My Favorite: Podcasts

It took me awhile to get on the podcast bandwagon but I did about 15 months ago. Now I am always on the search for something new for my listening pleasure! I am a picky podcast listener though. I don't like the political, opinion, or talk show type podcasts. I've tried and they just aren't my thing.

What I do LOVE are true crime, history and/or storytelling podcasts! Serial? Yep! Undisclosed? Of course! I wanted to share some of these past and current favorites. I thought about listing them all but it would be too overwhelming so I will break this into a few posts over the next few months. 

If you are into podcasts or not, I am sure you you've heard of Serial. This is a great series to start. It was the first podcast I listened to and was instantly hooked. The first season was Adnan's Story about a high school student convicted of murdering his girlfriend. But, did he? The story telling is so good and really makes you think. 

I finished Season 3 this fall and could not get enough! It was a little different from the usual and was all about the justice system in Cuyhahoga County (Cleveland) in Ohio. Being a resident of Ohio, this was even more intriguing. Some of the episodes were jaw-dropping. A must listen to! 

After listening to Adnan's Story, I was really interested in learning more about this story. I was a couple years past the release of Serial so I was able to quickly find Undisclosed. Three hosts, including Adnan's cousin (I think?), research and share information about possible wrongful conviction cases. My husband was part of the first Innocence Project cohort at his law school and I've been interested in the type of work since then. Most of the cases featured on Undisclosed are done in close collaboration with Innocence Projects across the country. Always interesting and always keep me excited for the next episode. I am listening to the current season titled The State vs. Dennis Perry. It is a long season and I am glad because there is so much information to hear! 

Another podcast on my recommend list is Up and Vanished. A cold case about a murder in rural Georgia that ends up reopened and solved. The story telling is a little long and repetitive but it is good nonetheless. 

I hope you will find something new and will share some of your favorites! 

Five on Friday!

Trying something new - besides blogging! - and linking up with A. Liz Advenutures and others to share five of my favorite things today. 

- ONE - 
We just got back from another beautiful trip to Hilton Head Island, SC. One of my favorite things is planning a vacation! At this point, we know the places we want to dine in HHI but this year we decided to try some new activities. I am hoping to share some of our favorites restaurants, activities and more next week! 

Harbour Town Lighthouse

- TWO - 

In case you weren't aware, it is a presidential election year. Who knew, right? Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that these Jack Rogers Patriotic Sandals are amazing! These are perfect for the conventions. 

- THREE - 

If you know me, then you know I love to cook! I am so excited to try these new-to-me spices. I could not find in my local grocer so I ordered from Amazon. First up, I am thinking a fattoush salad with fresh produce from the farmer's market! 

- FOUR - 

It wouldn't be a blog post this time of the year without a mention of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It really is a great sale although this year I am disappointed in the shoe selection. I do see some jeans I love though! I am far from ready for fall but I love a good sale. 

- FIVE - 

Anyone else using snapchat? I started using it last fall to keep up with a few of my favorite bloggers I follow in insta. I am trying to share more myself but sometimes my days fly by and it is post-bedtime for the kiddos before I get a chance to catch up. If you want to follow along, you can find me at stephanieldodd! 

Check our more blogger favorites on Friday here! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Greek Inspired Menu!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! 

Despite the rain on Saturday, we had a great day! Dan and I played in a golf outing with my Dad and a family friend. The first few holes were soggy and wet but by the end the sun was trying to pop through the clouds! Saturday evening we attended the wedding of my cousin who wore one of the most beautiful wedding gowns - she looked stunning! 

Today I want to share one of my favorite food flavor inspirations - Greek! I love the fresh, clean taste of Greek inspired foods. The menu I prepared below is light and refreshing with plenty of leftovers. 

Greek Inspired Menu:

- Greek marinated grilled chicken breast

- Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad

- Tzatziki

- Hummus

- Pita

For the chicken, I marinated chicken breast in a delicious dressing I found at Sam's Club. It is low in calories but full of flavor. Then I grilled it which gave an even better flavor. 

The Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad is a favorite in our house and something I make all year long. I, especially, love it in the summer when I can pick the herbs from my garden. Next month, I hope to use my own tomatoes. Many of my go-to recipes are from the Barefoot Contessa - Ina can do no wrong! :) I do change this recipe up by using less EVOO. It is great the next day too!

I am convinced my kiddos will eat anything with cucumber in it - Tzatziki included! Frannie eats this by the spoonful. I change up this recipe by using Greek Yogurt. This time I used fat free and I couldn't tell at all. The leftovers are great as a veggie dip too.

Last, I serve store bought hummus (Sabra is the best) and warmed pita. This menu is easy to prepare and is so delish! I hope you try it out and enjoy the fresh flavors! 

Check back this week as I talk about how I prepare for vacation with little ones! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Friday Favorites: The Junior League!

Hello again! A few weeks ago, a blogger I follow on Instagram mentioned that she was almost finished with her blog posts for the summer. What??? I thought 1.) how disingenuous and 2.) how hard is it to create a blog post 3-4 times per week? Well, we are on our first full week of summer break and this is my first post since June 1. So, #2 I get. I still agree with my thoughts on #1. 

So, for today's Friday Favorite I am sharing my love for The Junior League! It could not be a more appropriate time since my League (The Junior League of Columbus) celebrated our many accomplishments earlier this week. 

I joined the JLC soon after I got married and knew I wanted to work in Columbus. A friend from college joined a couple of years prior and told me I would love it - she was right! So, as a newlywed, I joined and quickly found a job in Columbus. My first placement was on the Kids in the Kitchen committee and then moved into the role of Cookbook chair (I know a lot about Junior League cookbooks! Need recommendations? I'm your girl!). From there I planned events, worked to better our community and developed my leadership skills. I have the Junior League to thank for so much of my personal/professional development and growth! 

At our Annual Dinner this week, I was surprised (shocked!) when I received the Junior League of Columbus Presidents' Award. 

I received the award with two other amazing ladies! 

It is a great start to my last year in the JLC (next year I go sustaining). I look forward to serving on the JLC Board of Directors and leaving a positive mark on our community. I am so proud of the time and commitment I made to the Junior League! I am so thankful for all the Junior League and its members have given me in return. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Summer Reading!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. We didn't have much on our calendar this weekend. That is always good and bad. The good is that I can get caught up on cleaning, laundry, the usual. The bad is that the kiddos are easily bored which means a lot of whining. 

This is our last week of school so I have summer on my mind! I am busy planning summer activities, our family vacation and hoping for warm, sunny pool days. 

Also, I am making a list of books I want to read this summer. Growing up I was an avid reader but that slowed once I had babies. I am certain that my dislike for Eat, Pray, Love is due to me reading it in the wee hours while nursing baby #1! 

A little over a year ago, I made it a point to start reading again and it has been one of the most rewarding treats I've given myself. Some of my reads are serious and some are easy and fun. I look for books and authors that allow me to lose myself into a story. 

I thought I would share some of the books I enjoyed over the past year on today's post.  

// Liane Moriarty //

There isn't a Liane Moriarty book I don't love! Big Little Lies, The Last Anniversary, Three Wishes, What Alice Forgot, The Husband's Secret and The Hypnotist's Love Story. You really cannot go wrong with any of these books and they are perfect beach reads.

// Mary Kay Andrews //

Another author I discovered over the past year and whose books I cannot put down. I am so excited for Mary Kay's newest release, Beach Town! I am trying to see if I can hold out until I am actually on the beach to read this one. I just finished Little Bitty Lies which I started last summer but couldn't get into. After reading, Save the Date, Savannah Breeze, Savannah Blues, The Fixer Upper and a few more, I wanted another MK Andrews read. Little Bitty Lies was great second time around. Deep Dish was like that for me too. Really fun, easy reads!

// The Secret Life of Bees //

Loved The Secret Life of Bees! This one really tugged at the heart strings. I, also, read Invention of Wings but didn't enjoy it that much and couldn't get into The Mermaid Chair. 

// The Kitchen House //

I just finished reading The Kitchen House. I love a story that incorporates history into it. This is one of those books that I stayed awake reading because I just couldn't put it down.

Because I could go on and on, here some more that I highly recommend (in no particular order).

 

You can see my other reads by following me on Goodreads here. What books are you reading? I would love to hear from you! 

Happy reading!

xo,
Stephanie 

Friday Favorites!

Who else is excited for the weekend? Our pool still isn't open (crazy, I know!) so we will probably spend most of our time at home. Our last weekend swim lesson is tomorrow and I am planning a trip to the farmer's market. There is plenty on the "to-do list" at home that will keep us plenty busy! 

Today I am sharing a few things I am loving at the moment!

For years I've loved TJ's Thai Lime & Chili Cashews. On my last visit, I discovered the almond version and they didn't disappoint! They are perfectly spicy and the flavor is amazing. Perfect as an afternoon snack or with a chilled cocktail. 

How have I not tried La Croix before now? I was looking for something refreshing but caffeine-free and calorie-free in the afternoons. This is the perfect replacement to my usual iced tea or diet coke. I wasn't sure what to expect and thought it might be really sweet. Not at all! It has a light flavor and is nice and crisp. I am excited to try more flavors! 

The next thing I am loving is my vegetable garden! I finally got it planted this week - two weeks behind schedule! I planted something similar to big boy tomatoes (can't remember the name), romas and sweet 100s along with hot banana and red peppers. I always line my garden with marigolds to keep the pests and animals out. I don't know if that really works but it was something I was told when I was a child. Even if it doesn't work, it adds a pop of color. Besides veggies, I have an herb garden too. 

My last favorite thing for the week is Essie Gel Setter. I haven't tried gel at the salons - I just don't have the time! I do love the result on others though so I thought I would try this new product. It isn't as thick as the salon gel but it is much better than my OPI topcoat. My nails dried quickly with no imperfections. I am really happy with this product! 

I hope you found a new product or two to try out! What are products you are loving right now? 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xo,

Stephanie