It seems as though “Currently…” has become a monthly feature here on IGE, and it’s become one of my favorites to write! Don’t worry, Friday Favorites aren’t going anywhere, but I don’t click around the web nearly as much in the summer as I do other times of the year (season that shall not be named, I’m looking at you,) and it feels better to talk about what’s on my mind vs surf the web just for surfing’s sake. Or something like that.
At any rate, here’s what’s currently going on in my world!
Drizzling: Homemade Vanilla Syrup. I drink coffee black but like a little vanilla flavor in my espresso-based lattes. I didn’t want to buy a bottle of pre-made vanilla syrup packed with corn syrup and artificial coloring to flavor my homemade Nespresso ones though, so I made my own and it’s so easy! Just combine 1 cup each white sugar and water in a small saucepan with the seeds from 1 vanilla bean, plus the bean (I bought a 3-pack of Mexican vanilla beans from Penzey’s for under $10.) Bring to a boil then reduce the heat just a touch and bubble until the syrup turns light golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat then stir in 2-3 teaspoons vanilla and pour into a jar via funnel once cool. Liquid gold.
Celebrating: email post updates fix. If you receive my new post updates via email (and if you don’t, click here to sign up!) you may have noticed that the template and recipe area has been a little wonky over the past couple of weeks. So happy to report the problem has been solved. Of course it was the easiest fix that we happened to overlook until the very end – technology is so great until it isn’t, amiright?!
Oogling: this kitchen. This eclectic kitchen stopped me mid-scroll on Instagram the other day. I LOVE it! Especially the floating hood/shelves above the range (semi impractical for a short person but so unique,) and especially the brick fireplace wall. Total kitchen goals.
Coveting: Jenice Tulip Sleeve Knit Top (<– affiliate link.) I got this top in my Stich Fix delivery the other day and it’s one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever received. Looks really plain but the detailed sleeves and knit material (which is SO soft) make it easy to dress up. Plus it’s extra long in the back, which I am obsessed with. Definitely destined for a conscious coupling with white jeans, a denim jacket, and gold jewelry. #basic You can put in a request for the shirt via your pre-fix note to stylist!
Craving: sour gummy worms. This pregnancy has reignited a craving for sweets deep within my soul (hello, Peanut Butter S’Mores Cheesecake Ball and No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake!) I’ve been doing my best to enjoy in moderation because too much sugar really does make me feel awful, but the call of a bag of Black Forest Sour Gummy Worms was too loud to ignore at the store a few days ago. It was the first bag of candy I’ve bought in probably two years but DANG were those worms delish!!!
Cooking: Gluten-Free Mini Corn Dogs. My sister-in-law sent me the recipe for Danielle Walker’s Gluten-Free Mini Corn Dogs after her kids and my brother went NUTS for them earlier this week. Her 6 year old told her it was the best meal she ever made, and my older brother called them “state fair-worthy.” WOOT!!! Although I was extremely grateful (moved, even) that our own Iowa State Fair started offering GF corn dogs last year, I wasn’t totally blown away. Trying these tonight – can’t wait!
Nurturing: flowers. Lincoln and I made a special flower pot just for him which we planted seeds in so he can see how they grow. It’s been so fun watching him check their progress every morning and dump water on gently water them too!
Awaiting: Art Festival. Our city’s annual art festival is this weekend and I can’t wait to attend – it’s one of my favorite summer events! Hoping to snag something special for the walls – stay tuned…
Snacking. I’m loving the latest snack I created for The Laughing Cow! Sweet cherries are one of my favorite nighttime snacks right now so I created a tasty afternoon version with gluten-free crostini, The Laughing Cow Creamy Original Swiss, halved sweet cherries, balsamic reduction, and chopped fresh basil. The combination of savory, sweet, tangy, and herby is so summery and satisfying.
Rediscovering: Noosa Yogurt. I don’t know if it’s the abundance of vitamin D, being in the second trimester “honeymoon phase” of my pregnancy, or reincorporating probiotic-rich yogurt back into my life, but I’ve had more energy in the past 3-4 weeks than I have in nearly three years. It’s insane, and probably thanks to a little bit of all three. Regardless, I recently picked up Noosa yogurt for the first time in a few years and it’s soo delicious – I credit the whole milk they use. Dreamy.
Watching: Orange is the New Black. They’re baaa-aaaack – so happy to be catching up with the ladies of Litchfield! That said, I have a love-hate relationship with Netflix. I love that they release entire seasons at one time because I’m the most impatient person in the world, but hate it because…I’m the most impatient person in the world and each season lasts about 4 days at my house. The struggle is real.
Seeking: opinions! I’ve been thinking about adding a “Shop” section to IGE where I’d corral all my favorite products, finds, etc (kind of an extension of Currently and Friday Favorites.) That way all my recommend products and finds are in one spot vs in individual posts all over the site. Would something like this interest you?
Loving: road trip pics. Ben helped a buddy with the first leg of his move from San Francisco to New York last week and they stopped at a few places on my bucket list on the way home. Two days in Tahoe (SWOON!)
Plus a stop at Arches National Park (definitely never knew how HUGE these are – can you spot the tiny people?) Man, I wish I could have been there, but Ben’s stellar iPhone skillz made me feel like I kinda was. (Ok, kinda not but they’re still fun to look at.)
Wearing (someday!): J.Crew Outlet Ponte Dress. I ordered this dress after seeing how adorable it looked on Ashley and could not have been happier after trying it on. Of course, I can’t zip it all the way up at the moment, but am confident it’s going to be a fall/spring/summer staple post-baby. Since I’m 5’2, dresses of this length are almost always a miss (usually they fall to the knee instead of above it,) but the petite version is the PERFECT length. J.Crew is almost always running sales too, so check the top of the website for discount codes!
Pick a few “Currently” categories and share what’s going on in your life!
And also a favourite read of mine (of yours) over here, too. Love your monthly faves. I’ve often bought stuff from your recommendations! hehe :)
Such I cute dress! I love J.Crew.
Love the idea of a shop section! Also, thanks for introducing me to Stitch Fix. I’m considering subscribing.
Rediscovering: The Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Iced Coffee. We live in Georgia, and even the early mornings are now too hot for hot coffee, so I had to make the switch. I pulled out Ree’s trusty recipe, and I’ve got a little extra bounce in my step these days. I forgot how much I love it!
CELEBRATING: The close of a successful Vacation Bible School week at our church. AWAITING: Vacation in the Black Hills, I’ve never been. CRAVING: Anything covered in cheese. Or anything buffalo flavored, this started with first pregnancy amd has lasted 10.5 years since.
We only have 3 episodes left of OITNB and on one hand I want to watch them all and on the other hand i want to savor them.
Have you tried the Noosa blood orange? Yummo!
The struggle is real! No I haven’t – been stuck on raspberry. I’ll pick some up the next time I go to the store, though!
Love that dress! I’m due in October and keep seeing ALL THE CUTE CLOTHES I can’t currently wear. Crossing my fingers for equally as cute (flowy, forgiving) fall clothes :)
SAME! I never, ever shop (Stitch Fix is the only way I get new clothes because I just hate shopping,) but of course now that I can’t fit into anything, I’m seeing ALL THE ADORABLE CLOTHES!
Oh my gosh you’re so sweet to include me in this! I hope you like the dress as much as I do!! As a fan-girl reader of yours for YEARS it is such an honor to know you even see my blog! :)
It was a no brainer – you make the dress look so amazing!!
Shop section – definitely interested! Yes!
Hi, yes, I would like a shop button or page to search — as a separate thing from your posts which include the recommendations.
The simple syrup recipe looks great! How long do you think you could store the simple syrup before it went bad? Cheers!
I’d say 2-3 weeks, easy!
Oh the vanilla syrup is simple yet I’ve never thought to do this! A new Hy-Vee store just opened near where we live, super excited to check it out, it’s been busy and I have heard great things:) Oh Lake Tahoe—it’s on my list of vacation spots—along with San Fran, Seattle……too many to list-ha. Did you know that Butcher & The Boar sells brats and sausages in local Byerly’s & Lunds stores? So delish!!!
I heard that!! Definitely need to bring a cooler next time we came up because the shipping was more than the sausages the last time we ordered online. ?
I got through OITNB in three days. I do this every darn time. I watch them all and then forget what happens when the next season comes out, so I usually watch the last few a couple times again later. :-)
Same – especially with House of Cards! Season recaps are my saving grace!
I love the “Shop” section idea! :)
I love that tee and those pictures from the road trip are awesome and make me want to pick up and head west.