Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me.
Hello!
As I mentioned in my last Captivations post, we have been cooking and baking a lot. We’ve baked several loaves of sourdough bread and other things with sourdough in them. I’m still crossing things off for my cookbook challenge. I’ve also gotten excited about our CSA deliveries, trivia, cocktail kits, and teaching Kaira how to catch a frisbee. It’s the little things to have something to look forward to and remember these days by.
Cupcakes = Happiness
Did you know Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world? I’m currently reading The Little Book of Hygge, which analyzes hygge (a Danish word that loosely translates to coziness) and how to incorporate it into your life. One of the things Danes associates with hygge is cake/sweets, so that means eating more cake will make you happier! At least that’s one of my reasons for ordering half a dozen cupcakes. I got them from one of my favorites, Polkadots Bakery.
FOMO
Have you noticed a change in your perspective? Are you feeling less FOMO (fear of missing out)? We’re all in the same boat, sitting at home, not doing social things. This article discusses those feelings and why it’s a good thing.
Relationship
Your relationship needs patience and good intentions as you spend a lot more time with your significant other. This article gives some good advice.
Surviving a Disaster
What does it take to survive a disaster? This man survived the Nazis and has some advice for us. It’s a quick, little interview that can remind you to be thankful. To survive, look for the good and stay optimistic.
Taco Delivery
This story is a good example of how an Austin catering company was able to pivot to meal delivery with a special family taco recipe. Their pivot speed and branding are things that have made them successful.
Things to Do
Since we’re not as social as we were, here’s a quick list of things you could do at home.
- Stream new music. I’m liking Niall Horan’s new album Heartbreak Weather, especially the song San Francisco.
- Donate to your local food bank. (Austinites, that’s Central Texas Food Bank.) Thousands of families are looking to food banks for their next meal.
- Re-create a famous painting like this challenge.
- Make a bucket list for when we can get out again. Have you eaten everything on this Austin foodie bucket list?
- Read a book. I’m currently loving Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
- Watch something new. My recommendations:
- Fleabag (Amazon)
- The Good Place (Netflix)
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Hulu)
- Chef’s Table (Netflix)
The Future of Restaurants
Chef Gabrielle Hamilton of New York restaurant Prune wrote a piece for the New York Times and it’s tough to read. Prune had been in business for 20 years. I can’t imagine having to make the tough decisions that restaurants are making. The biggest one of all being whether or not they should close forever. It’s like a dream is squashed. What would our cities look like without mom-and-pop restaurants that bring their culture and innovation?
Spending Habits
Have you noticed how your spending has changed since we’ve been confined? Maybe it’s more on groceries or take-out. Maybe you’re buying gym equipment, board games, or books. This article gives some things to think about when it comes to spending.
Gathering
This article by Chef Samin Nosrat reminded me of why I miss gathering and enjoying food together. Celebrations (throwing parties and gathering friends) is a main topic on this blog and sharing food is an intimate act that deepens relationships. I can’t wait to get back to that.
Still Here ATX
An Austin photographer and her husband created a photo series called Still Here ATX. It is a hopeful and delicate representation of what a “new normal” will be. Masks, gloves, distance. It’s a reminder that local businesses are still doing their best.
What’s got you captivated lately?
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.
You might also like
