This New Yorker cover (above) is too relevant for this week. I know that every single person in Toronto feels this way, but if the weather doesn’t change soon THAT’S IT. Not sure what “it” is, but I’m serious.

ADDICTED TO

Staring at the magnolia tree in the front yard.

BAKING

Granola scones. Love it when I can find something completely new to make.

COOKING

Tried this chicken marinade for grilled chicken on the BBQ because I don’t care if the temperature is 10 degrees, it is spring in my heart and I will grill.

CRAVING

My favourite panzanella salad. I can’t eat it when it’s this cold because it just feels wrong, but as soon as the weather turns this is getting eaten. The raw garlic in the dressing is so harsh and perfect. Whenever I make it for a party, 90% of people are alarmed at the taste and then slowly walk away from it but there’s always at least one person (other than me) that’s like, “Yep. This is the greatest thing I’ve ever eaten” and I will always make it because that person gets it. Live for your fans, not your critics. Is that a quote? It is now.

EATING

Okay, I thought I loved the lentils at Trader Joe’s but the $1.50 No Frills ones are spectacular. Oh, and the white bean dip from Burdock Brewery downtown was so good.

EXPERIENCING

You know when you part your hair in a new way and it gives you a headache? Lately every way I part my hair gives me that headache and I don’t know what to do about it. Can someone just tell me where my hair part is, please?

HATING

People are honking TOO MUCH. Have I already vented about this here? Someone should invent a device attached to your car that legally allows you a maximum of two honks PER DAY and then it no longer works for the rest of that day. Everyone is honk happy, I can’t stand it. This used to just be a problem I noticed in New York, but it’s rampant in Toronto now too. Even in the suburbs. And I’m sorry, but if you honk at someone and you’re within view of SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTER, you’re a loser, bud.

LEARNING

Did not realize that they (obviously) have some cherry blossoms in Kariya Park in Mississauga. They’re not as wonderful as say the ones at the Botanical Garden in New York, but I’ll take it. Especially since I don’t think I have the patience to make the journey to High Park to see those ones.

LOVING

The DQ cupcake. A perfect dessert.

SHOPPING

In my attempt to stop wearing leggings so much, I might get these trousers.

WATCHING

Nathan and I saw Deep Water in theatres and it really felt like a true 90s movie. Not as fun as an actual movie from the 90s, but the elements were there. Lord knows why Ben Kingsley and Aaron Eckhart wanted to be apart of it, but I guess times are tough for everyone?

WEARING

I made the decision to stop buying pre-ripped jeans last year because I really don’t care for how messy it looks. So say goodbye to my final pair.

WRITING

April Favourites can be read over here.

P.S. Why do I feel bad about what I said about the Kariya Park blossoms? They’re perfectly beautiful and I shouldn’t compare trees, it feels wrong. Okay, I won’t do that again.

You can read last week’s Spring Sundays Volume 7 here.

I’m never prepared for how much rain there is in April. The grass is growing so tall, I’m itching to mow it but I have to wait for a few consecutive dry days. What have I become? And why do I love it?

ADDICTED TO

Checking out cookbooks from the library and then photocopying the recipes I want to try. I came across Jennifer Emilson’s The Lemon Apron Cookbook and it’s got so many great recipe ideas. Some of the ones I’m going to make in the imminent future: pappardelle with fennel and italian sausage bolognese with ricotta, a cider sage gravy, italian sausage sourdough stuffing muffins and autumn sangria. I’ll always love a cookbook that’s organized by the seasons.

BAKING

Marla made me the incredible pistachio thumbprint cookies that are heaven on earth.

CELEBRATING

Arbour Day was Friday, why don’t we care about this holiday anymore? Did we ever? Can’t say ‘cause I really can’t remember. There definitely was this one teacher in elementary school who stressed how important a day it was and it’s just stuck around in my brain since then. I think because it’s so close to Earth Day - that must be why it gets no respect. Instead of planting a tree (which yes is a lot of work), I opted to mail plantable cards this year. Might make that the tradition. Need to bring back some respect for Arbour Day.

COOKING

Beef short ribs in a loaf pan for two? Nothing better.

CRAVING

A Dairy Queen cupcake. I found a location that does them, so it’s happening this week. I also really want to try the new menu at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery soon.

EATING

The at-home version of Earl’s hunan kung pao chicken with egg noodles (from their cookbook). It’s ridiculously easy to make.

EXPERIENCING

Sleeplessness. I refuse to use melatonin because it makes my dreams nightmares. I think I need to stop looking at my phone from maybe like 8pm onward, that might help?

HATING

The new Winners at Square One. First of all, the entrance makes no sense. The glass windows show you inside the store, but you have to walk all the way around to Uniqlo to enter. And once you’re inside, it’s wall-to-wall people. Sure, it just opened but it’s such a bad set up. Will never set foot in there again.

LOVING

Zara made a summer version of my wedding clutch and I love it.

MAKING

My own return address labels (finally!), which is kind of really big news. For years I’ve been ordering seasonal labels from Zazzle, but when I saw recently that one sheet of 12 labels now costs $15 (American!) I had to find another way. So I bought a pack of 600 labels from Avery for $30 and I will now print my own. I don’t know if you realize how huge this is. I. Can. Make. My. Own. Seasonal. Labels. OF ANYTHING I WANT. Trademarked things, personal photos or things that I create completely on Canva. Life might begin… now?

SHOPPING

I bought this clover glass bowl from Zara Home, which is perfect for spring/summer hosting. Do not sleep on Zara Home.

WATCHING

I’ve been watching so much baseball because there’s cable at my parent’s house and it might be too much baseball because it’s infiltrating my dreams almost every night. The other night I had a dream where Springer was explaining to the media (haha the media, not even me) that he’s listed his Toronto house for sale because he just wants a bigger house and nothing more. I woke up and felt relieved?? I don’t know what to do. Don’t say stop watching baseball. Clearly not the answer.

WEARING

New purse alert. This Zara bucket bag. It’s so bland, but perfect. I know we’re supposed to hate Zara (and I do in theory), but I’m a weak person when I want something new.

You can read last week’s Spring Sundays Volume 5 here.

Spring Sundays Vol. 8

Spring Sundays Vol. 6