Here’s a bit of life lately!
Gatsby’s Murder Mystery Party
The highlight of this past weekend was doing a murder mystery party! Our friend group loves a reason to get dressed up, and this was such a great party concept. We watched the movie a few weeks ago to prepare.
Jay Gatsby Himself!
I hadn’t done a murder mystery before, but this is the one we did (after voting on the theme!) Everything in the kit is planned out for you so that even the hosts can participate. Thanks to Chava and Ivy for organizing! The decorations were perfect.
My character was a singer / dancer, and I choreographed a special performance at the Cat’s Meow for the night. Sean was my performance partner in crime.
We had such a fun night!
We started the party at 4:30 so it would end at a reasonable time and some of us could be on the soccer field by 9am the next day.
Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me!
We had something die in the walls of our house last month. There was a bad smell for a few weeks, luckily during a time when we could have the windows open and air flowing out. (Last week it was back to freezing temps, so we were lucky when we had the smell we could air the house out!) We still don’t know what it was, probably a mouse.
The smell is now all gone, but there are BLACK FLIES hatching everyday from somewhere in this house! Disgusting and annoying. I’ve probably killed or released via open window at least 100 of them!
Harry Potter World
In other news, as quickly as the flies appeared, my boys have gotten into Harry Potter! I’ve been waiting years for this because Mazen has never been all that interested in reading the books – until now. Birch is watching the first movie on repeat while we’re simultaneously reading it to him aloud in the evenings. Mazen is reading it, too.
I told Mazen years ago if he read all seven books I’d book a trip to Universal that same day. I read the series as it came out and have yet to visit Harry Potter World at Universal. And there is the new park opening this summer, so I think a trip is in our future!
Also new to us: a fun routine / chore chart for Birch! I’m planning to share it and write more in an upcoming post.
Minecraft Movie
I took the boys to see the Minecraft movie last night so Thomas could watch The Masters in peace and quiet. (We were so happy for the winner of the Masters!) The boys and I all loved the movie. It was very well done!
Milk & Honey
I had the chance to visit the new Milk & Honey at Barrack’s Road for a VIP happy hour.
My plus one for the night was Hillary in celebration of her birthday!
We got to taste an array of cocktails, including this Biscoff cookie butter espresso martini! They have an $8 happy hour on weekdays.
The menu is Southern-inspired with shrimp and girts, chicken and Biscoff waffles, crispy Brussels, and fluffy biscuits! It’s a great spot before an event at JPJ, while shopping at Barracks, or for a family dinner.
After Milk & Honey, we went back to my house to watch Survivor with Ellen!
I procured Hillary’s birthday cake while it was still available from Cake Bloom. The Persian Love has raspberry-rose Chantilly cream, almond-cardamom cake, topped with crushed pistachios and rose petals. So good!! Only available around Valentine’s Day, I think. We had it with pink blush cider from Albemarle Ciderworks that Ellen brought!
Sleep Study
I’ve started tracking my sleep with my Apple Watch and it’s been fascinating. I’m going to share some stats after I collect more data, but the nights I’m testing are pure, alcohol consumed, alcohol + CBD, or only CBD/THC. I’m using the Green Compass sleep jellies and Unwind jellies in my tests! You can see the products I’m trying here with a $10 off code attached.
Bird’s Eye View
Just a small note on how obsessed I am with my new Grand Highlander! There are new features I’m discovering every day, but this parking camera is so cool. How on earth does it record this bird’s eye view that makes backing into a parking space so easy!?
Kath Eats Real Food
I start almost every weekday with a green smoothie that Thomas makes for the two of us. Spinach, AG1, vanilla protein, peanut butter. I have loved the ease and consistency knowing I’m getting so much goodness in the AM. You can see our everyday recipe in this post.
Lunches
Sardine sampler!
I like my sardine salad with chips or crackers. I’ve been making it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and just a little bit of mayo.
Scrambled Egg Sando
I’m not the biggest fan of deli meat, but I love eggs! Plus fig spread, cheddar, and arugula.
Botanical
Their crispy cauliflower is one of the best foods in town!
Dinners
Loved this Blue Apron Harissa Beef Pitas with Tzatziki, Feta & Mint.
“Take out” from Whole Foods – rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, and a homemade salad.
Blue Apron Spicy Panko & Pistachio-Crusted Cod with Roasted Tomato Farro & Asparagus
CHEESE!
My favorite food. This cheese from Whole Foods is my all time fave for happy hour.
Friends night at Brazos + Cheese dip! Loved the spicy shrimp taco (a first for me).
I have a week of work travel coming up right after Easter that I’m excited about. Heading to Austin, TX for a one night stay, too!
