MY MOUTH WATERS FOR FINE FOOD

Waters Fine Food To Go

Mmm... Waters Fine Foods. This company actually specializes in catering yet, thankfully, has a "To Go" spot just outside of their catering location. A friend of mine at work, Lisa, asked me to go to lunch one day with her to this place. I did, and WOW. They have the most delectable sandwiches, roasted veggies, tossed salads, scrumptious baked goodies and much more. The food is all freshly made the day of and while they have a set menu, they have daily specials as well. If that isn't enough, they "support local farmers, fishermen and artisans wherever possible, and encourage sustainability, organic foods and hand-crafted techniques." Good food, good people, and GOOD JOB Waters Catering! For me, what sets them apart from other places is that the food is so tasty. No really, it's T.A.S.T.Y.! So far, everything I’ve had from this joint burst with flavor with each bite! I actually will start to crave the Tuna Salad Sandwich with Fresh Albacore, Wild Arugula, Tapenade, Lemon Aïoli, on Waters’ Focaccia bread if I start thinking about it...Um, like right now. My mouth is water-ing (no pun intended, well, maybe a little) as I type this. I just might have to get this tomorrow for lunch. Fortunately for me, this place is a mere 10 minutes away from work. OH. YES.

By the way, for mommies out there who are watching the calorie intake like I am, Waters Fine Foods To Go portions are small and everything is reasonably priced as well. Your taste buds, tummy, figure, and wallet will all be pleased.

http://www.waterscatering.com/

MOMMY & HOBBY?!

Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machine


These are some photos of my Singer Featherweight 221 sewing machine. It's a totally old school sewing machine and I L.O.V.E. it. It replaced my cheap ass Costco sewing machine from long ago (no offense to Costco sewing machine purchases). An instructor of mine recommended I purchase this machine and THANK GAWD she did because it's one of THE BEST purchases. Jason actually won it off of eBay for me for Christmas. He's the bestest friend and husband EVER but that's beside the point. The sewing machine is pretty old but it's damn sturdy and quiet compared to the sewing machines sold these days. That's my hobby-- SEWING. I'm dedicating a posting to my sewing machine in hopes to light a fire under my bum to get these damn sewing projects underway. No really, I sew. I swear I sew. I've made dresses for myself and cute garments for others. I've made sewing projects for Xmas gifts. I honestly thought I would be Martha Stewart once I had children. You know, making homemade meals and doing arts and crafts. Things didn't turn out the way I'd planned it in my head right before Amelia was born. That's okay. I'm guessing many mommies can relate that being a mommy and having a hobby isn't as easy as Ms. Stewart makes it out to be. One day I'll make Amelia something, one day...

I have a "Projects" category on my blog site. I'm planning to post photos of my sewing projects once I actually get to them, and now that I've posted this, I know myself and I know I'll have something done within a few weeks to share with you. Keep an eye, or two, out.

A LONG TIME MOMMY

Karen and I // 2006

Thank gawd for childhood friends who are more experienced at motherhood than I am! Karen, a friend of mine for over 20 years is one chic mom I turn to for advice about everything, and recently I've been turning to her for something she's known about for years-- MOMMYHOOD. She's a mom of a very tall teenage boy, a quiet artsy beauty, and my girlie girl god-daughter. I admire and adore her for her brilliance and strength, not to mention, her out-of-this-world organizational skills. And, even though she lives 500 miles north of where I reside she's just a call, text, or email away. Yay for technology! I recently asked her to contribute to NanayChic by answering some of my questions. Here's what she had to say:

What is your advice to new moms out there who are trying to adjust to the new mommy lifestyle? “Savor each moment with your child. The laundry and dishes can wait a few more minutes, but your child may not. Your child may not remember how clean (or messy) of a house you kept, but he or she will remember the time you took to a story or to play hide-n-seek.”

Do you have a nanaychic “uniform” and if so, what is it? Or, do you have any wardrobe staples that are a must for moms? “I’m still developing my nanaychic “uniform” so I can roll out of bed looking more stylish, but I’ve identified some must-haves for moms:
- Two pairs of jeans (at least one dark wash). One pair should be hemmed for heels and the other for flats, flip-flops, sneakers. I like the hem to practically touch the floor.
- A comfy shoe alternative to sneakers so you can chase the kiddies around while looking nanaychic.
- Diamond studs. Every mom should have a pair—real or fake. They’re my go-to earrings. Whether paired with a little black dress or a sweat suit, they make me feel sophisticated.
- Cotton blazer. I have recently eliminated my zip-up hoodies and fleece pullovers from my daily wear and purchased a black cotton blazer to keep me warm when I walk my first grader to school. (This was per the advice of my favorite chic mom.) It’s comfy but even makes jeans, a tank and flip flops look stylish.
- Earrings – all kinds (hoops, dangling, chandelier, etc.) When I’m not in my studs, I put on dangling earrings with some color to dress up my outfit. I usually have my hair back and don’t always put on a full face of makeup (just powder, brows, gloss) but wearing interesting earrings adds flair to my look.”

How would you describe your own style? “I’m still working on my personal style, but I’m probably a mix of preppy-sporty-laid-back-casual. I try to merge comfort with looking “put together.” Dressing comfortably doesn’t mean living in sweats.”

What’s the hardest part about staying a chic mommy? “Keeping up with what’s “in.” I have to refer to my InStyle mag or ask my niece (or the nanaychic founder) on what’s the latest trend. I don’t have the time to base my wardrobe on the season’s new look, so I just add a couple trendy pieces or accessories to my basic wardrobe.”

Do you have any nanaychic tips you’d like to share? “Take time out for yourself. You need some “me” time every day, whether it‘s 5 minutes of peace to do your makeup, a 30-minute jog or a girls night out. You need some down time to de-stress and reflect.”

Favorite song to “get ready” for the day to? “I don’t have a favorite “getting ready” song but listening to 90’s hip-hop/rap throwbacks gets me pumped for the day.”