Happy Sunday, friends! If you’re like me, you may be losing track of what day it is. Ha. So let this serve as your random reminder that it’s Sunday. So if you can, slow down, do some self care, and practice gratitude for mental health. Those are my usual weekend goals. And here are 10 random things I’m loving lately.
This photo is a batch of mango and lime lamingtons I made from Benjamina Ebuehi’s cookbook, The New Way to Cake. Delightful!
Have you completed your “summer bucket list” yet? I still have a few things I need to hurry up and do. But a couple weekends ago I crossed one off because I had a painting party with my mom and my niece. It was SO fun! I need to have more painting parties with friends.
I recently finished The Starless Sea (loved it!) and am currently reading Someone We Know and really enjoying it. I don’t read thrillers enough, so it’s fun to try and guess who the murderer is.
Lately, I have been really happy with my skin. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s my age, but I have a suspicion it’s because I have been really consistent about washing and then using this simple toner before bed. I wish I had known about toner in high school … or college.
Trying to pay attention to time zones and be a total fan girl stalker to snag some Heidi Kenney Halloween mugs this season. They go fast when she has a launch, so cross your fingers for me. And if it’s too soon for Halloween merch for you, I get it, but agree to disagree. 🙂
Next weekend’s baking project: these graham cracker snickerdoodles look so good!
Does anyone else use the app Duolingo? It’s not new, I am just new to it. I’ve been brushing up on Spanish vocabulary for the last couple months and I love how it teaches in a way that feels like a game.
Been shaking up a sidecar most often lately, but as soon as autumn is in full swing I’m gonna transition over to negronis.
And in case you missed my life update as of late, my beloved best doggie friend, Lovers, passed away on August 19. I’ve been very, well, sad since and I’ve had a hard time focusing on work or other life things. It’s been a crappy couple of weeks. BUT thank you x100 to everyone who sent me a card, flowers, a comment on social media, etc. It truly does mean the world to me, so thank you. -Emma
Tired the Sidecar recipe and it was fantastic!! Always looking for ways to use the various components of the liquor cabinet. Great use of a Cognac and orange liquor. Thanks!!!
Love all the links, thanks for sharing!!
-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/
I was also late to the world of Duolingo (Spanish and French), but I found it kind of disappointing. It was fun at first, but I didn’t feel like I was actually learning anything. Je suis une cheval…over and over. My brother is something of a polyglot and has found that watching Peppa Pig dubbed into his language of choice has been helpful (and “Konglong” is “dinosaur” in Mandarin Chinese).
That’s interesting! I’ve been thinking of watching things dubbed in Spanish to help me learn too. Good to know that’s something that works for your brother. I’ve been listening to a familiar book (Harry Potter) in Spanish and I can’t tell yet if it’s a help at all… just something random I was trying.
I’d love to know your thoughts on that cake cookbook! And I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one like Lovers (great name) is nothing but absolutely devastating and it takes TIME, oh so much time, to feel “over it”. So take your time 🙂
I think I’ve only made 3 recipes from the book so far but they have all been great. All sort of interesting flavor takes on classics, and mostly simple (not like 5 layer cakes or overly complicated things) so it’s pretty fun.
And thanks. Yes, I am OK to sit with grief for some time. I don’t think it will be a constant companion but I do think it’s the mark that love leaves, sadly. It’s painful with so many small reminders of him but I also take a minute when those things pop up to feel gratitude for all the time I had with my dog. I am SO thankful I had him in my life, it’s worth the grief I feel now. But still painful and I let those feelings be as they are valid and part of the process of loving and living.
I’ve been into thrillers more lately too. Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent and a lot of Greer Hendricks books have been some great reads. Adding your suggestions here to my list!
Thanks for the recs! I am into it lately (and mysteries, they are similar and kind of blur the line between sometimes) so I’ll have to check these out.
A sidecar is my signature cocktail! I haven’t had one since Covid 🙁 but maybe I’ll get around to stocking up on the necessary ingredients…
Do it! It’s such a good one, I can totally understand why it’s your signature. 🙂
Sorry about your fur baby. So sad. Hugs. Love the book recommendations. Have you tried using goodreads to track your reading?
Yes, I have an account. I will go periods where I forget to update it, but then remember and get back on. I’m not great at keeping up with too many things but I do love that site / community.
I use duolingo and it’s so helpful for my german! And I’m also trying to take italian too 😉
xx
eli | Curly Style