I’m trying a new format for our Snack Chats to organize my scattered thoughts and recommendations. This is our spot to cozy up around the kitchen island and share what we’re reading, recommend a fantastic new book, or laugh over the silliest meme. Please join in in the comments!
Before we dive in, I would also love to get your thoughts on a recipe for December!
Also, if you’re starting your Christmas shopping already (God bless all of you planners!), I wanted to remind you of this guide, which I just updated!
Ok, let’s get to the Snack Chats!
Reading- I can’t stop thinking or talking about Under Story, a novel about a divorced physicist and biologist who explore the possibility of changing their painful history. I’m not a big science fiction reader, and at times this felt above my pay grade, but WOW, what an incredibly imaginative and immersive story exploring aging, parenthood, marriage, and grief. This will be in my top books of the year, I’m certain.
Eating- So much cottage cheese! I went on a little cottage cheese kick the last few months and have been experimenting with it in Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Egg Bites, Amish Breakfast Casserole, Lasagna Soup, and Orange Jello Salad (a serious throwback that’s surprisingly delicious!). What a versatile secret weapon! I feel bad I relegated it to lasagna and baked potatoes for so long!
Drinking- Chai Tea. I made a batch of this concentrate for my Election Day tea party, and it made the whole house smell amazing. I’ve learned I like a spicy chai with just a hint of sweetness, but most of our guests added extra sweetener, so keep that in mind when you’re making your own!
Watching- Rooster on HBO. Steve Carrell is as charming as ever. If you were fan of Ted Lasso or Shrinking, this has a very similar sensibility with the bonus of being set on an artsy college campus.
Listening- You Without Me by Brandi Carlise- This song is the musical equivalent of tear gas. Parents beware, this one will hit you right in the chest where your dearests live.
Links I Love
This guide from Donna Blankinship on being a voter boss and making your lawmakers a to-do list. I’m going to be noodling over mine for the next few weeks, and encouraging our lawmakers to hit the ground running. A few things on my list—Removing Pete Hegseth, ending the war in Iran, defunding ICE, and passing legislation prohibiting insider trading for Congress members.
Kendall Vanderslice talks about giving voice to desire with such vulnerable and tender clarity. (And also why praying for “God’s will” is not always the most helpful response to desire).
I loved this interview Elissa Strauss did with comedian Chris Duffy on the value of laughter for parents and caregivers.
Little Treats
I am in this mode for fall cleanup.
I’m so glad someone finally said it. Why are we giving kids the cutest clothes? Grown ups deserve frills and collars and pony jumpers.
These harmony runs gave me such a thrill.
I randomly cackle every time I think about the worst songs to listen to while eating yogurt.
That’s it for me! Share your favorites of the month below!