collecting memories

Over Spring Break with my girlies, we spent a day at the beach with some of our dear friends. It was fun, as always, playing and talking about old times. And when I left, I had the perfect souvenir: a bucket of beautiful miniature shells we’d collected.

Since moving to the beach, my friend has discovered a new passion: “shelling”. Her new passion fits in perfectly with one of my obsessions: “collecting”. One of something is never enough for me! I love to display my little collections around the house; they make me smile and are a constant reminder of the places I’ve been and the life I’m leading. The small round pebbles and clay from Cinque Terre remind me of my amazing honeymoon. My collection of Washington driftwood makes me think of when my husband and I decided to roll the dice and move our family to the West Coast.

So now that this trip is over, and I’ve bought the perfect glass jar (another obsession all together) to display my pretties in  – I can sit home, pour over my newest treasure and enjoy the memories. Another little thing to love …

inspiring cookbooks

Ok, I’ll admit it: my friend Erin and I were out shopping together last week, and we both literally let out a squeal when we spotted the new Gwyneth Paltrow cookbook, “My Father’s Daughter.”  We share a little fascination (alright, obsession) with Miss Gwyneth lately.  And her new cookbook turns out to be just the kind I like: almost a lifestyle book with recipes surrounded by beautiful pictures and lots of great ideas and stories to inspire me.

As I poured through the cookbook last week, I was definitely affected. I didn’t make a single one of its recipes, but I did make my family homemade scones, blueberry muffins, chicken noodle soup and chocolate chip cookies.  My kitchen was tidy and my presentation lovely; I was a happy girl sharing food I love with my family. The cookbook had done its job – reminded me how much fun it can be to cook, eat and entertain. Now, to take on Gywneth’s Duck Ragu recipe …