Surprise!
No. 64 A very busy week (month) and joyful news I must mention.
Good morning!
Thankful for sunshine is a mindset I am keeping these days. November, while only a mere ten days in, has turned into one of the busiest months of the year. I thought that honor was reserved only for December? I guess ‘busy’ is a verb that has seeped its way into every month of the year, although to varying degrees of intensity. Over here, that intensity is basically cranked to ‘high’ until…Christmas? We shall see. In the meantime, I am thankful for the sunshine that seems to grace the sky every single morning! Sure, it hasn’t rained in far too long (yikes, actual drought), but meanwhile we are having a spectacular autumn.
And despite the weeks being packed and the to-do lists already stacking up, I’m realizing it’s time (or past time) to order our holiday cards, I must share some very delightful news that I somehow didn’t include last week: Seth and I have been crowned Aunt and Uncle once again! Woohoo!
My sister and brother-in-law welcomed their second baby girl, our second niece, at the very end of October, sharing a birthday with my maternal grandfather (an honor), and omg what a spectacular little one she is already at barely two weeks old! She is too cute! I take the role of (cool/fun/silly) Aunt very seriously and am organizing my gift lists for her and her sister for the holidays (and every other time I may see them) as we speak. Honestly, I love a “sister moment” so I’m thinking matching outfits as often as possible. Since they are closer in age than I am with my sister, the matching plans will work out quite well, I assume. ;)
So while the world is spinning and may feel out of control and the mountains of this and that we must get done will always feel a bit overwhelming, it’s important to keep the true joys of our lives front and center.
My sister graciously let me visit her and my new niece in the hospital and I swear to you time literally stood still; life was on a brief pause. I was transported to a world where “real life” was kept outside and I got to meet this tiny new person who has no idea yet about anything. I cannot wait to watch her grow up and become her own amazing, stellar self, just like her sister and her mom. :)
November, the month of busy and giving, is moving right along! Our weekends now include trips to the dog park where Pepper watches a lot of dogs run around and then insists on a short “mini hike” on the surrounding trails. I’m pretty sure she loves the hike more than the dogs, but it all makes her tired so I’m happy!
Thanksgiving is getting closer and the subsequent “holiday season,” which means nonstop seasonal music, ads, and a hustle/bustle like no other. Let’s stay grounded, shall we? I’m grateful for sunshine and all of the good that surrounds us even when the world takes turns we don’t expect. We are here for each other and that’s what matters most. Be good and be kind, always.
The Sunday Six
This week I’m featuring comfort food and cozy layers. ‘Tis the season!
The Bagel Bar (in Winchester and Burlington) has GF bagels and they are delicious. I ordered mine this week with chive cream cheese and smoked salmon. YUM!
When in doubt, take a trip to Allston (or Cambridge) and order a few too many dishes from Lone Star Taco Bar. My go-to items are the carnitas taco, chorizo fundido taco, and the nachos. Best margaritas around, as well. Make sure to inform your server of dietary needs because most of the menu is GF! :)
A second shout out for Alchemy in Lynnfield because we went back again and the food was (again) so good! Loved the smashburger and (safe) fries. Comfort food classics with plenty of GF options on the menu.
Chilly mornings now call for fleece. I wear this L.L. Bean sherpa fleece jacket for every early Pepper walk! So warm and cozy, I may order a second color.
I’ve also been wearing this fleece vest from Varley over a light sweater for dinner out - warm but not bulky!
A Reversible Polar Bear Jacket is right up my alley for the cold months. Debating this new one from Alex Mill, stay tuned…
I hope you have a good, calm Sunday filled with whatever you need and/or want to do. Mine will be a mix! Somehow I already got some laundry done, so I suppose it’s time for a Pepper walk. ;)
Thank you for being here!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie