a list for early 2021.

I have another post in drafts form called Reflections. I started it the other morning around 6 am–it was dark, the house was quiet, tree is lit and still up though practically dripping needles at this point–and I began. The problem with reflecting on this strange year is that my own feelings don’t feel terribly rooted. Depending on the day, the moment, the space I’m in, I have felt my own inner pendulum swing–a lot. Are you feeling similiarly?

In any case, here is what I know to be true, to quote the brilliant Ram Dass: we’re all just walking each other home. 

Let’s put that everywhere in our homes, on our minds and hearts as we enter this new year. There’s no us and them, it’s just us.

I’m going to start with a list. My first post back in almost a month, and it feels fitting. I’ve garnered a few favorite things–a mix, as is most often the case with me. Here it is!

These Recreation mugs // I got one for myself before Christmas because there is something about drinking something hot (usually coffee, in my case) in a mug you really, really love. These handmade mugs are really easy to love.

Insight Timer // This isn’t the first mention I’ve made of this incredible app nor will it be the last. After years (and I mean years) of wanting to get deeper into meditation, I feel like I’m finally doing it. For the better part of the last month-plus, I’ve meditated every day. By myself, with the kids at bedtime, in the mornings, as part of my own bedtime routine. Yesterday’s meditation brought tears to my eyes. If you do one thing for yourself today, let it be this (it’s free!). I’m doing it alongside several other women in a group on the app and it is bringing me such deep joy.

This Zuppa Toscana soup // Absolutely going into regular rotation in our home. The boys loved it too. I added one can of white beans as well, because, well, I wanted to. Steve proclaimed it a favorite soup ever, and I make a lot of soups so, that’s worth something.

A really simple two-ingredient drink // A shot of Basil Hayden bourbon with one Luxardo cherry and a tiny bit of the Luxardo syrup. Oh, and an ice cube to slowly-but-surely water the whole thing down a smidge. It’s become our go-to for at home date nights. Sip it slowly and enjoy. And hide the cherries from the kids.

Hand warmers // Yes, they’re one use, and I wish there was some sort of equally small multi-use, more ecofriendly version but when you’re committed to getting outside for 2+ hours every day (I am committed. Am I committed? I think I’m committed.) in New England winters, these are a big help on those sub 3o days–for the kids especially.

Blundstones // going strong and my footwear choice most days unless it’s really, really wet or snowing; I went half size up!

Egg frittatas // Saute what you have, add eggs, and cook a bit then broil it to finish it off. An easy breakfast that’s a little more exciting than the typical scrambled eggs (which I make often too).