Five on Friday [10.7.17]

Happy Friday!!  So excited it's Friday!  Fall Break is next week and we have the entire week off!!  The icing on the cake is that I'm kicking it off with an old friend tonight attending the Symphony featuring Joshua Bell as the soloist!  So. excited.  For now, though, here are this week's five:

ONE
I shared these darling Halloween plates that dear friend KF uses in her home earlier this week.  They really are just too cute!

TWO
Our 4th graders visited the State House this week.  Both our district Senator and Representative were kind enough to come talk with the kiddos.  Even with all that is going on in our country right now, this trip never fails to remind me just how grateful I am to be an American.

THREE

The first Thursday of every month the Indianapolis Museum of Art offers free admission.  I took advantage of a rainy afternoon and strolled through the exhibits. I was instantly transported me back to Paris -- when I visited the Louvre every single day for a month.

FOUR
Hubby and I rented HBO's Big Little Lies last weekend.  I knew I loved the book, and while the book is usually better than the movie (or series, in this case) this was pretty darn good.  Hubby even got into it!

FIVE
This weekend Peyton Manning is being inducted into the Colts' Ring of Honor.  Boy, do we miss him! He did BIG things for our city, far beyond the football field, and how very lucky we were to have him!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Katie                                              April

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Fiesta Halloween]

Happy Sunday!  It has been the quintessential beautiful fall weekend here in Indy!  Absolutely gorgeous!  So today, we're sipping on Honeycrisp Sangria and shopping Halloween.



I popped over to see dear friend KF the other day and she was just putting out her Halloween decor. I just have to share these adorable plates by Fiesta.

She has a wide selection of patterns and has them displayed all around the house in little vignettes, replacing hanging plates, and has little ramekins holding candies.  

Spooky Skeletons

They are the perfect way to add a little Halloween subtly.  I would have loved to have snapped a few pics for you, but she was just too embarrassed, saying things weren't tidy enough.  (If only my house was as "nontidy" as hers....) 

Boo Cats

She found her plates and ramekins at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and enjoyed using her coupons, too!

We usually decorate for Fall and kind of gloss right over Halloween, but these just too cute.

Happy Halloween Decorating!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Five on Friday [9.29.17]

Happy Friday!  I can hardly believe that October is here!  It's been in the 90s this week, but things are supposed to feel like Fall this weekend.  Looking forward to a quiet little weekend with Hubby.  Until then, here are this week's five:

ONE
Last week was Peace Week in honor of the International Day of Peace.  Our incredible art teacher completed this stunning project with every child in our school.  They each created a feather which symbolizes something, someone, or somewhere that makes them feel peaceful.  She then compiled them into these angel wings.  We've been snapping pics of the kiddos posing with their angel wings all week.  Truly awesome.

TWO
I have been enjoying some Greek Mountain Tea as my afternoon treat in this Rae Dunn mug.  It also serves as a gentle reminder to breathe through the afternoon chaos that is fourth grade.  Ha.

THREE
Along with the chaos, however, come these sweet little love notes that make everything worthwhile.

FOUR
Have y'all tried Spindrift Seltzer Water??  Dear friend DR shared some the other day and I'm hooked!  The grapefruit is my fave and Costco has a great price!

FIVE
Since apparently this week my five are all about what I'm drinking, I'd be remiss if I didn't share my fave honey latte.  Such a yummy morning treat.  I shared the recipe earlier this week.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Katie                                              April

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Honey Latte

Years ago that place with the green and white cup offered their best drink ever - a honey latte.  It was delicious but seasonal and sadly they haven't brought it back.  Recently they offered the carmelized honey latte, which was great, but just not quite as great.

The stovetop espresso maker is what makes this recipe so easy.  Just brew the espresso, add the milk, and you're all set.  No big fancy models needed.

Honey Latte
Ingredients:

• Brewed espresso
• Milk
• 1 T honey per mug (or to taste)

Directions:

• Brew espresso according to the maker's directions.
• While espresso is brewing pour milk into mason jar.  Shake until milk has doubled in size.  Heat in microwave for 45 seconds.  (Be sure to remove the lid :)!)
• Add honey to bottom of each mug, pour a small amount of espresso in mug and stir until honey is dissolved.  Add remaining espresso and top with heated milk.  Be sure to top with foam.
• Enjoy!

Notes:

• The drinks are designed to be made to taste.  Some like stronger coffee than others.  Hubby and I have found we like them with about a 3 to 1 espresso to milk ratio.

Five on Friday [9.15.17]

Happy Friday!  It's been quite a week, so without further ado, here are this week's five:

ONE
Hubby and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary this week.  How time flies.



TWO
We took our 4th grade kiddos on a field trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It's incredible to see things through the eyes of a child.  One might think "boring art museum" but they loved it.  Our art teacher is clearly doing a great job.

THREE
These three have visited me a couple times this week on my morning walk.

The moon shines on the first half of my walk.  Then I turn the corner and the sun is rising on the second half.  It's pretty awesome, actually.

FOUR
The Le Creuset Oulet opens today!  This could mean trouble, friends.  I may have even mentioned something to Hubby about getting a job there.....

FIVE
Trying to remember...

via Pinterest

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Katie                                              April

Le Creuset Love

A few weeks ago a little invitation arrived in my inbox and I was absolutely giddy!!  A Le Creuset outlet is opening here in Indianapolis and I was invited to attend a special little event.  Tonight, I jumped at the chance.

I first visited the outlet in Destin while on vacation, and although this store seems slightly smaller, it certainly did not disappoint.  The shelves were packed with beautiful pieces of all sorts, in both function and pricing.

The majority of my pieces are in flame, save a few pieces of my grandfather's that are Caribbean.  While I'm a devoted traditionalist with the flame, this evening the pink caught my eye.  A mug may or may not have ended up in my basket which will, no doubt, bring a smile to my face each time I use it.

I would love to share the other pieces I snagged, but started my Christmas shopping and just can't spoil the surprises.  Instead, here are a few of my favorites.  In this hive, the Le Creuset gets daily use, and even though some of it is as old as I am, you would never guess.

My very favorite, and most versitile piece, is the dutch oven.  The possibilities are endless with this one...soups, stews, braised meats, roasted chicken, you name it, you can do it.

Whistling Tea Kettle

Stoneware Casserole

I'm certain there will be many more trips to the new store before Christmas (and let's be honest after Christmas, too)!  Do you, too, share a love of Le Creuset?  What color have you chosen?  What pieces are your favorites?

Happy Shopping!

*While Le Creuset kindly invited me to the opening this evening, this is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are strictly my own.  I have, however, included affiliate links for some pieces.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

Nine Years

Nine years ago today Hubby and I said I do!  While some days it seems like just yesterday, some days it seems like I can't remember life without him.  

 Happy Anniversary, Hubby!  I love the life we've built together and can't wait to see what's in store.

 So, as the saying goes, grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

Pumpkin Love

We love all things pumpkin in this hive and are so excited that along with fall temperatures comes all sorts of pumpkin goodness.  I picked up several cans of pumpkin this weekend and am anxious to whip some old favorites!  Our top three favorites (at the moment) are:

Homemade Pumpkin Latte



Pumpkin Crisp



Pumpkin Dip



We love the non-edible pumpkins, too, like this easy DIY monoram pumpkin.



We will also be cooking up some brownies, soup, and some other goodies, so stay tuned.  What's your favorite pumpkin goodie??

Happy Fall!

Look for the Helpers

Just like most Americans, I remember exactly where I was on this day all those years ago.  I had actually just returned from a visit to New York for the US Open, but was at school that day.  We watched the horror on the small tv in the teachers' lounge.  While we didn't say much to the kids that day, we talked a lot in the days following.  We assured them of their safety, we gave a lot of love, and we followed Mr. Roger's lead, telling them to look for the helpers.

As our country braces for another natural disaster today, we are once again reminded to look for the helpers.  (Although this, of course, is a completely different kind of horror.)  There were so very many selfless helpers that day, just as there has been recently in Texas, and just as I'm sure there will be in Florida in the days to come.  So as we watch the memorials and relive the devastation, don't forget to look for the helpers.

Sip and Shop Sunday [Throws]

As the weather begins to turn we're slowly changing our hive around from light and airy to warm and cozy.  The easiest way is adding throws.  We keep our home pretty chilly, so not only do they add the look of coziness, they're necessary, too.

So this morning we're channeling fall and sipping Salted Caramel Mochas....

....and shopping for throws.

Plaid
Love the plaid and that it can be monogrammed!

Herringbone
Believe it or not, this one is $10!!

Perfect for Christmas

Electric Heated Throw

While this might not be the prettiest option, it's probably the coziest.  Hubby and I have been debating adding a heated throw to our collection.  

While I'm not quite ready for winter, I sure do love the change of season.  We will, however, be keeping Florida in our prayers and continue to pray for the recovery in Texas.  Hoping the weathermen are wrong - like they often are.  

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

Whole Roasted Okra

Happy September!  While everyone is pumpkin happy (myself included, just wait until tomorrow's post) we're enjoying whole roasted okra with every meal.  I love okra in any form, especially fried and even stewed, roasting it whole is a new found love.  It's so easy and gives a little healthier, but still crunchy, spin on breaded and fried.  Give it a try -- I promise it's not slimy in the least!

Whole Roasted Okra

Ingredients:

• 1 pound okra, whole
• 1 T olive oil
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/4 t pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
• Drizzle okra with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Mix until all pieces are coated.  
• Make sure okra is in a single layer and bake for 20-30 minutes, shaking pan a few times, until slightly brown and crisp. 

Notes:

• I've only tried this with fresh okra, as it's readily available this time of year.  (If you're in the Midwest, Fresh Thyme has it!)
• It's so good that I have a feeling I will try frozen, but defrosed, okra this winter.....

Happy Cooking!

Sip and Shop Sunday [Greek Key]

Happy Sunday!  It's been quite a weekend! This weekend is my church's annual Greek Festival.  Think lots and lots of food, dancing, pastries, and our community's enormous sense of pride.  It's one of my favorite weekends of the year!

In honor of that Greek pride, today I'm sharing a true favorite - the Greek key.  Pretty much if it has a monogram or the Greek key, I'm sold.  It's just so classic. So, without further ado....

....today I'm sipping a chilled glass of Roditis.....

....and shopping for all things Greek key.

Pillivuyt makes such beautiful china.  While my Queen Anne is my favorite, this pattern is just lovely and so very classic (and currently on sale).

This tray is so versitile.



Towels

Southern Living's Embroidered Pillow

More china - because, my to Hubby's chagrin, I'm a firm believer you can never have enough china! 

 

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!  

Please find my full disclosure policy here.