I'm pretty much Donna Reed.

On the menu: jalapeño raspberry salmon, Brussels sprouts, and tomato avocado salad.

I know many of you who know me well may be raising an eyebrow since you know that DK was in town mere hours earlier and I have been known to pass her creations off as my own…but this dinner was so easy I was able to pull it off solo! (ok, fine.  Greg chopped a few things.  Big whoop.)

I have to tell you, the true hero of the evening was the Emily G’s Jam of Love Jalapeño Raspberry Jam we found at the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market!  

Easy peasy: I just threw a couple of salmon fillets in the oven for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees, took them out to spread a dollop of this amazingness on the top of each, and popped them back in the oven for another 5 minutes or so while the jam caramelized and worked its magic.   DELICIOUS.

Here’s the Q+DD on EGJoL: DK and I got the full story from a very adorable Emily (though not THE Emily) on Saturday at the Farmer’s Market.  Local to Dunwoody, Emily G’s jam is not mass-produced, but made in small batches and hand-poured into the cutest jar you have ever seen!
They use the freshest, most seasonable ingredients available and patronize local Georgia farms whenever possible. The jams are all-natural and Emily promises you will “taste the love in every jar!”

At $8 a jar, I wish I had picked up a few more flavors. Among their most popular: Jalapeno Raspberry, Blueberry, Triple Berry, Tipsy Onion + Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper. I also tried the Chipotle Strawberry and it knocked my socks off.

I just had no idea jam was so versatile! The Emily G’s website has LOTS of recipes for each of their jams. DK purchased a jar of the tomato jam for use on BLTs, scallops, and meatloaf.  Bonus: lots of Atlanta restaurants are using EGJoL in their menus, witness by clicking here!

I’m in LOVE!  I’m a believer! Jalapeño Raspberry is my new JAM!  (Pun intended.)

Enjoy!

xx, L

P.S. Complete the meal:
1.    Salad: SO simple, SO delicious:  Romaine lettuce.  Halved grape tomatoes.  Chopped avocado.  Fresh lemon juice.  Olive oil.  Salt + pepper.  Fin.
2.    Brussels sprouts: (for the record, I was going to do asparagus.  But they were so teeny I made a game-time decision for the BS.  So glad I did because I love them and now I believe Greg is now a Brussels sprouts convert!)   I just halve ‘em, toss ‘em in a little e.v.o.o., and throw them on a tin-foiled and Pam-ed cookie sheet with a little salt and pepper and pop ‘em in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes or so.  (Sometimes I’ll dice a green apple and throw it in there for a little variety.)
3.    Bodega Norton 2007 Malbec.  (ok, ok and half a bottle of Trader Joe’s Two Buck Chuck Shiraz.)

So I started perusing my favorite gifty sites and I thought I’d share them with you!

1. Someone Spoil Me

This?  Is my go-to.  It’s great.  At someonespoilme.com, you can shop by price, by recipient, by personality, by occasion, by theme, whatever!  This is always my first stop.

Disclaimer: Lately, some of the gifts have been a little too cutesy for my taste, but it’s always worth a scroll through first.

2. Incidentally, SSM.com is how I stumbled upon Harvard Sweet Boutique…my FAVORITE cookies by online order.  They are DELICIOUS and the customizable packaging is absolutely precious.  Witness:

However, if you’re giving a sweet-toothed loved one a gift here in town, you really MUST call up Cari at Sugar Sugar.  I swear the chick is part magician.  Her desserts are absolutely amazing and unbelievably creative.  Please see Lindsay’s previous post here, one from dear ol’ FoodieBuddha here and “Like” her on Facebook here.  The girl is a genius.

Sugar Sugar's signature Cupcake Bouquet

3. MoMA Store Online

The Museum of Modern Art Store was my favorite gift spot when I lived in NYC and nothing has changed.  From sleek and original to quirky and fun, MoMA is a good place to peruse when seeking a memorable gift.  I found this beautiful Alessi olive oil pourer for the aforementioned couple: I would LOVE to have this not just for olive oil, but also for dressings, etc, so I figured they would too.  (My barometer for good gift-giving: Am I having a hard time not ordering one for myself?)

4. For Baby: Hip LittlesOr RuffleButt personalized ruffle bloomers and such:

5. Newsflash: They are actually still selling things in stores these days.  So if online shopping isn’t your thing, here in town my favorite gifty places are Fragile in Sandy Springs, Belle Chambre in Buckhead, and Star Provisions on the Westside for wedding/showers and Precious Cargo in Vinings, Izzy Maternity in Buckhead (and Alpharetta), and Dabberdoo in the Highlands for baby/maternity gifts. (Don’t forget there is a Scoutmob available for Dabberdoo through almost the end of July!)

Precious Cargo storefront in Vinings. Say hi to Dana!

Happy gifting!

xx, L

Ok, here’s the Q+DD on Olive and Sinclair: O+S is a “bean-to-bar” chocolate maker based in Nashville, TN. Per their blog, “our Chocolate is made with select single origin cacao beans, slow roasted, stone ground with only Pure brown sugar for a robust flavor unique to Southern Artisan Chocolate™”

Scott Witherow, the “Founder – Owner – Maker” at Olive and Sinclair was there handing out bites of his seriously delicious and VERY unique chocolates

I tasted the Sea Salt, the Coffee Bean and the Salt and Pepper and while each one was better than the last…(and while Julie and Dana couldn’t get over the Salt and Pepper) my FAVORITE definitely the Cinnamon Chili (“Mexican style”) chocolate.  I am begging you to run over to Star Provisions and try this chocolate.  It blew. my. mind.  Fact.

Listen, there is just no way to describe how good this stuff is, but I can tell you that each of us left with a bag FULL of bars of all varieties.   Not only are they outrageously amazing but they are dressed really well, too !  Witness:

They make really cool and memorable gifts! Julie doled them out as host and hostess presents and I’m bringing a stack of them tied with a simple piece of twine home with me (along with a bottle of Square One vodka) to Birmingham this weekend to give to DK for Father’s day…I know Pops will be THRILLED.  (Not to worry: My dad reads this blog quarterly- I’m not giving anything away!)

Plus, I LOVE that it’s a southern product made by nice, down-to-earth folks. Scott couldn’t have been sweeter (pun intended) or more gracious and, well, you know how I feel about things named Olive!

(even though we had her boyfriend Oscar in tow instead that day!)

Go, give them a whirl, then become a fan on Facebook by clicking HERE, follow them on Twitter – @OliveSinclair, and check out their blog by clicking here and enjoy!

DOUBLE DANG!

xx, L

happy almost anniv., p!

In ‘06, I moved my stuff into Paige’s fully furnished + decorated home.  Not a bad deal for me at all – I only had my bedroom and bathroom to handle.  We have very different personal style regarding home furnishings, but it’s never bothered me.  However, one day, I definitely look forward to decorating a condo or house of my own, and when I do, I hope that this vendor I found at the Inman Park Festival is still going strong.  (Yikes, there were a lot of commas in that sentence…)

Of the hundreds of vendors at the Inman Park Festival this year, Go Jump In The Lake was my favorite.  Their rustic, cedar signs can be custom made or you can browse their online selection here:  http://www.mapledriveworkshop.com/

slick liked them, too...

Love!  The signs are perfect for a lake, mountain or beach house, an urban cottage or a rustic patio.  (Also, they’d make a fun housewarming gift!)  Sadly, I have no free space or actual need for any of their adorable signs at the moment, but I’m definitely stocking GJITL away in my trusty mental filing cabinet for when I do!

So cute! 

xx, L

Please allow me to introduce you to the Uni-Lazy. 

Like most ridiculous trends, I am ready to jump on the Uni-Lazy bandwagon ASAP.  Brilliant, brilliant idea! 

Here’s the Q+DD…

What is the Uni-Lazy:

A comfortable adult onesie for everyday wear!  It’s the most comfortable garment ever created – 100% anti-pill polar fleece and can be worn comfortably anytime, anywhere!

Featured on the Today Show: http://www.foreverlazy.com/as-seen-on-today-show
In the news: http://www.wisn.com/news/22904878/detail.html

Why the Uni-Lazy:

Because being lazy and comfortable should extend to all ages!  Whatever age, young or old, when you are wearing the Uni-Lazy you’re telling the world “Why not?  I’d rather be comfortable than anything else!”  The Uni-Lazy can be worn anytime the user feels that comfort is of the utmost importance.  Why would you want it any other way?!  Our philosophy at Forever Lazy is simple, do what you want to do, wear what you feel great in, be happy, and most importantly, be comfortable!  Life is too short to live every day by other people’s rules or opinions.  Forever Lazy encourages everyone to express themselves in a manner that gets them excited about their own comfort, and by doing so you are sure to exude the utmost confidence and creativity.  We want people to loosen up, let go of their insecurities and forget about the harsh and judgmental opinions of those around them!

Special Uni-Lazy Features:

The Drop – Stay warm + cozy when nature calls.  The patented zipper drop is completely hidden and folds down with ease…

Double Pull – Guys: Have to go #1 but don’t want to get cold?  Well this is your answer!

No Footsies – There are simply too many blood vessels in the feet to be wrapped in fleece and not get sweaty.  Shoes + Footsies = a disastrously gross result.  You should be able to enjoy this lazy, comfortable garment both inside and outside your residence!

Hoodie – Super warm, attached hoodie!  Cotton woven draw cord to tighten as needed.

Deep Pockets – Forever Lazy research concludes you can fit three 12 oz. beverages of your choice in each pocket.  If for some reason you find it necessary to run (which is very un-lazy like) you won’t have to worry about things popping out of your pockets.  Keep your hands warm on those cold days and nights…

How Forever Lazy Got Started:

The release of the 1999 movie “Office Space” played an instrumental role in forging the foundation of Forever Lazy and creating the founders’ business philosophies.  Specifically, Peter Gibbons’ famous rant to the Bobs, “It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s that I just don’t care…you see it’s a problem of motivation” really struck a chord and took on new meaning as the founders started their fancy corporate careers.

Both founders quickly realized in their post collegiate careers at a corporation that closely resembles Initech from Office Space (rhymes with Mohl’s Memartment Lore), that for them it was simply a problem of motivation.  It took co-founder Tyler Galganski 17 months to realize he had just about enough of pointless meetings, annoying touchbases, corporate politics and enough repetitive busy work to make just about anybody think to themselves…  “Screw it, they can take this job and shove it!”  Tyler knew no matter how much he did, or how hard he worked, if he were to continue on in that corporate environment… each day would potentially be the worst day of his life.

Co-founder Dave Hibler’s stint in the corporate world lasted less than six weeks after learning it was not acceptable to joke about throwing somebody out of a window.  After HR informed Dave he was canned due to a “zero tolerance policy on threats,” Dave vowed never to work in any environment in which his sweetness and sense of humor was not embraced and promoted by his co-workers.  To this day, Dave has refused to set foot back into a traditional office setting.  As the oh-so-wise Peter Gibbons so shrewdly summed it up, “human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day, filling out useless forms and listening to eight different bosses drone on about mission statements.”

The things that did motivate Dave and Tyler (often referred to as Davyler for their similar personalities and close friendship since the age of two) could not be found at any typical job, but only at a newly formed and over the top awesome company like Forever Lazy.  More than anything, they wanted to work for themselves, and make their work their passion.  For Davyler their passion is to spread the word of laziness and comfort and promote the apparel that embodies these sentiments.  They believe in the simple things in life, enjoying what they do, not living by anybody else’s rules or standards, and not taking themselves too seriously.  Here at Forever Lazy there aren’t CEOs and Presidents, instead there is the CEA-Chief Emperor Awesome (Tyler), and the CSS-Chief Sultan of Sweet (Dave).  Because really, there are too many big wig corporate CEO’s and Presidents, and not enough Emperor Awesomes or Sultans of Sweet.

Now I know what you may be thinking, “Because you guys are Forever Lazy, will you be too lazy to deliver awesome customer service and still grow the lazy apparel industry?”  The answer is simple.  Like we mentioned earlier, for us it’s all about motivation, and because this is our passion we will remain motivated to work tirelessly to spread our ideals of laziness.  We just refuse to work in an environment that exhibits annoying and out-dated corporate practices.  When we work, we concentrate on serving our customer, coming up with awesome new ideas, and doing this all in a fun and entertaining fashion.  Because isn’t that how it should always be?  Isn’t life too short to be otherwise?

masterminds behind the uni-lazy

Buy your very own Uni-Lazy here:  http://bit.ly/8gryju

a gift that keeps on giving...

THIS has Lindsay written all over it…

Think they could make them in hot pink + sequins for lil ‘ol L+L??

let's hear it for the uni-lazy!!

xx, L

"i solemnly swear we are up to no good..."

ALSO, it was a total giveaway if we were trying to conceal the shopping spree from him – until his CC statement appeared and sold us out…  In the meantime, we had to be strategic!!

Not my dad. But, Noel Roberts looks like a cross between Mister Rogers and...

The Clint

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that my dad passed along his sensitivity to me.  Although I am just mildly scent sensitive, I’d rather not test it out too much and end up with a migrane – so I tend to stick with simple vanilla scents.  I use vanilla scented lotion and I love vanilla candles!  In fact, I burn vanilla candles exclusively.

I recently received the most amazing candle and I’ve decided it’s totally blogworthy.  I love it!  It’s made by Archipelago Botanicals and it’s part of their Private Reserve Collection. 

After its maiden burning, I did a little bit of research on it to figure out why it was so awesome – and why it didn’t give me a pounding headache.  Well, here’s the scoop on Archipelago’s Private Reserve Collection: Each of the high-end, soy candles’ scents is a personal favorite of the owners.  The candles are labeled with the fragrance name and the original lab number.  Mine is Lust No. 83.  Yowza!

My roommate walked into my bedroom when I was burning it the other day and she said, “it smells like a sexy man in here.”  I have to admit that it kind of did – but it was just me, Big Red and the candle…  We all, including Big Red, absolutely love the way it smells!  According to the website, Lust No. 83 is a mix of ”bourbon vanilla (key point for me!), sultry vetiver, warm amber and shocking bergamont.”  I guess the vanilla was my initial attraction, but it’s much more than just a simple vanilla candle.  The candle’s blend is so unique! 

All the candles in the Private Reserve Collection come in really nice, sleek black packaging - a perfect housewarming or host gift for either gender! 

Find Lust No. 83 + other candles in Archipelago’s Private Reserve Collection for $29.50 here: http://www.candleluxury.com/archipelago-private-reserve-lust-candle.html

Enjoy!  (And, a PSA from Smokey himself:  PLEASE don’t play with matches…)

xx, L

"life is like a box of chocolates..."

Godiva has been my standard for chocolate for many years.  That is, until I received a box of chocolates + truffles from Norman Love Confections last week!

I seriously became Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka + The Chocolate Factory.

me

Sexy, I know.  “Oompa loompa doompadee doo!”

Well, as it turns out, I love chocolate!  Although, I’m pretty sure it’s only Norman’s…  (I may need to conduct a bit more research to be sure.)

25pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box

I even love the box.  So artful! 

When I took off the cover, I was shocked at how colorful each chocolate piece was!  They look like mini pieces of Venetian glass!  I carefully studied the accompanying guide to correctly identify the wide array of flavors…and I went to town. 

i'd appreciate y'all ignoring the missing pieces...

It is very difficult for me to choose, but if pressed, I’d say that my five favorite flavors are:

Vanilla Cupcake- Sweet cream and vanilla frosting ganache mixed with tiny cake pieces in a perfect little bite.

Key Lime Shell – Classic and simple, made with fresh key lime juice and the feeling of a little Florida sunshine with each bite.

Caramel Apple - Peanut butter caramel ganache is the perfect enhancement to fresh tart apples covered in a white chocolate shell.

Cinnamon Roll- Buttery cinnamon swirled with pure sugar icing in white chocolate ganache – casted in milk chocolate.

Cookies ‘n’ Cream – The fine dark chocolate crunch and smooth white filling you’d expect from this all-time favorite treat.

If you are a serious chocoholic, need to send a corporate gift or just want to make someone’s day w/ a gorgeous + delicious box of chocolates, I strongly encourage you to send it from Norman Love Confections.  Keep in mind that these chocolates do not contain preservatives, so they are best enjoyed w/in three weeks.  (Or you could follow my lead and eat them all almost immediately…) 

Check out Norman Love Confections @ www.normanloveconfections.com.

C’est Magnifique!

xx, L

Norman Love Confections
11380 Lindbergh Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida  33913
239.561.7215
www.normanloveconfections.com

If I had unlimited funds, I might go with something like Diptyque…

$60 - 50hr burn time

But since I don’t…I favor either Trapp:

$17 - 40hr burn time

or my all-time-favorite, Votivo (Red Currant):

$25 - 50hr burn time

(FYI: That is always a safe gift choice for me.  IJS.)

However, while roaming around Star Provisions area with DK + DK this weekend, I discovered the “Air Kiss” candle at super chic home consignment store, Savvy Snoot. 

Created exclusively for Savvy Snoot, they’re just simple square candles in a glass container with a lid.  They come in about a zillion scents, burn for 100 hours and one of these babies can be in your hot little hands for a mere $25.

ECO FRIENDLY BONUS: Return your empty container for $5 off your next candle purchase!

Instant ambiance, darling.

xx, L

Savvy Snoot Consignment Home
www.savvysnoot.com
1187 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 355-1399

Exhibit #1: Medium Hobo for $149.40 (from $350)

Exhibit #2: Large Cosmetic Case for $62.30 (from $120)

Exhibit #3: Leather B.B. Hobo for $257.40 (from $610)

Exhibit #4: Continental Wallet for $146.30 (from $290)

Here’s the link for all the other great sales at Gucci.com:
http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/sale/special-savings/

Just saying…I know a good deal when I see one. 

xx, L

catalog junkie

Brookstone is the perfect store to find a great holiday gift for that special someone who has everything.  Gifts from Brookstone are always a hit, because no one really needs anything from there – the catalog or a stroll into a local Brookstone store just convinces you that you do.  “How have I have possibly been living this long without a paperless notepad!?”  Since I spent some time in Phipps over the weekend and my mail has been kind of inconsistent this winter, I just had to pop into Brookstone to see what the hot holiday items are this year. 

Here are my top five favorite Brookstone gifts for the holidays:

5 – Electric Wine Opener

Electric Wine Opener: $39.95

“The electric wine opener with one touch operation provides effortless cork removal every time.”  I love this item because I broke my rabbit wine opener last year and I’m terrible with the old school ones.  It’s a good thing that my roommate is a bartender…

4 – i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager

i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager: $99.95

“Deep relief for hard-to-reach neck, shoulder and back muscles.”  I tried it in the store and it was ah-may-zinggggg!

3 – u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter

u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter: $29.95

“Reach new heights with the easy-to-fly, indoor mini RC helicopter.”  It can fly up to 100 feet away from the remote control.  THAT is awesome.  It’s back-ordered online, so get it in the store ASAP.  It’s a fun gift for children and adults – I bought one for Slick and he loves it.   

2 – iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod

iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod: $249.95

“Concert hall sound and striking modern design for your iPod.”  The sound this thing gives off is truly incredible.  And, it’s pretty sleek-looking, too. 

1 – Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs

Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs: $39.95

“It’s alive!  A self-contained, self-cleaning ecosystem w/ 2 mini frogs.”  This bad boy is the hot item at Brookstone for the holidays.  We spent about 15 minutes looking at the frogs in the store and got a big kick out of them.  It’s a great idea for a totally random gift – maybe even a Yankee Swap party.

Hanukkah is halfway over and Christmas will be here before we know it.  There isn’t any time to waste.  So, stop by Brookstone ASAP to pick up a few impersonal but useful holiday gifts that are sure to be a hit! 

xx, L

Brookstone – Phipps Mall
404.262.1930
www.brookstone.com