There’s a train leaving nightly called, “When all is said and done,” keep me in your heart for a while. — Warren Zevon
Showing Up. Why you need to stop cancelling and rescheduling things. No, really. (This really resonated with me. Self-care is not bailing on plans. Self-care is not taking on too many commitments in the first place.)
Casually Gorgeous. This MM. LaFleur Walker Top and I are going to be besties.
Tired? The unexpected side-effects of getting four hours of sleep.
Discounted. 30% off at J.Crew. This leopard shirt and this knit sheath caught my eye.
Stay Chill. Why Kyle and I will never agree on a thermostat setting.
Belted. Wear this looped belt and this skinny interlocked belt with sheath dresses.
Block It Out. How time-blocking can improve productivity and keep your day sane.
Homebodies. I adore H&M Home, esp. this marble tray and this delicate photo frame.
Talk It Up. Dating, without texting. What a novel concept.
Eyes on Me. I’ve heard this Marine Layer eye gel is the best. Buying it on pay day.
Up in the Air. Hitha shares her in-flight skincare routine, and I’m obsessed.
The holidays are closer than you think. So let’s talk about party snacks and potlucks.
When I’m asked to bring something to a holiday party, my goal is always to find a recipe that looks more complex than it is. I want the host to think that I really made an effort for their soiree, even if I didn’t.
These Gougeres (fancy cheese puffs) are the perfect example. Once you master the choux dough, they’re a breeze, and you can make dozens for less than $15 dollars. I also like these crab salad cups and these spicy tuna bites.
So what do you ladies take to holiday gatherings?
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Oooh I wonder what the regional differences are to what we bring!
Here in Hawaii we bring entire rice cookers full of rice, fried noodles/fried rice, POKE!!!, manapuas, chicken katsu, chili, kalbi, and fried chicken as go-to’s. Every party must have copious amounts of rice. LOL. I guess it’s not specific to any seasonal holiday. Our friendsgiving last year looked a lot like that, but also with a turkey.
That sounds HEAVENLY.
As a baker, I usually bake something!
A good pull-apart cheddar mustard beer bread for something savory, maybe? https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/02/cheddar-beer-and-mustard-pull-apart-bread/#more-8145
If it’s something sweet we’re after, maybe a pretty braid of apple or lemon?
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/cinnamon-apple-twist-bread-recipe
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/braided-lemon-bread-recipe
Perhaps these are not easier than they look, but bread is still mysterious to a lot of people and so it’s something special that you can’t just go out and buy. And I’ve never heard so many people call a bread “pretty” as when they’re eating that lemon braid.
Super simple, but I get a baguette, cut it into slices and top it with goat cheese, honey, walnuts and fresh rosemary. Heat it in the oven for a few minutes and it’s the perfect appetizer!
my artichoke dip which always gets eaten asap-
1 can artichoke, chopped roughly
1 cup mayo
1 bag mozzarella
1 bag parm
garlic and/or garlic salt to taste
mix together, spread in dish, liberally apply paprika to top
bake for 20 min at 350
serve with sliced baguette or cracker of choice
SO EASY and the only time I use bagged cheese but its always a huge hit