Most of the time you’ll find me working at my dining room table, wearing workout clothes with a messy ponytail. I prefer to work at home because I have access to a fridge and a clean bathroom, reliable wifi, my laundry room, outfit changes, and unlimited sparkling waters. Whenever I think it might be fun to go to a coffeeshop, all of these reasons keep me home. However, I had a few meetings that sent me downtown wearing a dress, and I enjoyed my outings so much! I think I just need to force myself to leave the house a bit – especially while I can! (October, I’m looking at you…)
Since I have one cup of coffee first thing in the AM, I have been sticking to caffeine-free lattes while out. The milk serves as a bit of a snack too.
On days when I’m planning a latte, I have a lighter breakfast, like toast with peanut butter and fruit.
This sweet boy had kindergarten orientation camp recently and is SO excited for school! He got to play in a classroom, meet other kids, check out the playground, and ride a school bus! I know a lot of mothers cry on the first day of kindergarten, but he is so ready that I’m just 100% excited for him. (Plus this is his 5th year of school – day one of twice-a-week preschool at age two was a lot harder on me!)
{Outfit from Boden!}
The little businessmen and businesswomen in our neighborhood are growing up way too fast. They are into having “Sells” aka lemonade stands aka “Mom can we sell something from inside our house?” We’ve sold rice krispies (the most successful one), herbs from the garden, lemonade, and chocolates. It makes for a fun afternoon project!
Confession: I’ve been eating way too many lunches out lately. When we don’t have any leftovers, it’s been tempting for me to meet a friend or pick something up on my way home from the gym. It is not good for my budget, but it is good for my baby because I’m packing in the veggies with big salads!
This one was from Chopt, which is relatively new to Cville. My salad was the Smoky Santa Cruz (minus scallions) and it was so delicious. I loved the drizzle of Goddess dressing on top.
And another day recently I picked up Mezeh. OMG that caramelized eggplant is simply incredible. I have to figure out a copycat recipe! I think they use balsamic and roast it, but it’s hard to tell. I need to investigate!
We are getting a Cava here soon. I think that’s another great healthy quick lunch spot, yes? I’m going to be in trouble!
Thomas loves “basic dinners” as we call them: protein, starch, veg. This one was overly simple until I covered everything with a great semi-homemade sauce. I combined in the blender a big handful of herbs from our garden with a few tbsp of the spicy harrisa sauce I had leftover from Mezeh. Plus lime juice, greek yogurt, and a little olive oil. Boy was this good!!
Leftovers for lunch the next day. I had that sauce on everything!! Gotta make it again soon.
Laurie says
I love Chopt so much! I tried one for the first time in Charlotte last winter and wanted to become “Facebook Official”. I wish Chopt would come to the Orlando area. I would definitely eat way more salads.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I wish we had a Chopt here! I know it’s a really popular salad place overseas, and the options there sound really good. Wish we had more salad places here in Hong Kong 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Tonya says
that sauce recipe sounds awesome!
Kimberly says
Oh, if you like Mezeh, you’ll like Cava! Very similar. Cava has these really great lamb meatballs. I also love their roasted red pepper hummus and the crazy feta.
KathEats says
One just opened here and I hope to go soon!
Danielle says
Love, love Cava (and that crazy feta)! Are you getting the full sit down restaurant or the more casual assembly line type Cava? Both are excellent, just different.
KathEats says
I’m not sure actually because I haven’t been over there yet!
Audrey says
Kath, I too am a huge fan of the carmalized eggplant from Mezeh. I’ve tried duplicating it using several techniques. I actually prepare a lot of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes and have lots of authentic cookbooks from those regions, but I still can’t quite find a recipe or replicate the texture/flavor on my own. If you crack the code and share your recipe…. I would be impressed AND forever grateful!
KathEats says
Oh man, if you haven’t been able to do it right then I doubt I could. Maybe we should just ask them!?
Audrey says
Another local place has caramelized eggplant on their menu. (Did you ever eat at Aroma’s in Barrack’s Road Shopping Center?) Hassan the owner has since returned to his former location in the Fontaine Research Park. His cafe is located in the Forestry Building…. with your charm, you might be able to persuade him to give you some pointers. He’s very outgoing and you can read more about him here. http://www.c-ville.com/aromas-cafe-returns-beginnings/#.W0dVGdJKjIU
KathEats says
Oh cool. I went to Aromas once or twice. My MIL works in Fontaine so that might be a nice lunch spot!
Jess says
I can’t believe Mazen is going to kindergarten!! So grown up! And I miss Mezeh!
Erin says
I am OBSESSED with mezeh’s carmelized eggplant. I always ask for extra and they give me the side eye, but it’s MY FAVORITE!!!! I think I’ve asked them before, they definitely use something to roast it. though i think they’d be generous to share what they use to cook the eggplant with!
I’m actually not a fan of cava. I think Mezeh is WAY better.
KathEats says
I always ask for double too. It’s the best. Now I’m craving it hard!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I literally never put on real clothes yesterday and the whole day I was like if this happens now what’s gonna happen in October?!?!? Lol the struggle is real!
KathEats says
Hahaha
Kaci says
It is great being in the comfort of ones home but there is something so fun about going out to a local coffee shop to work or hang out with friends! I love getting dressed nice, getting my delish cold brew coffee and settling in to people watch and work/read/socialize. 🙂
Jill says
Cava is already open for business! Last Friday when I drove by, there was a line around the building!!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Quick question; do you say a prayer before each meal?
Danielle says
Cava is amazing. I live in the DC area so they have them everywhere. They have great kids meals too and everything is fresh and delicious. My 19 month old has been enjoying eating bits and pieces from my bowls since she started solids.
Sally says
C’ville is getting a Cava?? Where? We have the sit-down and fast casual versions here in DC, and I’m obsessed with the fast casual. It’s so good!
KathEats says
Barracks Road! Well, across the street
Tracy says
I found this recipe online… does it sound similar?
https://www.theveggietable.com/blog/vegetarian-recipes/appetizers-side-dishes/caramelized-eggplant/
KathEats says
Yes but Mezeh’s is very sweet so I’d be surprised if soy sauce was a main ingredient. I might email them!
Tracy says
Let us know!!
Melanie says
Love that y’all call it “basic meal” – we call that same dinner “boring meal” usually served on Tuesday night, the most boring day of the week! Lol. I think I like “basic” better :)))
Megan says
Be careful eating at Mezeh while pregnant. I got food poisoning after eating there when 33 weeks pregnant (it’s basically a salad bar), and it was miserable. We haven’t eaten there since ?
KathEats says
Ohh that sucks
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
Too funny–my husband and I had a rare morning out together minus our daughter and we went to a local coffee shop. There were a fair amount of people working and he asked me if I worked from home if I’d go there regularly. Even though that would be my dream (the coffee and atmosphere are great!), I decided I’d probably go once a week, if that. Between the cost and not being able to do other things at the same time as you noted (hello, laundry!), it wouldn’t be the best. But I’d definitely look forward to that treat and getting out of the house. Someday…
KathEats says
: )