Things I Love Thursday // 9.26.19

• Rosemary and Garlic Olive Oil - For Christmas last year, we received a jar of homemade rosemary and garlic infused olive oil from our all-time best and most loved babysitter. It went quickly, as I used it almost every time I roasted veggies or needed a dipping oil for crusty bread. I finally thought to ask how it was made and was able to quickly whip up a new batch and the house smells amazing now. If you're interested in making some for yourself, here is a recipe that explains the simple process (I added a few peeled and slightly smashed cloves of fresh garlic).
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Cheering for Geneva's Volleyball Team - The Jonesies have always been active in sports. From soggy Oregon soccer, tee-ball, little league, warm (too warm?) North Carolina rec and club soccer, field hockey (indoor and outdoor), rec volleyball, and even a quick stint with basketball --we have always enjoyed and looked forward to watching them play. Now solidly in middle school, this season is our first foray into rooting for a school team and it has been so much fun. There is something special about rooting for her school that stands apart from other teams she's played for. The combination of school spirit/pride, being inside the gym with its victory banners and giant mascot on the wall, the players' peers shouting from the stands, and the nostalgia for us parents all contribute to the energy that sets the experience apart from other sporting events. Additionally, volleyball is quick, exciting, and temperature controlled. Ha! G's team is an absolutely blast to watch. They are organized, skilled, and so invested to perform well with and for one another. I love that she has this opportunity to play for her school.
  
  
  
  
  
• Santhoshi's Kitchen Delivery - Santhoshi lives just south of Charlotte and I had the pleasure of attending one of her cooking classes with a group of friends. She hosts the classes in her home and teaches classic Indian dishes. The class culminates with 4-5 traditional dishes, served family-style. Everyone leaves with a packet of recipes and, like me, the intention of making some of the incredible food at home. However, not all of the ingredients are not readily available and for my part, I never got around to it. Now she's offering meal kit deliveries to the great Charlotte area and if you're in these parts --I highly recommend you treat yourself. Our first order was for a large serving of Butter Chicken with naan and basmati rice. The ingredients arrived (placed in the cooler we left out on our porch) prepped and ready for cooking. The instructions were clear and a followup email arrived later that day providing her phone number: should I have questions during the preparation, I should feel free to text her for an immediate reply. The food was amazing. We had four generous servings and there was plenty left over for the girls to both take some for lunch the next day. Next week, we are trying Chicken Tikka Masala. I can't wait!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Propagation Success - A couple weeks ago, in an effort to encourage growth from other areas of our big Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, I pruned it back in a couple places. In the past, I've just tossed the trimmed pieces (usually just a leaf or two) into the trash. This time, I placed one of the bigger cuttings into a small vase with water. I've been changing out the water every few days and for awhile, it didn't appear that anything was going to happen... but then almost overnight, it sprouted a flurry of roots and those have increased in length quickly. Admittedly, I have not a clue as to what I'm doing but it seems to be going good. If you have any advice about when and how I should plant my clipping, feel free to share!
  
  
  
  
  
• Scoring this Wrapping Paper - Piper and I were in Marshall's the other day bopping around and looking for a few decorative items she wanted to help change up part of her bedroom. As we were exiting the store, she saw this wrapping paper in a standing box by the door. "Look mom, it's like they knew you were coming." Yes. Yes. It appears they did. I could not have designed a print better myself. And it was $2.99! Winning.
  
  
  
  
  
• The Arrival of Fall - It certainly doesn't feel like fall around here yet. The temperature today is set to hit somewhere near 94º. Ugh. I'm so ready for jeans and sweaters, pleasant soccer spectating, and soups/crockpot/comfort foods. However, despite the delay on Mother Nature's part, the stores are beginning to carry all my favorite pumpkin and spice seasonal items. I'm that person. The one that memes are made for. What has put that smile on my face you catch me wearing everyday before noon? The Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer that I've been enjoying since 6:30am. "Yum. Smells great in here. What is that?" Thanks; I'm baking Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. For dinner.