Life

Getting Back on Track

Moroccan salmon and quinoa, Feasting at Home

 

sources left-right, top-bottom//Sarah Glover, Feasting at Home, A House in the Hills, My New Roots

My husband and I dramatically cut back on eating out, which is good for our wallets and bellies, but allergy season hit me like a brick and with frequent headaches and itchy eyes I’ve felt a little unmotivated to cook every night. It’s resulted in some poor dietary choices that I’m ready to kick to the curb so I’ll be trying out these incredible looking dishes soon. I approach dinner with an unfussy attitude, and recipes that are flavorful and distinct without masking the natural quality of the main ingredients are always what we’re in the mood for. These sound just right.

green gnocchi | Moroccan salmon and quinoa | roasted veggie rainbow bowl | chickpea tortilla nachos

Life

The Little Things

Good Bones | The Little Things

Good Bones // The Little ThingsGood Bones // The Little ThingsGood Bones // The Little ThingsGood Bones // The Little Things

Since we’re headed into a very busy time for us (unfortunately owning a retail business means it can be hard to slow down and reflect) it was nice to have a quiet weekend and enjoy a few small but meaningful pick-me-ups. I’m not sure why, but the first few days of the week felt long and draining. Before it ended I stopped by my alma mater to check out the student/faculty pottery sale they have every semester (the deals are so good). Sometimes I have moments of panic thinking I’ve missed the sale–that’s how much I look forward to it. The thought of finding the perfect treasure unique from what I already have is thrilling. Strolling around campus, particularly the historic parts, is something I miss, so I like having a good reason to go.

We went out with friends Friday night and I felt a carefree joy I haven’t felt in a long time. It made me grateful for friendships old and new, people I am free to be myself with.

I was able to set aside some time before tackling my to-do list over the weekend to linger in bed, drinking tea and reading (more on that soon), which I’m very thankful for. I baked cookies (twice in one week, oops) and delivered them to my husband at the store. It’s so rewarding to be able to brighten his day with something like that, those little things. Sometimes you don’t realize how important they are. I look forward to the moments I can show David he is on my mind and cared for.

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is a few days away. This will be the first year we’ve done a blended celebration with our families. I’m making the best chocolate cake and a sweet potato casserole that’s practically a dessert by itself. I certainly won’t mind ditching all my food rules for the day (who am I kidding, I do that all the time). I have really fond memories of Thanksgiving from childhood, especially of my mom’s cooking. I feel like it’s one of those things that only gets better with time. Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

I’m hoping we’ll have time and energy to find a Christmas tree over the weekend. Our living room is tiny and we always have to shuffle things around, but it’s completely worth it. I’m so looking forward to Advent. The past year has been especially difficult as we’ve struggled in different ways to recover from tremendous loss and betrayal. I’ve nursed a spirit of sorrow, distrust, and anger, which I know is not only a reflection of circumstances but also a reflection of my unbelief–my unwillingness to trust that God’s promises, his love, grace, and mercy, are sufficient and extend to me too. Of course there have been times when I’ve wished for a less painful way to grow in likeness to Christ, but what better way to rejoice, even in our suffering, than to prepare our hearts with gladness and thanksgiving for the coming of our King, without whom we have no hope.

Life

From the Weekend

Good Bones // From the Weekend

Good Bones // From the WeekendGood Bones // From the WeekendGood Bones // From the Weekend

After our plan to go to the drive-in on Saturday got ruined by impending rain, I was happy we could keep our date to listen to jazz at the Common with friends on Sunday (which I sadly have no pictures of). The weather was perfect and the light breeze made me so excited for fall temperatures and festivals. People like to complain about this city, but it has so much to offer. We drank wine, ate dessert (there really is nothing better than cobbler made with southern peaches), talked and had a wonderful time. I’m so glad to have such fine folks in our lives. We’ll definitely have to make it back for the last few Sundays of Candlelight Jazz.

Life

Weekend Update

Good Bones // Weekend Update

David and my sister have tried convincing me to start a blog for years, and now that I’ve built up the courage to get one, all I can think of posting is “here is a list of things I did recently.” I’m hesitant to share what I’m thinking, things I’m struggling with, ideas I’m mulling over, or things I’m moved and inspired by. All that requires giving something of myself, and that’s a very vulnerable position to willingly put myself in. I guess it all comes with time, and I should give myself grace. I’m not sure what my vision is for this blog, but I’m still very interested in documenting my life for the sake of reflection, understanding, and appreciation. Sometimes it takes a second look to realize what you’ve got is worthwhile.

We spent very little time at home this past weekend and I loved every minute of it. On Friday I had drinks at a favorite local restaurant with my friend Stephanie. It’s unfortunate how little I get to see her so I was thankful for the opportunity to catch up. Saturday David and I spent our day with the most generous and kind friends, enjoying the boat races on the beautiful Savannah River. I feel so blessed to know them. I always leave their parties happy and feeling like part of the family. Sunday we had coffee together before church, and afterwards picked some figs from a tree nearby (I see plenty of fig and goat cheese salad in our future) and took a trip to the antique store. We cleaned the house, I went for a run and baked our favorite cake (I omit the stevia and use maple syrup instead), and in the evening our friend came over to watch Spirited Away, which we haven’t seen in far too long. Side note: Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be able to audit his Philosophy of Religion class at the local university and I couldn’t be more excited. I desperately miss that kind of learning environment.

I’m very glad David and I have been socializing more, getting out of our isolated bubble, but it does have a tendency to leave me feeling drained if I’m not careful. I enjoy being social very much–need it, even–but as an introvert I require so much time to recharge. I’m looking forward to the quiet week ahead.

Here are a few photos from the weekend. One day I’ll use my real cameras, I swear. It’s hard to resist the convenience of the iPhone.

Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update Good Bones // Weekend Update

Instagram

  • These lilac pillow slips were my last purchase of 2019 before starting 6 months (at least) of no spending (wardrobe + household decor). I hope to better understand my spending patterns/triggers and find healthier, less expensive ways to manage negative emotions. Committing to it wasn’t easy which makes me all the more glad I did. Thank you to @insearchofcozy_ for being my inspiration and giving me the push I needed to start!
  • Last weekend I popped into a couple of my favorite Cincinnati shops, including @fernshopcincinnati where some of my original collages are for sale amongst stunning plants and the best ceramics. If you’re in the area, stop by and see Megan’s gorgeous shop for yourself! She’s been a supporter of my work for years and I’m so grateful. Also grateful that my little sister moved to Cincinnati for college almost 14 years ago and never left so I get to keep visiting 🤗🤎✨
  • Had a slow, ordinary, wonderful, much needed vacation where I barely took any photos. Missing family but happy to be home ✨
  • A few days after Apollo died, I opened a package from @charlotteswans and inside was a portrait she had drawn of him. Immediately I began sobbing, missing my sweet boy, but also so grateful to see his face which she captured perfectly and beautifully. My husband and I got it framed as our Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a gift we will always cherish. Thank you, my dear Charlotte.
  • Yesterday I posted this photo in stories but deleted it shortly after because I was embarrassed. I look angry but in truth this is my face at rest, albeit tired. Most days I look at my post-menopausal face and body and don’t recognize them, but in this moment the anger, sadness, and loathing I normally experience (which is a complicated topic) was more subdued. I liked the picture so I’m not sure I know how to articulate why posting it felt so unacceptable. Here it is again, acting as a reminder to just post the damn thing. Lately the need to be more open about menopause, something I’ve shared with very, very few people, is one I’ve felt strongly. I don’t know exactly what that looks like in such a public space, but I think it’s worth exploring.

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