Totally Lux: Reids Fine (est) Foods

I had hoped to spend tonight writing a review on Dilworth's new breakfast joint Toast. . . .but after two breakfast's in two days and four trips to the new hotspot, I am holding out hope for a better review. Instead of searching one out, this time I stumbled onto a wonderful reminder of why I love  Charlotte so very much. We never forget where we come from.

*The sign is from 1931!

Local favorite and long time establishment, Reid's Fine Foods, had an open house today at its new Selwyn location. When I was in college at Queens,  I would often frequent it's  location in Myers Park on Providence Rd. (It was there LONG before I was in college, specifically  1928 or 31!) The grocery was full of old-time charm and such modern-day inefficiency's like honor charge accounts, delivery service (if I remember correctly)  and rows of above average grocery's, wine, meat and seafood to die for and so much more. Then one day in 1998 they closed and moved uptown to the 7th Street Station location in order to ride the uptown boom. I went there also. Lots of people did, but because of the recession, Reid's Fine Foods has moved again and is back in the neighborhood that it came from, and I could not be more excited.  (To learn all about Reid's past check out http://www.reids.com/aboutus

The Open House today was full of fun festivities such as wine tasting and food sampling. Here are some of my favorites:

Busheelle Seasonings.  No preservatives, No calories and it's Gluten Free:))

Cant wait to mix this with Olive Oil and serve with flat bread or use as a marinade to just about any kind of meat I could dream up!

A Little taste of Heaven. Jalapeno, Garlic and Cheddar Biscuits. . .Would make the best mini ham sandwiches ever. Who is going to teach me how to make them?

Sadies Fish Cakes. Recipe straight from Barbados. Made with Salted Cod and Plantains. So good, I cant believe it's from around these parts. Going to serve up for dinner tomorrow night with yellow rice and something else?

Sin a Bit Cinnamon Bites. Sin more than a bit with these rocking awesome cinnamon biscuits from a higher place! Going to dish these up for breakfast ASAP!

Alright, so I have to admit that Reid's is not always so economical but it is local. And while I may not be buying the above as part of my weekly grocery shopping, I will be stocking up for fun holiday gatherings.

Hope you all had a great weekend. I know we did!

Cheers,

Tay

More Than Enough

A recent and yet quite random conversation yesterday left me extremely clear in my personal intentions. Shocking, as I am rarely clear on anything, not even in yoga. I am envious of those who are.

When I was in my teens, I thought I knew everything. I knew nothing.

When I was in my 20's I thought my life would be a "spectacular" achievement. I was going to do "something" amazing, live in Paris, London or New York. I would change the world in a way that most people could not begin to imagine. And although I was not yet sure what that "something" was going to be, I was positive in its outcome.

Oh, and I thought my family was completely screwed up.

Today, I am well into my 30's and my definition of a "spectacular" life has changed drastically. I am a "stay at home mom" with a plentiful social life full of rewarding friendships, a fulfilling and wonderful (not perfect) marriage, two children who challenge but "complete" me and a couple of animals who seem to think I am the pack leader. (not in that order) We never have enough money. The American Dream I never knew I wanted.

What?

Nope. Never. Knew. I. Wanted.

I wanted a career in the Arts. A career in Fashion. I wanted to be skinny, drink lots of coffee and cocktails and smoke way to many cigarettes. I wanted to make tons of money. I wanted to party. A lot.

I dont do any of the above.

What I do, is roll around on carpets and let my toddler use my side handles as airplane supports. We read 30 page children's books, a lot. I forget to shower more than I will ever admit and I load up on antioxidant drinks that promise I will live to see my great-great grandchildren. I had better.

Everyone's family is screwed up. I pray my children come to the same conclusion one day.

What I have is more than enough and I am grateful for that every day.

We all should be.

Tay

Wallpaper is a Mighty Fine Thing!

My friend  Kathy Wilder sent me an amazing link to a wallpaper site yesterday and I just knew I had to share it with you.  Check out this wallpaper from Walnut Wallpaper. It's called Peacock on Shimmer and would be spectacular anywhere in the house. If it was up to me, and I am definitely NOT allowed too right now, then I would put it in our hall bath or another smaller space and let it's "fabulousness" speak for itself!

This one doesnt float your boat? Check out how others have defined their spaces:

Perfect way to define a breakfast nook!

This layout is similar to our bathroom. . . It would be so much better with above mentioned wallpaper. . . wouldnt it??

You see where I am going with this. . .dont you:))

If only we were going to have more children. . .

Straight from Charlotte, Laura Vinroot Poole's dining room as seen in Domino.

She saved money and design overload by wallpapering only one wall!

Are you inspired yet?

Cheers,

Tay