Flavor Buffet: 1/29/2021

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Hello! Happy Friday!

Well, it has been one week of living in our new house and I must admit I’m smitten. Is that a strong word? Perhaps. But I just feel so much calmer and joyful than I ever have in previous places I’ve called “home” over the years. Perhaps it’s because this house is ours. We have no plans to go anywhere else any time soon and that in itself makes me instantly more relaxed.

Along with this newfound calm (I’m sleeping so well) is a new type of anxiety I didn’t (entirely) anticipate: the strong desire to decorate every room immediately. I know, it’s impossible. But that is not stopping me from researching vintage rugs daily, keeping multiple tabs open for kitchen light fixtures, and frequently contemplating the types of photos I’d like to hang on the walls. Not to mention I’m debating a runner for the stairs every few minutes. Yes, welcome to my brain. ;)

This week’s Buffet is dedicated to the art of making one’s house a home, which is, as we all know, as unique a process as anything else in this world. There are countless ideas, options, and colors for everything. Here are articles, recipes (yup), and products that are inspiring my vision for our home right now.

Have a great weekend! Please wear a mask.

READ

I check in on my horoscope once in a while; even if it’s just for fun. Here’s this week’s ‘guidance.’

Wait - do I need to buy a fragrance for my closet? Add it to the list…

Much of what I’m finding I like in terms of overall “feel” has a bit of a California-type vibe. Surprising, since we’re on the East Coast. I found this celebrity home tour very inspirational in terms of the use of color and textures.

May need to add the latest Ottolenghi cookbook to our collection to freshen up our new kitchen and weeknight meals.

I’m hoping to add a few house plants to some rooms and this tour is extremely helpful with that type of look.

Our house is Victorian, but I do want to make sure it has a modern edge and not feel outdated. I found this article to be helpful for mixing and matching the old with the new.

COOK

Our house has a distinct “cozy” vibe, or at least that’s how I aim to make it, so for the rest of the winter I will be channeling that warmth and comfort through our weeknight meals. Here are a few recipes I’ve recently bookmarked…

Silky Pork and Cumin Stew (intrigued by this one…yum!)

Kimchi-braised Chicken with Bacon (omg this sounds delicious)

Crispy Baked Parmesan Tater Tots (for the Super Bowl)

Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts (love a sheet pan meal)

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes (made these on Christmas sans blueberries and can’t wait to make again)

Homemade Bagels (it’s time to get baking again!)

DINE

We lived on takeout for the first couple nights before/after moving, which was extremely helpful! However, now that the kitchen is mostly unpacked we are trying to reserve takeout for fun on the weekends. Here’s my takeout guide for our go-to spots these days.

SHOP

I am considering a full blog post dedicated to my home decor adventures (wowza), but for now here are a few pieces I’ve been eyeing…

I’ve been admiring this long oval mirror for a while. I love the brass edge.

Considering this light for the front entry.

I like this chair for my office, but fully aware it would mostly be for the cat. She sits in here with me every day.

I love this blanket for our bed (a new one arrives this weekend!).

I’m loving the look of vintage rugs for some of the rooms and this one could be chic in the kitchen or bedroom. Also: rugs are pricey! Yikes.

Speaking of the office, I’ve been thinking about this desk for a while, too.

In terms of organizing, I bought a few of these storage baskets for under each sink and they’ve already been put to good use. I’m working hard to keep the “hidden” areas of our home organized as well.

Enjoy!

Mollie