Radar

Halo Top Ice Cream is a low-cal, low-sugar, high-protein ice cream. So in other words it's totally healthy! I'm looking forward to trying all of the flavors. 

Next Step Realty is a total guilty pleasure

Kate Spade's line of infant and girls clothing is absolutely adorable. 

Who doesn't enjoy eating ice cream, watching reality TV and online shopping (in my case for baby clothes). 

No-Bake Energy Bites

I finally got around to making these No-Bake Energy Bites.  I mean what's not to love about chocolate, peanut butter and honey?  

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (dry) old-fashioned oats

2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup ground flax seed (I used whole)

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/3 cup honey or agave nectar

1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Once chilled, roll into balls about 1" in diameter. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

They're a great treat that you can actually feel good about eating.

Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day JCW and I spent the day in Annapolis.

 

We walked down Maryland Avenue which is one of my favorite streets.

I had to pick something up at Star Monograms and Belle taught JCW the baby ropes.

 

We had brunch at a new restaurant called Iron Rooster and are definitely going back.

 

I got a little something for our little one on the way from Wheat.

Before heading out we stopped at Kilwins for some treats.

That evening, friends hosted a Valentine's dinner.

We couldn't have asked for better food or company.

The molten chocolate cake for dessert was the perfect ending to a very sweet day.

Polo Bar

Ralph Lauren just opened the Polo Bar on 5th Avenue. The menu sounds delectable but the decor is a real feast for the eyes...

Images:Eater by Daniel Krieger  

Check out this great piece by Eater, for a peek at the menu and more handsome images of the interior.

Cookie Dough Cafe

I had seen a few people post pictures of cookie dough from The Cookie Dough Cafe so I picked up a pack of the individual cups. The beauty of this cookie dough is that it's intended to be eaten uncooked and there is no raw egg.   

The pints come in a variety of flavors besides chocolate chip (my favorite) but I'm not sure that I can be trusted with a container that large.

  

I love the idea of plain cookie dough because you have the option to add your favorite mix-ins.

Columbus Day Weekend

 

We traveled to Boston for the weekend to visit some dear friends who just relocated.  

We ventured to Woodman's in Essex on a rainy afternoon for lunch.

JCW was in heaven with all the delicious fried food and he may have even added the Woodman's cookbook to his wish list.

We had some great meals from No. 9 and Oleana but my favorite stop was Toscanini’s for ice cream.

After the rain stopped, the weather was beautiful so we did a little sightseeing at the Longfellow House.

Special thanks to the Talented Gallery Director and Sam's Good Meats for a wonderful weekend. Your new house looks great! It was also such a joy meeting MBW's new baby, Conner. xx

Fall Dinner

We had a little fall dinner party over the weekend. It was a great excuse to break out my Spode Woodlandplates, Glen Plaid Glasses and woven chargers from William Sonoma.

While I was setting the table, JCW was hard at work in the kitchen. He made Beef Bourguignon from a recipe he found in Cook's Illustrated. 

We ended the meal with a (light) dessert of Rum Cake & Berger Cookies. Hosting this dinner definitely put us in the mood for the upcoming holidays. 

Delaware Beaches

We were able to get to the beach a few times this summer and luckily the Delaware beaches are just a couple hours away.

We went to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Lewes...

 

...and fell in love with the most adorable candy shop.

JCW & ESW

I am already dreaming about the beach next summer.

 

Charlottesville

I did a little exploring in Charlottesville and checked out some of the local antique stores.

Lawyer Liz and I took a Barre class and then walked around UVA's campus. 

A visit to the fabulous home store And George was on my list.

I discovered The Scout Guide which are city guide books that showcase local businesses. They're going to be a go-to when visiting a new city.  

We had lunch at Citizen Burger which happened to be in the Charlottesville Scout Guide. I was in heaven because they had delicious gluten free hamburger buns.  

The whole group had a lovely dinner in the garden at C & O Restaurant.

Before heading home we stopped at Carter Mountain Orchard for some peaches...

and to take in the lush mountain views.

Bachelor Party Bounty

 

JCW brought back fish that was caught at a bachelor party in Florida and we decided to make Fish Tacos. Fresh fish was welcomed as opposed to coming back with another lost wedding band. Fish Tacos are a meal that we have no problem agreeing on. He grilled the Snapper and I prepped the fixings...

• Remoulade: Sriracha, Lime, Mayo
• Avocado
• Tomato
• Cabbage
• Garnish with a Lime

Do you have a favorite summer meal?

 

Preppy Pig BBQ

When I first saw the fun logo for Preppy Pig BBQ I wanted to find out more. JCW is a BBQ judge so his love for meat & sides has rubbed off on me. Preppy Pig is a traditional BBQ caterer based in Newport but they will be serving pulled pork, brisket, ribs and chicken all over New England this summer. They're also a great follow on Instagram...

 

 

 

 

I can't wait to try their BBQ!