Amelie's.

If I had to pick a favorite place in Charlotte, Dilworth would come in as a close second.

In first place, I would choose NoDa. If not for it's eclectic atmosphere and colorful outward appearance alone, then for the restaurant and store names. Most of them are a clever play on words (Salvador Deli, The Evening Muse, etc.) Oh, and did I mention that it is home to my happy place - Amelie's bakery. You walk through the door and are instantly transported to Paris. I really need a door like that in my house.

Caroline and I spent some time there yesterday. We decided that eating dessert first can always be deemed appropriate. It prevents over-eating at dinner! We ordered one pistachio macaron, one passion fruit torte, one caramel salted brownie (duh) and one cream puff - along with a hot vanilla nut tea (for myself) and a lavendar lemonade (for caroline). Yep, that would be a mouthful of deliciousness.

What was for dinner, you ask? Nutella and banana crepes. I was feeling particularly french last night (and gluttonous). BUT - I only ate half of my meal, so our plan worked.

A wedding on a boat.

 Weddings galore! This one included white zinfandel, twinkle lights, slow dancing, and sweet conversations on the boat deck between Bud and myself. Also, red velvet pecan cupcakes that tasted like Christmas at Mawmaw's.

I was referred to as "my favorite niece" on more than one occasion from more than one uncle, which of course made me smile. Caroline, I'm sure they love you too ;)

Love was in the air - lots of love for my entire family, boyfriend, and of course the happy newlyweds.

Elenowen.

Elenowen (from The Voice) - Honey Come Home

Some songs I have to warm up to before I fall in love. Not with this one. It was love at first listen.

Rain clouds and Carnies.

Saturday was spent at the Cabarrus County Fair. The 25 degree drop in temperature this weekend made funnel cakes and hot fudge all the more appealing. I saw hay bales and pumpkins around every corner. The food carts sold hot chocolate and apple cider, fried dough and snow cream. And let's be serious - you can't walk through (or walk by, if you're a fraidy cat like me) a haunted house when it feels like summer time. It's just not the same.

Some might say it was just a storm front coming through. I say it was Fall, nestling it's way into our hearts a little early. I sure can't complain. Although, ugg-clad fair goers were everywhere. It is not winter yet, folks. Uggs should be reserved for snowstorms, and trips to Walmart. (Okay, can't lie. I own more than one pair, and I'll inevitably wear them again but I think I've seen enough from living in Boone.)

Dearest Fall - when you finally arrive, please do stick around.  I will eagerly welcome you with open arms and a mug of hot tea. Your crunchy leaves and blissful breeze are my favorite. I love you.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Nothing too exciting going on in my little blogspot this morning, other than the fact that I don't go into work until 1pm! Except, that little breath of fresh air doesn't really count. I have to stay until 9pm tonight.

Anywho, here is a little list of my latest favorite things.

Naturally, "making lists" is numero uno. Making happy lists help me focus on the good things in life. Well, they help me focus in general.

1. Making lists.
2. Maple and brown sugar oatmeal.
3. The off chance that I get to sleep in late.
4. She & Him - New Girl premieres Sept. 20th! Basically anything with Zooey.
5. Doodling. Next purchase - moleskin notebooks for said doodling.
6. Iced Nutella Lattes.
7. Watching the Gamecocks beat GA.
8. Anticipating everything "Fall".
9. Mustard yellow.
10. Love Poems by Pablo Neruda (available at Anthro).
11. F.r.i.e.n.d.s. playing non-stop on my TV.
12. Poladroid. It's like an app for your computer!
13. Hammock lounging.
14. Being blessed enough to have obtained such an incredible internship. Hello networking opportunities!


*Sorry, no photos today - because I am a working woman and the only things within my focal point are massive piles of papers and a notebook of messy handwriting.

Lazy Five Ranch.

After my first week of grown up work, I was ready for some fun. Have you ever been to Lazy Five? Texas Longhorn cows stick their head through your car window and try to eat you (personal experience). Bud and I were rebels, as alwaysssss, and drove 3x the speed limit through the ranch. The speed limit was 5mph. I was too scared to let the animals eat from my hand. Okay, so maybe I'm not a rebel. I did love the giraffes though, of course. One of them was only 4 months old! And it was already two feet taller than me.

For your delightment - here is a picture of me at Lazy Five, circa 1994.

I'm a moose!             ...?

Unrelated happenings.

- I started working with CHS this week. The word INTERN isn't anywhere on my badge, and I was very excited about this. I went to the mall yesterday and "forgot" to take it off... just so people know that I mean business ;)

- I really love my cats. Oh wait, you already knew that?

- Listen to this song. The Civil Wars - Poison and Wine.

- Don't go shoe shopping right after wearing uncomfortable heels for 9 hours. Actually, don't wear uncomfortable heels at all. Do buy new shoes.

- Watermelon is 95% water, and only like 5% melon - meaning I can eats lots of it without feeling guilty.

- Iced nutella lattes are going to become morning ritual.

- 7am never fails to come too soon.

- West Morehead St. has a strip of cute, eclectic restaurants. Knowing this, I'm even more excited for my upcoming lunch breaks. I've already been to Savor. I had the most amazing Caprese Sandwich, and a cup of hot raspberry tea. Next up - Pinkys. Also, Burger Co. and Open Kitchen.

A love like that.

My grandparents. Weren't they cute?

I love looking through old photos. Oh, nostalgia.

Bananas.

Homemade version of  "Gone Bananas" from Trader Joe's:

Slice up one banana. Dip in melted chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired. Freeze.

It's almost too easy. They are the perfect snack to have on hand for a chocolate craving. I've been eating these little bites by the dozen.

*Side note. First pic - doesn't that middle banana look like a cute little elf that is whistling? It's actually a toothpick mark.

Good things from the week.

On Tuesday, I went to The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord. My mom and aunt accompanied me, and helped settle my indecisiveness when it came to finding a decorative window for above my dresser. I think I'm going to put lace behind it. And that necklace holder? It's an old rake! Thanks, Pinterest, for the idea.

This week also included a trip to the farmer's market. I picked up some fresh vegetables and colorful flowers for my new blue ball mason jar - a gift from my Aunt Pattie!

I came home with two more bags of baby spinach. I've been drinking lots of Green Monster smoothies. Turns out, they aren't as scary as I thought they would be. Actually, I love them. The spinach flavor is faint. I suggest combining ice, milk, vanilla greek yogurt, 1.5 tbsp peanut butter, 1 banana, honey, and 1 cup of spinach.