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.

Oakwood Resort, Lake Wawasee

Bestie KP and I desperately needed a little getaway and over Fall Break took a quick trip up to Lake Wawasee in Northern Indiana.  It was absolute perfection and just what the doctor ordered.  Although we only stayed one night, we felt relaxed and rejuvenated when we left.

Lake Wawasee is located in Northern Indiana and is our state's largest natural lake.  The resort is situated directly on the lake and our room had the loveliest view. 

Bestie KP and I booked the Girlfriend Getaway package, which included a bottle of wine, box of chocolates, a bag of bath goodies, a pedicure for each of us, and a special room rate.  We also added the spa package which included an hour-long massage and $50 towards lunch and dinner.  We both agreed we'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!  (Although I can't take any credit for any of this...Bestie KP did all the work, I just went along for the ride and enjoyed!)

Visiting the resort was kind of like taking a step back in time.  It reminded us of a trip to Kellerman's from Dirty Dancing.  We read by the lake....

...Bestie KP whooped me at giant connect four, we roasted marshmallows for s'mores, played a couple games of tic-tac-toe, enjoyed an adult beverage or three.....

....caught a magnificent rainbow!!!....

....and basked in a spectacular sunrise.

It. was. heavenly.  Although the resort was completely booked, it was perfectly tranquil and quiet.  We never would have guessed that all 77 rooms were occupied.  We're thinking this just might have to become a Fall Break tradition.  Until next time, Oakwood!

Happy Travels!

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Patience is a Virtue

Earlier this week a sweet cashier at my local Target store started popping up all over Facebook and the post has since gone viral.  My favorite part of this picture....the sweet little one peeking over the side watching.  In an age in which everyone is in such a rush it is nice to see things through young, innocent eyes, and although one should always treat others with respect and kindness, sadly, in this age of 'customer service' that's more a rarity than a standard.  It's nice to see the kindness of my hometown celebrated throughout the country.

Local Love [Just Pop In]

Way back at the beginning of November I told y'all about my love of Indy and Revival Food Co.  Well I'm back again today to share a little more local love and the yummiest popcorn you've ever had. The darling sisters opened Just Pop In in 2003 and now have shops throughout Indy, although I'm partial to the Broad Ripple location.

Local Love [Revival Food Co.]

I LOVE my hometown.  We are the home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Colts, the Pacers, many a Final Four, and once a Superbowl.   The great state of Indiana is also the home to some incredible restaurants, over 54 local craft breweries, and yummy homemade products, including the almond butters from Revival Food Co.

Market District

If y'all are in the Indianapolis area you need to scoot on over and check out the grocery "experience" that is Market District.  It opened last week and has been absolutely hopping ever since.  Daddy went over the weekend and told me about some deals that just can't be beat.  I had no idea what I was really getting myself into....this place is enormous.  Although I'm not sure I will make this my everyday grocery....seeing that I don't usually go North of 106th, this is out of "my box"....but I will definitely be checking the weekly ad and will head there for specialty items.

North End BBQ and Moonshine

Working in a school, we never rarely have time to have a nice lunch out with the girls.  Well, we did just that yesterday at The The North End BBQ and Moonshine.  I think I should preface this post with the explanation that my mama was from Memphis....I'm a little picky about my bbq, but this place was good!  It's just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my house and I've been hearing rave reviews, but somehow had yet to visit.  I'm sure it won't be long until my next visit.

Divvy

I mentioned last week that I had the most fabulous girls' night at a terrific local restaurant. 




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Five on Friday [It's April!]

I've been on Spring Break all week, so am a little less enthused that it's Friday.  Just not quite ready for the break to be over!! It has been a wonderful week.  Hoping yours has been just as great!  Now here's this week's Five on Friday:

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I've introduced Hubby to Greek Frappe (iced coffee).  He loves it.  We've started each morning with a glass and I'm sure will continue to do so during the hot summer months.

Forty before Forty [Did I really just write that??]

Before I start, I have to preface this post with a confession....I'm shamelessly stealing this concept from Dixie Delights.  It was just too good of an idea not to.  She recently posted her plan, and since my birthday was coming up and a BIG birthday coming in two years, knew immediately I wanted to do a list of my own.

Blue and White Style

Blue and white china....the perfect addition to decorating any home.  I have a true obsession.  (Well, if I'm being honest, I have a true love for all china, but more on that later.)  The other day I came across a great find with this lovely blue and white planter.  I'm trying to focus on only buying what I love, and with this it was love at first sight. 

Casablanca with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Yesterday Bestie KP and I attended the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.  This performance was a special viewing of Casablanca with the orchestra playing the score.  It was phenomenal, truly. 

Local Love: Bazbeaux Pizza

The other night I just simply didn't have it in me to make dinner.  So, Hubby was sweet enough to suggest ordering pizza from our very favorite Bazbeaux Pizza. It. is. delicious.  The crust is thin and the topping combinations are fabulous! 

Believe in Blue

Today my Colts take on the evil New England Patriots.  We're not big fans of them around here..... This clip from Dan Dakich's radio show was floating around Facebook the other day.  (And it gets bonus points since it features Dakich, former IU basketball player and coach.) 

Christmas at the Lilly House [Indianapolis Museum of Art]

I was so very excited to be able to spend some time with Bestie KB during this very busy time of year.  We met at the Lilly House on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which was decorated in all its Christmas splendor. 

The home is absolutely stunning......

Jingle Rails

Last week we took the kiddos on a field trip to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.  The museum is fabulous and I always look forward to this trip.  This time there was an extra special activity, Jingle Rails.  I had heard wonderful things, but had never seen it for myself. 

Paint Your Own Pottery

Bestie KP and I headed to Half Baked Pottery where we painted our blues away.  She's extremely talented and I'm typically pretty jealous when we go because her creations are always fabulous and mine are always, well, the same.  I'm not much of a risk-taker and know I can successfully paint the triangular Christmas tree, so that's what I usually do.  I'm happy with them, but I know that at some point, I'm going to have to venture outside of my comfort zone and finally do something different.  But for now, the Christmas Tree Series......

Terra Cotta Warriors

I love my city.  Truly.  I'm reminded often why, usually because of the wonderful people living here, but yesterday I had a unique opportunity to see something special and was reminded again of my love of Indy. 

The Children's Museum is showcasing a special exhibit of the China's Terra Cotta Warriors.  In fact, it is the only place in the country in which you can see them this year.  They are spectacular.  I'm so happy I managed to sneak down to see them before it closes. 

Caplinger's Fresh Catch [Lobsta Rolls]

Over the last couple weeks, Caplinger's Fresh Catch kept popping up on my Facebook feed.  Finally, when three friends posted something about it in one day, I knew I had to try it sooner rather than later, and Hubby's B-day Picnic was the perfect opportunity.



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Chow Down Midtown [Marco's Restaurant and Lounge]

Tonight Bestie KP and I celebrated her big accomplishments in her surgery recovery and enjoyed a yummy dinner at Marco's Restaurant and Lounge, which was participating in Chow Down Midtown.  Many different local restaurants participate in the couple week event in which restaurants offer a price fixed menu for three courses.  It is a great opportunity to visit try new places, but also visit some old favorites.  Marco's definitely fits into the latter.  I have been going there with my family since I was young, and it never disappoints.

It was a spectacularly lovely evening and we had a corner table on the patio, which is beautifully landscaped....

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