A Friday Buffet
No. 023 Moments of green everywhere I look. Plus, the best new cookbook.
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Hello!
When sorting through options for today’s discussion, I suddenly noticed that we’re here on a holiday - it’s St. Patrick’s Day! And whether you observe the day in a specific way or not, I would like to take a minute to appreciate my favorite color: green!
Yes, my favorite color is green. It’s one of those never-ending debates that one could constantly change their mind without any actual consequence. What is your favorite color? It doesn’t matter in the business of daily living, but it’s truly a question that could have a different reply every single day for some - or be ignored entirely by others.
I love to ask about someone’s favorite color because it’s purely for entertainment and curiosity. There are no positive or negative consequences to your response and everyone’s choice tends to elicit some sort of reaction. Your favorite color is….
While my favorite color has definitely varied through the years - pink had its time for a while - I think the defining moment of deciding upon green came when we bought our house. Fun, right?
Upon visiting during the open house, I noticed that the kitchen floor tile (yes, tile) had dark (forest?) green tile patterned amongst the primarily white floor as well as along the backsplash above the countertops and the heater was painted that same green tone near the windows. With the walls (at the time) a very not-good tone of tan, this combo was pretty bothersome, but I knew that this kitchen was a prize that just needed a few tweaks. The more HGTV I watch, the more I know that anything related to color in a home’s design is the easiest to fix.
While some would balk at this somewhat retro design, I realized the green accents added a lot of character. Even more so because it was the best (in my opinion) shade of green that can exist in a kitchen. It is an earthy tone that compliments the wood cabinets nicely and even now, over two years since move-in day, I am still charmed by the color, and wouldn’t change a thing.
Green, to me, means growth, positivity, and promise for the future. Clearly, that is not too surprising given that when spring arrives everything becomes green again, which makes the world feel lighter and brighter and happier. I’m an optimist, remember?
Beyond our green-accented kitchen, I’ve sprinkled green throughout our house by adding large plants to my office and the living room. I’ve heard they are good for the air and I love the texture they give to the space. It also has meant that I’ve been working on improving my green thumb - at least indoors! Seth handles our yard/garden (thankfully), but I’m doing my best to keep the indoor plants thriving and happy in the sun-filled windows where they are planted. ;)
We even have an orange tree in the kitchen and a grapefruit one upstairs. I was hesitant about fruit trees inside (they are definitely warm-weather fans) but it’s kind of fun to see them thrive and eventually be moved outside when the temperatures rise so we can all complain about the heat together. Jokes on me though; those trees love the heat. Ha!
There are green moments all over our home, which means the mindset of growth and goodness permeates every part of our life and that just feels good. Even the snake plant in the living room (below) is doing well despite my surprise that it barely needs any water. But if you know anything about their care, please let me know. I want to make sure this one - Stan the Snake - continues to grow.
So, from the looks of it, I really love green! I’m sure it’s been my favorite color for far longer than I’ve noticed. However, I also have had a strong current of green going through my wardrobe for years, which should have been a sign all along. I bought a green leather chair for our bedroom that has now sparked my interest in adding a plant in that room, too. See? Green goes with everything.
Whether today is an observed holiday for you or not, I think we can all agree that it’s never a bad time to recognize how great green can be. And how, at least in my life, it has woven itself throughout my home and everyday activities which makes me feel pretty lucky.
But wait, what’s your favorite color?
For Inquiring [Foodie] Minds…
Paella - recipe available in the brand-new title Cooking with My Dad the Chef - a kid-friendly cookbook that has countless options for adult-friendly food! And it’s all gluten free. James Beard Award-winning Chef, Ken Oringer, and his daughter (who has celiac disease), wrote the book and it has quickly become my favorite. This paella was superb, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight. Or a dinner party!
Udon Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp - a very versatile dish that would work with any protein you choose and any veggies available! I love using Lotus Foods GF Udon Noodles for this quick, delicious dinner.
Vanilla Ice Cream topped with GF Mint Oreos - we finally found the elusive GF Mint Oreos (go to Wegman’s) and omg they’re fantastic. But they’re even more amazing when eaten with vanilla ice cream (we got Ben & Jerry’s). You’re welcome!
A Buffet for Today: 3/17/2023
Speaking of green, I’m considering baking these Mint Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. They look so good!
Pasta Cake? Say no more. We need to make one.
Joanna Goddard’s home tour has so many great design ideas that I’d like to incorporate into our house including a living room gallery wall and more colorful spaces.
Really enjoyed this interview with Lucy Liu - we should all hope to have her relaxed, but confident mindset!
As soon as spring is in full swing, I’ll be wearing this striped tee on repeat.
In case you’re still looking for Oscars after-party fashion (courtesy of the Vanity Fair party), it’s right here.
Madewell’s Insider Event has begun and everything is 25% off. I highly recommend the Perfect Vintage denim and I am eying the washed leather motorcycle jacket.
Chicken Shawarma Meatballs are going on next week’s dinner plan.
Who could say no to a coffee chocolate chip blondie? No one I know!
And finally, Delish.Com has a roundup of 31 green foods for St. Patrick’s Day.
Coming Soon: My skincare routine has changed significantly over the last few years. Less. Is. More. (Why am I surprised?). After a formal diagnosis of rosacea by my dermatologist last year, I’ve finally figured out how to ‘tame’ my usually unruly, red, very dry skin. A roundup of my daily product list is on its way!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
Spring arrives next week! Guess it’s time to plan for the arrival of the dahlias…