Where I've been...where we're going...

Hi there.

It's no secret the writing's been scarce around here lately.

The truth is we recently passed the one-year mark of living in Virginia, which means we are quickly nearing the end of this assignment.

We found out in March (unofficially) that we will be moving to Georgia this summer. And did you know that summer basically starts the month after May? How it is already May 22, I can't say. Time has been speeding by around here.

So since then, I've been to Georgia twice to house hunt, Asheville once, and several little day trips, working hard to cross places off our Virginia bucket-list.

(I wish I had been to Prince Edward Island...but isn't that the BEST U-Haul truck ever? We saw it on our first trip to GA...and I'm hoping that just maybe the trailer we rent will be the same!)

In the meantime, we are "wrapping up" schoolwork (though we'll still be working through our basics through the summer)...spending time with friends...planning a few more short trips nearby...selling stuff we don't want to take with us...etc.

In spite of all that, I miss writing and sharing here...so I am hoping to share some of the fun things we've done lately. And recipes. Boy, do I have some delicious ones to tempt you with!

Thanks for sticking around...I'm looking forward to sharing our Georgia adventure with you soon!

A Southeast Spring

The dogwood is not my favorite flower. 

But oh, how I love it.

It sings of all the springs of my later childhood.

The glimpse of white blooms, a lone dogwood among a forest of non-blooming green. Such pure white.

I remember waking up to my second-floor window, glimpsing and hoping that the white on the trees just across from my window was a hint that there would be no school that day. A mid-April snow shower was no big news in the mountains of North Carolina.

But alas, no. Just the first morning of a tree waking up to spring.

Nine years of big plains and bigger skies almost made me forget.

So I eagerly pointed out this tree to my children...perhaps their first glance of the flower they've only seen as a brass ornament for our tree.

They began pointing them out on our recent trip to Williamsburg. And I saw them again, accompanied by azaleas on a recent trip to Georgia.

I'm soaking up this year's spring...even if I'm technically in the mid-Atlantic.

Braised Lamb Shanks with Polenta

Since moving to Virginia and falling in love with Wegman's, which is such a wonderful grocery store, with so many unique items, we've incorporated a few lamb recipes into our repertoire.

Last May, Brent and I celebrated 11 years of marriage at the Morrison House Grill, with their tasting menu which was wonderful. We were served a delicious lamb shank dish that we quickly decided we would try to reinterpret at home.

We found a recipe online at Epicurious and decided to serve it atop polenta. This recipe involves a lot of cooking time but isn't difficult. And the time involved yields such tender, fall off the bone, meat.

I only wish lamb shanks were less costly...I would add them to our meal plan more often!

Braised Lamb Shanks with Polenta

• 6 lamb shanks (about 5 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 14 1/2-oz can low-salt chicken broth
• 1 14 1/2-oz can beef broth
• 5 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon peel, grated

1 tube of precooked polenta 

1/2 cup milk

• 
  

1. Sprinkle shanks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy dutch oven over medium-high heat. 

2. Working in batches, add lamb shanks to the dutch oven and cook until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer shanks to a bowl.

3. Add onions, carrots and garlic to dutch oven and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Return lamb shanks to pot, pressing them down to submerge. 

4. Bring liquids to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until meat is tender, about 2 hours.

5. Uncover dutch oven; simmer until meat is very tender, about 30 minutes longer.

6. Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, mash the polenta and then warm polenta with milk over low heat until warmed and slightly spoonable.

6. Transfer lamb shanks to a serving platter and tent with foil. Boil juices in pot until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

7. Divide polenta among plates, topping with one lamb shank and spooning sauce over all.

We usually only buy four lamb shanks, which leaves us with quite a bit of leftover sauce. The last time we made this, I froze the leftover sauce. A quick thaw and the addition of stew meat created a simple and delicious beef stew.

Stitch Fix, No. 2

I received my second StitchFix shipment a few weeks ago. (If StitchFix is new to you, I've outlined how the service works below my review!)

Once again, I was quite happy with the selections suggested for me. And as I find other StitchFix blogger reviews very helpful for making suggestions to my stylist, Jen (who is fabulous at what she does, by the way!), I think I'll continue to review them here.

When I opened my box this month, I was excited by the color combination...I had been wanting to add a little coral to my closet for the summer. And I'm always a fan of something blue. 

So overall, I thought these choices reflected my suggestions and style profile well. 

I did note in my comments while checking out, that while I love the colors in this shipment, I probably wouldn't ever add three items with the same prominent color to my closet...unless it was a favorite/classic color. Coral is a little trendy for me...and while I like it, I'm not ready for it to dominate my closet. 

1. ZOA Pegah Roll Tabsleeve Blouse in blue. I really loved the color and feel of this top, which at $88 was the priciest item in my fix this month. Unfortunately, once again the upper sleeves were really snug when rolled up, which I preferred to wearing the sleeves down. I returned this.

2. MM Couture Bobby Sleeveless Printed Top in red. The print of this wasn't my favorite when I first saw it; however it fit well, and I liked the print once it was on. The drawback for me was the combination of colors: the coral, cream, and light green didn't do much for my coloring. (If one of the colors had been navy, it would have been perfect.) This was a no.

3. GLAM Briar Key Hole Tie-Waist Tunic Dress in pink. I really wanted this too work. It was gorgeous: the style, the color, the fabric...and it fit nicely. But it's very short (for me) as a dress. I liked the way they styled it on the card (in the collage above) with the black leggings, so I tried it with some I own. The combination was a bit harsh on me. I think it would be perfect with some denim skinny jeans...but seeing as I have yet to find any that I like, I decided to return this too. If only it had been a couple inches longer!

4. Olive and Oak Jimmy Striped Racer Back Maxi Dress in pink. I was most excited about this piece. The fabric was so soft, and I knew my denim jacket would go perfectly with this. The length was great (often a problem with maxi dresses when you're 5'4") and so was the cinched waist. Sadly, the fit was too large in the bodice, especially under the arms. Also, I really wished the stripes were either coral & navy or navy & grey, as once again, the light combination didn't work with my coloring. :(

5. 41Hawthorn Two-Color Dot Scarf in blue. Two contrasting polka dot prints. Gauzy fabric for days. Scarf. Perfect. I'd prefer to keep a clothing item rather than an accessory, but I couldn't pass up this scarf. I have at least three summer dresses that will look great with it...and it's great with jeans too. Obviously, I kept this one, which was also the lowest price point, at $28.

In summary, I've enjoyed this company. Given my experience, I think the stylists really focus on the style profile and the notes and comments given in feedback, as well as online sites, like Pinterest and blogs. Jen mentioned that she had seen my blog post on StitchFix...and also noted that a few items I had requested were out of stock. I really like that she is paying attention. :)

If this is all new to you, here's how it works:

1. You sign up (via an invitation link) online, and once your account is created, you complete your style profile. This part is fun...it's kind of like a quiz. You fill out size, fit, and style preferences, as well as a price range you prefer to shop within. You can also link to a Pinterest board, so the stylists can get a good sense of your style. 

(screenshot of a portion of the style profile)

2. There is a wait time currently involved...but between signing up at the end of February and getting approved, I only waited 11 days. 

3. Once you're approved and your style profile is complete, you schedule when you'd like to receive your first order or "fix." A StitchFix stylist handpicks items for you based on your profile; the fee for this service is $20...but you can apply the full $20 towards your purchase.

4. The package ships USPS and include 5 items. When your StitchFix box arrives, you get to try on clothes in the comfort of your own home...and with pieces from your own wardrobe.  This is one of my favorite features of the company. 

5. Within three days, choose what you love and then send back the rest, using the prepaid Priority envelope enclosed. Go online to StitchFix and checkout. You complete a survey for checkout, which further defines your profile and gives good feedback to the stylist for next time. You pay only for what you keep...and if you keep all items sent, you get 25% off the total purchase. 

6. Then, choose to schedule your next StitchFix shipment as frequently or infrequently as you like! I love that you can leave a note for your stylist about an event or season you want kept in mind when selecting items!

Finally, this is not a sponsored post. I am receiving no compensation for this review from StitchFix. However, much like other online retailers (like Zulily, One Kings Lane, Sole Society, etc.), StitchFix promotes their brand through referral links. So if you sign up through the links I've given here, I earn a one-time credit with StitchFix if you sign up and purchase. (And once you sign up, if you share your referral code with your friends, YOU earn credit! Win-win!)

So tell me...have you tried StitchFix yet?

Friday favorites...

Here are a few things I'm loving today, all food related. :)

Have you tried siggi's yogurt?

I love plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, but I always have to sweeten it, usually with agave nectar.

No more.

Siggi's vanilla is my favorite. It's naturally sweetened with real vanilla (no extra sugar) and SO much creamier than my favorite Greek yogurts. I like to add fresh raspberries and sliced or slivered almonds to mine for some flavor, crunch and protein.

My kiddos LOVE grilled cheese. They'd eat it every day if I let them.

{And I have to admit, I feel a little bit hypocritical not letting them. Because if you knew me in college, you would know that if I was eating lunch in one of the cafeterias on campus, you could bet your whole tuition that I was having a grilled cheese, fries, and two (small) glasses of fountain Dr Pepper. The best Dr Pepper in the world is found at Baylor University. But I digress.}

So, a few weeks ago, we started Grilled Cheese Fridays. Yum.

They get so excited about it...and I love hearing their reminder. "Mommy, it's Grilled Cheese Friday!!!"

And lastly, Chocolove chocolates. Cheesy name.

But they are so so so so good.

Real dried raspberry bits.

Real chiles. (Despite his love for spice, Brent says the chili/cherry flavor is not his favorite.)

The peppermint is delicious and smooth. And the sea salt and almonds is really yummy too.

And, they come with a poem enclosed.


So share with me. What's something you're enjoying today?

3 years, 4 months, and 5 days

That is the length of time between our birthdates. 

 

And today is the birthday of my sweet and amazing husband.

He is a servant. To me. To our children. To others.

He is a student of God's Word. I love this so much about him.

He leads me. He leads our family.

He is romantic and funny and kind and wise and friendly.

He is such a gift to me from a loving and faithful Father.

Happy Birthday Brent! I love you!

And since it is a Wednesday...I'll share his birthday dinner recipes, all oldies but goodies!

Standing Rib Roast
Brussels Sprouts
French cheeses and baguette
Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake (tweaked just a bit)

Currently...

praying...for Boston...and for West, Texas...and for my dear friend's newborn boy, in the NICU right now

reflecting...on Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

watching...a slow soaking Spring rain fall this morning outside my window

drinking...the first cup of tea after morning coffee

compiling...pictures for another Stitch Fix review, look for it next week

listening...to the creative play of my children

planning...a short overnight trip to Williamsburg

wondering...how so much time has passed since I last blogged

eating...yogurt with almonds and raspberries

spending...time trying to find a rental home in Georgia

getting ready...to begin our homeschool day

remembering...the beauty of the cherry trees in bloom this month (Madeleine calls them cherry blossom trees)

Hello April.

It is no secret that I look forward to autumn and winter days...rainy days...snowy days.

But for the past few years, I've looked hopefully to spring, more than ever before.

I am so glad to see signs of this season of new life beginning around me.

The cherry trees begin to bloom and forsythia is ablaze and the sun begins to show much of its warmth again.

The neighborhood children have emerged again outdoors along with mine, less bundled up now and ready to be outside all. day. long.

So happy to greet April with her promise of Spring.

On using up ingredients

No one likes good food going to waste. So when I have to buy an ingredient that will leave me with surplus, I try to plan another recipe for the week that uses the same ingredient.

Brent has been making homemade pizzas (that are amazing) since Christmas of 2011. My favorite one he makes uses fresh arugula sprinkled on top after baking. It's SO good. But it uses just a handful of arugula...and we can only get arugula here by the plastic-binful. They sure cram a LOT of it into those containers!

What to do with all the leftover arugula?

Thankfully, a friend of ours shared a recipe with us for a warm arugula salad, and it's really yummy. Bacon lovers, get excited.  Brent and I will usually make this salad the day after making pizzas, heating up leftover pizzas for the kiddos. 

Warm Arugula Salad

arugula (around 8-10 oz)

6 strips bacon, diced

2 shallots, finely chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup walnuts 

ground black pepper to taste

1. Place arugula in salad bowl and set aside. 

2. Brown diced bacon in skillet. Add in the shallots and saute with bacon until shallots are translucent.

Add olive oil to bacon/shallots and heat until just warm.  

3. Pour this mixture over arugula, add in vinegar and mix well. The heat from bacon mixture will wilt arugula slightly which is what you want.

4. Add ground black pepper, top with nuts, and serve.

It is surprisingly filling...and we generally eat this as our entire meal. I hope you enjoy!

Remembering the beach on a wintry afternoon...

I grew up with the majority of my spring break weeks falling in April. 

So sometimes it still feels odd to me to hear of March Spring Break plans...but nevertheless, we took our spring break a few weeks early this year, joining my parents, Katy, and Alex at Kiawah Island for a few days around Dad's birthday!

(And since they're calling for some wintry weather tonight and tomorrow, I thought I'd linger on some slightly warmer weather today!)

Here are some favorite places and moments from our recent trip.

I love these palms. As we were driving through South Carolina, Nathanael saw the first palm tree and said "There's a palm tree. We must be at the beach."

We had some chilly, cloudy days at the beach...where I was quite thankful for Uncle Alex who was adventurous enough to set foot in the icy water since I apparently have crazy children. But they love the water, no matter the temperature.

We also had some gorgeous days at the beach...though they were windy ones. The beaches were still pretty deserted. Mainly seagulls, pelicans, and a few people walking dogs.

My favorite Madeleine quote, as she ran towards the water above: "Come on, Hadleigh! Let's be mermaids!"

They were quite pleased with their sandcastles and "wells"! I'll never forget, however, the look of astonishment on Nathanael's face over how quickly the waves erased all signs of his castle.

I think this is my first beach trip where I've been drinking hot chocolate while the kids opt for popsicles.

I love the mix of the spanish moss on the old oaks and palm trees, like they do here on my way to a relaxing morning at the spa for a manicure/pedicure.

This time of year is perfect for the playground at the beach...it's really too hot during the summer on the play equipment. We made the most of it with a picnic lunch and bare feet in the sand for Madeleine.

 And oh, the food at the beach. This artisan veggie pizza is one of my very favorites. So yummy.

And you know you're enjoying good southern food when it's harder to choose your side dishes than your entree. I picked grits and tomato pie to accompany my crab cake. Sweet tea, she-crab soup, and blueberry pie rounded out my meal. (Stono Market's Tomato Shed Cafe is not to be missed if you're near John's Island!)

Our last day on the beach was incredibly windy, so instead of playing in the sand, we scoured the beach for treasure and found many. I think the kids finally believe me that taking a walk to look for shells is maybe just as fun as splashing in the water. Maybe. We found so many conch shells...mainly ones that were still alive (and we threw those back in the ocean) but we were able to bring a few home.

Madeleine is convinced that all the broken sand dollar pieces she finds can be glued back together. So we brought back approximately 918349837 sand dollar pieces.

And lastly, I can't see the sky today for the thick blanket of clouds, so I'm going to imagine this sunset again. It was incredible. Sunsets at the beach are right up there with Texas sunsets in my book.

So is it warm or cold where you are today?