Hello friends! In New York City, after a weekend of an almost endless torrential downpour, we finally have blue skies with bright green trees again. My last post was about the lovely world of Avonlea and how our world has lost some of its beauty. Which means it was very serious. So I figured a change in tone was needed. I want to bring back some joy. So here’s a silly little post on some things I’ve been loving lately.
Related Post: quotes I’ve loved for the past year
Things I’ve been Loving
01// Costco blanket
This sounds insane, but this blanket is incredible and honestly, a tad life changing. Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but every night I thank God for the coziness of this blanket. My mom actually got the king-sized green version of this blanket, and I kept finding reasons to curl up in it. Then I just bought it because I knew myself. If I didn’t get it, I’d find a way to steal it from my mom. My version is the blue one but it’s a queen size. That’s my only singular regret. I just wish I got the bigger version to swallow me whole, but it’s absolutely incredible.
If you buy it, you won’t regret it. Although it is probably too warm for summer, it is perfect for fall and winter.
02// In This House of Brede
I don’t usually recommend books unless I’m writing a book specific post, but this book is so so good. It’s about this group of women at a monastery and their journeys as nuns. The reason I love it so much is that it introduces you to the world of the monastery of Brede through the perspective of many of the women AT THE SAME TIME. I can’t explain but Rumer Godden found a way to have three different conversations and moments happen simultaneously without it being confusing. I just adore it, and definitely will be writing about it more soon. But for now, I’ll leave you with a quote.
“We have chosen a stillness more powerful than all activity. A detachment more fulfilling than all possession. A wisdom exceeding all knowledge. And a love beyond all.”
03// Requesting books from the library
I don’t know why it took me forever to figure out that you can request specific books from the library. I do think a big part of the library is the experience of browsing and finding a new read that you weren’t expecting. But it’s honestly so exciting to request books and be so excited to get in hand.
Currently, I’m in a little bit of a reading slump. I think reading In This House of Brede and Birmingham Revolution were both really good books back to back, and I don’t think I’ll have a good reading experience soon. I need some new recommendations. The book I’m most excited to read next is Mitford #6. Hoping to start reading The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr soon.
04// watching How I Met Your Father with a friend
I watched the original show on my own, but finding a friend who also loved the show I did made watching the spinoff so much more fun. We’ve made a weekly event and it’s lovely. It’s our weekly catchup and I’m honestly convinced we could write a proper script if either of us had time. If you need ideas of something to do with a friend, maybe try watching a friend!
Related Post: Candle-lit cozy girl chat
05// Salad
In college, there was a place that everyone loved called Roots. I was obsessed with their Mayweather bowl. During my college summers, I tried and failed to try and recreate the bowl, but recently, I recreated the bowl. I will share my recipe with you. The key is the dressing!!!!
My recipe
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Beets
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Cheese of your choice (I just used what I had)
- Avocado
- Red cabbage
- Pesto vinaigrette:
- Pesto
- Olive oil
- Lemon
This is not completely similar to the original. The original uses kale and bulgur and adds tahini dressing on top, but I promise that the dressing makes it taste like the original.
06// Stash’s Breakfast in Paris tea
Another college fav! I used to be an all around English Breakfast girlie, but Earl Grey has been wooing me. This one in particular has lavender and vanilla, which makes it absolutely incredible. I love having it in the morning! I’d love to know if you have tried any similar tasting tea. I know that Harney and Sons has their Victorian London Fog, which sounds similar. I love this tea so much that I will be buying their loose leaf version.
07// My aunt’s sense of style
Recently my aunt came to visit before she and my mother (is that correct grammar?) left for Paris. But she brought me a lovely brown blazer and a cute backpack. The dark brown blazer is oversized, so I’m curious how I’ll wear it this summer. But the backpack is black with gray accents and it’s very stylish. Not at all a school backpack. I’m sure I’ll post them out and about!
08// Music
Currently I’m listening to my Paramore playlist. It’s just all the songs that I know. Which is most of their discography. And it hits so hard! Definitely my favorite band. Loved them since I was 9.
Also, I spent this weekend obsessed with Abbie Gamboa’s song window for glory to slide in. It’s so lovely about God and wanting more of his presence.
Related Post: books and songs of spring 2022
09// More food
Cheeze-its! Nothing except the original. No explanation necessary.
10// Rule of Life podcast
If you want a podcast that will take you deeper into spiritual practices, I recommend this one! The current season they’re on is all about fasting. And the second episode was absolutely fascinating. Season one was about sabbath and season two was about prayer. I will say this season is my favorite. Every episode has just made me excited for the next one!
And there you have it. These are the things I’ve been loving lately. Share what you have been loving lately down below!
Signing off,
Gigi
I’m interested in your podcast recommendation, but… — how do people find the time to listen to an hour and a half podcast??? Maybe this is something I’ll keep on standby, for those nights when I can’t sleep. My go-to has been audio Bible, but these look good.
I’m very ready for salad recipe mix-ups. I might dive into this.
Current personal favorites:
– riding my bike in the spring
– riding my bike to Zesto, a local ice cream spot
– reading an olde British mystery, The Solitary House (well, the setting is, anyway); not sure yet that I like it, but so far so good
– the excitement and enjoyment I had flying to and from a nephew’s wedding (who knew flying was fun?)
I definitely have way more time on my hands than most people, but you can listen while you drive, cook, or fold laundry. I love that you’re riding your bike. I hope it’s warm where you are! And congratulations to your nephew!
Update on The Solitary House: It’s much darker than I was expecting, and it gets gruesome in parts. I’m not recommending it. She is an avid fan of Charles Dickens, and based her book on his Bleak House (which I’ve never read).