us.

5.  I'm tackling homemade Valentines this weekend for Colin's class.  Say a little prayer that things go as planned and we don't bite each other's head off. 

FYI Friday

1.  Jump start your Valentine's Day planning with these 85 Ways to Show Love.

2.  Sometimes I get mad that Lexington doesn't have enough independently owned eateries.  Actually I think what I get frustrated with is the fact that Louisville has so many and we don't get the opportunity to try them all!  I think my wallet probably appreciates it though.  I'm super excited to learn of 2 new places opening up, one is that of former Top Chef contestant, Edward Lee, and the other is a sister restaurant to a favorite of ours, Guaca Mole.  


3.  It's no secret my husband is pretty great.  Hands off.  He's all mine.  He does so much around the house and here I thought he enjoyed it.  I guess not.  
4.  In other news, Sawyer decided Wednesday was the day he'd use the potty!  I've definitely learned boys have their own timetable for doing things.  They do it when they're ready!

FYI Friday

1.  With the Arctic temps outside right now, my mind is thinking of far off tropical places and luscious gardens.  This article has me wanting to transform my entire backyard (and front for that matter). 2.  I am so intrigued, awestruck, and mesmerized by Chef Marcus Samuelsson.  He seems like the most gentle, sincere, and one-hell-of-a-good-chef kind of guy.  Of his numerous restaurant endeavors, I'd love to eat at The Red Rooster in Harlem.  Maybe someday I will.  His face has become a fixture on cable television and I constantly amazed at the daily content on his blog.  Where does the man find the time?  I know he has a force behind him, but the ideas and talent are all his own.  I'm sure of it.  Even though I'm not a reader, I'm interested to learn more about him in his memoir, "Yes, Chef."

3.  One of the first blogs I ever came across was because of an internet search for a local restaurant.  I was looking for an honest review and had no idea what (who) I was about to come across.  The search led to one of my first real "blog friends" and someone who has taught me so much.  Her first blog, The Review Lady, has been referenced on here numerous times.  From restaurant reviews, to in-depth Bed & Breakfast reviews, to extensive travel reviews, and luscious recipes, every one of her posts was eloquently written and beautifully photographed.  I am so happy to announce that she has relaunched her blog, with a complete design overhaul, as "Local on the Road."  I highly recommend the read.  You never know when your travels might intersect with somewhere she has been.  Trust me, you will appreciate her attention to detail!

4.  I've had an incurable sweet tooth as of late.  Seeing things like this cake don't help.

5.  Did you watch The Taste premier?  I was excited to see what would make Anthony Bourdain leave Top Chef and I have to admit, I was a little bored with it.  I'm hoping it will pick up once they get their teams in place.  In the mean time, I can't say I mind looking and listening to Ludo.  

FYI Friday

1.  I'm loving this 21-day relationship challenge from The Happiness Project author, Gretchen Rubin.  Are you getting tired of G.R. references yet?  Too bad.  I love her and I want you to love her too!

2.  I'm so excited to be joining some friends for tea today at one of my favorite restaurants.  If you haven't been to the Greentree Tearoom, you're missing out.  My girlfriends and I started going there at least 8 years ago and we've been going once a month ever since!  I'm nothing if not consistent :)

3.  This is the coolest kids kitchen!  I think I'd try to use it for real.  Of course it makes me feel totally inept because there's no way I could envision and then create a DIY project like that.  Amazing!  

4.  Um, yes please!  I'll take 2.  I'd totally embrace the milk mustache for one of these!

5.  My thoughtful husband was reading my blog (Hi, honey!) and saw that I asked about yoga and that I was interested in taking classes.  Well he knows me all too well and decided the only way to make me go was to buy the classes for me.  Knowing that I'm a total tightwad, he knew I wouldn't let the money go down the drain and so I'd go to the classes.  As usual, he was right!  I've only been to 2 classes and I'm totally hooked.  It's amazing how much calmer I feel and how much better I'm able to deal with life's daily stresses. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uptight, or just need some good stretching and breathing, I'd highly recommend yoga!  I'm already looking forward to my next class.  Come join me :)

FYI Friday

1.  I am so guilty of not living in the moment and taking the time to appreciate what is right in front of my face.  As we decorated the tree a couple of weeks ago, I had to literally restrain myself from taking complete control of decorating the tree or rearranging every ornament that the boys hung.  Wes hit the nail on the head when he said, "They're just excited."  And so it's true, Christmas through the eyes of a 5-year old is different, and perhaps more pure than what I've made it become.
2.  I'd love to become an incredible photographer but I've finally began to come to the realization that I lack the drive to make this happen.  I'm creative, but not overly artistic.  I like to learn things, but don't have the patience to wait for it to sink in.  Little snippets like this one on Christmas bokeh are perfect for me because they're short and to the point.  Sometimes I remember them, sometimes I don't, but at least I don't get bogged down and frustrated that I can't learn it all.

3.  One of my fondest Christmas memories is making candy with my, now deceased, Granny.  I miss her every day, but when I see things like this, it makes me smile knowing that I created so many wonderful memories with her.  By the way, we didn't use potatoes, did you?  We used the good stuff - confectioners' sugar!  

4.  How do the hair gods know when you're about to get a haircut?  And why do they feel it necessary to deliver you your best hair day ever the day before said appointment?  It happens to me every time.

5.  Guess what?  I do still cook.  Nearly every night.  I just haven't been taking the time to take pictures.  And what's a recipe without a picture?  I'm visual too, I'm not hating on you.  This recipe that I made this week is one of the best things I've made in a while.  I'm seriously having dreams about it.  Thankfully I brought it to work because I would have eaten the whole thing.  In one sitting.  No lie.

FYI Friday

1.  Feeling a little overwhelmed by the holiday season already?  This article has some great tips to avoid getting stressed and to actually enjoy the season!   2.  Truer words were never spoken...

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3.  I am all about some sweet potatoes right now.  I'd like to smash my face into a plate of this right now.  I'd even be willing to suffer through the burns from the heat.  It looks that good.

4.  I want to go to one of these!  Anyone else?  Heck, I'll host it!  Participants?  Anyone???

5.  I so wanted to use these for my Christmas cards this year, but alas, I am inept when it comes to Photoshop Elements.  Maybe I should ask for lessons for Christmas.  

FYI Friday

I thought about posting 5 great Black Friday deals today, but alas, I figured everyone was probably Black Friday'ed out.  Even though I'm a big shopper, I've never gotten into the Thanksgiving frenzy.  Call me crazy, but Thanksgiving still means spending time with your family in my book. 1.  I struggle from time to time with content for my blog.  I usually end up posting about anything and everything but this article made me stop and think.  I'm not saying I'll completely change, but it did make me think of the direction and purpose of my site. 2.  One of the drawbacks of not preparing Thanksgiving at your own home is not getting to make concoctions with the leftovers.  Of course there's the traditional (and perfectly acceptable) turkey sandwich, but some of the more creative options have my mouth watering.   3.  Ever think that you could be generous by taking? 4.  I'm in the market for some teacher gift ideas.  I've found some cute ideas but I haven't found the perfect one.  Suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Eighteen25

5.  Oprah's network is failing, so she's trying something new.  This is crazy.

FYI Friday

1.  Do you ever miss the old square pizza and corn school lunch?  I rarely ate it but I'm pretty sure Wes would eat it every day of his life.  So would you go to a restaurant that served school lunch?   2.  Sinfully delicious and relatively healthy too?  Say it's not so. 3.  Butter is better.  "They" say so.  It must be true. 4.  Do you practice yoga?  I need to do something more than just think about it.  I'm very intrigued by the meditation, relaxation part.   5.  Can you stand the cuteness?  Sometimes I can't either and I can't resist planting a big one on those adorable cheeks!