KO Kid in Chapel Hill!

Last night, KO Kid killed it at Cat's Cradle!  The crowd was bumpin and he had such stage swag -- you could just tell he was loving it.  For all y'all that DON'T know KO yet, he's a fresh young talent out of Chapel Hill, S$'s younger brother and I'm reppin him too (b/c duh, regardless of blood, y'all are my family).

Y'all don't even know -- I love this kid and am so proud of him!  I'm rooting for him all the way -- esp since not only does he have mad game in his lyrics and flow, but he's also a pre-med science nerd at heart and I know he'll go far with music and medicine.  Gah, so proud!!

Y'all check out some of his show:

















KO Kid! from Sarah M on Vimeo.

KO Kid, pt2 from Sarah M on Vimeo.

KO Kid, pt3 from Sarah M on Vimeo.

And by far, one of my favorite things about the show was how excited Frank and Cynthia were with Kob!  Can I please BE them?!  Love the eff out of them and all the H fam.  I wish S$ was there to see it, but I think from the hundred or so (haha) bbm pics I sent her, these vids, and listening with Frank and Cynthia on the phone.. it's like she was there with us.  Such a proud sister!!

KO Kid is def a name to know because this kid is going places.  Can't wait to see him at the next show!

Easter in Atlanta.

A few weekends ago (2?) I went to Atlanta to spend the weekend with my dad and stepmom Bex for Easter and for my dad's bday.  The weather there was absolutely amazing, and I got a chance to hang out with my cousin's adorable 3 year old Dylan.  It was fun reliving my childhood through him and doing all the Easter things I loved to do.

We did an Easter egg hunt with him -- and even included the highly coveted silver egg!  (It was always the prized piece of any kid, and inside was a number for the BIG basket of prizes you would win.. which always meant, more candy!)  For him, we did a scavenger hunt* for a basket filled with sidewalk chalk, a kickball, and of course.. sweets.

We also dyed eggs -- and fingers -- which was also a lot of fun.  He got really into it, and thanks to moi did not get any on his clothes (a first ya'll). 

I never get to go back to my kid roots a lot, so this was lots of fun.  And how cute is he?  Such a cheese ball.  Thank you to HMP for the pics I jacked off facebook. 


*As my parents will tell you, scavenger hunts were the bee's knees when I was a kid.  I asked (demanded? probs more accurate) that the Easter Bunny/Santa/Tooth Fairy have at least one gift that was hidden.  I was given a treasure map (strangely in Moms' handwriting.. hm.) and went all over the house following every last detail.  It was the highlight of the holiday.

Mexican Vacay

Sorry for partying. Hangovers galore. Good times with the fam.






..and never drinking tequila again. Thank you Mexico.

Gift Giving!

I love this time of year -- I get to spend some time with my friends and family, drink hot toddies (egg nog just isn't my thing), and have an excuse to do mass amounts of baking.

This year, however, I'm going to be traveling (to Mexico!) with my Dad, Becky, and brother Andy right up until just before Christmas. Last year, I spent the week prior to Christmas baking, wrapping, and doing last minute shopping, but I won't have that luxury this time around.

One great buy/make way ahead of time, and still give a great gift?

Preserves/Jams/Jellies
[via Mirasol Farms]
If you have canning experience (which I do not), this would be the perfect way to put some leftover fruit to great use. Check the farmer's market or local grocers for some preserves made from locally grown fruit. Etsy is also carrying some delicious looking homemade treats as well. The prices are great, and I know I would be thrilled to find these in my stocking. These are made to keep well, and can be made well in advance of when you're giving your gifts.

Wanna try canning for yourself? (I know I do -- but I am a little nervous about it!) The blog Food in Jars is absolutely perfect for canning tips/tricks (make sure to seal it correctly so that your food isn't contaminated by botulism), and some great gift giving ideas as well.

Etsy is jam-packed (pun intended?) with all kinds of farmers and canners who are selling delicious, and inexpensive treats! I just got my first order in last week from one seller, and I almost don't want to give it away.. err..

Thanksgiving Remix: Sweet Potatoes

I absolutely cannot wait for Thanksgiving -- it is quite possibly one of my favorite holidays. Lots of family, relaxation, and tons of food. Enormous amounts. I've read somewhere that in order to burn off the calories consumed in one all-out thanksgiving meal (seconds included), you would need to run about 20 miles. And I have 2 Thanksgivings to attend.

It is definitely worth it -- and I know it'll be the push I need afterward to hit the gym again.

One of my favorite traditions of Thanksgiving is the sweet potatoes. Different from yams (just learned!), and so delicious. I'm partial to the sweet potato casserole, covered in brown sugar, and practically a dessert as a side dish. But, in looking into recipes this year, I found these recipes that remix the tradition into something that looks incredible. I've got a whole box with my name on when I go home from the Troxler farm (gotta love a farming fam) of sweet potatoes.. and I know I'm going to try a few of these soon.

Baked Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Cranberries, Pears, and Pecans [Bon Appetit]


Sweet Potato and Sage Gratin [The Kitchn]