A Gift from John: Smitten Kitchen

This year for Christmas, John gave me the sweetest, most personal collection of gifts I've ever received. One of them was the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, with a sweet note inside about our first married Christmas. To say I'm hooked would be an understatement. It's the first cookbook I've ever been unable to put down, and the only one I've actually wanted to read front to back. Deb's description of her endless attempts to formulate perfect recipes are fascinating. We made the Apple Cider Caramels, above, to give as holiday gifts, and I made her Baked Potato Soup, below, last night - the perfect January cure. (PS, you don't have to bake the potatoes!) 

R to the i c e

I love brown rice. It's so nutty and delicious. It's also healthy. Win.

I was happy to see this article in The Times over the weekend - a good little project to try in our new condo. Speaking of which, we close tomorrow!

Two things.

 I think this print would be adorable in a child's room. 

Even better, buying it would support two artists trying to make it in the face of the impossible: cancer + no job + no insurance. A lot of us have probably experienced heath insurance-induced panic - or unemployment panic - in the past couple of years, and this is an, albeit roundabout, way to fight back. 

I don't know these people beyond reading Kate's blog, but their story pulled my heart strings. Read more about Kate's fundraiser if you'd like. Wishing them all the best in the world,

Lauren

Buy here.

I love this place.

Okay, maybe it's because I've been moving all over the country, but I just tried Zoes Kitchen for the first time today. It's amazing. You should go.

I was drawn in by the smart font surrounded by my very favorite colors, and I wasn't disappointed. It's healthy fast food that's actually healthy. Think delicious, vinegary slaw with no mayonnaise.

It's right around the corner from Governor's School - dangerous for my wallet, but not my lifespan.


                                                                     xo,

                                                                           Lauren

P.S. They sell beer and wine!