Welcome to Life, Inspired — The Weekend Review. This is the weekly column where I take a step back from the recipes so you can have a wider look at what’s been inspiring me, moving me, or just catching my fancy out there in the life beyond my kitchen.
Weekly column? Not so much lately. Although it’s been three weeks since my last Life, Inspired column, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been much inspiration. Rather, I’ve been focused on a sewing project and preparing for a move. It’s a pleasure to finally sit down to write about what’s been capturing my imagination lately.
Inspiring Walks
Three weeks ago I wrote, “The weather is at that late winter/early spring teasing stage.” It’s still there. Spring is cold and slow this year, and I woke up this morning to falling snow and about two inches’ accumulation on my windshield. So much for any outdoor Easter egg hunts in my neck of the woods. That said, there’ve been lots of days fine for walking, like yesterday afternoon. I had my family over for a holiday brunch in the morning, and some post-indulgence exercise was definitely in order. Despite the lack of green, the landscape still offers up much to wonder at, like the high, fast-flowing river that’s bearing away the spring runoff and making way for the warm and verdant months to come.
Creating/Sewing
I suppose it seems a bit crazy to take on a sewing project in the midst of preparing to move, but for me this was a way to add a touch of normalcy to the upheaval that is my life of late. I wanted to give the Little Misses Easter gifts made just for them. This project also gave me a chance to begin exploring my new interest in quilting. These bags feature three different bunny and egg fabrics that I cut into squares, pieced together and machine quilted. I then lined the bags with a bright green and white fabric so they’re reversible too. Making the bags was a pleasure, and it was so sweet to see the little girls running around at our Easter brunch with the totes slung over their shoulders (and filled with a great deal of chocolate, I might add).
Around the Web
Over the past few weeks I’ve bookmarked quite a few interesting articles and sites to share with you. Enjoy!
You may have noticed that I’ve been taking an interest in “alternative” sweeteners, i.e., more natural choices than refined white sugar. Here’s an article from Bon Appetit that discusses using some of these.
http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/baking-with-sugar-alternatives
Well, this one is too late for this this year, but if you’re wary of artificial dyes, as I am, then you’ll want to check out this article from The Kitchn.
Did you know I do freelance writing and editing? Wondering why anyone needs an editor? Check on this article from Wired (and I fervently hope I haven’t missed any of my own typos today).
So pleased with Facebook for having taken this stance:
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/trending/facebook-removes-feeling-fat-from-status-options-1.2990304
This thoughtful article from Eating Asia has been doing the rounds and caught my interest. What’s in a name when it comes to recipes? Are we honouring or dishonouring culture?
http://eatingasia.typepad.com/eatingasia/2015/03/lahmacun-please-dont-call-it-turkish-pizza.html
Articles pertaining to moving have been catching my eye lately. Here’s one from The Kitchn that will come in handy soon.
Weekly Recap
I’m happy that I’ve been more or less keeping up with my blogging schedule weekly. Over the last three weeks I’ve posted about seedy lavash crackers, sweet potato, coconut and red lentil soup (I’m pausing now to savour the memory of it), a local fundraiser called The Meal to raise funds for diabetes research, orange and sweet potato muffins with caramel oatmeal crunch, and (oh my) coconut sugar caramel. If you missed any of these, do check them out!
