Color Struggle

My sister has long joked that white is not a color.  I argue this point, especially considering that my closet is filled with white, cream, beige, grey, navy, black, and tan items.  These colors make me feel calm and happy and chic.   I painted my dining room three colors before finally drenching it in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.  Then, I was satisfied.  

This was one of my most favorite outfits.  Although my sister prefers a wardrobe that resembles the rainbow, she fully supports my struggle.  The dress, cardigan, gloves, and locket were all gifts from Bethany.  A sweet sister and a simple, but classic outfit.  The shoes are my tan Tory Burch wedges. Although pricey, I wear them all the time.

Charlotte Weekend Getaway

I headed to Charlotte on Thursday afternoon and spent Friday playing hooky with my mom. We started out the day shopping at Southpark mall, one of my most favorite places.  While I love Wilmington, it doesn't have many shopping options.  I always take advantage of my trips home and do my shopping while there.  I stocked up on my makeup and picked up a few cute items from Madewell.  After shopping, we headed to Cabo Fish Tacos, a delicious restaurant located in NODA. The Tuna Tavaroo tacos are sensational.  

Friday evening my uncle fired up his outdoor pizza oven.  They have a beautiful outdoor space.  After cleansing for two weeks, I was craving cheese, bread, and wine: all of which were satisfied with this meal.

Glenn always keeps me laughing. 

Bethany and the boys arrived Saturday morning.  We ate lunch with my parents and spent the afternoon celebrating Jake's 3rd birthday. 

Lee and Jake, both sporting their cowboy attire. 

The Birthday Boy!

Finally, sweet Violet!

Bamboo Juice Cleanse

My friend, Katie, and I completed a juice cleanse this past Saturday.  She was looking to jump start a diet and I needed to clean out the toxins after an over-indulgent holiday.  A cleanse seemed like a brilliant idea.  The plan was to juice on Saturday and then eat raw, mostly raw for two weeks.  

We could have definitely picked a better weekend.  This weekend was freezing and had me craving comfort food and red wine.  But, alas, we did it anyway.  

The Coconut Almond Milk tasted like snow cream. The Spinach Apple, Lemon Ginger, and Beet Cucumber, which they subbed for Red Pepper Melon, were all tolerable. By the afternoon, the Cinnamon Yam and Carrot Coconut about did me in. I will say, I didn't experience any hunger and I felt very hydrated throughout the day. I opted out of the last Almond Milk; I had no interest in consuming any more liquids. Overall, I think it was a great way to rid my body of toxins and clean out my system. Katie and I are attempting to eat "mostly" clean for two weeks: no alcohol, no coffee, no dairy, no processed foods. We will see how long we last. Either way, it has been a great exercise in being more aware of the things we put into our bodies.

Easy Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese

Winter seems to have finally arrived in Wilmington.  This past Sunday seemed like the perfect opportunity to whip up this tomato soup, from Ina's new cookbook.  The Panthers were playing, the weather was dreary, and this soup was delicious, made only better by my Grilled Gruyere Sandwiches.

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 yellow onions
3 cloves garlic 
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
lg. pinch of saffron 
1/2 cup of orzo
salt/pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream

Making it Happen:
Saute onions in olive oil for 15 minutes or until caramelized.  Add garlic, saute an additional minute. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, saffron, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, cook the orzo for 7 minutes in a pot of salted, boiling water.  Drain and add to soup, along with heavy cream. Bring soup back to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes.  Spoon into large bowls and serve with Grilled Gruyere Sandwiches.

Caribbean Milk Punch

I traveled to New Orleans this past November and although I didn't purchase a souvenir, I did bring back this killer milk punch recipe.  

I made a large pitcher on Christmas Eve and we plowed through it over the Christmas holiday.  My Papa has already requested that we make this again next year.  

Ingredients: 

2 qt. whole milk

1 qt. heavy cream

4 cups of bourbon 

2 cups of dark rum

2 tbsp. vanilla

1/2 cup simple syrup

grated nutmeg

Making it happen: 

Combine all of the ingredients, except for the nutmeg.  Refrigerate until cold.  Shake well and pour into chilled glasses.  Top with freshly grated nutmeg. 

Joy

This year, I resolve to do the things that bring me joy and to do them more often. 

I will return to yoga.

I will continue running. 

I will read more books.
I will blog more often.

I will spend more time on the beach, even during the colder months. 

I will go to church more regularly. 

I will spend more time in prayer.

I will begin my mornings with music.

I will cook more often and try new recipes.  

I will travel someplace I have never been. 

I will ride my bike.

I will be more present when with friends and family. 

New Year