Things I Love Thursday // 10.10.19

• The Pumpkin Patch - The girls and I took advantage of a teacher work day this week and made the haul (30 minute drive) south to go to Hall Family Farm for some pumpkins and fall treats. Turns out everyone else in Charlotte had the same idea and it was super crowded. While the lines did not move quickly, the smiles, sunshine, and breeze made waiting feel almost effortless. The girls declared that trip was worth it for the Apple Cider Donut Sundae and the Apple Cider Slushy. I think it was worth it for my bright green pumpkin with the fresh-leaved vine attached! The girls were great sports too, letting me take cheesy pictures of them at every turn. We had a relaxing and fun afternoon. The farm has 2 corn mazes, a playground, lots of photo-ops, a hayride, a small gift shop, pedal cars, and corn hole. (I might be forgetting something... face-painting?) Anyhoo... lots to do. But you better visit before this season is over. They've sold the property and will relocate/reopen in 2021 even further South of Charlotte.
• Swiss Cheese Plant - This is the newest member of our plant family and I love her more than I love Swiss cheese --which is saying a LOT. Her "fancy name" is Monstera Adansonii. Thanks to my enormously talented friend, Laura of City Stems here in Charlotte, this lovely now graces our living room where she can quietly drink in the filtered sunshine and bring joy to my heart.

• Family Date Night - at the USWNT soccer match in Uptown vs. South Korea. The weather last Thursday was still on the "very warm" side but the game didn't start until 8pm so we were not too melty. It was exciting to watch this team live and the energy in Bank of America Stadium was incredible. I think it's very special that this team has come along at this time in our lives and I especially love watching my girls cheer for them! 
  
  

  

  {photo via Panthers.com}

• Peter Pan - On stage at Children's Theatre of Charlotte through November 3rd, this show will knock your socks off! It's a big production with flying, sword play, exceptional talent, and so much more. G and I had the pleasure of ushering during opening weekend and the wide-eyed delight of both kids and adults exiting the theater was so fun to be a part of! Tickets here. (If you're in Charlotte and interested in ushering or volunteering at CTC, let me know!)

• The NY Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar (Charlotte) - This gem just opened off Park Road. They have a generous butcher counter, a wine bar, outdoor seating, and a huge offering of prepared meals to grab-n-go in a pinch. We headed straight over after a late-evening soccer game on Sunday and I'm so glad we did! We selected marinated chicken breasts, lobster ravioli, alfredo sauce, loaded mashed potatoes, salad fixings (mixed greens, fresh tomato, and avocado), and French baguette. Loaded mashed potatoes might sound a bit out of place but P was shopping with me and having just played an intense soccer match, she was starving and shopping with her stomach. Turns out, they were amazing and must be one of the best deals in Charlotte. Four generous servings was only half the container and the whole container was $7!