Jones- 7 Months

You guessed it, the babe just keeps on getting older...and more fun!  We have taken a couple trips in the past month, one to the beach with family, and another to visit friends in Charleston.  Jones has turned into quite the easy traveler.  The days of hating the carseat seem to be behind us, (please knock on wood for us on that), and he adjusts nicely to sleeping in his pack 'n play in our room when on trips.  We are blessed to have a very happy, easy baby.

Without further ado, the baby highlights of the last month:

can totally hit two things together

preferred arm position while eating

Jones loves sand. a lot.

"Look Ma, I got three teef!"

Love this sweet, goofy boy to pieces.

XO, B

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Thursday's Thinking of Food

So, I have a few tidbits for you today--things I've read recently and my newest food obsessions:

image via here

If you follow me on Twitter or FB, then you know that I took my virgin trip to Trader Joe's this week.  Despite the fact that I was so over-hyped for it that it was bound to not live up, and the fact that due to a power outage, the store had NO cold items for sale that day, it was still pretty darn cool, y'all.  My 2 favorite things thus far: TJ's Dark Chocolate Roasted Pistachio Toffee and TJ's Harvest Grains Blend of Israeli CousCous, Orzo, Red Quinoa...seriously, yum.  I also got some Apple Banana Crushers for the baby, pasta sauce, pesto, Organic Fruit Wraps, organic apples, 3 bottles of wine, cashews, almonds, a list of stuff for a co-worker and a few other odds 'n ends for $75.  Everything is super-cheap.  Now, if we could only get a TJ's in Columbia...

But, know what Columbia does have to look forward to?!  Whole Foods!  Set to open in October 2012--it can't come fast enough in my opinion...

image via here

While reading my newest Eating Well magazine this week, I came across a couple things that I thought were interesting.  (Side note, Eating Well magazine is new to me, and it is awesome).

image via here

First, National Food Day is October 24th.  This is new this year, and according to the website: "Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life—parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes—to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way."  So far there are no organized events planned in Columbia, SC--anyone want to create one or host one?!

image via here

Second, here is an unsettling fact about agriculture in America: "$1,500 is the amount per US household that goes to farm subsidies.  [And we're not talking tiny, family farms here, folks...]  Subsidies for corn and other commodity crops, such as soybeans, keep the price of unhealthy foods lower than healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, argues Thomas M. Kostigen in The Big Handout (Rodale, October 2011)."  Another book to put on my reading list.

And, that my friends, is Thursday's Thinking of Food.
XO, B

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Harvest Dinner and A Vacation

Have I mentioned yet on this blog that November is my favorite month of the year?  I'm pretty sure I have...I adore autumn and the cooler air, shorter days, and impending holidays that it brings.  I love wearing scarves and jeans and clogs.  I love sitting beside fires and gazing at yellow leaves and running when it's cold, (but not too cold).  My husband and I were married in November.

image via here

So, here's another thing for me to look forward to in November: I just snagged the last 2 spots for the November 10th Harvest Dinner hosted by Eric McClam of City Roots, Chef Ryan Whittaker of 116 Espresso and Wine Bar, and Vanessa Driscoll of The Southern Greenie.  For only $45/person, according to the website you get:

"Dinners start with a cocktail made with American Harvest Organic Spirits mixed with fresh seasonal juices and fruit. You will be able to enjoy a cocktail while exploring the farm. Then everyone will proceed to the table in the field for a sit down family style dinner paired with sustainable beer or wine.

Your local Chef and Farmer will be on hand to dine with you and talk about the harvest menu and the farm.  After dinner you will be able to experience dessert from Pink Magnolia and purchase produce packages as well as order the beer or wine featured during the dinner. It will be a unique sustainable dinning experience."

If you didn't get tickets yet, don't fret--there is a waiting list, or sign up for one of the dinners in the months to follow.

my loves on the beach

And, something to look forward to for now: this Thursday I am heading to Litchfield with my family for one last summer hurrah before my USC class starts back next Monday.  Hello yummy food, lazy days in the sun, and naptimes with babes :)

XO, B

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(Obsolete) Words for Thursday

 


lateration: blabber; chatter

As in: Today I had to listen to some random guy's blateration about how he is much better suited to "bring home the bacon" and women should be at home. 

The word blateration is part of Oxford's, (as in the OED), effort to "save the words," and I have officially adopted it as my own.  According to the site, "every year hundreds of words are dropped from the English language," and this is the plan to save them.

image via here

If you go the the Save the Words site, you can "adopt" your own word.  Once you choose the one you want, you must promise to use it in your everyday conversations in an effort to save the word.  Nerdy and clever, my favorite combo.  I love it.

Wanna adopt a word?  Let me know which one you choose so we can help each other in our quest to save the words!

Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.
Save the Words site found via @GOOD Twitter post.  (I heart Good).

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Social Media in the Classroom

As a new Twitter addict, a blogger, a current college educator, and a former middle school teacher, this really resonates with me.  An awesome presentation by a high school principal, highlighting why social media in the classroom is important, as well as how to do it:

Presentation from Principal Patrick Larkin's blog found via We Are Teachers' Twitter post. (A great "follow" for any teachers on Twitter!)

What do you think about teachers using social media in the classroom?  Did you have teachers/professors who did so?

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A Word for Wednesday

 


entient: conscious; having the power of perception by the senses; understanding, cognizant

image via here

Sentient was an answer on Jeopardy College Week last night.  Don't you just LOVE College Week on Jeopardy?  Ok, for sure, it's not as easy as High School Week, but the categories are typically more playful and college-age-driven...

Update--I can now watch Jeopardy again!  Joy.  On the recommendation from many of you, James and I now have a TV converter, (rabbit ears and all), and we get all local channels, plus the Weather channel, and CW for free :)

Definition via dictionary.com
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

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