Surprise! We’re in North Carolina : )
Kanz and I came home for the night to celebrate a belated Christmas with my family. We’re staying at Larbs and Matt’s urban loft in Durham, but we stopped through my parents’ house to say hi to Lillis Billis and use the facilities. We also had a snack of cheese and crackers!
At the loft we got started on more apps and a few drinks – including Matt’s latest homebrew transported in a growler. [Also got to pay a visit to Sarah!!]
Larbs and Dad worked on a great dinner
My dad’s famous London Broil
Brussels sprouts
Grilled Great Harvest bread
And delicious whipped sweet potatoes!
Plus a spicy syrah
After dinner we exchanged gifts. Mom got me a Davidson plate!
I gave her a Buzz necklace (her nickname)
We got dad a beer tumbler of his favorite flavor (which he says he can no longer get). Thankfully he also appreciates fine craft beers!
Matt trying on Matt’s bowtie!
Love this bottle of wine we got too!
Matt’s birthday is next week, so Larbs surprised him with a cake!
29 years young!
It was an awesome carrot cake from Whole Foods
Plus we had some leftover Christmas goodies
Dad also insisted we finish the Christmas eggnog – it’s now gone!
Full of sugar, gifts and family time, I’m ready for bed!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
That necklace is so vintage-tastic. Belongs on Etsy, I swear. Being home is one of the greatest things in the world, especially when you’re home from college. And then you want to be back.
SoCo Egg Nog? —- there really is a God.
KathEats says
It’s from Etsy!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
Fun!!!
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
My Mom had that egg nog too and it was awesome – STRONG – but yummy.
I haven’t had London broil in forever, your dad did a great job! 🙂
Mom says
Love my Buzz necklace. Thanks!
Cara @ I Don't Believe in Diets says
It looks like a magnificent celebration. So cute.
Khushboo says
Looks like a great evening to get rid of the lingering Holiday blues! Is Matt a big b-ball player?
KathEats says
Haha – no – he’s my dad’s old bball birthday guy
Bee Goes Bananas says
It looks like you guys had a wonderful time in North Carolina!
Happy [early] birthday Matt!!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
southern comfort nog, never heard of that one…I bet it was good!
Happy early bday to Matt…I love the cake topper! And I love carrot cake.
What a fun little surprise trip down to celebrate a belated xmas with the fam. Glad you guys could do this!
Ashley @ Coffee, Cake and Cardio says
Isn’t being home with family the greatest? I’m glad y’all are having fun!
Jen says
Carrot cake – (one of) my faves. Happy early birthday to Matt…and belated Christmas to you and your family! 🙂
Angel7 says
Wow!!! … That London Broil looks AMAZING/mouthwatering!!! I love meat, and that makes me hungry for it!!!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Janelle says
Wow that looks wonderful -Now u have me wanting carrot cake ! I can’t believe how much you look like your dad !
KathEats says
Haha really!?
Janelle says
Yes ! The splitting image
Mom says
She acts like him too, sometimes…
Jen says
LOL – Mom: the “…” makes me wonder if that’s good or bad?! 🙂
Mom says
95% good. 5% bad!
Jen says
Haha. Aren’t we all?! 🙂
Janelle says
Lol I’m sure kath is always lovely 🙂
Sunya says
Okay Kath, it not so weird that the other day when I had overnight oats and so did you but now I am kinda amazed that tonight I am having a glass of syrah while reading your blog and picked up a bottle of Seven Hills Malbec today at a local shop. Seems we are both having a very good evening! Enjoy your family time!!
KathEats says
🙂
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Aww how fun that you got to have a little Christmas celebration in January! =)
Cait's Plate says
Ah yay! So fun 🙂 Enjoy NC!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Mmm my bday cake was from whole foods too. Just ate a frozen leftover piece for dinner!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That’s cool that you guys get to see each other even if it wasn’t exactly on xmas. 🙂 Everything looks delicious, your dad rocked the Broil. Enjoy your time at home!
Roxanne says
Once the eggnogs are gone from the stores, that’s when the the holidays are officially over… 🙁
Dorota says
Hi Kath,
Awesome you got to catch up with the family!
Looks like such a fun & wonderful celebration.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.
–Dorota
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
That London Broil looks amazing!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
What a lovely night. That London Broil looks amazing!
J Lo S says
Oh, what a beautiful necklace! Wish I were your mom 🙂
Stephanie @ Ultra Ambitious says
Looks like a very fun night! Whole Foods makes such awesome cakes, I bet the carrot cake was delicious 🙂
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
I’ve always wanted to try WF carrot cake!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love it, one more holiday celebration! and those whipped sweet potatoes look delicious!
Sarah says
As much as I love egg nog, I can only handle it for so long. Thank goodness it’s seasonal!!
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
You can’t beat brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Looks like a fun night with family! 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I love the necklace! Looks like an awesome night 🙂
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Family and Christmas go hand in hand…what a wonderful time it looks like you all had together! Love Carrrot Cake…the cream cheese icing is always my favourite part!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
You must have had a wonderful time! Family make the heart so happy 🙂 …..The delicious birthday cake is calling my name, I think I should make carrot cake cookies TODAY!
Jessica says
Carrot cake cookies?! Do tell! Next week is my brother’s birthday and carrot cake is his favorite!
Jen says
Google carrot cake cookies and recipes pop up. Or you could always just take the cake batter but form it into small cookie balls on a baking sheet instead. (Sometimes I just a Muffin Top pan).
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I am debating between a carrot cake cookie and a carrot cake bar….
Carrot cake cookie recipe I’d use: http://ohsheglows.com/2010/11/20/itty-bitty-carrot-cake-cookies/
Carrot cake bar recipe I’d use: http://spinachandsprinkles.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/carrot-cake-anyone/
Alexandria says
It looks like you had a great time with your family, even if the celebration is belated. 🙂 Where, oh where is that necklace from? My mom’s name means the bee, so I’m always looking for things like that!
KathEats says
It’s from Etsy, although I can’t remember the shop name right now. But if you search for “Bee necklace” you might easily find it?
Alexandria says
Thanks Kath!
Kelly @ Vegolosophy says
mmmm sweet potato’s and brussel sprouts, my kind of dinner! I LOVE brussel sprouts, especially with a dash of maple and salt..YUM! And that carrot cake to top it off, WOW!
Emily @LivingLongfellow says
Wow, is your brother in law related to Matt? They could be brothers! That dinner looks delicious!
KathEats says
No, but they do resemble each other! His name is actually Matt too 🙂
Keri says
We have been loving Syrahs lately–but always seem to grab the same label. Do you have favorites?
Also, I definitely will be making Brussels sprouts this week. Those look so so good!
KathEats says
I am horrible with wine labels but I love anything from Sonoma!
Hannah @ Eat, Drink and Save Money says
Family time is the best. Enjoy your time with them!
Emily says
Loving that necklace you got for your mom. Its gorgeous!
Marie@feedingfive says
That’s my nickname too! When I was young they called me Bee, because I was as busy as one. Eventually it went to Buzz. That necklace is so very cool, I love it. Interesting, original gifts that have meaning are the best.
Christine (The Raw Project) says
How fun and I adore that necklace too, so nice to extend the holiday celebration!
Ida says
who is Kanz??????????????
KathEats says
It’s my matt’s nickname!
Matthew says
The pictures on this blog are amazing! You must be a photographer too. Keep up the awesome work and we look forward to following.
Matthew
KathEats says
Thanks Matthew. I’m not a pro photographer, but I’ve been taking dozens of photos daily for over 4 years!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
That’s so nice that you could spend time with your family for a belated holiday. The brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrot cake – my kind of celebration!
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says
Mmmm love carrot cake! That meal looks like something straight out of a restaurant 🙂
Anna says
Thst picture of your sister in the kitchen could totally be you!!
Allison says
Grilled bread- great idea! BTW, it’s always fun reading anything about Davidson because my elementary school and still BFF went there [graduated in May] and loved it! Were you in an eating house?!
KathEats says
Yeah I started out in Connor and finished in Warner!
Allison says
She was in Connor! Small world…
Darlene says
Tell your Dad they still sell Schaffer in NY!!
Betty says
And who can sing the jingle for Schaffer….? I cracked up when I scrolled down to the picture to see the Schaffer – what’s next ? Genny or Ballentine? Did Dad spend time up north? Looks great all.
BriiHappy says
Kath – that necklace is adorable. If you can remember the name of the artist that would be great. I tried looking on etsy but couldn’t find that exact one, and it would be a perfect gift! Thanks!
KathEats says
Found it!
KathEats says
Here! http://www.etsy.com/transaction/65354818
Zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
I am intrigued (coming from London, England) – what is a “London Broil” ? It looked wonderful.
KathEats says
Apparently it has nothing to do with London!
It’s basically a broiled or grilled flank steak: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_broil
Janiek says
Wow, can you believe, at 28 (almost 29) you have your own well-doing buisness… That’s pretty amazing!
KathEats says
I am 29 🙂 But yes, it’s quite amazing!
Katie says
Hi! Great post per usual 🙂 Random question-do you have any idea where your sister got that dining table?? I’m in the market for a new one and love the almost-hammered look of the top. Thanks!
KathEats says
I believe she got it at World Market
Jackie says
That house (I assume your parents’) is beautiful!!!! It reminds me so much of my childhood home — it’s an historic farmhouse with the same style, color, roof, siding and shutters.
Kavi @ Lab to Fab says
Seems like everyone got really cool, unique gifts! The necklace is awesome!
BriiHappy says
Thanks for the Etsy Website link Kath!!
Emily Reiter says
This is awesome, someone sent me a link — I am the maker of the Buzz necklace (owner of Luccichio & Co on Etsy). Thanks for sharing it, Kath! Exciting to see my creation “in print.” 🙂 xo, Emily
KathEats says
Hey Emily! My mom loved the necklace!!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂