Favorite Things: Bon Iver

'm trying to make Saturday "Favorite Things" day, so here's a second post for today.

If you don't know about Pandora, you have probably been living under a rock. In case you have in fact been living under a rock and don't know what Pandora is, they describe themselves as a music genome project. You tell them the name of a song or artist that you like, and they create a radio station that will play similar music. It is also the reason my iPhone battery dies so quickly. I can't remember which station started playing Bon Iver, but I'm thinking it was the Sufjan Stevens station. I took notice, but it wasn't until I heard Roslyn on the New Moon soundtrack that my attention was fully rapt. I could not stop listening to that stupid song; even after a million plays, I wasn't tired of it. So I downloaded Blood Bank and For Emma Forever Ago, two of his albums. I was NOT disappointed! Listening to Bon Iver makes me feel like I'm in a womb, warm and cozy and sleepy. It is perfect for hibernation of all sorts, whether it be the long winter slumber or an afternoon nap.

Husband and I have been listening to Bon Iver around the clock since it's been cooler. It just sounds like autumn music! If you haven't heard any Bon Iver yet, be sure to check him out. Our favorite songs are Flume and Woods .

Almost Fall Chicken (flavored) Soup

ee, I just can't be bound by rules. And that's what a recipe is. When I cook, it's a creative expression. At least, that's my excuse for not being a good recipe-follower. Lunch time rolled around today and not much of anything sounded appetizing. Today was a chilly day, so soup seemed logical. I was too hungry to go through the process of looking online for a recipe and risking me not having all the ingredients. I made my own soup with ingredients I did have.

And here's the recipe!

1) Bring some water to a boil. Measure or don't measure. Toss in some delicious Jamison's chicken flavored soup base.

2) While that is stewing a bit, chop one carrot, some onion, and a handful of broccoli florets.

3) Add onions, carrots, and some noodles since those take longest to cook.

4) Toss in some parsley, thyme, and basil.

5) When everything seems almost cooked, add broccoli.

Yeah, I'm not great with the whole measurement thing. It tasted really good though. That Jamison's stuff is a godsend. I like having the chicken flavor without having to have chicken. So, if you try this recipe and it doesn't work out...I guess you are not as skilled at eyeballing ingredients ; )

Favorite Things: Honey, Honey, Food for the Bees

ell, actually not just food for the bees. In addition to being a delicious way to sweeten up tea and lattes, honey has many health benefits. My favorite home remedy use for the sticky amber goodness? As a facial mask! After hearing about several of my friends raving about how it was clearing up and softening their skin in a big way, I decided to give it a try. I have noticed a huge difference in my skin. I usually try to cover my face and leave the honey on for 20-30 minutes every other day. It works wonders!

It's also one of two main fragrance notes in one of my favorite perfumes: L'Occitane's Miel & Citron (or honey and lemon for you non-French-speakers). Generally when I think of that combination, it makes me think of a cold remedy. But it smells absolutely delicious. It's both tangy and sweet, but well balanced. The honey softens the lemon's citrusy tartness. It's what I wore on my wedding day, so every time I wear it, it reminds me of that day!

Pre-Nesting

efore we could nest together, we had to spend 9 months planning, searching, buying, stressing...the whole lot of it! That lovely and most memorable phase of life that is being engaged. In those months, I did much to prepare for our wedding but little to prepare myself for settling down together. Oh, but I couldn't wait! I couldn't wait for the hype to be over so that we could find magic in doing ordinary, everyday things together. And now the waiting is over. and each day we take pleasure in cooking together, finding homes for all of our new things, and turning a boring white-walled apartment into a place we look forward to coming back too at the end of the day.

As I sit here on my old and somewhat smelly borrowed couch and look around, I see that we have quite a ways to go. But my untamed imagination sees all the possibilities and the apartment should know that I am a force to be reckoned with, and in no time at all, it will be a comfy cozy little nest for me and my lovebird.