| Hi Friend,
I hope this message finds you well! We're in the midst of April showers, and feeling very ready for May flowers and sunnier days here in Chicago! But don't worry, we're still getting out for our walks everyday :)
Here are a few updates from this past week and some other content I hope you enjoy:
Tips for your veggies
Recommended cookware
I receive a lot of questions about the cookware I use and what I trust. All my favorites* are listed here, but I wanted to highlight the two brands I use most often:
- Staub skillets* (enameled cast iron) - I have these in three sizes and use at least one of them daily.
- Five Two* cookware - I have the large covered skillet that I use all the time, a ceramic coated non-toxic nonstick, and I'm waiting on the covered saucepan with built-in strainer to be back in stock. I used it at my parents' house and I need it in my life for all the noodle and edamame making I do!
To learn more about why I avoid most non-stick, PFOA and Teflon, check out this documentary: The Devil We Know (available on Netflix). I've also learned a lot from my sister who's been in the cookware business for many years, oversees product design / development, and toured all of these factories.
Timely podcasts
After a trying morning with my little ones, I decided to take a long walk and listen to some podcasts in order to recharge a bit. Though I couldn't go alone, my kids were happy to mellow out in the stroller and get some fresh air after all the commotion. I really enjoyed these two (timely!) episodes, so I wanted to share:
- Brené Brown on Comparative Suffering, the 50/50 myth, and settling the ball. This was recommended by a friend after the comment I made last week about how we can simultaneously be grateful for what we have and still be sad or miss the things we love about normal life. Several points from this really resonated and I think it's worth a listen. Side note: I love everything by Brené. If you're looking for something good to watch, check out her Netflix special, The Call to Courage.
- Janet Lansbury on 5 Ways Parents Can Make Their Lives Easier Right Now. This is most relevant for people with younger children, but I think there are probably take-aways for all parents. I'm also a big fan of Janet's work and books. Her podcast, Unruffled, has been really helpful during difficult stages of toddler and preschooler parenting. She has a ton of content and I appreciate that I can usually find an episode that deals with whatever I'm struggling with (plus, they're all pretty short).
Mother's Day
Just a friendly reminder that Mother's Day is in 2 weeks! Here are a few ideas: - I love the Mother's Day gift guide from Food52* - they have incredible cookware, beautiful things for the home, and so much more. Overall, this site is beautifully curated with quality and craftsmanship in mind.
- My favorites* - this includes cookware, kitchen accessories, and some personal care / clean-beauty items I love and use daily.
- Rose from Dry Farm Wines* - they're offering gift packages of 3 rosés, 3 reds, or mix of both. (I sent my mom some of their wine last Mother's Day!). East Coasters: order by 4/28! All their wines are Paleo / Keto and naturally sugar free. Here's a post on why I opt for natural wine.
This week's recipe |
| We've been loving this healthy and hearty soup lately. It's got tomatoes, white beans, kale, and sausage--and it comes together very quickly. The recipe makes a large batch that should get you through a few meals. To make it Keto, Whole30, or Paleo, just skip the beans. And it would still be delicious without the sausage if you'd like to make a vegetarian version! Hope you love it! |
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That's it for this week! Thank you for reading and staying connected during this crazy time. Being able to share and exchange messages with you is extra special to me right now.
Sending you a huge hug and wishing you a safe, healthy, and sunny week ahead. I hope you stay well, give yourself grace, and extend that to the people around you as much as possible.
XO
Jess
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* I am an affiliate for these brands, which I personally use and love. I'm also an Amazon Associate. This means that I receive a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help cover some costs of running this site and help me bring you free content. Thank you for your support!
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