Long time, no chat! I ducked out for a couple weeks mostly because I just needed to screw off for a bit. There was a bunch of stuff to do in the yard/house, a lot of boring backend website stuff that I needed to finally deal with, and I’ve been feeling burnt out creatively if I can be honest. It was a productive break and I feel really good about being back here. Summer cooking is in full swing and a heat wave is on the horizon for us.

This weekend, my partner’s family is doing a group trip to a lake campsite nearby. I’ll be popping in and hanging out there, and then I think I’m having my family over for dinner on Sunday night. I’m also hoping to re-photograph this recipe and get that post updated for you. And I’m definitely walking the dogs at 5am to avoid the heat, yikes! When I finish writing this, I’m cutting up a huge watermelon to snack on all weekend. It’s the simple things!

Be well and stay hydrated out there. Sending love to all the fathers and father figures too!

5 Things I’m Reading:

1. The Power of Presence
2. This Scientist Has an Antidote to Our Climate Delusions
3. Romancing the Mango
4. I’m Learning To Not Take Things Personally, And You Can Too
5. What Does It Take to Actually Cook Like a Tradwife?

5 Things I’m Enjoying:

1. Saw this Reel and now I definitely need to get a black lace elderberry for my new garden out back! Also the Proven Winners Instagram account is great for gardening inspiration and tips in general.
2. This is the best sun hat I’ve ever owned.
3. Voices of our Herbal Elders podcast with Rosemary Gladstar
4. Been making an excellent caesar-ish vinaigrette dressing with capers, garlic, lemon, and some other things. Laid out a rough recipe in this Reel’s caption.
5. Watching/Watched: The Taste of Things, Furiosa, pumped for the return of House of The Dragon, and eeep! The last instalment of Bridgerton season 3.

5 Questions:

1. 5-minute mood/rut busters?
   Getting outside and touching grass! Making a delicious coffee/tea/matcha. If you’re in a space where you feel comfortable: dancing! A quick breath work session. And my fave: petting my dogs with full focus (no phone or any other background activity) 😊
2. What are Mickie and Cleo’s personalities like?
   Cleo can be kinda demanding of our attention/certain toys sometimes–like she’ll paw at you if she wants something (usually food lol) and it’s a guessing game to figure it out. She can also be a very chill/sleepy girl that likes to put herself to bed early some nights (it’s the cutest thing). Mickie is very clingy with my partner and is generally content to be tagging along with whatever we’re doing. She gets these funny bursts of energy sometimes and runs around in circles in the yard with a stick or something. Both of them are very protective of us and get upset if someone comes to the door haha.
3. What’s your favourite dish to bring to a summer potluck?
   ♥️ Pesto Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas
   ♥️ Fresh Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad with Garlicky Jalapeño Dressing
   ♥️ Summer Fruit Salad with Orange Mint Dressing
   ♥️ Also, in general: guacamole, Texas caviar, homemade focaccia
4. Budget food tips for these inflation times?
   I shop the farmer’s markets a lot this time of year, which can be expensive. For all of my other grocery needs, I mostly hit up Costco or Food Basics (a discount grocery chain here in Ontario). I find that the sales at independently owned grocery stores are always waaaay better than the chains, so shopping around can be helpful. We’re typically buying whole food-based items which tend to be cheaper as well. I also recommend doing some light meal planning so that you’re only buying what you need! This has been big for us for both saving money and actually using up everything.
5. Thoughts on buying organic or not?
   I don’t really focus on this to be honest. I just buy the version of the produce that looks the best when I’m at the shops/farmer’s market. Of course I love to get high quality organic products when I can! But the organic designation does not factor heavily into my shopping/meal planning.