I love this practice of weekly intentional gratitude. Cold ShowersLately in the summer, I have found that because our apartment gets quite hot, one form of relief is a cold shower. I appreciate taking a cold shower and view it as a reset. It may seem simple, but it is one of the few things that has made a big difference. BiscuitsI often forget how delicious biscuits are, but last week I made them and really enjoyed them. As I was saving yet another biscuit recipe, I realized that I have two other recipes for biscuits, clearly they are something I enjoy. EggsI have been loving all the various ways to cook eggs. My current favorite ways have been fried eggs, scrambled eggs and oeufs en cocotte. I have to say eggs have been a recent cooking favorite. Fresh VegetablesOne of the other things that I love about summer is the amount of fresh produce and the salads that are delicious. I am enjoying how much the fresh food is available and how great it all tastes. I really love the change of seasons and clearly I am loving a variety of foods. What are you loving lately?
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I think as humans we have an innate need to feel fulfilled and find purpose. One way I fill that need is by trying to create or make things. I find that at certain moments I am itching to produce. To create and see something to its completed state. I find joy from the product. I also though have noticed in myself the itching to produce for productions sake, the need to go, move, have a goal, and complete something that doesn't come from a healthy place but of a place of lack and of seeking meaning. In some ways though, I think I end up putting too much stock in the product itself. I see creation as product driven, rather than recognizing the process and all that is learned along the way. I think that often we always assume most people hate their jobs and this is far from the truth, but also even without jobs people I believe people would want to find intention. I am not one to dictate what this will look like, but I do know that the "dream" of sitting at home all day watching TV is not what it appears. I think that amount of time alone or with distractions helps us to see that those distractions are hollow and leads either to a depression or to seeking something else, finding a new distraction, or a real purpose that feels fulfilling. For me, making and creating takes up numerous forms most notably cooking, baking, occasional crafting and writing. You may have noticed more writing from me this year than in the past. I am slowly and surely finding my way. Only when I stop and think do I realize what I have done. Only when I slow down can I start to see that my daily habits do seem to add up, five minutes here ten minutes there and what seems like a simple hobby really is a major part of my life. I do not know what your thing will be- art, music, ideas, technology just to name a few, but I want to encourage you to do it. Make the time, even if it is just a few moments. I started cooking one dish a week or possibly less, and then each new attempt I got more confident and better. To be honest, it will not and does not always feel like you are getting better, only in hindsight will you see it, but I would encourage you all the same. Do the things that make you feel alive, that you do more for the process than the product and enjoy the experience. I find it makes the daily so much more worthwhile.
Earlier this year I read, Me Before You and experienced something I have never felt before, what can only be described as a book hangover. I felt hollow and lost and I had no desire to read anything else. I wanted to talk but I had no words. Nothing to say. I was absorbed and I saw the ending coming eventually but oh my gosh. I felt everything and nothing at once.
This feeling did end. A few days later I was willing to read something else. I even started the sequel (to almost immediately put down, because I do not want to tarnish my experience of the other book). I am in awe of the power of a good book. The power it has to make you feel things you never knew a book could make you feel. I am excited about my goal to ditch more books this year in the hopes that I can have moments like this where I find books that I will truly treasure.
Have you ever experienced a book hangover? If so which book? How have you worked through it?
I am not one who takes great stock in physical possessions. I am sure if we had to get rid of our kitchen table I would do so willingly. I just have come over the years to feel that this table is a part of me. I wanted to share the story of a table and the many memories and dinners that have taken place on it. My kitchen table came to be mine in the fall of 2010. I was in my final year of college and was living off campus, a few minutes walk away. My roommate had done the hard work of finding a place and I had agreed sight unseen. I arrived early, before school started and I had no furniture and no car. I had assumed the shuttle from my college to town would be running, but that had not been the case. I had brought a sleeping bag and planned to sleep on it and live without furniture. I realize now how stubborn and silly that sounded. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I could do it all on my own. My dad came up a few weeks into me living there, and had taken me to get real furniture. A small blue kids twin bed, lawn chairs and a butterfly chair from an estate sale, and the kitchen table. We found it at a small hipster consignment store. I am not sure back then I would have called it hipster, because I do not think that was a word I used. We passed it and it stood out, how could it not with the bright teal pattern on the top. My dad pointed it out and I loved it. It was the most expensive thing we bought for the apartment at $175.00. I loved it though. It felt unique and mine. After that year was done, I left most of the furniture in the apartment, with the exception of the table. I removed the legs and wrapped it in boxes, taping the legs underneath. I then shipped it from Oregon to Connecticut. It stayed wrapped up there until we moved to Florida. We put it in the U-Haul and drove it down. When we unwrapped it, I noticed the tape and removed some of the fake wood bottom. I felt frustrated seeing it for what it was, not real wood. I am not sure who I was kidding, it was too light to be made out of wood, but I didn't know that at the time. I was more snobby than I am now and I felt lied to and deceived. Although I do not remember it, I am sure I tried to get rid of it and replace it with something new and better, but we never did. It was small and fitting four people around it was a squeeze, but we kept it. It was the table that we had our first guests over to dinner at. We had spent a day at the beach with another couple. We then came home, and got cleaned up. I cooked a roasted chicken with gravy, a salad and mashed potatoes. I hung out with the wife while my husband and her husband chatted elsewhere. I remember just doing what I had always done, and it worked. The chicken was delicious and I had fun spending time with a couple. I knew them so well that I wasn't afraid if it did not work out. I did not have a back up plan but I didn't mind. A few years later, we moved to Iowa and the table came with us. Our apartment was smaller than our house in Florida, but the kitchen table fit right in. The plastic cover ripped while there, and I had placed a hot pan on it and melted the plastic in some places. This was the table where we started hosting Thanksgiving dinner, first with just my mom and the next year with my dad and sister. I found it comforting to be around my own table with food that I loved gathering family. I genuinely love cooking and I find Thanksgiving to be a holiday that I enjoy more than I ever thought, the hardest part for me is the turkey and gravy. Usually I make all the pies and some of the sides in advance so I assume if everything is wrong the day of no one could possibly starve. I almost always make at least 4 pies no matter the amount of people. Two pecan, one apple and one pumpkin. I feel like Thanksgiving is the pie holiday and there is no better time to celebrate. Each year I test new things, and cook many things that are tried and true. I am even learning what to do with the leftover turkey. This table was the location where that all happened. On my second Thanksgiving, we found that if we moved the table away from the wall everyone could fit comfortably. In spite of disaster/poor planning about the turkey, everything worked out. I know for a fact that in Iowa we tried to get rid of the table, I felt it was too broken and I did not want it to get further damaged. I thought we should toss it and move on. Andy suggested instead we try and fix it. I assumed this would be a last ditch effort because there were areas where the fabric had ripped exposing the fake wood underneath. This was part of my efforts to fix all our furniture before we moved. Yes, for some reason even though we were filled with the emotion of moving and all the details, I felt adding to the burden would help. Some of the things I am glad we did, because I was kept busy enough to stop from completely falling apart. The table was on that list. We went to JoAnn's and bought a new vinyl sheet to cover the top. We bought an industrial stapler to attach it with and I stood back. I have learned that when it comes to furniture and building, my hovering and making suggestions is not actually helpful. I trust Andy completely with those tasks. I know he can do them and this ended up more wonderful than I could have imagined. He creatively placed the fabric so you could not see the hole unless you were looking for it and replaced the vinyl. At this moment I knew the kitchen table was here to stay, it might not always be our kitchen table, but it can be easily recovered and in an odd way it reminds me of where I have been and where I came from. The kitchen table works perfectly here in New Hampshire. It feels like it was meant to be here. After a week of waiting for our furniture to come and eating off of plastic crates, sitting at a real table is special. This table has come with us and probably will be with us for the long haul. I have grown to have some sentimental attachment to it, and like I stated before I would get rid of it if absolutely necessary, but I do not want to in this moment. I feel like it is a small piece of me.
As I have gotten older, I realize that one area I did not know much about what keeping a house. I sought to remedy that and bought numerous books on the topic. In reality though, I found them to be too large and daunting. Some of them I have not read and still sit on my shelf today. I may at some point remedy that but for now they sit there reminding me of what I thought I needed to know. What I am sharing with you today are smaller books on the topic that helped shape the way I think about cleaning, organizing and running a "house" (in my case it is actually apartment, but the basic principles remain).
Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenrider
This book is a good one for theories of thinking about your house in a minimalist way. Also I found it helpful for decluttering and deep cleaning in a way that makes your house feel organized and clean and gives you a fresh start. I also appreciated her ideas on green cleaners.
The Pie Life by Samantha Ettus
This book is more of a mindset book. I found it interesting, but to be honest I did not find it was the book for me, but it may be the book for you. The author addressing ways of trying to "do it all" and not lose your mind in the process. I am more of a less is more gal myself but if you really do want to try to do it all this book may give you strategies to help.
Simple Matters by Erin Boyle
I found this book to be wonderful. I love her ode to minimalism and her advice for ways to do it practically. I appreciated her ideas to start where you are and make small steps. She also addresses cleaning and acquiring possessions in a way that they will have staying power and will last the long haul.
Bloom by Éstee Lalonde
This book is more a way to think about how to think about decorating your home. I found it a book that encourages you to be yourself and to find your own way. She shows you how she found her path as an example to help you find your own.
Notes on a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenrider
This book is a memoir book, where the author expounds on her ideas for how to live a life that is more intentional. She discusses her thoughts around changing her life in ways that are meaningful. I found it to be a wonderful read and I enjoyed her thoughts on meal planning and making small steps in the right direction (which is whatever direction you decide matters to you).
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō
This was the first book I read that made me want to take action and have less. I found this to be a useful book to a degree. After the fact I did not follow it completely and I take some of it with a grain of salt, but I did find it to be a helpful starting point. Once we had less stuff we were able to continue decluttering on our own, this just set us down the path.
I have realized that this is a topic I really enjoy reading about, if you have any suggestions to add to this list please let me know below.
These are things I am loving lately. I do not treat things as objects alone, but rather as a way to reflect and be grateful for what I have. Running HatAs the summer continues on, I am really enjoying the outdoors. I have started wearing a hat while running rather than sunglasses because my sunglasses fell off. As I wear a hat I am reminded of my mother who growing up wore baseball hats when outside frequently. My hat is nothing special, but just wearing it makes me ready to run. Metal StrawsWe bought reusable straws a few years ago because I really enjoy drinking from a straw, specifically when I am sick, or with a smoothie. I lately have been trying to stay hydrated and I find drinking from a straw encourages me to drink more water so I have really enjoyed the straws. Also I enjoy how cold metal straws get with a cold liquid. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text PodcastI just started listening to this podcast. I have been subscribed for quite a bit but only lately have I really listened. I am thoroughly enjoying it and I am loving how it makes me think about the world at large. A Working Car With Air ConditioningOne of the things I forgot about on moving back to the Northeast is the general aversion to central air. We currently live in an apartment on the third floor. Needless to say even with mild temperatures it has been quite warm. I have found myself grateful for the car's air conditioning and its ability to get us where we need to go. We love our car and I find sometimes I take our vehicle for granted, but I am quite grateful for it day in and day out. What are you grateful for this week? Please share below!
Lately I have been doing the Yoga with Adriene 30 Day Challenge, titled Dedicate. One phrase she often uses is to find space within the form. She means it in a way as to find a way to make the movement feel like you, feel good and nourishing to you in a way that is unique. I feel though that this phrase applies to more than just yoga. In my life, I find freedom within the schedule. If you have been reading my blog, you probably have noticed that I enjoy books about habit, and self-improvement. I believe John Dryden's statement "we first make our habits, then our habits make us." I find being intentional about habit creation pays off tenfold down the road. In my life, I find freedom in the schedule. To be completely transparent, part of the reason I feel like I am floundering with this move is a lack of a schedule. I love a routine and a rhythm. I find having a routine to be life giving rather than draining. I love knowing that things will function well. I love trusting that things will keep on keeping on. I find habits and a schedule to be the best way to do that. I love the freedom I get from the structure. I know partially this is because we as humans are overwhelmed by decision fatigue and a routine takes the stress and fatigue away in a way that is life giving. Some habits I have cultivated include meditation, keeping a journal, having a schedule for laundry and cleaning, exercise, yoga, drinking hot lemon water and reading. I am loving Shauna Niequist's devotional because it is a short snippet for me to read daily that gives me something to think about as I go on with my day. My personal theme for this year is going to be to curate my life. I am someone who wants more and wants to do all things and be all things (hello ego), but I have noticed that I cannot. I am using this year as a training ground to do less of the things I think I should do and more of the things I enjoy. In reality this will come into play the most with food and books. I plan on cooking things I actually think I will enjoy and skipping things I think I should like or eat because they are "healthy". I also will be doing the same with my reading life. I plan to abandon books I do not enjoy and read more that I love with no guilt or strings attached. I think in a way having structure and having less makes what is a part of my life of greater value and feel like more. I can then through my structure use my energy towards creating new habits or making the important decisions with all my mental faculties intact, without being overwhelmed by the daily tasks of my life. Where are spaces you find structure useful? What habits have you developed that are life giving?
I love to cook. I find the chopping and cutting methodical. I am finding my ability to identify flavors and create tastes is becoming more and more natural. I find there is peace in the steps, gathering, chopping, cooking, and eating. The entire process calms me and thrills me at the same time. I love everything about it. I love that it is a way to care for others, I love that it is a way to care for myself. I love trying out the new and experiencing all the world has to offer in terms of flavors and dishes. I love that food never gets boring. I find peace in sitting around the table talking and enjoying together. There is a magic to it for sure. I found this is one of the places I do not feel I have to try, I do not have to stress (in most cases, if I am attempting to deep fry something you may want to steer clear of that situation). I find my zen in the creation. As I have continued to cook, I have started to trust myself, to trust my instincts and to learn that I know what I am doing when it comes to cooking. I actually can alter recipes to make them more enjoyable and to ensure I will have a better chance to like them. I love documenting my permutations and new creations. I have always loved cooking, but I did not always take the time for it. Before we moved to Iowa, most of the time my husband and I ate food that was takeout. When we moved, I used that as the impetus for change, and decided we would only eat out once per week and everything else we consumed I would make or would come from a grocery store. I am not yet the most fabulous cook and I still buy store bought mayonnaise and bagels for their convenience. I think it is interesting how a new setting can be the impetus for change. When you experience a big change in life it is easier to change the small things, no habits are yet it place. There is nothing that needs to be broken in order to be replaced. As we have moved to a new place, as we start again there are no habits, we have not even found our go to grocery store. We are starting from scratch both in our food and in our life. As time goes by our habits change, my husband and I have been in a season of eating out more. The reality is though the life giving act of cooking is not something I can now forget. I realize what it is to cook and the joy that brings is not trivial, but rather is vital to me feeling like myself. Again we start over and find our path to cooking from scratch. There is something magical about taking nothing and turning it into something. Starting with a bunch of diverse ingredients and melding them into one, still distinct but part of something greater. Cooking from scratch can really be seen as what we do with life. We connect the dots through our existence. We start somewhere and make connections, strengthen them or break them over time. We start with what seems like nothing and turn it into something. At the beginning there is a daunting nature of trying to find our way. To create in a space where we don't know the rules, where we wonder where to start and fear mistakes. The reality is until we try we won't know the rules, each attempt makes us better, each attempt is an opportunity to learn. We can start again and try again. Each go gives us a chance for something new, a chance to create. In the kitchen I now attempt things that are daunting, for the sheer fact that the task will be daunting. I take up challenges, I try difficult things. There are still days where things do not turn out as I want them to, or where something I thought I liked, I no longer do. I evolve and change and grow and my tastes do as well. While the beginning things always appear scary, I would encourage you to just start. It does not have to be cooking, but take stock of the surroundings and make a step. You can usually backtrack if you need to and if not, you can adjust the product. We sometimes feel like our lives are so static that we must stay where we are for fear of change. Change is coming whether we want it to or not, each step gives us a bit of confidence, a chance to move to try again. So start where you are, take one step and see where it leads
I have become someone who simplifies breakfast. I will occasionally make something new and exciting, but for now my breakfast is typically cereal. I prefer to not have to think when it comes to breakfast. I am looking for something that tastes good, will keep me full for a while and that energizes me. When breakfast comes around and I am looking at other people's recipes the ones I keep tend to be few and far between. I test out quite a lot but am usually disappointed with the results. I am picky when it comes to breakfast and I am also quite hungry at breakfast time, typically I have exercised beforehand and am ready for some food I enjoy both savory and sweet breakfasts, and I expect my breakfasts to stand the test of time. I want them to be recipes I enjoy again and again. The first standout is Quinoa Breakfast Eggs. I have found this recipe to be quite filling which is surprising based on the size of the portion. I also have served it to others who have also enjoyed it. I appreciate the variety in texture and taste. This breakfast is well seasoned and one I return to again and again. Also if you make the quinoa the night before this is a quick breakfast option. The second make ahead meal I love to make are No-Bake Almond Granola Bars. I like these because you can make them ahead of time, they feel decadent, but still have some nuts to keep you full. The one suggestion I would make is use regular oats rather than quick oats, the texture is chewier that way and I prefer that. Along similar lines, another breakfast I love to make are Healthy Homemade PB Energy Bars. This is one recipe my husband disagrees with me, basically because he does not like coconut and I do. These can be made the night before and I have also served them to people, who aren't my husband and these were devoured quite quickly. Another recipe I love are popovers, these are not necessarily quick, but I thoroughly enjoy them and they are a nice decadent treat. Growing up we ate at Jordan Pond House, for tea once each summer and these were a staple. After learning to make them at home, you will never want to go elsewhere. I typically serve these with butter and strawberry jam, but any kind will do. These CANNOT be made ahead, you want to eat them warm almost right out of the oven. My final addition is a recent favorite. On Christmas I typically test out new recipes. I loved this Twisted Sticky Caramel-Pecan Roll. Two notes, one soften cream cheese way ahead of time, second the recipe repeats ingredients so disregard the second half. I used my go to pizza dough recipe the night before and then made it in the morning. I enjoyed it. Only time will tell if this lasts the test of time, but it tasted like a delicious cinnamon bun that had been slightly flattened. What are your go-to breakfasts? Any suggestions of recipes to try?
This month I had a bit better luck than last month. I found two books I thoroughly enjoyed.
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
This book was right up my alley and had been on my to be read list for a bit. I decided to listen to it on audio and honestly I appreciated the content. This book deals with grief and coping with loss and finding resilience after tragedy, but I love how it was written with practical information and narrative stories. I also found it to be hopeful. This book is not for everyone, but I really am fascinated by books about grief as you know.
Book Rating: 5/5 The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
I honestly did not anticipate enjoying this book. This book is a fairytale adjacent book, which seems to be a theme I am encountering quite a lot in my reading lately. I will at some point do a roundup of all of the ones I have read to be together in one specific spot. This book describes the story of Alice as she is set upon an adventure which forces her to learn about her past and her grandmother who is the author of a slightly dark book of fairytales. This book would be described as a fantasy novel, and I thought it would be scary, but found it instead to be completely enjoyable. I listened to this on audio and it was narrated by the same voice actor who narrated The Lunar Chronicles. I really enjoyed her voice and that made this experience enjoyable as well.
Book Rating: 4/5 What have you been reading recently? Anything you want to share or think I would like please let me know down below. |
About MeI'm Sarah; a wife, traveler, foodie, and adventurer. Archives
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