Hello and happy Friday! It’s been a snowy, long week, but I have high hopes for the weekend. I hear the sun is going to shine and that’s pretty much enough these days to make me pretty excited. Oh and I’m pretty thrilled my parents (and everyone over 65) can finally sign up to get the vaccine here in MA. The potential for a more-normal future is in our grasp. Thank goodness.

In other news, today is my half birthday (yes, I like to acknowledge it) and my oh my how six months have flown by! Back in the summer, if you had told me six months later we’d be living in our own house and be responsible for shoveling our driveway constantly I would have laughed. However, this is reality!

I’m loving our house and the shoveling, while kind of tedious, isn’t that bad. It’s pretty good exercise and I am a fan of fresh air (I’m looking for the bright side). 35 1/2 feels pretty good! I’m looking forward to making the most of the next six months because 36 sounds far more serious than 35. Moving on!

Today’s Buffet is a variety hour of good reads, fresh recipes, and of course, some wish-list shopping. I hope you enjoy it and have a great weekend. Please continue to wear a mask when out and about.

READ

I know you’re a well-informed person, but just in case, here’s what’s happening in Texas.

I parted my hair on the side for a while, then suddenly realized I prefer the center part (yes, I’m a millennial). What’s going on?

While our situations are slightly different during this pandemic, we’re all living amidst this big, main (awful) issue. I think we can all relate to some parts of this piece. I really enjoyed reading it.

Chicken cutlets are always a good idea for dinner. So versatile! So delicious!

Nothing better than eating a messy lunch, alone, at my kitchen table during the work (from home) day.

Inspired by the concept of this Buy Nothing group.

COOK

Winter is still going strong and I think this cabbage roll casserole is next on our comfort-food-to-cook list. Looks so good and it’s naturally gluten free.

I just noticed a bunch of carrots in the fridge that we didn’t use this week (oops). This dinner will be perfect for them: Freeform Chicken Meatballs with Carrots and Yogurt Sauce.

I’ve been drawn to cake far more often lately than cookies. I know. Who have I become? Regardless, this caramel butter cake with fudgy chocolate frosting looks just plain fabulous.

Before dessert, how about we all make Thai green curry with chicken and vegetables? Yum!

Finally, something to make with the buckets of olives we still have in the fridge: grain salad with olives and whole-lemon vinaigrette.

DINE - takeout!

I’m not sure of our weekend plans (we’re not going anywhere), but I do think a brunch (in the car) at Twist will be happening. I may need to order fries from The Stones, and I am strongly considering a doughnut or two from Kane’s. Speaking of eating in the car, why not check out my takeout guide, right here. :)

SHOP

Today is my half birthday so I’m sharing six, wish-list items…

This double-oven situation is a total dream for the future. We have double wall ovens, which are great, but someday our vintage ones will need to be replaced.

I’ve been eyeing a boucle accent chair for my office or perhaps the living room. Neutral, chic, and comfy (I hope).

Amidst designing our bedroom, I think this throw blanket would be perfect for the foot of the bed.

You know you’re an adult when you save multiple images of beautiful kitchen faucets. I’d love one of these (someday).

Keeping an eye on this bedding collection (color: champagne) from Matouk, an MA-based company, which would go well with the light/neutral color scheme I’m keeping for our room.

A fresh pair of Converse Chuck 70s will be great for the spring/summer. Stylish and good for long walks = best combo for warm-weather shoes!

Enjoy!

Mollie

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