Latest Obsessions

*Popcorn
We've been popping our own and experimenting with different
fats to pop it in. We used duck fat first and last night used a really
fragrant olive oil. It blows all microwave popcorn right out
of the water in terms of flavor.  Next step is to pick up some
truffle salt.

*Buttermilk Biscuits
I'm pretty sure that I made my finest batch ever this weekend.
I think they key was using my own buttermilk (which you get when
you make butter) and a little bit of yogurt because I was just short
of a cup of the buttermilk.  The yogurt added a nice tang to them and
they came out flaky and delicious.

*Seeing Green
I finally spotted some little green leaves sprouting
on some of the smaller trees and the first flowers breaking through
the ground.  I am so ready for spring, for shoes without socks, pretty dresses,
lively cocktails, bocce matches, and the delicious vegetable harvest.

*Getting to the Neue Galerie
I desperately want to see this exhibit, and a little
stop in the cafe is always welcome.

*Grand Budapest Hotel
I love Wes Anderson's style and whimsical world, this movie is
up there with the best of them.  Ralph Fiennes is fantastic.
I also found a recipe for Mendl's Courtesan du Chocolat,
which I will definitely make in the near future.

*"You are not IN the universe, you ARE the universe,
an intrinsic part of it. Ultimately you are not a person, but 
a focal point where the universe is becoming conscious
of itself. What an amazing miracle."- Eckhart Tolle

Minimal Continued...

I wouldn't say that I adhered to the rules of this
challenge, but I didn't really dismiss the whole thing either.

I've been slowly amassing a pile of items
to donate to Goodwill, and thrown away/recycled
a fair amount of things as well.  I didn't go along with the
certain number each day but tackled different areas
of the house and got rid of the unnecessary.

Some of the items for donation are:
*2 coats
*a huge bag of clothes
*rice cooker
*cupcake stand
*boots
*decorative pillows
*purses
*books

Some of the items I trashed/recycled:
*Cards (I hoard way too many of these, it was time to let some go)
*Numerous clothes/accessories that were way past their prime
*Sketches and studio junk.

The husband and I have decided that we'll continue to add to the pile
for the rest of March, and then take it all over to Goodwill in April.
It will feel like some serious spring cleaning once that pile goes!

The biggest things I've gotten out of this so far are:
- I own A LOT of stuff
-I need to start using what I already have

So in this next phase of the project I'll continue to subtract,
but I'm also making a point to be more mindful about
using the things that I already have.  (especially art supplies and
kitchen ingredients)

Has anyone else been doing the minimalist challenge?
How has it been working for you?