A Friday Buffet
No. 014 Graceful goals and other considerations in the New Year.
Hello!
Well, here we are, just hours away from welcoming the first weekend of 2023! Happy New Year! Despite my good intentions, my walks this week were met with rain/sleet/snow every single day so here’s hoping for a sunny weekend ahead!
I hope you had a joyful, relaxing, and peaceful season the last couple weeks; however, as we all know, the holidays are actually incredibly busy.
Thankfully, as we got closer to the ball drop on NYE, I felt more and more relaxed than I had in weeks, which I took as a sign of a successful holiday break. We saw family, we ate delicious food (over and over again), and had a blissful handful of days where it really didn’t matter how we spent our time. But let’s be honest: we spent a lot of time on PetFinder and continue to do so today.
No, we’re not yet jumping into the pet-owning world again, but I keep a close eye on a number of adoption sites and frequently search for fluffy, non-shedding pups. I know we will get one eventually, but I’m pretty sure it’s best to keep our home animal-free for the time being.
I’d love to go on a trip this year without worrying about anything (feels impossible at the moment) so I’m not going to add a pet into the mix quite yet. What? Did I forget to tell you I worry a lot? Now you know. Anxiety and worry: they love to linger - even into the new year!
In other news, I am thrilled it’s 2023 because the possibilities are endless! For some reason, this year feels fresher, newer, and better already than the past few and we’re only one week in. I’ll take it! And while I do not set resolutions or definitive plans beyond today or tomorrow, I just feel really good about 2023. Please do join me in the positivity. :)
This new year brings a sense of hope, happiness, and perhaps a newfound sense of adventure. I’m not the most outgoing in regard to travel plans (read: I rarely go anywhere and am not good at planning in advance) but I suddenly feel the need for a handful of spontaneous trips even if the distance is small (perhaps due in part to our currently pet-less life). Without needing to be back in time for a pet, our “boundaries” are somewhat non-existent, which feels weirdly….amazing.
For those that are skilled in planning ahead, organizing vacations, and scheduling time off, I applaud your skills, but that’s just not who I am. I’m much more of a same-day trip taker. Or a weekend getaway. Or scheduling something for later in the same month. I was considering trips for this summer and while very exciting to consider, I got fairly anxious thinking about something so far in the future (even though summer isn’t that far away). Insert the shrug emoji here. We’ll see!
A “graceful goal” for 2023: being proud of myself for just being me. Owning my decisions, not feeling bad for choices I make, and being the best version of myself - however that looks each day. I know this sounds so preachy/cheesy (whoops), but I hope you’re all able to do this as well.
How will I work on this “graceful goal” of sorts? With patience, hopefully. Not always my most-apparent skill, but my patience is getting there. Much like my daily workout, consistency is key with improving patience or whatever else lands in the “could be better” category of personality traits. ;)
The worst thing we can do is try to be someone else; the best thing to do is just be yourself (and continue to work on the tough stuff). I feel like that statement is on a bumper sticker somewhere out there. Or it should be.
2023 has only just begun and my “plan” for this year is to enjoy it, work hard, take care of myself and those around me, and have some major fun. I love fun. Don’t we all?
And for inquiring [foodie] minds…
Martha Stewart’s Cookie Perfection has my new favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Let that dough chill for 24-36 hours (or longer) and the results are pretty perfect. The cookies are giant, as the universe intends cookies to be, and ridiculously delicious.
I highly recommend Faccia a Faccia in Boston for your next night out or weekend brunch. The menu is amazing, almost everything can be made gluten free, and the stuffed olives are one of the most delicious bites, ever. We went for New Year’s Day brunch and it was just delightful.
My wonderful sister and her husband sent us a dozen gluten free bagels from Modern Bread and Bagel in NYC as a holiday gift. OMG. I have been in bagel heaven ever since their arrival (store the extras in the freezer) and I will need to order more far sooner than expected. A toasted sesame bagel with lox and cream cheese is simply divine. And FYI - Modern is a 100% gluten free establishment. *cue the confetti.*
A buffet for today: 1/6/2023
I take pride in being on time for, well, most everything. Apparently it is a learned trait - those who are always late can change!
The other holiday baking success was this Buttery Vanilla Shortbread which I need to make again ASAP. Too good! Easily made GF by using GF flour. :)
A roundup of winter coats in case you’re still looking for a warm one or seeking an upgrade (some are on sale!).
‘Abbott Elementary’ is one of my favorite weeknight comedies (Wednesdays on ABC) and this week’s episode after the holidays was especially great and very funny.
A baking goal (plan?) for this year is to make BA’s Best Carrot Cake.
Roasted cauliflower is something I never thought I’d enjoy, but I do! Definitely making this recipe very soon.
So much goodness/wisdom in the comments section in this piece about advice from a therapist.
Alex Mill is having an incredible sale and there are so many great items for now or next season that are still available!
This Oroton Audrey Crossbody Bag may just be what I’ve been looking for…
After countless recommendations, I’m finally going to order the Bombas Women’s No Show Socks. Thrilling, I know. ;)
Just for fun luxury: Over-the-top Moncler Batty Hooded Puffer Vest in a lovely sage tone that I’m sure we’ll see frequently in the spring.
As always, I’m so glad you’re here. Happy New Year!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
