May Town Fair

Saturday is this month's Town Fair at Town Center. This month will feature 30 local merchants with everything from fair trade to handmade, upcycled and home-baked goods (we were only at 15 vendors last month - what a great turnout for us!). The weather will definitely be warmer than last month's fair, we're just hoping the rain stays away. I'm also looking forward to this weekend's event because my Better Block partner John will be selling right next to me (just like the old days ;). The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., come out and support the local, handmade marketplace!

92 Days of Summer...

I can't believe it's really almost time for this list to start back up! I've had two girlfriends mention they might try the challenge...Are you up for it? Here's the deal, for the past two Summers, I've created a list with 92 things to do - ideally one for each day of the Summer. 

Year 1 *after

Year 2 *after

Some are free, some are easy, others (like making sidewalk chalk or going to the Eastern Shore) aren't so easy. So, what are some of your ideas? Want to participate and plan some ideas together? Post below or send me a message to ashley.fairviewpl@gmail.com

Corn Chowder & Roasted Chickpeas

While my mom was here I was trying to use up some random ingredients I had laying around. Mike went to a concert, so I decided to try the roasted chickpea recipe that's been lingering on Pinterest for months. I really should have tried this sooner - delicious and so easy! Rinse a can of chickpeas, pour on oiled baking sheet and coat with your favorite seasonings (I used garlic, Old Bay, salt and pepper). Bake at 450 degrees until they are crunchy, about 40 minutes.

Once we had enough of those, I determined corn chowder would use a lot of various items, so I got to work. I'm not even sure if I can tell you exactly how much of everything I used, but go with this as a guideline, not the rule:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion
1 small can green chilies
2 cups of corn (I used frozen)
2 strips of bacon (fake)
2 sausage patties (fake)
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup water
salt, pepper

1. Saute garlic with the onion in 1 tsp olive oil.
2. Cook the sausage and bacon in the microwave and chop finely. Add to the onion.
3. Add in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Use a hand blender to mix to your desired consistency. I gave it about 5 good pulses for 20 seconds or so.
5. Serve immediately.

Monday Musebles

It was a weird weekend. Mostly for reasons I can't, and don't want to, talk about just yet. Mike took a trip to Richmond for a friend's Bachelor Party and I remained productive the rest of the time. I bought flowers for Deb from Clark's Nursery in Ghent - which is a must-stop. They have definitely expanded since last year, carrying herbs and citrus trees (how badly I want a lime tree), plus all your other garden necessities, at reasonable prices. 

For the first time, I went to the Town Center Art & Wine Festival and was pleasantly surprised. They had about 20 vendors and maybe 8 wineries (I didn't get to them all), live music and outdoor seating in the Fountain Plaza. It's much smaller than the Town Point Wine Festival we usually go to in Norfolk, but here you could actually taste the wine, and you didn't have to pay just to get in the door!

Kelly made coffee flan for dessert on Sunday.
The consistency and coffee aftertaste was just right!
I think coconut should be next on the list.

Sunday morning I woke up at 7 a.m., started laundry, cleaned the house, ran to the grocery store and took out the trash all before 9! I realized this is the routine my mother (and most mothers) has been living for the past 40 years of her life. When I was taking a five-minute break at 10:15, I realized how lucky those of us with wonderful mothers really are...We spent the rest of the afternoon with Mike's momma, brother and sister-in-law - it was her first Mother's Day!! Thomas got her the nicest engraved bookmark, he told me he picked it out all by himself (the boy has good taste ;). 

Honestly, I'm ready for Thursday. I'm not sure I can deal with two more days like today...

Color Therapy: Peach & Coral

I'm trying to hard to believe in Spring. That it's here. That it's warm. But today certainly isn't helping. Maybe a Spring Hue will help? How about this warm peach and coral? Making you feel a little balmy? Then read on! 

I'm really digging contrasting pillow assortments. One day I'm going to cover that leather couch with random-print pillows...probably one day when Mike is out of town :)

Will definitely need some shades for those sunny days ahead.

Never thought I'd say this, but I absolutely love the peach Carnation and Airplant combination. I think I know a guy who could get me a great deal on the plants...and the flowers should be a breeze.

My apron is adorable, but I wouldn't mind something a little more protective and crisp.

This sweet accessory would certainly liven up my black-filled wardrobe.

A vintage dresser updo with coral and gold? That would help freshen and brighten any room.

Never realized I needed a new camera strap...until now...

You're never too old (too young, too girlie or too boyish) to have a Rifle Alphabet Print hanging on your wall.

What is cuter than fluffy sheep and turquoise trees? A wallet made of this pattern! 

Love this idea of mix-matched glasses, and using the peach drink and straws to tie it all together. Plus, I already have the teal table :)

Monday Muse

We made it to the Handsome biscuit and I promise it's well worth the 15-(or 30-) minute wait!

There's nothing like a weekend with my mom - especially when I have her all to myself. We shop, we talk, we cook together and laugh together, we journey to new stores and restaurants and veg out on the couch. She plays with my hair and in return I make her dinner and make her bed, haha. This weekend was no exception. We packed it full with food, drinks, activities and a first for both of us - a Color Me Rad 5k. 60 years old and she's still running and getting colored corn starch thrown in her face, can you say that about your Mom?

It's becoming a tradition to hit up Total Wine for a mix-and-match six pack. Shiner Boch has out it's Summertime "Ruby Redbird" and I think it's my new favorite!

My mom and I both tried the Hot Betty from the Handsome Biscuit. It was unique in that the greens tasted like they were sauteed in about 19 cloves of garlic and sesame oil. Hiding underneath the greens was a fried egg and loads of hot sauce, mashed between a sweet potato biscuit. My mouth is watering just thinking back on it. 

 

Next we ran out to EcoTrends in Virginia Beach for the grand re-opening. Lyman, the owner of EcoTrends is a merchant at the Town Fair (and all-around awesome gal), so we went to support the lovely shop. Plus, my mom got to meet John and see his Glass Gardens display.

Another first for (all of) us, Smartmouth Brewery! I've been talking about stopping here for weeks, and we finally made it. We each did a tasting, my favorite was the Double IPA. Hmmm, wouldn't it be cool to have this in your neighborhood?!

We could just stop at one brewery, so we headed over to O'Connor's on 25th Street. We weren't sure they would be open, but to our surprise we landed a picnic table spot right in front of the band. They have a great wide-open space with corn hole and lots of standing room, so we'll definitely be back this Summer.

Before

After

Sunday morning came with a harsh wind and brisk temps, but Melissa, my mom and I made our way to Virginia Beach to play in a bunch of colored corn starch. I'm so proud of my mom, she rocked that race like no one's business! And isn't she the cutest? Melissa, I'm also proud of you for your training dedication, will are definitely doing this next year - in a toga :)

Another wonderful weekend with my Momma, maybe one day the weekends won't end and you can come over every weekend!

My Kitty Angel

My little Boots passed away today. She was an amazing little girl who loved being loved. It's hard to believe she would have been 17 this winter. I'm going to miss her furry face (and Lion haircut), but I'm sure her and Luca are having a blast in kitty heaven. Rest In Peace, Toots.