What I'm loving this month
A few things inspiring me lately that just might inspire you too!
If this were a food blog, I’d provide an interesting anecdote leading up to the recipe. Since it’s not, let’s get right down to the meat and potatoes of what I’m dabbling in and loving this month.
(Recommendations aren’t sponsored, just awesome.)
LEARNING: The kids go to an International School and I am so grateful for all of the support and activities they have, not only for the kids, but also for parents! A few weeks ago I took a parent-led linocut workshop and I enjoyed it so much I want to keep exploring this form of printmaking and learn even more!
I found Anna Hermsdorf on Instagram and love all the free resources she provides for newbies like me. I also plan to take her online course.
My drawing, linocut and print of a “phin,” a Vietnamese coffee maker, inspired by our recent trip to Vietnam. LISTENING TO Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Julia interviews older women who are wiser than her (and me) to chat about meaningful life experiences and advice.
For my true-crime lovers, I’m also listening to The Girlfriends. What happens when a group of women get together to dish about their ex and realize something sinister might be going on.
MAKING comfort recipes like these Cinnamon Crunch Knots by Half Baked Harvest. We’ve been doing a lot of travel and my picky boys have really pushed themselves out of their comfort zone in many ways, including dining. I like to reward them with some familiar sweet treats and family meals. Plus with missing fall (we have no seasons here in Malaysia), it’s nice to pretend we are snuggling into cozy season. Pairs well with hot chocolate and Harry Potter.
READING Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll. A psychological suspense that puts the spotlight on victims, survivors and family rather than focusing on, and romanticizing, the serial killer. A blend of true crime events and fictional protagonists.
Also, listening to the audiobook Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, by comedian Maria Bamford. It’s a humorous yet honest look at mental illness, recovery and show business.WEARING the Hill House Home Nap Dress. This dress has a cult following -#napdressnation - which is how I stumbled across it and promptly ordered 2 (they ship internationally, yay!). They’re comfortable, cool, and make me feel a little put together.
STRUGGLING WITH, but not giving up on, keeping a family meal journal. This isn’t a meal plan, it’s really just a record of where we eat and/or what we eat for dinner. I got the idea from Jenny Rosenstrach of Dinner a Love Story and thought it was an interesting form of memory keeping. I was going strong for two months, but am a couple weeks behind now. Rather than stress about the missing days and give up, I’m just going to continue on from today as best I can.
Which leads me to…WHAT I’M ORDERING: The Hobonichi 5-Year Techo journal. On the left of each page is the Month and Date for all 5 years (beginning in 2024) and on the right is a plain graph paper page. Wouldn’t it be neat to look back and know what you ate/did/were thankful for on a specific day across 5 years? I think so!
Okay, so there were a few anecdotes in there after all. Something you think I’d love? Let me know in the comments.