Happy Friday

I am so ready to sleep in tomorrow! This week has been a long one, I'm excited for a low-key night tonight, a birthday party/Mariner's Game tomorrow, followed by a relaxing Mother's Day with my mom on Sunday. We're having a family dinner and going to see the movie Babies, which opens this weekend.

What are your big plans?

image/iamblessed

Toms Anyone?

Anyone heard of the recent shoe phenomenon, Toms? I admit I was a little out of the "shoe loop." While away on my Vegas girls getaway, 2 of my fashion-savvy friends raved endlessly about these shoes. Personally, I thought they were a little...well, not cute. But apparently what they lack in aesthetic appeal they make up in comfort.

I might just have to mosey on down to Nordstrom to buy a pair. Any Tom's fans out there?

image/toms

Fave New Brew

I just made a fantastic discovery at the grocery store and I must share. Initially what caught my eye was the bargain price tag ($6.99 on sale), and of course the eye-catching waterfall label. This fave new brew of mine is Kona Brewing Company Limited Edition: Wailea Wheat. I was intrigued by the subtitle on the label "brewed with passion fruit," that's promising enough, right?

YES it is as taste tests later revealed...It's still a wheat beer but the fruity infusion lends it a light aromatic flavor that tastes delightful! I popped one open last night with dinner and was surely satisfied. I'd never even heard of Kona Brewing Co. before but I highly recommend you try one yourself!

image/konabrewingco

Potato Perfection

My weakness...potatoes. I know, weird right? Blame it on my Irish heritage I guess. I absolutely love potatoes. Mashes, smashed, au gratin, roasted, toasted, baked, twice-baked, french fried, I love them all. Seriously. I think I'm the only person in the world who truly loves ALL forms of potatoes.

But the other night, I tried a new recipe which was a type of potatoes I'd never had before. Roasted Potatoes with Feta Cheese (& Rosemary). Super delish, and pretty easy. While I made these as my entree, they'd probably fit into a menu better as a super side. Enjoy!

image/raising foodies

Buy Local

I really like this print by Claudia G. Pearson on etsy. I'm trying to make an effort to buy locally, and made the realization that up until now, I haven't bought much locally out of convenience. I would prefer to buy all of my fresh produce and meats from local butchers and farmers market, but honestly a lot of the time I just don't have the time, and it's easier to swing into a local Safeway or grocery store on the way home.

Thus, I'm entertaining the idea of a CSA box. A few of my friends use this local producer - Full Circle Farms, and have had great success. I'm liking the idea of fresh local veggies magically appearing on my doorstep. I'm intrigued by the idea, but curious if it's worth the money. I'd hate to have too much produce and be forced to throw food away. Do any of you use a CSA box? Reviews?

image/etsy
via designsponge

Appreciate Your Teacher

In case you didn't know it's teacher appreciation week. As an elementary teacher, I can personally attest to all the hard work and effort we teachers do to help our students be successful in all that they do. Make sure you show your child's teacher appreciation this week!

Today, my students brought me fresh flowers today; lilacs, tulips, roses, peonies, and sunflowers, freshly picked from their yards. It was such a sweet gesture of recognition, and made for a lovely, fragrant bouquet that is perfuming my classroom as we speak.

image/littlesussy

Seafood Feast

My girls getaway was wonderful! A few days on shopping, dancing, and girl talk. I got home early yesterday afternoon, and was pleasantly surprised that my boyfriend (and new roomie) had a seafood feast planned. Blackened rockfish, fresh mussels steamed in white wine, and corn on the cob. A-Mazing!

It was the perfect way to come home and top off an already amazing weekend!

image/inmagine