I adore tiny homes, and know many people that actually live in them and are pretty content, as long as they have the outdoors/nature, or some body of water near by. Tiny homes are not for everyone, but it is becoming more popular as folks look towards downsizing. This one in particular
Sometimes we need reassurance that everything will be alright – or that it is going to be alright – and to lesson the anxiety we are all feeling during these difficult of days, I want to think about… The Calm Place Nine feel good movies Twenty books to read right now Funny movie quotes you might want to revisit Five at-home exercise you should do while social distancing This home sure to put a smile across your face Hang in there world – and give yourself time to adjust to this new way of living {featured image source}
Remaining positive is key to most any hardship we are faced with – says me ;). You can choose to think otherwise, but the only thing that we can’t be stripped of is thinking positive. So, as I continue to effort staying and spreading positivity, I share with you a few illustrations from a very talented arts which are on point…for anyone who’s ever felt this way or know those who do. {full illustration credit source} What are you doing to cope?
Haven’t had much of an appetite for anything these days, so it’s been really challenging finding a tasty meal to prep for the family. Except, when a burst of cravings happen – like the taste for potato and mushroom and cheese and the need for a hearty pizza. Now, although this recipe calls for making your own dough, I prefer ready made from Trader Joe dough, where I simply add all the ingredients that my heart desires at that moment and bake. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cups wild mushrooms, roughly torn 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 cloves garlic, smashed kosher salt and black pepper crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature 1/3 cup basil pesto 1 medium potato, very thinly sliced 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest 1 cup shredded fontina or Havarti cheese 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup fresh lemon micro basil or basil leaves {more} On another note – what’s on your mind lately? Do you want to talk about it?
In my efforts to remain positive, I find myself veering towards topics about lifestyle changes or if not for changes, then to learn to cope with all the things life has thrown in our direction. Do you believe self-reflection gives you a happier and a more successful life? If so, then here’s how you proceed. Consider tapping into your creative side, when feeling anxious during a period of isolation to effort a speedy recovery of any sort. How to recognize that you need a lifestyle change? Some helpful tips to consider while out and about during these worrying times – to completely adapt – even beyond today’s concerns. How to deal with anxiety in a nutshell – sheds some light on topics you may otherwise feel you cannot discuss with loved ones or friends for fear of being dismissed.
A Topic very difficult to avoid right now is the concern and fear over COVID-19, which is naturally on all of our minds . Even if we pretend a strong front, the worry about spreading the disease or contracting it, has become part of our daily routine, as we figure out ways to adapt to a new lifestyle. The only thing I want to ask, is that we don’t freak out, nor become obsessed, but rather do our part through legitimate sources online to help contain the spread of the virus. Not to say that I am downplaying the situation, but panic is the worst enemy in times of global threat or affliction. For the time being I keep my family engaged in much cooking, and alternative conversations to help distract – and finding interesting recipes to consider fits both of my efforts. INGREDIENTS 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 2″ pieces 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 1 head of Savoy cabbage 3 thick-cut bacon slices (about …
I watched a film last night – Poison Pen – and in it, someone mentioned how one can tell when they’ve landed in an artist’s home – which I am proud to say includes my detached studio apartment – in the San Francisco home I grew up in – all by the shear eclectic of it all. Kind of like this beauty: Do you ever watch a film by accident, and think it is actually pretty good even if its the cheesiest film you’ve seen in a while? That happened Sunday night – Poison Pen 2014 and not the classic film 1939 – is the story about a writer with writer’s block needing to fulfill a contractual obligation for not delivering a finish book three years overdue. The deal he would write a gossip column for a Celebrity trash magazine.
I had a slice of carrot cake at a restaurant, I swear was made with almond flour instead of the usual. I could taste it, and at first I had my reservations, but after bite three, I was hooked. It was a cross between Princess Cake and a whole lot of wonderful. But I must say, I still prefer my carrot cake and a princess one with their own traditional recipes: Carrot Cake Recipe 2 2/3 cups (319 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3/4 cup (160 grams) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) lightly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 4 large eggs, at room temperature 4 medium carrots, unpeeled and finely shredded (about 211 grams shredded) 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional) 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional) Cream cheese frosting: 1 cup (4 ounces/113 grams) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 2 sticks (8 ounces/226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 cups (1 pound/454 grams) confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon white vinegar 3 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream {more} Recipe …
A friend asked me what I’d be giving up for lent this year and I said – same as every year – meat. Which is what my family’s done for generations. But with that sacrifice, one must be creative in serving up mostly vegetarian dishes in a household addicted to meat. So, I went searching online for ideas and lucky for me and perhaps even for you this suggestion popped up – 117 vegetarian dinner ideas for a party – which could very well mean a party of one or two just as well 😉
I bought a book a while ago at a small boutique store in Burlingame, California titled Celebrating You, by M.H. Clark – which by the way is now on sale on Amazon. The book was published in 2012, with the most lovable illustrations by Jill Labieniec . At the time I really needed someone to tell me that I was okay, that I was appreciated for all the things that I do, and that I am. But I didn’t know that I needed to hear it. It was when I found the book in the store, and thumbed through the witty reminders on each page, when I recognized the importance of being appreciated. The book, which helped me through the darkest of days and nights, now sits on the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, I use as my headboard, in my studio apartment. It is the closest to my reach, and each night I glance at the cover before turning in. Call me a funny-girl, but this little book is my beacon of hope. This year, I will …
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