Just like that, the weekend is over—and we’re basically half-way through July. Seriously, where has this year gone?

I haven’t being doing much creative cooking lately, but hopefully in the next few days I’ll have some recipes to share.

Since it’s Monday—and we all need a little sunshine in our Mondays—I’m sharing a few things that make life a little more marvelous.

Marvelous…is discovering new music. This past Friday night, Fairhope Brewing Company served as the venue of a Caroline Rose performance. She and her producer and partner, Jer Cooms, are on a country-wide tour, and I’m glad we had the chance to check them out. Her music is really good; I especially like “Here Come the Rain.”

Marvelous…is drinking new beer! Also on Friday night, FBC released their small batch of (Take The) Causeway IPA. To those outside of LA (Lower Alabama)—which is basically all of you—Mobile is notorious for its perpetual bottle neck at the Wallace Tunnel, which crosses the Mobile River and leads to the Bayway (that crosses Mobile Bay). Almost daily there’s a traffic accident blocking one of the lanes or, during Summer, a miles-long standstill due to beach traffic, so motorists are often encouraged to “take the Causeway,” instead. Anyway, funny name aside, this beer was quite tasty! The hops flavor was pronounced but not too heavy.

Marvelous…is our weekend trip to New Orleans in 2 weeks! Our good friends’ baby shower is on Saturday, but we’ve decided to stay the night. We’re still deciding where to have dinner (and brunch on Sunday); Luke, Mr. B’s, and Stanley are some of our favorites, but we want to change things up. I hope the weather cooperates for us!

Marvelous…is my husband’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs. I keep badgering him to type up the recipe so I can share it on the blog, but he just eyeballs a lot of the measurements, so each time the finished product is slightly different (but equally delicious).

Marvelous…is last night’s return of The News Room. I absolutely love this show!

Marvelous…are these recipes I want to try soon. Why do I lack the creativity gene when it comes to cooking?

• Mini BBQ Vegetable Pizzas on Summer Squash Crusts from Clean Eating Veggie Girl
• Fresh Pineapple and Caramel Stuffed Cookies from Yeah…Imma Eat That
• Detox Tabbouleh from Oh She Glows
• Basil, Garlic, and Tomato Veggie Burgers from Edible Perspective (which we plan on cooking tomorrow night!)

Well, I’m tired from a really hot and difficult yoga class—and it’s almost this old lady’s bedtime—so I’m out of here. Have a great week!