Monday Musings, February 22

Good Morning, Sunshine!

During these dark winter months, it is all the more important that we make our own sunshine.

Once when my daughter was an infant, we were in a Michael’s Craft Store. I was in an aisle with another mother and daughter, though this other daughter seemed to be in her 20’s. I forgot exactly what they were looking at, but the mother called her daughter over by saying, ‘come look at this one, sweet face.’

That really stuck with me…just adding an endearing nickname or adjectve makes an ordinary comment one that also buoys the soul.

When her grandchildren were born, my mom gave each of them a nickname; Sweet Samantha, Kate the Great, Handsome Hayden, and Rocket Rob. These grandkids are now in their 20’s and mom still greets them with these endearing nicknames and addresses all mail to them with their nickname.

All this to say, our world has many rough edges right now. Just adding a few kind adjectives may help soften those edges for someone.

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What are your all-time favorite books? You know, those books that you really don’t want to ever end and that stay with you long after you’ve read the last page. Off the top of my head, I’d have to say; Cider House Rules by John Irving, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. A recent addition to my short list would be An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler. This last one is the ‘instant classic that I consider the first three to be, but is instead a quick, lovely read about economy in the kitchen and the joy of using food to do more than nourish our bodies.

If you are new to knitting or would like to be new to knitting, consider this comment as motivation to dive right in,

I wanted to say thank you for the Hand Knit Washcloth pattern. Over the last month I have taught myself to knit and then started working on this pattern. I thought it would be the perfect first pattern and it has been! It’s not complicated (but not boring either) uses basic skills (cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, casting off in pattern) and can be finished relatively quickly.  I’m still working on my first washcloth, I had to start aver a couple times because I kept adding stitches, but I figured out how, and have managed to avoid that this time around. I’m also knitting with a five year old and a six week old around so I only get to do a row or two at a time. Even so, I am really enjoying it and dreaming of stocking caps and maybe a sweater for next winter. 

Have you ever wondered how to make macarons? These delicate and tasty French treats were always on my ‘someday I want to make’ list, so when I noticed a class at our local gourmet food store, I signed up. I have used this basic French macaron recipe multiple times since and have found it very reliable.

Now that we are settling into the new year, it’s a great time to tackle those areas in your home that you find cluttered. This Declutter Challenge can be started at any time. Once you sign up, you will receive 6 weekly emails that help you dive into specific areas of your home. Each email has a ‘checklist’ with items commonly found in the area of the home that we will be tackling, in addition to tips to help you succeed in your decluttering.

If, like me, your freezer or fridge has an assortment of languishing cheese slices/wedges, use those bits and bobs to whip up a batch of Fromage Fort; an easy and delicious snack and appetizer.

I always giggle at the ‘National Days’; aren’t you curious how they come into being? Anyway, for what it’s worth, today is National Margarita Day! I guess someone figured that what we needed in the midst of winter was a sunny and bright cocktail to get us through to spring. It just so happens that my dad made The BEST Margarita, and I’ve shared that recipe here.

Even though every day is dog treat day in our house, tomorrow is actually the REAL, Legit National Dog Biscuit Day! These 3-Ingredient Dog Treats, these Pumpkin Dog Treats, or these Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats will make your fur babies very happy.

Well, my beautiful, charming and brilliant friends; I hope your day is wonderful and I look forward to catching up next week.

Hugs,

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!