homage to city bagel

I’ve been burning up the roads between Birmingham and Starkville this past week, playing realtor.  (Well, only twice, but it feels like much more than that.)

In between house showings, I’m frequenting my most favorite cafe of all time, City Bagel Café.

Besides my house, and the great people of Starkville, this is the one place I miss more than any other establishment.  I can't tell you how many meals I've eaten here.

The owners Joe and Mary run such a relaxed place, where the food is fresh, and where they know your name when you come often enough (which I did).

Its familiarity is mutual.  They know that my regular order changes with the seasons; I know the system well enough to know exactly how to order, so they don't have to ask me the prompting questions:

Pastrami and provolone on focaccia, toasted and steamed.

Mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and a little bit of onion.

A bag of Zapp's, and tap water.

That'll be for here, and my name is Robyn. 

Their menu is varied, and perhaps overwhelming for the rookies, but you really just can't go wrong.  Breakfast sandwiches, delicious muffins (their chocolate chip is the best ever!), homemade focaccia bread for sandwiches, freshly made soups and quiches, and the list goes on!

And then for special occasions (or let's be honest, just because you feel like it is reason enough), they bake up these sinful glories called “energy bars,” which are certifiably terrible for you.  They’re like Hello Dollies, but better, because I think they use more butter and sugar to make their graham cracker crust super thick and chewy.

So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, do stop in.  You won't be disappointed!  In the meantime, bake yourself some Hello Dollies, but just know this recipe will not -- I repeat, will not -- do justice to the City Bagel Energy Bar.

Hello Dollies

1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 c. sugar
1 can condensed milk
2 c. chocolate chips & butterscotch chips, combined
1 1/3 c. coconut
1 c. chopped nuts

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter.  Press into bottom of greased 9 x 13 pan.
2. Pour about 1/4 can condensed milk over crust.
3. Layer chips, coconut and nuts on top.
4. Pour remaining condensed milk evenly over top.
5. Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Happy Monday, y'all.  Hope your week is sweeter than that Energy Bar I just enjoyed.

thankful thursday #25

Yesterday I spent the day in Starkville, where my tiny house sits ...



... and I was there to be sure this new little (big) piece of equipment was working as great as it should be ...



... and to put a sign like this in the yard ...



So that's my big news of the week.  We'll see what the Lord has up His sleeve!

Maybe He'll want it sold, and maybe He won't.  I'll be thankful either way, for His provision.

And on another note, I'm so relieved that sign was easy to stake into the yard!

What's your heart happy about today?  Go on, be grateful!

senses (and nonsense) of spring

After the tornados, the Royal Wedding, and the Osama bin Laden drama of the past week, is anyone else feeling like a mental break?

I sure am, and am pleased to share these nonsensical spring senses as a little breather.

sight/feel of the month

One of the biggest tragedies of spring and summer for me, is the fact that it's just too hot to wear my Dansko clogs, and my happy feet become a little bit less happy.



Have y'all heard of these?  Antelopes?  They are proving to be the heaven-sent answer to the summer shoe dilemma.

These babies have some height, some support, and a slew of styles and colors from which to choose (in fact, I can't even find a photo of the ones I bought, so that one up there is only a representation). 

Hold on to your checkbooks, though, friends, and think long term investment.

taste of the month

Other than the delicious summer salad from the weekend ...



Since the popcorn is only 100 calories, I prefer to actively defeat the purpose of a low-cal snack and add some flavored melted butter.

I zap a couple of tablespoons of butter with a couple teaspoons of spices in the microwave, drizzle it over the popped kernels, and voila, my popcorn gets some pep in its step!

My favorite seasoning right now is cayenne pepper (just a smidge) and cumin.

sound of the month

I could do without the tornadoes, but opening my balcony doors and hearing some of those spring showers outside, rustling the leaves?  That's music to my ears!

scent of the month



This is burning regularly in my office these days.  It's citrus-y and bright, inviting inside some of our pretty spring sunshine.

May's made herself at home already, so enjoy her stay -- she'll be gone before we know it!