A Friday Buffet
No. 015 A forced slow-down and some perspective on rest.
Hello!
My plans and intentions for the first five-day workweek of 2023 were turned upside down (read: canceled) when I suddenly had a lovely (but not) 24-hour bug of some sort Sunday night into Monday night. Wowza. It was brief, but unpleasant enough to derail most of my typical weekday goals (multiple walks, normal amounts of energy, avoiding the couch during the day). I am feeling much better now and everything is almost back to normal. Phew!
And while the hours in which I was not feeling fine were incredibly “not good” I do think it was a “good” (but not gentle) reminder that I don’t need to move through this year (each week?) at warp speed. Nor do I need to live my entire life online. Wait, what?
Let’s be real: I don’t love the concept of “slowing down.” It’s just not who I am and not something I strive to do much of. Even on the weekend, or during the break we just had, my goal was to fill the time as much as possible. Doing nothing looks pretty different for everyone; my version rarely looks like sitting on the couch barely moving. However, the beginning of this week had other plans so…I had no other option. The couch was the only place to be.
Coming out of that brief bug, feeling like myself, and having energy to do my activities as usual, I am having a somewhat new perspective on the year - barely two weeks in! Incredible. I was somewhat anxious about multiple days of my routine changing due to unforeseen circumstances, but you know what? Those circumstances were out of my control. So I leaned in, chilled out, and just…relaxed. Not only was the time good for my physical health, but it also encouraged a bit of a mental health break, which isn’t the worst thing either.
I (thankfully) recovered quickly and while my feelings on slowing down have not changed dramatically, I do have a stronger appreciation for listening to one’s body. Sometimes rest means literal rest! ;)
In regard to the other part of that statement, I’m coming to terms with my “relationship” with social media (as many of us often are) and how it is definitely changing…for the better. Due to not feeling well, I had no desire to stare at my phone (or any other screen, really) and mindlessly scroll through other people’s lives. Nor did I feel the need to share anything about what was going on in mine.
A main component of growing one’s online presence and follower count is to constantly share content in various forms and pretty much “live” online. It’s a lot! When I began my blog back in 2017 and my IG account years before that, it was exciting and I loved the opportunity to share it all. Fast-forward to 2023, several years, countless meals, and a plethora of life experiences later, I’m feeling far less of a pull to constantly share and (without question) compare. Is this called growing up?
I love using social media and presenting various pieces of my day; however, I think my plan for using social platforms this year/going forward will be pared down as compared to previous year’s use. Fear not! This weekly essay isn’t going anywhere. In fact, this little Substack is where you will be able to connect with me, and learn the most about my life, most easily. I hope you’ve subscribed. ;)
Social media is an incredible tool and one I enjoy using, but I do think I feel better overall when my use of it is less, not more. A more frequent “rest” from the internet seems to have more benefits than drawbacks as of late, at least for me. How is your relationship with social media these days? I’d love to know.
And for inquiring [foodie] minds…
Woods Hill Table (Concord, MA) - Seth and I finally went to this great spot for dinner last weekend and it was superb. Expect a wait if you don’t opt for reservations; we got seated at the bar after waiting about twenty-five minutes by the fireplace in comfy seats. The food was fantastic, with plenty of gluten free options (including safe fries), the staff was kind and welcoming, and every bite was just delicious. I can’t wait to go back - even without a reservation.
Drunken Noodles / Pad Kee Mao (The Woks of Life) - We made this recipe this week - winner! Easily adjust the recipe with GF soy sauce and make sure to use rice noodles. Done and done and yum.
Chicken Miso Meatballs (NYT Cooking) - We recently made these delicious meatballs, paired with sautéed Brussels sprouts, and called it (a great) dinner! Quick to prepare and easily made gluten free with GF breadcrumbs. Highly recommend. Great snack food for a group gathering as well!
A buffet for today: 1/13/2023
Everyone says Friday the 13th is lucky so I should probably buy a lottery ticket. ;)
Did you catch the Golden Globes on Tuesday? It was entertaining enough and I’m so happy ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘The White Lotus’ did so well. :)
I will always read and share a roundup of “Best Bakeware.” I need to make more cookies soon…
Going to the hair salon is never not a big deal to me as the only place I find more stressful is the dentist. I loved this piece about a girl finally chopping her hair for herself and no one else.
Add this to my “potential goals” of the year: host a “Mildly Chaotic Brunch.” Or bring all of the ingredients to a friend’s house. ;)
Madewell really does the ‘Vintage Canvas Wash’ just right. May need to pre-order this pair…
I’m a sucker for contrast details/stitching/two-tone anything so…I really like this cardigan.
The “New York Happy Meal” is a martini and fries and a good one is tough to find these days.
Currently craving Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Yum!
These striped towels from Tekla just scream summer in a very chic way.
Just for fun luxury: Love the two-tone design of the Loewe Gate flat mule. Guess I’m already thinking spring! ;)
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
