Current Favorites & Life Update

Given that today's October Daily challenge was to share some favorite music*, I decided to go ahead and share a few other favorites including what I have been up to the past few weeks. Maybe you'll find something new and exciting to try!

Eats:

1. Butternut Squash Ravioli is the bomb. Just saying.

Wild horses couldn't keep me away from this delicious treat! It's dinner, but it's dessert…Confusing, yes? But oh the taste! Served up with some French green beans, roasted tomatoes, and a bit of balsamic vinegar and I am in heaven!

We found ours at both Trader Joe's and a local restaurant supply store, but you can also make it if you are up for the challenge!

2. Italian Butter -- Delitia Burro di Parma. It is delicious.

Imported from Italy, supposedly this butter has an additional "cheesy" taste to it (or so say others). In my opinion the flavor is creamier and "milkier" than other butters. While not necessarily appropriate for baking, I am loving this as served on a beautiful, fresh French baguette. (How could you not?!)

I'm not sure where to find it outside of Georgia (Alon's), but here's a link to the Amazon page.

3. Babka.

I've been getting my delicious cinnamon-flavored babka from Alon's bakery, but I'm sure there are many ways to make it. I just have to convince Justin to help. (I am not a baker!) This treat is so delicious and could easily pass for dessert even with the savory yeasty flavor that is traditional for this amazing bread. It comes in both chocolate and cinnamon flavor and apparently the majority of the bread that is found in the US actually comes from one particular company in NYC. You can bet I will be seeking that baker out next time I'm in New York.

Songs:

1. P!nk & Nate Ruess - "Just Give Me A Reason"

From the piano to the amazing duet that P!nk and Nate Ruess make, I couldn't imagine a better song. Plus, I am totally in love with her in that dress…and the big teddy bear! (Although this one is a bit creepy with glowing eyes!) Who doesn't love big teddy bears? :) Yes, P!nk you actually made a song I will willingly listen to. You should totally get a prize for that. :)



2. The Shins - "Simple Song"

This song has been out forever, but I never get tired of it. In fact, I'll just go ahead and mention that Justin has been a fan of the Shins for far longer than I have. The turning point was probably this song. All of a sudden I just can't say no. Plus that music video! Too funny! Go dad! :)

3. Parachute - "Blame It On Me"

I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Parachute, the band, but once I heard this song on Pandora I couldn't quit listening. Sometimes I get into a rut and listen to the same thing over and over again until I am absolutely sick of it. I'm not saying I'll like it tomorrow or the next day or the day after, but I like it today and that is enough.

4. Sara Bareilles - "Brave"

Go Sara! Every bit of this song is awesome from the encouraging, powerful lyrics to the dancing filmed in the streets. Kudos to her. Totally feeling empowered. :)

5. Honorable Mentions:

David Lenz - "Song for Monet"
Shins - "Fall of 82"

What I'm Up To:

1. Culling photos and then editing them using Lab mode in photoshop. (Above shot was edited in RGB prior to learning about Lab mode.)

2. Watching Creative Live with Jack Davis (working in ACR) and David Cross (30 Days of PS).

3. Planning a follow-up trip to Chattanooga to either see some fall foliage or go to one of their fall festivals and take LOTS of pictures.

4. Practicing German on DuoLingo. Especially when I can't sleep. I had quit earlier this year when I started having problems with my phone, but the problems have since gone away. (Hint to Iphone 4s users: If your sound quits working, try cleaning out the headphone jack and where you plug it in to charge.) Being prompted by some German from a friend encouraged me to get back to it. I had forgotten A LOT in only a few months time! Backtracking here I come!

5. Just registered myself and the hubby to go see (hear?) Lindsay Adler speak! (Have I mentioned how grateful I am for a husband that fully supports my goals?)

So, talk to me! Tell me about your favorites and what you've been up to! :) And when you are done, check out The October Daily and find other new songs to listen to!

* It was actually to share some music to elevate your mood, but whatever. Current favorites work just as well. :)