NYFW Fave: Thom Browne

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I can't claim that I've been watching the NYFW runways obsessively, given that I've been pretty busy taking care of a 3 month old baby and being back at work full-time, but despite that I'm willing to bet that the only collection you NEED to see is from Thom Browne. Its just the right mix of geisha, Pippi Longstocking, and eccentric English garden party.

Grilled Halloumi Cheese

I love cheese in any form. Aged, smoked, crumbled, processed (even Provel): all a-ok with me under the right circumstances. I recently tried cheese in a form I'd never had before: grilled. Not slapped between two pieces of bread and toasted on a pan, cooked on an actual grill, by itself. Guess what? Turns out that I like cheese prepared that way too. Not just any kind of cheese will work for this, however. You need something with a high melting point, like Halloumi, which originates from Cypress,  Served with grilled tomatoes over watermelon it makes for a nice end of summer appetizer and helps use up any remaining basil and mint you might have lying around.

Rosé Spritzer

We've officially made it to the lazy days of summer. It's just too hot to be very ambitious, especially when it comes to refreshment. This spritzer recipe is the perfect drink for a hot summer day and it is really simple to make, with only four ingredients.

Date Night: Katie's Pizza and Pasta Osteria

I've been a fan of Katie's Pizza in Clayton for a long time, so Katie's Pizza and Pasta in Rock Hill has been on my "Restaurants to Visit" list ever since it opened. Though the two are not technically a chain (one is owned by the actual Katie and one is owned by her father, our server was quick to inform us), anyone who loves the original Katie's is sure to love the new spot. 

Your Nursing Wardrobe

Nursing fashion is an oxymoron. All clothes made specifically for nursing are hideous, and worse, make it very obvious to anyone who sees you that you are nursing. No one wears a shirt with snaps all over the front of it unless they need to whip their boobs out super fast to quiet a screaming newborn. If you are like me, you won't really care what anyone thinks of how you look the the first few weeks after having a baby, but eventually things begin to normalize (thankfully) and when that happens you will want some clothes you can leave the house in. Unfortunately, actual clothes shopping will be the last thing you want to do, so it pays to be prepared. Here are some ideas!

Roscoe Update

Long time, no blog. Over the past week or so, I've been recovering from gall bladder surgery, so I haven't been able to find much time for writing. I'm hoping that changes soon. In the meantime, here are some of the latest pictures of my sweet baby Roscoe. I feel like he's getting so big already!

Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt

I've started daydreaming about desserts I want to make but don't have time to: elaborate layer cakes, pies, really anything that involves more than three steps. But I keep reminding myself that summer isn't the time for slaving over a hot oven anyway, it's the time for ice creams and popsicles and froyo! Luckily, I have quite a few backlogged recipes for frozen treats that I've been meaning to try, like this Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt. It manages to be tart, sweet, and just a touch salty all at once, the perfect summer refresher. You can choose to go with low fat yogurt in this recipe if you want, but you won't get that Mango Lassi richness.

Newborn Essentials

Before you have a baby you obsess about buying everything you could possibly need, and then after you have the baby you come to the shocking realization that half of the stuff you thought you needed is completely unnecessary or won't actually be useful until your baby is six months to a year old. So moms to be, listen up, I'm here reporting from the other side on the stuff you actually need to get through the first month of having a baby, or at least, the stuff that has been the most useful to me.

Creative Cocktails from the Planter's House

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My in-laws were in town this past weekend, and they were kind enough to watch Roscoe while my husband and I went out for a little belated anniversary dinner at the Planter's House. I had been meaning to visit since it opened up over a year ago, but I hadn't gotten a chance before I got pregnant and after I was pregnant there didn't seem to be much point in going to a place that is all about the cocktails. Yes, cocktails! Welcome back to my life, booze. I have missed you.

Garden Inspiration: Hydrangeas

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Buttons and Bows'  

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, and they are currently blooming in my neighborhood. Here are a few gorgeous options if you are thinking about adding hydrangeas to your garden. Most varieties prefer a shady or partially sunny spot.