This week was extra good due to Graham’s return. He was back in England for a few weeks but arrived in Brooklyn on Tuesday. :) He caught a little bug on the flight here, so we’ve had a low key week. Tonight we’re venturing out for burgers and then heading to BAM to see Hannibal Buress. He’s… Continue reading Sunday Night Lunch (Weekly Recap 2.8.15)
Words to live by: Betty Smith
Today’s quote is from one of my most favorite books, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I love this line from the 72 year old novel, and it still fits in very well with the resurgence of the desire for mindfulness and meditation in our daily lives that many of us are seeking… Continue reading Words to live by: Betty Smith
Polysyllabic Spree – January 2015
Back in the day I used to be very dedicated about posting my monthly reading recaps, which I call my “Polysyllabic Spree” in honor of Nick Hornby, who is the reigning champion of monthly reading recaps via his column in The Believer. I posted them religiously for years, but my last one was almost two… Continue reading Polysyllabic Spree – January 2015
On downsizing material possessions, and The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
“I have reached the stage now where luxury is not in fine possessions but in carefree possessions, and the greatest luxury of all would be the completely expendable.” – Nan Fairbrother, The House in the Country One major thing that traveling around the world with just a backpack for 8 months taught me was that… Continue reading On downsizing material possessions, and The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Bouquet of Red Flags by Taylor Mali
“A poem is the perfect place to celebrate imperfection and exult in the ways you fall short of being the person you want to be.” – Taylor Mali Bouquet of Red Flags is Taylor Mali’s third collection of poetry, and I bought it as soon as it came out at the end of last year.… Continue reading Bouquet of Red Flags by Taylor Mali
Sunday Night Lunch (Weekly Recap 2.1.15)
I made it back to New York on Wednesday, after the airlines decided that the world was not ending due to snow. I celebrated my return on Friday with a visit to Strand and a lovely 4 mile walk home across the Brooklyn Bridge. Without planning to, I somehow timed it perfectly so that I was… Continue reading Sunday Night Lunch (Weekly Recap 2.1.15)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
When I’m reading a book that will end up being one of my all time favorites, I usually realize that fact while I’m reading it. It’s not a realization that comes at the end, on the last page. It’s a magical feeling that exists while I’m reading every page. I call it magical because when everything I want in a… Continue reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Words to live by: Anne Frank
The Guardian posted 1o beautiful quotes from Diary of a Young Girl to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. I love the quotes they selected for the article, and thought I’d share one more – one of my favorites from her diary. To me, it’s a somber reminder to appreciate all the small wonderful things in our… Continue reading Words to live by: Anne Frank
Paris
Paris. Paris! Before I started planning my around the world trip, Paris was sitting on top of my very long list of european cities I desperately longed to visit. When I started planning my trip, I gave myself 3 to 5 days in each major city, but reserved 8 full days for Paris. I ended up getting a… Continue reading Paris
Sunday Night Lunch (Weekly Recap 1.25.15)
It’s another cold, snowy Sunday in Michigan. It’s snowing big fluffy flakes that slowly spin as they gently make their way to the ground – the kind of snow that looks so perfect it almost seems fake. I’m supposed to fly back to NYC tomorrow, and am watching the approaching East Coast winter storm with… Continue reading Sunday Night Lunch (Weekly Recap 1.25.15)
Dark-Chocolate Spelt Brownies
I have a confession. I like the taste of boxed mix brownies better than any homemade brownie I’ve ever eaten. Plain old milk or dark chocolate brownies out of a box, quickly mixed with water, oil and eggs and thrown into the oven. Easy and delicious. As a baker who loves making things fully from… Continue reading Dark-Chocolate Spelt Brownies
Words to live by: George Plimpton
Quote of the Week: George Plimpton. For more inspiration from George’s adventurous life, I highly recommend the book The Best of Plimpton and the documentary film, Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself on DVD.