I’m watching the snow fly (yet again!) outside our office window as I get this post together. We’re in for about 10-15 cm. There is nothing on deck for us this weekend! I’m going to catch up on some reading, flip longingly through garden mags, work on a couple recipes, do some yoga and pilates at home, and also try to use the time to bring back some of the good habits that I started the year with. I took a little pause from the cold showers when I got sick. Since I want to work up to full-on ice baths this summer, I’ll be jumping back into it this weekend.

With work stuff, I’m testing this chunky veg stew with tons of spices and chickpeas that’s inspired by North African tagine. I’m also still working on a new pancake recipe that I’m quite excited about. We’re also finalizing a pantry and kitchen equipment guide that will be sent out to all email subscribers! Folks ask me about this kind of thing all the time, so I’m really excited about it. It’s like a pretty, downloadable magazine :)

I hope that you’re keeping well, and also finding fulfilment and daily moments of peace! Here’s the usual reading, questions, and other good things below.

5 Things I’m Reading:

1. Inner Workout by Taylor Elyse Morrison. This book is all about self care that is accessible at any moment. I am a fan of Taylor’s Instagram and newsletter, and this book is a perfect companion to that work. She guides you through the process of taking care from all angles and connecting to your physical, mental, and emotional needs. This title will be released March 14th and is available for preorder now!
2. Leaving social media?
3. Pay-What-You-Can Markets Provide Produce for the Common Good
4. Life Is Easier With a Fake Assistant
5. Is Box Breathing The Secret To Better Sleep?

5 Things I’m Enjoying:

1. I got a super deluxe sample of these Odacité bath salts in my last Detox Market order, and they were heavenly. The smell is incredible and my skin was so soft after.
2. The Walking With Ancients episode of The Nature of Things. Their summary: “New archaeological discoveries are challenging our understanding of when the first people arrived in North America, rewriting the human story.”
3. I love the Recess Therapy account, and especially enjoyed this short clip with 106 year old Marie.
4. I was examining my “well seasoned” baking sheets recently, so this guide to cleaning them is right on time.
5. Longing for Spring in a good way when I watch this

5 Questions:

1. What is your favourite knife?
   I’ve been using the Oliva Elite by Messermeister since October and I love it. Feels great in my hand, the handle is beautiful, and with regular sharpening on the whetstone it performs well.
2. Favourite fermented food or beverage?
   I’m a big fan of sauerkraut and basically put it on everything–grain bowls, veggie sausages/burgers, avocado toast, salads etc! And I dream of finding a plant-based kefir that has the thick texture and tang of dairy-based kefir. One day I’ll find it/make it!
3. Where do you get your dried beans from? Looking for other sources than Loblaws.
   I’ve been getting so many questions about where I’m shopping lately, sometimes with a little dose of commentary about Loblaws too, and I must say: I’m here for it. Did any Canadians watch the committee question period with the grocery CEO’s this week? Mostly I found it to be disappointing. Lots of spin from Galen and the gang and just annoying politics from some of the MP’s. But to actually answer your question (haha oops): Flourist sells the best dried beans, grains, and freshly milled flours. They’re based in Vancouver BC and ship across North America.
4. Favourite quick weeknight meals?
   Here’s a few: Sweet Potato & Broccoli Rabe Sheet Pan Dinner with Ginger Peanut Sauce, Vegan “Butter” Chickpeas, Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chickpeas & Broccoli, Sticky Ginger Tempeh with Coconut Rice, and 30-Minute Easy Lentil Bolognese. I’ve noticed a spike in interest (and received full-on requests) for sheet pan dinners, so this is something that I’m focusing some creative energy on for Spring and Summer :)
5. What brings you joy?
   I was talking about this with someone recently! The older I get, the easier it is to find joy in simple things. I really don’t need much to be happy. A coffee that was made for me, making a comfort meal at the end of the work week, hearing birds chirp again after a long winter, a particularly good meditation session (and conversely: still feeling the benefits after a distracted session), the way my dogs greet me when I’ve left the house for 10 minutes (lol), the sound of rain on the roof at night, remembering that I bought my favourite snack when I grocery shopped earlier in the week, lighting a favourite candle, a hot shower that goes a bit longer than usual… I could go on forever! A daily focus on gratitude = joy to be found everywhere all the time :)