A Friday Buffet
No. 008 How do you define vacation? Hint: There's no wrong answer.
Hello!
A peaceful, cloudy day over here as the warmth has briefly returned just in time for a rainy start to the weekend later. I don’t love these temperature swings as it throws my outfit plans all out of whack and that’s just a bit unfair, if you ask me. My preference for brisk returns on Sunday and I’m going to re-organize my sweaters in anticipation. Today is also Veteran’s Day so please take a moment to recognize the Veterans in your life. They have done so much for us all.
In other news, this is the eighth edition of this newsletter. Wow! I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you enjoy reading this each week. Eight weeks of chatting away about whatever strikes my fancy and adding in a handful of links to keep you engaged: that’s my formula! I hope it’s working. Please be sure to subscribe below if you haven’t already and do tell your friends. The more the merrier!
Is anyone else out there watching the new season of White Lotus on HBO? The second season premiered a couple weeks ago, episode three is coming up this Sunday night, and I honestly enjoy it more than almost any other show right now. Sure, the characters are nutty and the circumstances over-the-top, but that’s TV. And I adore the main theme music.
However, what has been getting my attention even more than the primary plot lines and superb music? The scenery! This season White Lotus is in Sicily and I have never wanted to book a flight faster. My goodness this place looks like a dream and going to Italy is top-of-mind in the Must-Happen-Someday category of my life.
But let’s be real: vacations to Italy don’t just happen overnight. Not for most people. And if we’re being really real, I haven’t taken a true, textbook-definition vacation (read: completely unplug from work and life for more than 24 hours) since our honeymoon during the summer of 2016 (a blissful two weeks in the Hamptons and NYC). I can hear the crickets; I understand your shock.
Here’s the crazy, honest truth: I don’t know if I’m a Vacation Person. OK. Now I can hear you throwing your phone across the room in disbelief. I can hear you gasp. I barely believe what I just typed. However, maybe that’s the facts after debating my thoughts on the topic all week. Don’t get me wrong; I love the weekend, I love having time off, and I love the concept of “stress-free time away,” but in reality, I get anxious about the concept of being unavailable for more than a few hours at a time. #facts
Of course, technology allows us to be in constant contact with everyone we know so I can’t really be “off the grid” if I chose to do so (I wouldn’t), but the idea of a vacation or a set of days off where I have absolutely no responsibility feels incredibly foreign and even intimidating. Maybe I’m being too TV-minded. When people in the real world (i.e. not made up characters moving about fake resorts) go on vacation, or a trip longer than two days, I have a feeling they are not as disconnected as they hope or plan to be. And that’s OK.
I don’t think a successful break from work/life means you have to be entirely turned off to your regular routine. In fact, I love a routine! Even on vacation. Seth and I used to go to Maine for brief summer trips when his work schedule allowed (and my work was very different than it is now) and we had a little routine for each morning. Wake up somewhat early, walk into town, get breakfast, walk by the beach, wander some more, and then turn back to get ready for the rest of the day (which looked quite similar: walk, eat, repeat). I acknowledge this isn’t a very rigid routine and obviously “routine” is a loose term for vacation plans, but I liked it.
Perhaps the problem is that I’m not good at relaxing or taking a break. I do not like to sit and read at the beach. I don’t crave lounging by the pool. I like to be active, which is probably why the majority of my favorite trips have been to NYC. I love walking and walking and walking without a specific destination, but finding goodness, food, and fun along the way.
Seth and I took a couple trips pre-2020 for his work (Scottsdale is very nice!) and while they were mostly work-focused, we did have bits of adventure (walking around towns, shopping, eating) that were great. To each their own vacation style; I am not one that finds the act of doing nothing relaxing (the horror). Please don’t unsubscribe!
In addition to my disinterest in Doing Nothing, I actually get pretty anxious when it comes to packing and making plans (contrary to my job which requires me to plan every minute of everything for other people). I’m not good at paring down choices (have you seen my closet?) and figuring out what I’d like to do several days (or weeks or months) from today makes me break into a cold sweat. I do not know why. But I do know that I own this reality: I’m not good at being a Vacation Person.
I’d like to change this mindset because I hear vacations can be pretty fabulous and rejuvenating. At the moment, I love a weekend and the promise of days off ahead. Just don’t ask me today what I’m doing on my days off tomorrow. I truly have no idea.
I do not begrudge anyone who takes vacation, those who enjoy big trips scheduled for far away places, or those who thrive in the chaos of packing in small suitcases. I hope to someday become at peace with the inner-workings of my anxiety when it comes to relaxing and taking time off. It’s a process! And while I dream of trips to Italy, France, and places much closer to home (I hear Santa Barbara is lovely), I fully acknowledge the barrier to entry is my own mindset and strength. I’m working on it.
These days, my primary means of relaxation include watching TV, spending time outside, taking photos of everything and anything, eating incredible food with great people, and appreciating everyday life which is most certainly a gift in itself.
I hope the takeaway from reading this piece is that vacation, for me, is more of a frame of mind than the actual act of “going away.” Perhaps that will change in the future, I sure hope so, but I do not worry about the way it is right now. I’ll be tuning in to White Lotus on Sunday night to take a vacation and watch the drama unfold…comfortably from my couch. :)
This week’s Buffet is brought to you by the impending Holiday Season! Gift Guides are aplenty, catalogs are filling the mailbox, and it’s only a matter of time before the music in our ears is overwhelmingly ‘Tis the season…
Claire Saffitz’s new cookbook debuted this week (What’s For Dessert) and not only do I need to buy it, but I love so many of her favorite products, too.
Why, yes, I am looking for new pajamas. How convenient!
Perhaps this is the year I finally make my own mozzarella sticks. I love them.
Anna ‘Delvey’ Sorokin is hosting dinner parties. But how? And why?
Enjoyed reading the most recent Food Diary (The Receipt in Bon Appetit) featuring a restaurant chef in Portland, Maine. Feels a bit like ‘The Bear’ (can’t wait for that show to return).
For those indulging in major dairy, I’d recommend this Cheesy Creamed Kale. Wowza.
Seth and I made (he made, I styled) a hummus platter for a Friendsgiving last week and the recipe came directly from Cook90, one of my favorite cookbooks! Hint: it’s a great gift. :)
It’s too soon, but I’m bookmarking this Bad Santa White Russian and declaring we will need to have a holiday party.
Speaking of gifts, I ordered two ChappyWrap blankets for our couch because I couldn’t stand not knowing how great they are for myself. Will report back, but I think they have major Superior Gift potential.
Kodak PRINTOMATIC Instant Print Camera seems like a fun idea for the shutterbugs in your life. The yellow is so cute!
For the candle-fans, I strongly recommend Hotel Lobby candles. Sleek design and scents that just make your home smell good! I keep the Spa scent in the “gym” and the Signature in the front hall by the stairs.
Velcro is not just for kids! I love these Veja Recife sneakers with velcro closure. Chic and comfy.
Hard to pick just one item (they’re all so good), I’m keeping my eyes on the brand Kule for a few pieces to add to my wish list… stay tuned!
Just for fun luxury: Future Mollie is often planning a multi-night trip to the Four Seasons Santa Barbara. Book me a bungalow (or villa or suite) and I’ll be a happy camper. ;)
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
