I am a huge fan of The Kitchn’s Weekend Meditations, and recently came across this older one about labor/love in the kitchen. I love that the weekend affords a bit of extra time in the room I like to consider my home office. Dana Veldon writes,
There are myriad ways to express love and none is better than the other. Much depends on timing and personality and intention. But one of the most common and most powerful ways is though labor–or, to be more descriptive, through making an effort beyond one’s own self-concern.
And the kitchen is a perfect place for this labor of love to be expressed.
I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with recipes and mastered cooking for one in my earlier twenties, but nothing quite compares with cooking for other people. At the risk of sounding hippy dippy, I think we can taste the difference between a hurried meal (it might taste like a microwave or the inside of McDonald’s bag, for example) and careful, caring plate. You can taste the lurve.
A lifelong pastatarian vegetarian, I’ve recently taken to preparing meatarian consumables for Nick. Sometimes I get a wee bit grossed out, but I always feel good about being able put a finished dish on the table. And he hasn’t been poisoned yet, so that’s a good thing. For me, making a meal is the perfect way to wind down the day. I like the challenge, and the chance to put things together. I don’t make hot dogs, though. Ew.
Today was heavenly. I put on yoga pants (which are highly butt enhancing… I’ve heard actual yoga has a similar effect) and some old school Destiny’s Child and got to baking. I had chocolate covered Oreos to send to my high bidder in Diana’s Bake Sale for Haiti and once I got started, I had trouble stopping.
Chocolate-covered Tic-Tac-T'Oreos
Whole grain apple cinnamon muffins (Buddha approved)
The pink chocolate hearts might be a bit much..
Beyonce belting out “Emotions,” help for Haiti and lots of chocolate? Now that’s a recipe for a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Watch the Pro Bowl and DVR Emma (Part 2 of 3) on Masterpiece Theatre
- LOST begins on Tuesday and I need cake ideas. Anyone?
- Add Bubbe to my Google Reader
Can you taste love in your food? Or have I been drinking crazy water?
I pride myself on showering at least once daily. That’s all. Thanks for reading. Hope you have a great day. Since I don’t have a medicine cabinet for you to peruse, I thought I’d let you snoop through my shower.
Did somebody just say Snoop and shower cap? Photo: www.pursepage.com
I might still be a bit of a product junky, but I’ve made great strides in paring down my morning routine. In just over an hour, I somehow manage to take the dog out, shower, apply moisturizer and makeup, blow dry my hair, put on a not entirely awful outfit, feed the dog, make my lunch and take the dog out once more. And then I wake up Nick. 
Just kidding. Clark wakes him up as soon as he has the chance.
Here are the magical potions that make all that possible:
Let’s see… what have we here? Looks like someone ran out of their favorite shampoo, walked to CVS, came down with a mild case of amnesia, and bought the wrong kind. Whoops. I swear by Aveeno. They can do no wrong. Origins, too. The Clean Girls body wash was an impulse buy at Target, but I rather like it. Very moisturizing, super inexpensive, bonus points for the pump. As a sensitively skinned person (pardon my poor grammar, I was never skinned, sensitively or otherwise), I tend to shy aware from fragranced products, but neither the rooty-tooty-fresh-and-fruity shave gel nor Lush’s Ring of Roses (part of an awesome set from my parents) seem to bother me. Quite the opposite, really.
Surprise! A pesky bobby pin circling the drain. To know me, is to love me. And to love me, is to find a wake of bobby pins left in my path. Those little guys do wonders to tame my flyaways. But sometimes, they flyaway themselves.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who clearly was at a loss for what to write about today?
P.S. Don’t forget, bidding starts today (Wednesday) at The Chic Life’s Online Bake Sale for Haiti! Help Haiti, eat goodies.
Also On Tap for Today:
- 10 helpful websites you may not have bookmarked… yet.
- Run
- My package for Jessica finally reached her, but the naughty folks at customs opened it. I wonder if they snacked on the Ginger Snapz?
- Sign Clark up for Hollywood
Care to share your AM routine?
I think we’ve all be grappling with the unfathomable destruction and despair in Haiti. We’ve asked ourselves, what more can we do? Diana at The Chic Life might have the most tasty solution. She’s organized an amazing response, rallying bloggers to contribute baked goods for a virtual bake sale (which will yield very real goodies… and every single one of them worth it!) to support The American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti.
Though they’re not technically baked goods, I can guarantee that my dark chocolate covered Oreos will be just plain good.
They say a picture’s worth a thousand calories words, so here’s a recent batch of these delights. I promise not to go so nutty with the sprinkles (Christmas called for sprinkles galore). Unless you’re into that sort of thing.
There are all kinds of tasty treats to bid on (many of them vegan or gluten-free), and all proceeds provide help for Haiti. Bidding starts tomorrow (Wednesday 1/27) from 12:01 am till 11:59pm ET. Happy bidding and nibbling!
Also On Tap for Today:
- Do not eat the chocolate or the Oreos
I’ve been a bit of a Looney Tune this week with work, getting ready for our organization’s annual benefit evening. For weeks, I have not been benefitting from much sleep, nor have my friends and family been benefitting from my usual cheerful charm. But that’s over and I’m back and better than ever. Or at the very least, no worse than before.
This morning Nick and I packed up Clark and met my future sister-in-law (who is marrying my brother, who practices law…and I think he usually succeeds) at Castle Island. She brought her sister’s dog Quinn and we enjoyed a lovely, if not freezing, morning at the beach. Because I’ve been rather absent, and even more grumpy than absent, I thought I’d share a few of the week’s highlights.
- At the polls on Tuesday, a Boston Police officer serenaded me. And then two elementary school kids hugged and high-fived me. And then I got in my car and “Purple Rain” was playing. The day started off on an incredibly awesome note. (This was before the election results, obvi.)
- Having hard work pay off and seeing the proverbial fruits of my labor. Wo/Man, that feels good!
- Getting fresh air, and enjoying the ocean view with Clark and Quinn at Castle Island
- It’s ICLW again! I love the extra motivation to visit new or unfamiliar blogs. So many lovely people out there.
- I have a stack of books to read… and possibly even the time to read them!
- And I’m taking some time to stop and smell these gorgeous flowers on the coffee table
Life really is a beach. Pass me a fruity drink. Or a Diet Coke. I hope you’re all having a perfect Saturday.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Congratulations, Jessica!
- Do you think I could make it on Jersey Shore 2.0: Massholes?
- Laundry: The Never Ending Story
What were the highlights of your week? When was the last time you saw the ocean?
Remember when Jaime and I exchanged packages? Welp, somehow I tricked Jessica into playing along too! The idea was that there are some things we just can’t find on one side of the border or the other. And what could be more fun that a box of goodies arriving at your door? Jess writes www.dairyfreebetty.com and while her name might not be Betty, she is indeed “dairy free.” I had such a great time exploring the aisles of Boston, picking up dairy free treats to send her way.
I will wait to tell you what I sent, since Jess hasn’t received my package yet… It is most likely sitting on a custom officer’s desk right now, while they try and figure out how chocolate and peanut butter could weigh over thirty pounds. They might also be wondering why I claimed chocolate and peanut butter on the customs form, when my package contains neither (Did I throw you off, Jess? Muhaha…)? What can I say? It was cold. And my brain froze at the post office.
So, ladies and both of you gentlemen (I think my dad and Nick are the only men who read this heap of junk), care to see what arrived in South Boston this morning?
Wooooo! Canada!
Jess claims a kindergartner did the wrapping 
Thankfully (although I bet this would get us a TV show) Clark can't read, because I think he'd claim this package as his own.
Hmm.. maybe he does think is for him.
You said it, girl!
I couldn’t help but laugh at the similarities between our two packages! Let’s get to some of the goodies… sweets, sweets and more sweets, all topped with adorable handwritten notes. If I end up with a cavity, I’ll have no choice but to blame Canada. Jess included Canadian Smarties (just in time, I recently finished off the box Jaime sent me), which are nothing like American Smarties. This might require its own post.
Jess had asked if I drink coffee (I don’t… I heard it stunts your growth and I am still hoping to reach runway model height); I told her of my obsession with tea and she did not disappoint.
I might need to host my own (Boston) tea party
She must have seen me tweet or blogplain (I just invented that word, it means complain on my pathetic blog) about the frigid weather we’ve been enjoying over here. I pulled these wooly mittens out of the box and wondered, “Do Canadians only have three fingers?” Ahh… they must be for playing hockey! …I kid, I kid. These are so warm and perfect for early morning puppy walking.
Maple granules: Jessica recommended sprinkling these on oats or veggies. I can’t wait to try these! How cute is the Canadian flag on top of the tin? My sister will like these. She loves the word “granule.”
Jess’ puppy Lance sent a little package for Clark. Clark may have been a pig in a past life; he is obsessed with food. Can you tell?
Thanks, Lance!
Jessica clearly put so much thought into this package; I am having so much fun reading her little notes and checking out (read: nibbling on) everything. I am looking forward to listening to the CD she made me, putting that Lush bubble bar to good use, and sipping a hot cup of tea. Or three. You can count on more of her treats appearing On Tap for Today in the coming days! Thank you, Jess! You are too sweet. If any other Americans or Canadians want to join in the fun, let me know.
I’d be remiss in not commenting on today’s election. I am very disappointed in the results, but I’m reminded that those with tact have less to retract. So I will button my lip… after I quote Martha Coakley’s concession speech: “Sometimes it’s more important to travel hopefully, than to arrive.” Thank you, Martha. Best of luck to our new Sen. Brown. We still miss you, Ted.
Also On Tap for Today:
- I am a nerd for announcing this (and for other reasons, too), but Clark got promoted at puppy school!
- Keep on trucking, this crazy week will be over soon
- Holy blast from the past! It’s the Little House Cookbook!
Did you have a pen pal when you were younger? What treats do you wish you had in your local store?
..Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now.
I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
Those were the words Dr. Martin Luther King delivered, on the eve of his assassination at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, April 3, 1968. [For the full text of “I’ve Been Up to the Mountain Top,” click here. ]
A few more things I think are worth sharing:
- From The Boston Globe: When Martin met Coretta and King’s Legacy Recalled in Roxbury
- Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)”, inspired by Dr. King’s final speech:
Today marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and for most people it’s a day off from work. I am not one of those people, but going to work means I am spending his day just around the corner from Dr. King’s former home in Boston. If you are off today, you might consider making it a day on, as today is also a national Day of Service.
Dr. King lived at 397 Massachusetts Ave from 1952-1953, and later in an apartment on St. Botolph Street, while he was in graduate school at Boston University. Both places are, quite literally, around the corner from my office. While I’d heard incredible stories from some of my colleagues about Dr. King preaching in the area, I didn’t know he had lived on the very street I walk or drive each day.
397 Massachusetts Avenue (Google Maps)
I wonder about how much that street and our neighborhood and this city has changed since he was living in that boarding house on Mass Ave. And I thank him for influencing so many of those changes that are positive.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Please remember to vote in tomorrow’s historic special election, fellow Massachusettians (polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Badass treadmill workout
How are you spending your day? Who lived on your block?
I picked up Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual because I love food and I love rules. I also love manuals. I was not disappointed. Michael Pollan has written a number of celebrated books on the topic of food, including The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which was named one of the top ten books of the year by The New York Times and The Washington Post. Since I am more of a picky-vore than an omnivore, I suppose I am not afflicted by the dilemma… but I haven’t finished that book yet, so I can’t be sure.
...and the cover matches my ladybug kitchen timer (very important).
I did, however, start and finish Food Rules in just a night. It’s short and too the point, and the point is grounded in common sense. Remember The Rules? This is nothing like that (and that’s a good thing). Pollan’s rules can be collapsed into this:
Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.
I don’t want to spoil any more for those of you who haven’t read the book (and I presume there are copyright laws that prevent me from sharing all 64 rules), but I will share just a few:
- Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food
- Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce
- Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature
- Eat all the junk food you want, as long as you can cook it yourself
- Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it
And…
Now that’s a rule I can abide by.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Follow this lovely chart for eating seasonal food
- Take Clark for a walk around Castle Island (it might reach 50 degrees today!)
- Get my nails did
Have you read any good books or booklets lately?
I took the T to work this morning. When taking public transportation, I try to avoid appearing human, as I seemingly always get talked at by someone. I think I must look approachable, which is generally not a bad thing, but it has landed me in more than one awkward conversation.
Like that one about how the government is sending us signals via the Metro, a free daily paper distributed in T stations. I felt it best to nod agreeably. And to get off the train three stops early.
Anyway, so I pretend to be a robot and that’s worked quite well. Except that robots don’t laugh out loud at intercom announcements. I was transitioning from Red to Orange Lines with Roy G. Biv, when I heard this announcement:
The next Red Line train to Ashmont will be the high capacity train, Big Red.
I sort of laugh/cough/snorted because I immediately thought of Big Red from Bring It On tumbling down the train tracks. That didn’t seem plausible, so instead I wished I had some cinnamon gum so I could kiss a little longer. Longer with Big Red. But it was neither a bossy cheerleader nor a stick of gum. Big Red is a modified 1800’s streetcar with no seats, allowing more people than usual to fall on top of one another on the way to work.
Our friends at wikipedia say that Big Red’s been running for over a year. Clearly I don’t care about the environment and drive to work most days. And also, I don’t pay nearly enough attention to the news.
Look, Ma. No seats! (MBTA photo)
Taking public transportation to work is awesome. It’s cute. It’s popular to boot. And yes, I did just write about the T, a cheerleading movie, and chewing gum.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Help for Haiti (resources and events)
- We don’t have room for a garden, but aren’t these seed packets cute?
- Wonder why reality televised Bostonians make our city look so… awkward.
- Check the mail; Jessica and I are doing a cross-border exchange like the one Jaime set up in the fall
- 10 pts. to anyone who got the Short Circuit reference in today’s paper beer
How do you get from here to there? Any suggestions for avoiding unwelcome chit chat?
I resolved, just several days ago, to relax. The weekend seemed like a good time to get cracking on that resolution. Thanks in part to the makers of Robitussin Nighttime Cough, I had myself quite a nice, relaxing two days. I should also probably attribute some of the weekend zen to my newly enacted “no Blackberry on the nightstand” rule, which meant I couldn’t read a single work related email at 4 a.m.
I slept a little later than usual on Saturday and then took Clark to see his friends at Dewberry Dogs, so that he would smell less like a dog, and more like an old man. I don’t know much [about the cologne they mist him with], but I know I love it. Does anyone else have Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville singing a duet in their heads right now?
We spent the afternoon hanging out with my younger brother, who’s home on winter break. He and Clark looked like old pals just hanging out, watching football. I am pretty sure this is what “relaxing” looks like:
I also spent plenty of time reading, running, having brunch with Nick at Franklin Cafe and watching him play hockey, baking whole grain apple muffins and not cleaning (whoops). All in all, I would say Operation: Chill the Heck Out is off to a good start. As is Operation: Make Your Own Lunch, Instead of Spending $8 on a Wilted Lettuce Salad.
Speaking of starts, I came across this today. A great way to start each morning, don’t you think?
A PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE, H.H. The XIV Dalai Lama
“Every day, think as you wake up,
Today I am fortunate to have woken up,
I am alive; I have a precious human life.
I am not going to waste it,
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself.
To expand my heart out to others,
To achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings,
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others,
I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others,
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
That’s two Mondays in a row that I’ve dazzled you with inspiration (last week it was Wendell Berry). Stay tuned for my next post, where I promise to uninspire.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Clear my desk, permanently
- Another reason to relax: The State of The Union will not interrupt the LOST premiere (though I wouldn’t freak totally… isn’t the state of our Union, well… important?)
- Watch the Massachusetts Senate candidates’ final debate at 7 PM
How are your resolutions holding up?
I like to misuse corporate jargon whenever possible. I try to integrate phrases or buzz words like circle back, best practices, taking a 10,000 ft. view, and my most favorite, subvert the dominant paradigm, when least proper or sensible. If I were playing Buzzword Bingo against myself, I’d probably… always win.
Speaking of winning (even though the good guys lost), there was a BC v. Stinks to BU hockey game on Friday night. Unfortunately my older brother was sick, but fortunately, he offered us his tickets for the game. Thanks, Jimmy! Here’s the really cool (Awful pun? Intended!) part: the game was outdoors, at Fenway Park.
Frozen Fenway
And this, folks, is why I took a layered approach:
I bundled up to the point of being smoking hot. And who knows, I may have even looked good. Layering up inside, with the heat on? Not the most comfortable plan.
- Layer 1: Unmentionables and a second application of antiperspirant. TMI? Sorry that I’m not sorry.
- Layer 2 and 2.5: Tank top. Long sleeved tee-shirt and leggings, topped with knee socks. This is more of a “don’t look” than a look.
- Layer 3: Super Fan tee-shirt (obvi), jeans, very warm socks (Thanks, Santa!)… and a look of slight discomfort.
- Layer 4: Sweater or fleece. And a quick respite in front of the fan.
- Final layer: Jacket, mittens, my Harry Potter Boston College scarf and my Hunter wellies. Plus feelings of dizziness and disorientation.
That's the hood to my Fenway Parka... get it?
I packed a few snacks and a bottle of water (which, surprisingly, was not promptly confiscated at the Park), my digicam, an extra pair of gloves, a winter hat and–most importantly–my winning attitude. Off we went to Fenway to watch the boys in maroon and gold play ball. With a hockey puck.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Finish my latest beauty review for Yahoo! Shine
- Summit Mount Saint Laundry
What’s your favorite corporate buzz word? Please misuse it in a sentence.
