Questionable love affair

So I just may or may not be having a love affair with the great outdoors this year. That may seem like a weird thing for those of you spending your weekends on sun soaked adventures camping, rock climbing, and/or kayaking away (see I really have no clue what goes on out there). I'll rock a porch chair and glass of iced tea like no other, but that's it really, or rather that was it.



Now I can't seem to stay inside, especially around meal times. So I wanted to share some of my fav outdoor eating finds.
This Kissing Bunnies picnic blanket pictured above was too cute not to share, and since we all know that balancing a paper plate on your lap via a lawn chair is way over rated, this spread is perfect for nibbling outside.



This cheery little tiffin lunch pail stopped me dead in my tracks, with it's bento styled shape and bright colors. I've always loved the idea of these stackable lunchboxes, that keep everything separate and in their place. This little guy makes transporting my fruits, salads and sandwiches or anything else I wish drama free. Anyhoo, happy picnic'n my lovelies!

X.O.
-B.B.

Farmers Market I've missed you so.

Yes, it's almost time for Bruno and I to wake up way earlier then one should on a Saturday, pour our coffee to go and leisurely stroll about our downtown area getting the lay of the land and keeping our eyes peeled for something we didn't know we couldn't live without. I'm talking about the opening of the farmers market of course! I can almost smell the freshly baked pastry fumes wavering in the streets. Hear the foodies out in full force perusing fresh veggies and chatting with their favorite farmers. Ah yes, it's been tooo long farmers market. This year we're celebrating the arrival of grocery shopping being fun again with these limited editon fabric produce bags. The perfect way to bring your haul home in style. We've obtained a community garden plot this year (more on that later) and while we're looking forward to growing a lot of our own veggies, we'll still frequent the market looking for new favorites. I'm especially day dreaming about heirloom lettuce and tomatoes. I've never thought so much about produce since I was a kid and wanted nothing to do with it. We'd love to hear about your growing plans or favorite farmers market finds! Over and and out. XO- Betty

Mad about Yerba Mate

Mad I tell ya! Most people that know me know that coffee is my poison of choice, but Yerba Mate comes in at a realllly close second. I found this yummy stuff when the wonderful Tea Noir included a sample of her magnificent Mocha Mate in one of my orders and I've been smitten ever since. While I still love her Mates (pronounced Mot-tay) I've been dabbling with a few other brews like that are sooo good including my new favorite Cocoa Mint Mate which is what's brewing in my french press above. For those not in the know Mate is a South American herb that's a great alternative to teas and is most popular in Argentina, while my preferred method to brew it is my french press (surprise surprise) the traditional way to drink it is in a small hollowed out gourd with a long filter straw made of metal called a bombilla.

It is available in tea bags my favorite is Pixie Mate if your on the go and can't be bothered with brewing it the traditional way, I must say that it is soooo much better the traditional way though. One thing I love about this stuff is it really packs a punch that lasts without the jitters that it's cohort coffee tends to hash out. I could seriously drink this stuff all day long and the best part? There's no headaches or addiction when you don't drink it, unlike my beloved coffee. So if your looking for an alternative to coffee or green tea, or just wanna try something new I urge you to give it a go. It's known for it's euphoric effects and I can honestly say it makes you feel pretty darn good. Go ahead and try and frown when you have a nice steamy cup this stuff....go ahead I dare ya.