Things I Love Thursday // 5.21.15

• Geneva reading The Hobbit ~ Not just any ol' paperback, but the "picture book style" copy that belonged to my grandmother. She left it to Geneva right before she died. It's an 11" x 11", fully illustrated, unabridged, hardback that was published in 1977. I can remember seeing it on my grandmother's bookshelf when I was a kid. Geneva was only 3 when her "GGMa" (great-grandmother) inscribed it to her, but she already loved books and my grandmother knew it would be greatly appreciated someday. It was the perfect gift. We've kept it high on the bookshelf since then, until Geneva pulled it out the other day. She's been engrossed ever since. It definitely brings a smile to my heart to see it in her hands. 
  
• This jumpsuit from the Gap ~ I ordered it online--so I couldn't be sure… Turns out, it's great! Very comfortable, just the right length, and easy to dress up or down. Fun, fun.
• Progress ~ That is, the progress I was inspired to make on my new gallery wall project in the living room. Real inspiration arrived when I agreed to host a neighborhood wine gathering at our house (after I had halfway begun and stalled out on the new "look"). Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated! It's currently about 85% finished. There are 2 empty frames and 3 empty spots… but it's coming together the way I envisioned it would and I don't want to rush it or force pieces in that I don't LOVE. So… it remains a work-in-progress. (But the progress has been good!) 
  
• The Thai Coconut Curry hummus from local (Asheville) purveyor, Roots ~ Wow! The flavor is very authentic and so delicious. I'm a huge fan of Green Curry whenever I have Thai food and this hummus has all the flavor without the guilt. It's satisfyingly complex. You can taste the coconut, lemongrass, lime, basil, curry… I did enjoy it on cucumber slices and crackers but was definitely tempted to just eat it with a spoon!
• The new gold-finish MacBook ~ Swoon.  
• Our little athlete ~ Last Saturday started with an early soccer game and rolled right into a quick wardrobe change, followed closely by a jazz/tap combo recital. It was Piper Day and we had so much fun watching our girl do what she does. :) 
  
• Trader Joe's Toasted & Salted Truffle Marcona Almonds ~ OMGoodness. If only I could live off of Roots hummus and these nuts. Please try them--unless you're not a fan of truffles, of course. (In which case, I might have to reevaluate our friendship.) 
  
• My new wallet ~ I've been carrying around the same wallet for several years and I finally got upgraded on Mother's Day. My new wallet is bright and cheerful, spacious and organized, and very versatile. Because it's a poppy-orange/red color, it goes with everything: my favorite navy bag, brown, black… Ta-da! Fun and "neutral" too.  
  
• The cooking class I took with my friend Sarah last night ~ We had so much fun (and yummy food) at Chef Alyssa's Kitchen in Southend. We made Banana Leaf Wrapped Wild Caught Wahoo with Ginger + Cucumber Salad, Yucca Chips with Cilantro and Lime, and Raspberry Mousse with Almond Crumble. So fresh-tasting and delicious! I can't wait to steam something else in banana leaves soon. Stay tuned…