Sweet things

Here's a favourite cosy corner of our new place, where I've been watching a lot of Netflix, writing in my journal and eating snacks :) I wanted to share a few cheery things before I head off on holidays at the end of this week...

I started using the Seize the Day planner over the weekend, after hearing about it on Radio Cherry Bombe. It's a 12-week reset, that's focussed on how you want to feel as you go about your days. It's a slightly different take on goal-setting journals (I've tried a year-long one in 2018 but found it hard to maintain), that's based on the premise that most of us know what is good for us but often need a reminder to put that into practice.

The timing is especially good for me - our surprise move and work picking up for the year pushed me into some stressful territory. I'm excited to take a step back from it all, and try to be a bit more thoughtful about my time. Side note: I emailed and bought the PDF version which cost $US10, because the actual journal costs a bomb to ship to Australia.

I love the idea of a Sunday night roast, and this one just past I tested this chicken and plum tray bake from Julia Busuttil Nishimura (of Ostro fame). It's a brand new ABC Life recipe that also breaks down the anatomy of a tray bake, in case you'd like to branch out on your own. I was so looking forward to the meal (and was thinking about it on the way to yoga at 7am!) but also the fact that it was going to be simple to make. Bonus: We had a strawberry and rhubarb crumble in the freezer, a gift from my parents, which made the perfect post-roast dessert.

Queer Eye is back and is the ultimate pick me up! So far I've watched the two episodes featuring women, which both had real tear-jerker moments. Watching them made me see that I too am terrible at accepting help, but needn't be. Just this week, instead of trying to buzz around and do it all, I said yes to Tony making dinner and asked him to organise it another night when I wanted to jump in the shower instead. No regrets.

And finally, holiday planning! We'll be heading off to Hong Kong soon and I've been collecting tips from all over the place. My former workmate Alkira sent through a five-page document of all her favourite food places (from soupy dumplings to where to buy the best roast goose). And Lena sent me a copy of her book How to Hong Kong, an illustrated travel journey, which I'll definitely be packing for context, story and inspiration. Right now, I am reading tons of blog posts about packing but not actually doing any packing :) Here are my faves from Leslie, Jordan and Caroline.

I'll be taking a break while we're over there to soak up all of the food, atmosphere, and art so catch you here again soon. X

Staying warm and happy

Since it's the middle of winter, I've been making a special effort to plan ahead, so I don't go stir crazy while the days are icy and grey. The first step is dressing for the cold. On weekends I live in thin merino jumpers from Uniqlo, a black down jacket, and my pom pom beanie (similar), which is equal parts warm and silly.

Then I go outside. On weekends, I've been going on long walks while the sun is out. I walked up Mount Taylor on Saturday and listened to this fascinating podcast about the gut with writer and medical student Giulia Endres. It was recorded at the All About Women Festival and you can also watch the presentation and see all of the funny illustrations.

After that it was time for a big bowl of food. We went out for ramen and miso sweet potato poke bowls at Lazy Su. For weeknight dinners, I am loving Joy the Baker's bowl of food series - the baked eggplant and creamy polenta bowl is next on my list.

And finally, a few things to look forward to... Sofia Coppola's remake of The Beguiled comes out on Thursday (check out the trailer for the original!). And on my to-bake list are these chocolate fondants with sea salt.

(Chocolate fondant photo by Khoollect.)

This book + other good things

This week I've been busting to get home to read Modern Lovers. I started it on Saturday and reckon I'll be done by the end of the week. The novel kept popping up on blogs and on Instagram, so I reserved it from the library and it arrived just as it was hitting book shops. It's a fun and addictive read with very clever (and succinct) character notes. I'll be telling my girlfriends to read it too :)

Lunch break escapes + other good things

This morning I made a simple plan. I would leave my desk at one and walk up to the local shops to buy the latest issue of Lunch Lady. And I stuck to it. I listened to music, saw the sky and breathed in the fresh winter air. I found my magazine, bought myself a yummy (pay day) lunch and called my friend Marina on my way back to the office.

For the last little while, I've been paying close attention to the small things that help make any day nicer. Here's the list so far:

Clean hair

Leftovers for lunch (or dinner)

A lunch break spent outside

A made up bed (so I can flop on it after work)

Chocolate macadamia moon balls

A nighttime bath

Listening to podcasts (while I get ready for work, on lunch breaks, while cooking and taking the aforementioned bath)

Coffee out

Baking for no reason

Favourite songs

Checking in with my sister

Present planning

Are there tiny things you look forward to, or do to make sure every week is a good one?

Four things

I wanted to share the little things that are bringing me joy lately, beginning with salt and vinegar popcorn. I picked up a bag in Sydney a few weeks back and cannot get enough. It's also warm enough to read on the porch again, I've just starting reading this book, which my friend Sean gave me for my birthday.

These homegrown blooms from my friend Sophie's flower farm. Did you know that ranunculus respond to UV light and open and close accordingly? Or as I like to think of it, they're flowers that go to sleep at night :)

Duck eggs from our local farmers markets. My father-in-law introduced me to them, and I love them for being extra yoke-y. I baked this cake with them, after a few people told me that they're especially great in cakes.

And finally, this miniature ricotta cake that my brother recommended for the long drive home to Wagga Wagga. I'm not usually one for cheesecakes but this one was insanely good. I'm even tempted to try this recipe and make it at home.

I hope this week is treating you well. If not, there's only a couple of sleeps until the weekend :)