Things I Love Thursday // 3.3.22

Spring-Like Weather

Which means front porch-sitting, one of my favorite pastimes. Our neighborhood is lively with cyclists, students, and all of the dogs out walking with their people. Nothing better than cool sips, background music, conversation (or a book), and warm sunshine from the best vantage point. We've had two of these patio sets for a few years now and while the cushions have had to be replaced, they have held up so well and I just love the way they look. Cheers!

(Indoor/Outdoor Rug)

MLS Soccer in our City

This weekend is the Charlotte FC home opener and the stadium is sold out. The weather should be fantastic and the Joneses are pumped. It's time to start learning the chants (Banks, Beer, and Soccer is already my favorite). I'm all in.

They haven't said dogs are allowed in the stadium yet
but we're all hoping the announcement is coming soon! 

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

I rated The Flatshare 5/5 stars because it was delightful on all fronts. It's maybe not the best book I've ever read (I actually listened to it and the accents were brilliant --highly recommend) but it's certainly one of the books I've most enjoyed. The characters were fun, layered, and likable. There was tension and story. I cared about what happened and was humored and entertained the whole way through. Check it out.

Hoisin Ginger Noodles (Milk Street Magazine Jan-Feb, 2022)

I've made this recipe so many times that I know it by heart and make it by feel. It keeps in the fridge for several days and it's easy for the girls to pack for school lunches. I've added browned ground chicken and shredded rotisserie chicken on different occasions --but it's delicious without meat as well. (I liked the ground chicken better and when I add a protein, I just increase the sauce by a bit.) Boil a package of linguine noodles according to directions. While cooking, make the sauce in a large bowl by mixing: 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (this adds a LOT of heat --reduce the quantity, if needed), 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or a giant squeeze from the bottle). Drain and rinse the noodles and add to the bowl, tossing with the sauce and 3 green onions --thinly sliced. Garnish with 1/4 cup salted, roasted, peanuts. Enjoy!

{image via Milk Street}

Playing Dress-Up with my Friends

My girlfriends have a hilarious Instagram account where they dress up like the characters of some of their favorite television programs. Seriously good fun. Occasionally, they invite a guest to appear in one of their posts and last weekend it was ME! If you've not watched The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window yet --look away! But if you have, please enjoy my Buell! LOL