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.
Pistachio Thumbprint Cookie
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.
Zara summer clutch
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.