What to do When You Lose a Purse + other life musings

Happy October!

I am totally in Halloween mode. My work station is all decked out:

This morning I bought black lipstick and tried on fishnets for my witch costume (it will be epic). And now I am watching House of Wax. By myself. Alone in my apartment. 

And now I am watching D.C. Cupcakes.

I've come across some bands I can't get enough of lately. Do you know any of these? Worth checking out if not.

Dr. Dog 

 

Saints of Valory

 

 Mayer Hawthorne

 

 Portugal the Man

along with Young the Giant and The Sunshine Factory (from Mobile!)

 In other news, I met Alton Brown the other day! Wish I had a pic but I tried to keep my cool (I still failed miserably).

I also have seen several old friends lately. My friend, Caitlin, came to visit for a weekend that included a trip to Greek Fest. 

While indulging in Greek wine, dishes and baklava, we also came across Mr. Constantine himself from The Bachelorette. I shamefully admit I did not watch the show and barely knew of the dude, BUT I very gladly took a picture with him...

Stay tuned for a report after I visit his Atlanta restaurant

My roommate from when I lived in D.C. last summer was in town from Germany! We met at lovely Marietta Square for some meat pies (please don't let Sweeney Todd come to mind or it will ruin it) at The Australian Bakery Cafe. Reliving our D.C. days of frequenting cupcakeries (ahem, a bit too frequently said my jeans), we stopped by Miss Mamie's Cupcakes, Cakes and Such.

 I also got to meet up with some Bama boys visiting the ATL. They made me miss college life!

Blurry pic but take my word for it: we look really good. Mistaken for celebs a couple times.

  Callie and I recently paid a visit to a fab-o pizza place- Double Zero. We split the house pizza on their famous "double zero flour" crust. I also had an Ommegang Three Philosophers beer- it was awesome. 8/10 on my craft beers ratings :)

Photo courtesy of doublezero.com

Another new restaurant find is Canoe. I went here when my parents came into town-- it is way down yonder on the banks of the Chattahoochee (never knew how much that muddy water meant to me...). What we enjoyed: Hand Rolled Basil Fettuccine with Summer Garden Vegetables and Grana Padano ~ Watermelon and Vermont Feta Salad, Toasted Almonds, Giuseppe Balsamic & Basil Vinaigrette ~ Heirloom Tomato Salad ~ Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae with House Made Cracker Jack ~ Chocolate Grotto with Salted Caramel and Pretzel Dust ~ lots of vino

 

Lastly! I went to Red or White while in Mobile for small plates and wine with the fam. Pizza, mushroom ravioli, olive and cheese plate...One of my new favorite places!

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Pause. Just realized this is an incredibly long post. Bear with me. Much to report as I have been an unfaithful blogger.

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I've been cooking. Like, really cooking. It makes me happy. It relieves stress when your purse is stolen. It helps you reflect and realize there are worse things than texting on a crappy go-phone. It helps you meditate on the positive (missing purse < missing person) over the negative (ATL police really don't give a care that you lost a purse at a bar). Cooking, especially with a glass of wine, makes everything better.

So, here are my good eats.

 Spiced Apple-Pear Butter

 Spinach and Barley Risotto

Spicy Fish Tacos with Purple Sticky Rice

 Can't take credit-- Mom made this one. Fresh Chicken Pasta Salad

Chocolate Halloween Cookies while in Mobile

 Brussel Sprouts. First time to cook them and first time to eat them. Not bad, not great.

 I tossed them with turkey meatballs, basil marinara and quinoa.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

  

Click here to smell this. 

 Sorry, that was cruel.

Butternut Blondies with dark chocolate

 

Til next time: Happy Halloween, Watch your purse, Cook when you need some "me" time, Give brussel sprouts a chance, Fall in love with Dr. Dog, and Refrain from watching House of Wax.

Much love.