Friday, September 28, 2012

"SILVER LININGS"

A recent bout of disappointment was followed by those most welcoming of arms... a silver lining.  Different than a consolation, or a fervent attempt to "look on the bright side", a silver lining sits there shimmering quietly until seen.  The best part about them? The more you look the more you find.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

"HAPPY AGAIN"

As a major fan of Gretchen Rubin's, "The Happiness Project",  I eagerly awaited the recent publication of her follow up: "Happier At Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments in the Practice of Every Day Life".  It was inspired by an epiphany she had while unloading her dishwasher - a feeling of intense homesickness while right in her own home, with her family nearby.

It may sound a bit hard to grasp, but Gretchen describes her feeling as a "pre-emptive nostalgia", the awareness that this moment in time, while she has her family together, is fleeting.  "Of all the elements of a happy life," she thought, "my home is the most important."

In the same style as her previous book, she starts in September (which she calls the new January) and spends an entire school year devoted to a deeper understanding of her possessions, marriage, time and parenthood, among others.

Full disclosure: while it happens to be right up my alley, Gretchen Rubin takes an uber-analytical approach, described as a "signature blend of memoir, science, philosophy, and experimentation".

Much happiness to all!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

"DOUBLE TIME"

The change of season never fails to thrill.  And in the fall, the kitchen takes on a new role - it is now the source of comfort food like this divine soup.  Now is also a good time to re-stock and re-evaluate the pantry and gadgets - and dust off the crock pot for sure.

Years ago, a simple purchase on a lark at one of my favorite stores in the world, has made the cut for countless seasons. It just might be my favorite thing in the kitchen: my dual timer.  While there are lots of digital models around,  I am a fan of the mechanical kind which I have discovered are a bit more scarce.  After some surfing I just found this version by Taylor which looks super.  Timing two things at once never looked so good!
PS: I could only find it sold as a pack of 3 - keep one and check two presents of the list!


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"PICTURE PERFECT"

I tend to yearn for "the way things used to be" - but most often I come around and make close friends with whatever change MUST become a part of our new way of life.  In the area of photos though, I am still waiting...

With baby #1 I loved bringing rolls of film to the store, picking up glossy prints, and arranging them into albums - these are my favorites.  Then things went digital and I lost my mojo.

Operation Photo has officially begun: corralling all loose photos around the house into this photo storage case from my pal Lillian.  This roomy archival case holds 2,000 4x6 pics, has movable dividers, and the opposite side opens to fit oversize pics as well - kind of genius.  Ideally the pictures will make it into an album  - but for now they are safe and snug and able to be enjoyed by all.

Now I just have to figure out what to do with (gulp) all the pictures on my computer...HELP!

Friday, September 7, 2012

"THINK INSIDE THE BOX"

While this may not be a suggested life mantra, it sure works well for busy mornings packing multiple lunches.  An impromptu purchase during a recent supermarket run led me to this fab find:
The LunchBlox Sandwich Kit by Rubbermaid (BPA- free...microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe...secure lids...stackable...and a blue ice to boot).  And while those are all wonderful and necessary highlights, best of all is that there's no more guess work - fill the sandwich, side, and 2 snack containers and lunch is done.  No fumbling for one more thing to add, or trying to jam in unmatched containers. Lunch a breeze? Who knew!
PS - Some great ideas for what to pack listed here.
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