Redemption Salad

Our first weekend at home after a string of weekends traveling has me in the organizing, cleaning, and cooking mode. I have been slack about cooking lately but certainly redeemed myself after making this salad. Yes, redemption after making a salad.... it's THAT good! 

Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Bacon Salad 

adapted from Sugar and Grace

For dressing:

2 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1 Tbs dijon mustard

1 tsp shallot, finely minced

1 small clove garlic, finely minced

1/8 tsp kosher salt

Pinch black pepper

1/4 c extra virgin olive oil

For salad:

2-3 c thinly sliced kale (approx 1/2 a bunch)

1 lb brussels sprouts, finely shredded using a mandolin or sharp knife

3-4 slices bacon, baked and chopped

1/4 c roasted almonds, chopped

1/2 c Pecorino cheese, finely grated

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the bacon in a frying pan until it's nice and crispy. While it's frying, chop brussels sprouts. Once the bacon is done, pour out grease and add chopped brussels sprouts, stirring continuously until they are slightly browned (5 - 8 minutes.) Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix. Add in olive oil, whisking  until combined.Mix sliced kale and shaved roasted brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Throw in bacon, almonds, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top and toss salad until all ingredients are distributed throughout.

Hope y'all had a fantastic weekend! I have a FULL week ahead including a visit from one of my most favorite people on the planet who is coming tomorrow to help me set up Gathered. This week is also the kick off of two of my favorite things.... my birthday and High Point market! 

xx

October

Do you feel that too? It's FALL in the air! October is here officially and I couldn't be happier! After recovering from a long wedding day, the husband and I had a late leisurely breakfast and then went and bought a fire pit on Sunday. So necessary for Fall! 

October is also my official birthday month. That's right, only one more year in my 20s. Yikes! I'll be sharing some of my birthday wishes and wants with you all this month. 

I'm off to Bald Head Island for my last wedding weekend on the island until this baby comes. I had a few weddings in October, but the doctor warned me that unless I wanted to have Tilley-Gray on Bald Head Island, I better not be over there in October. (Once you are there, you are pretty much stuck on the ferry's schedule.) It is going to be a fun weekend with really great vendor friends!

I'm not one to rush summer away, but there is something about being 100 months pregnant and enjoying a slight nip when I walk outside first thing in the morning.  I leave you with these fall inspired goodies to take you through the weekend. 

Lots more posting and inspirations next week, I promise! 

The classic tailgate cocktail, bourbon ginger, with a twist from Garden and Gun. 

I love long maxi skirts in rich fabrics with pleats! Gorgeous!

Autumn colors with deco jewels

 Atlantic-Pacific blogger continues to inspire me. 

Husband, birthday is next month.  I love those shoes and you can find them at Zara. (they ship now!!! size 6)

The storm is coming

Hurricane season is in full swing and Wilmington is about to get it's first taste of the Hurricane Earl. The grocery stores are crazy; people have literally lost their minds. I went in today for eggplant, chocolate chips, and wine and was interviewed by the local news channel. They weren't too impressed with my grocery cart or my easy going attitude about the storm. I think they were looking for someone a little more frantic. I don't think I'll make it on live television. 


With the storm comes cooler weather which is a fabulous break from the 100 degree days that we have been having recently. I know that Fall is just around the corner and by December I will be longing for summer, but I can't help to think about cozy rainy days, dark nail polish, red wine, and gorgeous new blazers.