Latest Obsessions

*Cranberries are back!
I'm such a dork at the market, when new seasonal things
start to show up my face lights up with excitement. I doubt
that many people get as excited over cranberries as I do.
I love seasonal produce and I don't care who knows it!!
These cranberries are destined for a pie.

*Binging on Horror 
It's October, the only time of the year when the husband will
agree to watch scary movies. So we are doing our usual
horror movie marathon, and throwing in a few shows as well.
Also in the mix (obviously) are my favorite old-school Halloween
cartoons/movies that are more of the fluffy sort, Grinch Night,
Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, etc.

*Biscuits
I've been trying to perfect my biscuit game for years, and it has
finally happened. Each batch in the last few months has been fluffy,
flaky, and ideally crisped on top and bottom. The summer was strictly
buttermilk, but for the fall I've mixed it up with sweet potato.
I should clarify that even though through facebook and instagram
it may seem like all of my baking and cooking endeavors go very well
it's only because I choose to leave out my horrible failures.
Which is why I am always extra proud of the things that turn out perfectly
because it doesn't always happen, but that is the grand adventure of the kitchen.

*The Glorious Second Trimester
Ladies weren't lyin' when they said it would get easier in the 2nd.
I finally feel like my normal self (albeit with a small bump in my midsection).
My energy is back, I can actually focus on projects  & cooking, and I can actually
stay up until midnight. Small victories.


* "And above all,  watch with glittering eyes the whole world 
around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden 
in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic 
will never find it." -Roald Dahl

Mantra

I started a book of mantras for myself,
something that I can read, recite, and believe in.
It acts as a lighthouse would for a ship stuck in a storm,
calling it back and guiding it to safety.

The nice thing about writing mantras for yourself is that they
can be anything.  Most of them start with "You will" or You are"
and just restate things you know to be true but can easily forget about.
They can be as epic as you want them to be which, for me, makes
them even more empowering.

Pregnancy truly puts you through tests of strength. Physical, emotional, spiritual..
It's intense.  I know that mantras aren't for everyone but they work for me.
And really, that's all you need to find. Things that work for you.