Cozy and Warm
I hope you all have been staying cozy and warm amidst these winter flurries. I wish days full of reading by the fireplace, simmering soup on the stovetop, and blanket hugs as the temps drop.
In honor of Monday, what a beautiful reminder and legacy MLK brings to us that regardless of our political views, our personal beliefs, and our differences let’s love others well.
Recipes
Looking for the perfect chilly night stew/soup? Look no further! This Smitten Kitchen Short Rib Onion Soup was a favorite of everyone’s at Sunday Supper. It is rich, decadent and just marvelous. Serve with some homemade sourdough bread toasted with melted cheese and salad. Enjoy!
Also, colder weather just calls for cookies right out of the oven - gooey and delicious! If you needed some persuasion to get that apron, flour, sugar and butter out - here it is!
Books I Read and Loved Recently
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
This is the story of a women’s boarding house in the 1950’s. It shares the charming bond that is fostered among the borders, thanks to the newest resident Grace March. When a murder takes place, the author unravels all the details through chapters that feel like short stories uncovering the past of each character. I was immediately drawn into this book and love the way the author paints each character and their life with detail, yet still vaguely enough to keep you guessing how the story will unfold.
Foster by Claire Keegan
I love Claire Keegan’s writing. Similar to others, this book is more of a short story in that it was a quick hour read. It is easy to fly through the pages of this heart tugging tale of a young Irish girl who goes to a relative’s home for foster care while her mother has a baby. You see a sweet young girl begin to flourish in a caring family full of love. Goodness gracious does this remind me what special people those who foster are.
Meant for Good by Megan Fate Marshman
This was an audiobook listen for me and I really enjoyed the author’s approachable voice to inspire her readers to reflect on the ways in which we live our lives. It gives grace to people, embraces real life moments, and leaves you reminded that we really have so little control and to trust in God’s plan for our lives (a reminder I personally need constantly!)
Every January I get the deep deep cleaning bug and this year it hit strong.
Not only did I do some research on new cleaning supplies and tools, but I also had some big cleaning learning moments I am excited to share with you all! I love a clean home, but don’t have nearly the same adoration for the act of cleaning. Finding new tools that make it more enjoyable is priceless to me.
I made this cleaning checklist to help us be more accountable. Plus who doesn’t love the satisfaction of crossing something off a to-do list - the best! You can create your own with the template here.
Cleaning burnt grease and grime off pots and pans
I love my Le Creuset so very much! I selected a gorgeous creamy white Dutch Oven and while it makes the most delicious bread and soup, it gets cooking marks on it no matter how quickly I clean it. I learned from thorough research that Easy Off Oven and Grill Cleaner does just the trick. Spray on your pots, let it sit for 20-30 minutes and then rinse and gently scrub off. It is like magic! My only suggestions is to spray outside as the deep cleaning fumes are very strong!
After a good spray, sit and wipe! Green machine
This Little Green Machine was a wedding gift and after seeing it appear on everyone’s must have list I understand why. It works wonders on carpets and upholstery galore and for a home with pets, children or lots of visitors it is a must! It even got a tragic coffee spill off our light grey couch! Bonus… it’s currently on sale.
Electric Spin Scrubber
I fell into an Amazon trap with this one, but goodness is it worth it. My sinks look brand new, it makes deep cleaning the shower less disgusting and takes much less of the elbow grease. I love how it comes with different attachable heads so you can clean anything from your car, to your stovetop, to your shower. Works extra well with OxiClean Foam-tastic!
Sheila Shine
My sweet mom gifted this Sheila Shine to me and it has become a kitchen staple. Spray a bit on a rag and shine away. My stovetop has never glistened more!
Hopefully these cleaning hacks make cleaning a bit more enjoyable for you too! I would love to hear some of your favorite supplies, tools or tricks.
Thought to ponder
I stumbled upon this quote and it really stuck by me. Since then I have watched in awe as I have seen sweet friends living this out daily in their simple goodness to those around them. My charge to you is what can you do this week to make you most generous?
For those discerning what God’s will & path is for their lives I the upcoming year, Bishop Robert Barron suggests we ask ourselves an important questions:
With all my love and a very grateful heart,
Tate
P.S. If you are a fellow Tuckernuck lover this is just a little reminder their incredible, once a year sample sale is here! Things have sold out fast but there are still some great treasures!
P.P.S. Go Buckeyes!! What a win!