What’s happpppening?! (Quote from E.T., if you didn’t realize!)
^^ That’s what I had for breakfast. Reheated oatmeal with milk and a big glob of Barney Butter from the bottom of the jar. Yeah!
-I’m in the middle of Survivor Season 18. I’ve watched 10-18 now and love it more every day. So far my favorite season has been one of the recent ones – Season 26 – and I promise it has nothing to do with the number!!! The “Three Horsemen” alliance was my favorite – when they pulled that big move. Trying not to spoil it for any fans! I decided that I am DEFINITELY going to apply and if I get picked I have to go. But the chances that they pick me are super slim, so there’s my default.
It will be nothing like this:
-I mentioned in an earlier post that we converted Mazen’s crib to a toddler bed. So far we’ve had great success! He loves getting in and out, and he still understands that it’s where he sleeps. The absolute cutest thing about it is he now wants to sleep with his head on a pillow and REAL COVERS! For the longest time he hated any kind of blanket on him, but realizing this is a Big Boy Bed he wants covers like big boys do. It’s so sweet to see him on the monitor looking all grown up sleeping instead of bunched in a ball like a baby.
–Stitch Fix has been killing it lately! I just love the comfortable, casual but slightly-more-stylish-than-anything-I’d-pick-out-for-myself pieces they have been sending. That jacket on the top right has been my favorite piece yet! I love all of the pockets.
-Matt and I were invited to the South Street Brewery soft opening recently. South Street was bought out by Blue Mountain (one of our favorites!) so we were excited to see what they had done with the space. Check out the new website to match –> South Street Brewery.
The inside is much brighter and fresh and new feeling.
And the menu is too! Lots of local ingredients were featured.
Of course we started with a beer flight to taste them all. My favorites were the Satan’s Pony, an amber ale, and the Absolution, an old ale. I believe both were on the old South Street’s menu, but according to Matt, they have been “cleaned up a lot.”
Our dinner was on the house and started with the most amazing heirloom yellow flint popcorn drizzled in local honey with bacon, jalapeno and smoked salt. I want to replicate this at home!!
Our meal was great too – we tried:
1. Beer-battered Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese Curds with a sriracha dipping sauce
2. The House Salad with greens, sugar snaps, cuc, radish, honey, and a molasses-malt dressing
3. The BLT Mac and Cheese which was made with Mona Lisa Pasta and was AMAZING!
4. The Vegetarian Lasagna with artichokes, mushrooms, corn, greens, and house-made marinara and a parsley-sage pesto. So fresh!!
Can’t wait to go back!
-Have you seen this company called Eat Healthy Designs? The cutest cards and pencils – oh KALE yeah!
-I created a Slow Cooker Board on Pinterest and need some suggestions on what to add to it. Share your favorites please!
Follow KathEats’s board Slow Cooker Recipes on Pinterest.
-And finally…another foodie adventure! We were invited to Bold Rock Hard Cider for a special press dinner to celebrate the opening of the brand new “Apple Chapel” that houses a tasting room and the Bold Rock production facility. And to kick off the 3rd Annual Virginia Cider Week!
The new tasting room, where you can also order local farm-fresh food, makes Bold Rock a great destination on the Virginia beer + wine trail through Nelson County.
They even have a big patio out back with views of the Rockfish River that is perfect for outdoor concerts.
The inside is gorgeous – vaulted ceilings and cozy fireplaces
And only glass separates the public from the production area
It was mesmerizing to watch the bottles on their journey!
We enjoyed lots of cider tastes (the Vintage Dry was my favorite!) We also heard a talk from the VA Secretary of Agriculture, Todd Haymore. Sales have been booming in the last few years, and cider is on the rise and more popular than ever.
Plus a delicious BBQ and oyster dinner! Those grilled oysters – so good!
What for dessert other than apple cobbler!
Cheers to apples!
Linda @ TheFitty says
I can’t wait to see pictures of your town once it’s covered in snow!(Do you guys even get snow?). I like the look of Southern Staff; it looks like a cottage/inn-styled restaurant which is very original and homey.
KathEats says
We do! A few storms a year
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
It’s so weird seeing green grass and warm weather clothes still! We have over 90 inches right now in my area! Makes me wish I lived in Charlottesville!
KathEats says
It’s 21 degrees here today! Brrrr
clare @ fitting it all in says
blue mountain both 6th street!! that’s amazing.
KathEats says
Autocorrect? Lol!
clare @ fitting it all in says
hahah or just totally forgetting what I’m talking about – south street!
Veronica says
I hate to say that I had an AWFUL experience at the new South Street a couple of Saturdays ago. As in, waited 1.5 hours from placing order to receiving food, and then the food was cold and poorly cooked. I will say that the beer is way, way better than it used to be. Maybe I need to try again when they’ve been open for longer. I know they don’t have a head chef yet, just a crew of the same cooks from out at Blue Mountain.
KathEats says
Yikes. Sounds like new restaurant troubles. I bet they’ll get it figured out in time.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Glad to hear M is doing well in his big boy bed! That restaurant looks nice and cozy and man, I could go for some cheese curds. YUM!
I soooo want apple cobbler now!
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
That popcorn looks incredible!!!
Alex @ get big, go to work says
Looks like life has been good lately!! Hot oats in the morning have been my choir of breakfast lately too. Temps have dipped into the low 30s here. Ah!!
Tonya says
Um, when I see “What’s happening!” THIS is the first thing I think of:
What’s Happenin!
LOL! (Hope I entered the link correctly)
I like that gray vest you’re wearing at the Apple Chapel. Also, the food at South Street looks really good. I like making my own fancy popcorn at home. Usually some sort of sweet n spicy flavor combination.
KathEats says
Haha I have never seen that show!
Sally says
South Street was definitely in need of an overhaul, but I’m not sure I like the more modern decor. It was always such a cozy place, and doesn’t seem to have that vibe anymore. The new menu looks fantastic, though!
emily says
Where is that super cute gray hoodie from? Love! Stay warm. Freezing here in NC, too.
KathEats says
Target! It’s so cozy warm
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Oh my gosh, you should apply for Survivor!!! I was going to apply for the Bachelor because I love the guy who is the next Bachelor but I chickened out… Mostly there was no way I was going to be in a bikini on national television… No thank you.
KathEats says
Haha you should apply!
Chelsea @ TableForOne says
Looks like so much fun! By the way, you’re vest at the end is so cute. I am loving wearing vests right now because they keep me so cozy!
Jane says
After reading about Stitch Fix on your site I finally tried it. I received my first box last week and loved all of the items they sent. Everything fit perfectly! Thanks for the tip!
KathEats says
Yay! I really can’t say enough good things about it…except that it’s not cheap!
Marisol says
Hi Kath! Is that a Timbuk2 bag you’re sporting? I haven’t had a true everyday bag since my son was born and since I only carry the diaper bag on the weekends and while out, I’ve been trying to decide what to carry during the week. I like Timbuk2 but I’m torn in wanting something more feminine. Anyway…if it’s not Timbuk2, what do you carry? Thanks!
KathEats says
It’s a LowePro camera bag but I do love crossbody bags!
Marisol says
Ah, cool! Thanks!
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
I love your StichFix items!! Especially that sweater with the elbow patches!!
mary @ minutes per mile says
i just posted a slow cooker recipe today! this cold weather has put us all in crock pot mode :). pinned here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/304626362269764888/. now, time to go drink some cider!
Gillian says
I have had such bad luck with Stitch Fix! I love the stuff you’ve received…do you have any advice?
KathEats says
I wonder when that happens if there’s a discrepancy between what you think your style is and what you actually like and wear? I was very clear that I wanted comfortable, casual mom clothes plus dresses. Of course nothing they have is “momish” so I get stylish clothes that are casual. Try it again! Ask for Layla 🙂
JennieM says
You wrote: “Of course we started with a beer flight to taste them all”, but I read FIGHT not flight! My first thought was – Geesh, I wonder who won! You totally had me laughing today!
KathEats says
Haha!
Laura @SheEatsWell says
I love these posts and I love that Stitchfix sweater with the elbow patches, too cute!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I am a huge cider fan! I’m glad it’s becoming a big trend because I don’t like the taste of regular beer and I can finally now find ciders at bars and stores so I have something to enjoy when we go out.
All your Stitch Fix picks are great! I love finding cute clothes.
And I have a love/hate relationship with the idea of going on a reality TV show. I’m not very brave, but I hope you get to!
[email protected] says
Some lovely bits from Stitch Fix! Especially the blue patterned dress! Definitely your shape and style!
Hannah @ eat, drink and save money says
Oysters are one of my favs and those look great. Looks like you have been having fun lately and eating well!
jen says
My husband and I have always dreamed of applying to be on the Amazing Race, but never dared. We’re a great team, but don’t really have a great selling tagline ya know? We’re not newlyweds or prof poker players or anything special, just joe and jill average. Oh well!
As to the slow cooker, I’ll be interested to hear if you actually find any super recipes. I finally bought one now that I have 2 little ones, and I just can’t love it. Tried 4 recipes so far, 2 were epic fails, 2 just okay. I refuse to brown anything ahead, because then I might just as well brown it in the dutch oven and pop it in the oven for a few hours. The slow cooker us now in the basement gathering dust. Love the idea though.
KathEats says
I totally agree about browning meet beforehand. It defeats the purpose!
jill says
I have a couple of favourite slow-cooker recipes that we eat a few times a month. One is pulled pork (which is actually still somewhat labour intensive because of the homemade flour tortillas which accompany it) and the other is chicken tortilla soup (which, um, I like best with freshly fried tortilla strips, so again, not so much with the time-saving. Delicious, though. And no browning of the meat required.
jen says
Those are 2 of our family favorite meals as well. We do the pork overnight in the oven then freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals later – it thaws beautifully. And I love quick and easy tortilla soup – as long as I have cooked chicken in the fridge or freezer (which I usually do, for recipes like this) – then the soup can be on the table in 15 minutes but tastes more labor intensive. Love it!
Tracy says
Check my Pinterest board “Slow Cooker Recipes”…several good ones!
http://www.pinterest.com/tmk16/slow-cooker-recipes/
KathEats says
Following!
Elise Lindsey says
Thanks so much for the sweet comments! We love that our cards are being well accepted 🙂 also, that popcorn=YUM!
<3 Elise
EAT healthy designs
KathEats says
Thanks for stopping in!
Linda says
Hi Kath, what’s the brand of the blue jacket that you like from stictchfix?
KathEats says
Chaplin Hooded Anorak Cargo Jacket
Maggie says
i love the champagne-y versions of bold rock! also i cannot wait to try the pear cider.
also this is a good/super easy recipe for nc pulled pork in the slow cooker! –> http://www.twohealthykitchens.com/2014/06/26/crock-pot-north-carolina-bbq-pulled-chicken-sandwiches/
the other 98% of the time i make some type of chili/soup in the slow cooker..
Rheagan @ Hardly Awesome says
We just got the cookbook Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker, by Lynn Alley. So far, everything I’ve tried out has been a HUGE hit with my husband and toddler. Check it out!
Shannon says
Here’s my slow cooker pinterest board
http://www.pinterest.com/avesmum/crockpot-stuff/
Skinny tastes crockpot Piccadillo is one of my faves. I also have 1000 or so other recipes organized by appetizers, desserts, etc. I use pinterest to inspire me at least a few times per week. Feel free to browse and repin.
KathEats says
Thanks!
Amanda @ Life to Table says
I visited South Street two weekends ago. I thought it was great! My favorite was the absolution. I ordered the popcorn as well, a bit too spicy for my wimpy spice tolerant self hehe. Apple Chapel look like something to check out! I recently went to Albermarle Cider works, it was difficult for me to taste the difference between the ciders. I guess just means I have to try harder next time ha!
Meghan says
Hey Kath,
I love those boots you were wearing in the cider pics. I’ve been looking for a pair, can you share where you got them?
Thanks
Meghan
KathEats says
They are Life Strides brand…I probably got them at DSW or Rack Room. I can’t remember!
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
I never thought that the crib to toddler bed transition would have been so eventful (for me). I sometimes get sad when I look at my son in his big boy and at other times I’m amazed at how much he has grown!!! Out of curiosity, how did you transition him? We were SO worried about the transition….we put the bed in his room for months so he could get used to it.We would play on it, read books on it, etc. One day we decided it was “time” and although we were anxious, everything went really smoothly!!
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/blog/bye-bye-crib-hello-toddler-bed/
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/blog/toddler-beds-so-overrated/
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/blog/toddler-bed-triumph/
KathEats says
Mazen just asked to sleep in it and I think since it was his idea it wasn’t hard. I would have been fine for him staying in the crib another year : ) He hasn’t rolled out or anything (I put a pouf next to the bed just in case), but he does get cold because he doesn’t really know to keep the covers on so I have to go in and fix them pretty much every night.
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
That’s great! My daughter is 2 and still in her crib and I intend on waiting a little longer with her. We moved our son when he was 20 months old (because we needed the crib for my daughter!!!!!). As for the covers, I have that problem! I go into the rooms every night and fix the covers (knowing they’ll just kick them off!).
KathEats says
M was happily wearing a sleep sack in his crib, but he doesn’t want it in the big bed (understandably). I wish he would just wear it!
Katie says
Gosh, I love Survivor so much and hope it’s never ever cancelled! I’m so glad it’s Wednesday because that means it starts in 3 minutes!!!! Loved this post today — lots of fun and good energy, which is exactly what I needed today. Thanks Kath ????
Krys says
Loving your Slow Cooker Board – trying the vegetarian chickpea curry soon!
Brandi says
Does that grey sweater have a cowl neck or a hood?
KathEats says
Cowl…although it’s hoodish
Allison says
I just went to Bold Rock last month and loved it! They didn’t have food then, so guess I’ll have to go back and try 🙂
April says
I just made both of these and they were delicious:
http://thewanderlustkitchen.com/healthy-slow-cooked-tikka-masala/
http://pinchofyum.com/slow-cooker-creole-chicken-sausage
Sam says
I love your vest!! Is that a StitchFix find or something else? I tried StitchFix a couple of times a couple of years ago and it was very hit or miss for me, but it seems like they’re getting much better at what they do. When money’s not so tight, I’ll have to try it again and use your suggestion for comfortable, casual mom clothes. 🙂
KathEats says
The vest is Gap! But I have been loving Stitch Fix so much!
Sam says
Also, I have a random unrelated question and I’m not sure how to ask it coherently, so here goes: you seem extremely intentional with how you plan out your days/weeks/future. Let’s say you need to update your personal estate documents, plan a party like a baby shower, teach yourself something new for your blog business, and you want to figure out some crafts or educational things to do with Mazen at home. How do you get everything done/structure your days/weeks, yet still have time to reply to all of your comments and emails, do things for pleasure, and get enough sleep? Please don’t read this with a tone of judgment because I’m not judging AT ALL–I aspire to do all of that, too! I feel like a decently well-planned person, but I still scramble a lot, feel frazzled, and don’t get enough sleep. I do have two toddler boys who do not go to school yet, so that definitely adds to the mix, but I would love to understand how you do it and hopefully emulate you a bit. I’m assuming you are very focused and efficient when you work and you probably don’t waffle much with decisions. And yes, I’ve read all of your organizational posts and have gotten a lot of tips from them. 🙂 Thanks so much! 🙂
KathEats says
Hi Sam,
I am focused and efficient, but I assure you I’m not nearly as organized as I could be : ) But thanks for your kind words. I think the key to organization is having good systems in place – Where do you put incoming mail? Are your bills all automated? Do you have a spreadsheet for this and that? Do you manage a good calendar with reminders so you can forget about upcoming things until they arrive? Do you have a working to-do list? Those are all things that I am always working on to keep me as organized as I can be. When I am organized, I am productive and don’t have to spend time shuffling things around when I sit down at my computer. I hope that answers your question!