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!
Kelly 06.22.2016
Arches National park is the bomb!! Just so awe inducing.
Kristin 06.24.2016
I can’t wait to see if for myself!
Emily 06.22.2016
I would love a shop section! I am always using your blog as a reference when I go to buy a new kitchen item! And totally agree about the Noosa yogurt, I am obsessed and regularly eat an entire container for lunch!!
Kristin 06.24.2016
Same! I’ve been mixing in a sliced banana and sliced almonds – heavenly!
Andrea 06.22.2016
I may have just ordered the JCrew dress too! I have a wedding at the end of July that I am attending and needed something fun and classic. Think I will pair it with red and turquoise to add a pop of color.
Kristin 06.24.2016
Yes!! Love it – perfect wedding guest dress!
Lisa 06.22.2016
Please don’t add a “Shop” section to your posts. They are wonderful as is!
Julia @ Sprinkles & Saturdays 06.22.2016
That kitchen is to die for! I love this post. So full of inspiration! Can’t wait to try some of these :)
http://www.sprinklesandsaturdays.com
Sara 06.22.2016
Kristen! I spied your husband in downtown San Francisco this week! So odd and funny to spy a familiar face that you’ve seen only before on the interwebs! I wanted to shout: “I’m a blog fan!” but refrained.
Kristin 06.24.2016
Ahhhahaha, you should have! Too funny!
Ann 06.22.2016
A shop link would be awesome and horrible all at the same time! I would end up probably buying everything on there. I have tried a few things you suggest and get addicted! :) But I would still vote for one! haha
Megan 06.22.2016
Shop section please!!
Kindy 06.22.2016
I would love to see a shop section!
Carol 06.22.2016
I would love the “shop” section on IGE, and the JCrew dress is adorable.
Taylor 06.22.2016
Love these posts!!! Currently craving: popsicles all the time… it is so hot here in Texas!
Kristin 06.24.2016
Oooo yes, good one. Lincoln and I have been having one after dinner every night lately too!
Kristin 06.22.2016
We are leaving for a week in Moab tomorrow – Arches will be a big part of the trip (along with rafting, climbing, canyoneering and biking!). Ben’s pics have me super excited!!
Kristin 06.24.2016
Yay! That’s awesome – have a great time!
Kristin 06.22.2016
would love a “shop” section on IGE, love these currently posts
Jessica 06.22.2016
I think a shop section would be awesome! I love trying the products you use because they must be good if you’re writing about it! Especially Noosa yogurt! I tried that after seeing it on your blog a couple years ago! I could easily eat the entire container even though it’s two servings! Also, i’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who was addicted to sour gummy candy while pregnant. I couldn’t get enough!!
Steph @ The Chaotic Kitchenette 06.22.2016
I love the idea of giving kids their own flower pots to take care of! What an adorable concept :)
Melanie 06.22.2016
I would be interested in a shop section. LOVE the JCrew dress – I’ve been looking for one with pockets like that! Have you seen any cute rompers similar to this dress? I’m also petite and have been thinking a nice cotton romper with pockets would be fun for summer.
Kristin 06.24.2016
I haven’t, but a friend of mine who works at Stitch Fix said they had some super cute rompers right now, if you get that service!
Melissa 06.22.2016
LOVE that Jcrew dress!!! So cute. How nice with a statement necklace pop of color. I may have to buy it ….also, would love to see a shop section as well on your site!! Hope the pregnancy is going well (and fast!)
Jen 06.22.2016
Please add a “Shop” section!! I love when “Friday Favorites” or “Currently” pops up when I check your blog for the day so I know I would enjoy reading your spin on what to buy.
Julie 06.22.2016
I finished OITNB in 2 days and holy cow! All the shocks.
Emily @ Life on Food 06.22.2016
The shop section is good – I just google stuff I want now but a section would be super easy. Love the Stitch Fix shirt. It looks so soft and comfy.
Shirley 06.22.2016
I agree about a shop section!
Nancy 06.24.2016
Me too! I think a “shop” section would be great!