Hello, Monday.

How are you? Truthfully, I’m just okay.  Living at Mom’s isn’t easy, and some days I’m okay, and some days I’m in a steady state of annoyance that no amount of exercise, good-vibe TV or kitchen creativity can shake. I’m in it for the next four months, so I’ve got to find a way to get some of my good headspace back. Saving and dreaming about new home decor does help though.

One move that I’m making this month is adding maple syrup to my coffee in the morning instead of sugar. It at least starts with the little things, right? Hawaii and a sort-of impromptu trip to D.C. are also on the docket for next month, and nothing makes me happier than the prospect of travel so it’s not all gloom and annoyance in my head.  Like I said, just okay. 

I hope my northern neighbors had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday!

Anyway, links for your Monday:

Since so many offices are rethinking what a successful work environment looks like, here’s some more fodder for consideration. I feel like with my schedule working two time zones, sort of, I do work in two “flow chunks.”

Mail-order meats? How the pandemic changed how we buy foods. I haven’t jumped on this yet, but am certainly intrigued.

So, some guys at my work won the Nobel Prize. NBD.

Are we ready for fall cocktails? I just got me some fresh apple cider and am looking for ways to use it!

Remember when people were excited about vaccines?  Well, the EU just approved a Malaria one, and it seems to be a game changer.

The world made local. I mean, it is a small world, after all.

Cassoulet is one of my favorite favorite favorite things that I make all year, just after Thanksgiving. Maybe I should give a new version a try.

If you’re looking for a new curry dish to try, I’d point you towards this one.

I saw a reference to Fika recently and it took me back to this cake, and figured I should probably make it again soon. As should you.

That’s all I’ve got for ya. Have a good week!

I promise, my last story about Andorra. But I couldn’t move past the most thrilling part.

I went canyoning. (more…)

Hello, Monday.

I’m writing to you from Vail, Colorado where a group of my favorite friends and I have met to celebrate our dear Andouille’s jump into married life. The last wedding amongst us was twelve (!) years ago, and I don’t think any of us would have imagined that it’d take this long for the next to walk down the aisle. Forty sure looks different than 28, and we all had to shake our heads a little when we were no longer the ones to be closing down the dance floor.  

The respite to the mountains was much needed, even though I was trekking through Andorra just a few weeks ago, the last few have been filled with moving into Mom’s and all the stress that comes with packing and shifting one’s life from one location to another.  We’ve all been there- it’s a shared painful experience. I should be done in the next few days but boy, those last few are the worst.

Anyway, back to the task at hand. Some readings for your Monday morning.

My friend’s book comes out this week! If you love historical fiction, this ones for you!

Childhood memories, such gems sometimes, and no doubt good for a smile.

LOTS of convos about this topic this weekend as my friend group was comprised of mostly single, fabulous women. It’s really not our fault.

Thinkers vs. feelers. This relationship dynamic speaks to me and my group of friends. Are you a thinker or a feeler?

Nature is wild.

New ways to think about the pandemic…because the rules just keep changing, don’t they?

Travel rules keep changing, as does our comfort of it. If you are aching for a getaway, here are some options for fall.

Related: Acadia’s quiet side. As you may recall I was there this summer (as were many of you!) and I highly recommend it!

Nadiya’s win was one of my faves of the GBBO. Here’s how she’s taking British baking into the present.

Apple season, let’s go!

Have a good week!