The Weekly Mix: Your Essential Guide to Inspiration, Recipes & Lifestyle on A Beautiful Plate

Welcome to an exciting new chapter on A Beautiful Plate! We’re thrilled to introduce a refreshed weekly series designed to bring you a delightful blend of everything we love and think you will too.

Following valuable feedback from last year’s survey, it became clear that The Sunday Thymes was a beloved cornerstone of our blog. To be completely honest, I found myself needing a creative break from the series last year. Life became quite hectic, and the joy of sharing began to feel a little forced, as if I was contributing for the sake of continuity rather than genuine enthusiasm. It felt like time for a pause, a moment to reset and rediscover that initial spark.

However, as the saying goes, absence truly makes the heart grow fonder. I’ve deeply missed the process of discovering new things and sharing them with you. The casual, conversational nature of those posts is something I’ve genuinely longed for. So, the concept is making a comeback, but with a fresh perspective! We’re expanding its parameters, changing the name, and even shifting its publication day. In 2017, my intention is to embrace new things wholeheartedly, and this relaunched series is a testament to that commitment. Welcome to the Weekly Mix! Here’s everything you need to know to dive in:

When and Where to Find Your Weekly Mix

Mark your calendars! Every Friday morning, a brand new edition of the Weekly Mix will land right here on the blog. No exceptions, no slacking – it’s a weekly promise to kickstart your weekend with fresh content. To ensure you never miss an update, consider signing up for our newsletter; the Weekly Mix will be delivered directly to your inbox.

If your email inbox is already overflowing (a feeling we all understand!), there are other fantastic ways to stay updated. My personal favorite platforms for following all my cherished blogs are Feedly and BlogLovin’. They provide a streamlined way to consume content from all your favorite sources, including A Beautiful Plate.

Why the Weekly Mix? And What to Expect

Let’s be real – by the end of the week, we all crave a little unwind time and a fresh dose of inspiration. Now more than ever, a moment of fun and discovery is essential. Publishing the Weekly Mix on Fridays is a deliberate choice, designed to align perfectly with your weekend plans. If I share a mouth-watering recipe from another blog, you’ll have ample time to gather ingredients and try it out over the weekend. If it’s an insightful article, you can bookmark it and enjoy it at your leisure without the pressure of a busy workday. It simply makes more sense: Fridays trump Sundays for getting into that relaxed, exploratory mindset.

The beauty of the Weekly Mix lies in its spontaneity and breadth. I’m embracing the freedom to share anything and everything that catches my eye or sparks my interest. This could range from captivating photos and intriguing links to personal reflections, a book I’m currently absorbed in, a fascinating new skill I’ve learned, or simply a random thought that crossed my mind. Expect a delightful variety! While some content will undoubtedly revolve around delicious food and recipes, much of it will venture into other areas of life – sometimes not even a tiny bit related to food! It’s all about going with the flow, sharing what feels authentic and exciting in the moment. This approach fosters a healthy balance and variety, making each edition a refreshing surprise. It feels good to break free and explore new avenues with you.

Engage and Connect: Your Role in The Weekly Mix

More than just a one-way broadcast, I envision the Weekly Mix as a vibrant, two-way conversation. I genuinely hope this series encourages you to share the things you’re loving with me too. Hearing from you is something I truly cherish and have missed! Whether it’s a new recipe you’ve tried, an interesting article you’ve read, or even just a picture of your beloved dog (or cat, or any other pet!) – I pretty much adore you forever when you reach out. There are so many ways to connect: leave a comment directly on the blog, hit reply on one of our newsletter emails, say hello on Facebook, tweet me, or send a message on Instagram.

I promise you’ll always get a reply. Your engagement makes this community so much richer, and I’m excited to reconnect with you through this new series.

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Let the Fun Begin! This Week’s Mix of Favorites and Discoveries

Now that we’ve covered all the details and introduced the exciting new format, let’s dive into the first installment of the Weekly Mix. Get ready for a collection of things that have recently captured my attention, brought me joy, or simply made life a little bit better:

• My Instant Pot Journey: From Skeptic to Fan! Okay, I admit it: I was incredibly skeptical about the whole Instant Pot craze when I first heard about it. As a self-proclaimed skeptic, I dragged my feet. But when this model went on sale during the holidays, I decided to take the plunge. Even after my first couple of attempts, my skepticism lingered. The manual is, to put it mildly, horrible, and I still don’t enjoy cooking rice in it. Plus, it looks a bit intimidating on the counter. However, after more experimentation, I can genuinely say I’m loving it for certain tasks. It’s a game-changer for quick, hearty meals! I’ll delve deeper into my reasons in an upcoming post. Do you own an Instant Pot? I’m considering starting an Instant Pot recipe series on the blog and would absolutely love to know if this would be helpful or fun for you! Your feedback will guide my planning.
• Winter Wonderland in Chicago: Even on the darkest and coldest days, Chicago has a way of surprising you with its stark beauty. Last weekend, Marley and I bundled up, braved single-digit temperatures, and took a rejuvenating walk along Lake Michigan. We were greeted with this absolutely stunning view of a partially frozen lake, a sight that truly takes your breath away. I never, ever regret a walk along the lake, especially when it reveals such majestic, icy landscapes.
• My Go-To Winter Coat: Speaking of braving the cold, my favorite winter coat is currently on sale! It’s less of a coat and more like wearing a cozy, incredibly warm sleeping bag. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort and protection against the winter chill, I can’t recommend it enough.
• A Hilariously Relatable Read: This article about working from home struck a chord with me, managing to be both hilariously accurate and slightly depressing. It perfectly captures some of the unique challenges and quirks of remote work. Thankfully, I’ve managed to avoid getting sucked into the YouTube vortex recently!
• The Meditative Power of Crosswords: Lately, I’ve been diligently working on the NYT crossword puzzle each night before bed, and sometimes even as a quick break during the day. It’s an oddly meditative practice that helps me switch off and focus. And the best part? I’m actually getting *better* at them – a lot better! Proof that miracles do happen with a bit of consistent effort.
• When Cooking Feels Like a Chore: We’ve all been there: those days when the thought of cooking feels like an insurmountable task. That’s why I appreciate resources like these 25 recipes for when you don’t feel like cooking. It’s a lifesaver for effortless, yet delicious, meals.
• Sweet Nostalgia and Future Baking: I recently shared the recipe for these delightful small batch almond raspberry cakes, and I’m already dreaming of making them again soon. They’re perfect for a little treat. And speaking of citrus, the abundance of winter citrus has me feeling nostalgic for this stunning triple citrus tart with a chocolate crust. It’s a burst of sunshine on a plate!
• Leveling Up My Photography Skills: I recently did a free trial of Lynda, and it has been an absolute game-changer, particularly the Lightroom tutorials. Photography editing has always been a fluctuating process for me – some days I love it, others I dread it. After just a few tutorials, I learned and was reminded of crucial keyboard shortcuts and invaluable tips that have significantly sped up my workflow and made the entire editing process so much more enjoyable. If you’re ever struggling with a skill, I highly recommend going back to the basics; it truly helps unlock new levels of proficiency!
• Adorable DIY Valentines & an Insane Backyard: I stumbled upon the cutest homemade Valentine’s cards, which would be such a fun project. Also, I’m currently obsessed with this blog – her backyard makeover is truly insane in the best possible way. Prepare to be inspired!
• A Winter Salad Masterpiece: Winter salads don’t get any prettier or more vibrant than this beet, citrus, and chicory salad with ricotta salata and pistachios. The colors and textures are just “Woh!” – it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
• My Ridiculously Comfortable Loungewear: I received one of these super soft pieces for Christmas, and I’ve practically been living in it ever since (which makes that “work-from-home” article even more relatable!). It is ridiculously comfortable and incredibly soft. This is high praise coming from someone who has always disliked sleeping in long sleeves.

• Confession & My Meal Planning Game-Changer: I have always been notoriously horrible at weekly meal planning. My attempts were sporadic at best. That is, until I discovered this planner, brilliantly designed by my friend Heidi. For whatever reason, its intuitive structure and beautiful design have genuinely motivated me to get on track with meal prep, and I absolutely love how it’s organized. Unfortunately, they are currently sold out, but I highly recommend bookmarking the site for next year’s release; it’s an investment in your sanity!
• Revolutionizing My Email Inbox: My friend Jessica shared these email organization tricks a few weeks ago, and they have been an absolute lifesaver for me. Here’s my simple routine: I dedicate a short block of time in the morning (or evening) to sort through my emails, designating and moving them into specific folders. This practice helps me maintain that coveted clean inbox, dramatically reducing distractions and the urge to respond to non-urgent messages throughout the day. It’s a small change with a massive impact on productivity.
• A Pasta-Making Challenge: Have I convinced any of you to tackle making homemade pasta next week? It’s a wonderfully rewarding experience. Any takers? Bueller… Bueller…?
• Monique’s Dream Bedroom Reveal: I’ve been eagerly looking forward to Monique’s master bedroom reveal for weeks, and it did not disappoint. Seriously, that mirror is absolutely a dream come true! The entire space is stunning and provides endless inspiration.
• Exciting Travel News: Japan Bound! Big news! We’re absolutely thrilled to be traveling to Japan this April to celebrate our second wedding anniversary! We managed to snag free tickets using our accumulated miles, which feels like a fantastic bonus. We’re still meticulously sorting out our itinerary, but I literally cannot contain my excitement. I’ve never been to Asia before, and Japan has been at the very top of my bucket list for years, known for its incredible culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled culinary scene. If any of you have been, please, please send me all of your recommendations, ideas, and must-try food places! I’m open to all suggestions to make this trip unforgettable.
• The Power of Music & Memories: On that note of anniversaries, I randomly listened to our first wedding dance song last night, and I was instantly transported back to that beautiful day. It’s truly amazing how a single song can evoke such vivid memories and powerful emotions – the enduring power of music is incredible.
• A Vibrant Juice & Turmeric Caution: I can’t get over how incredibly vibrant and delicious this pineapple orange banana juice with vanilla and turmeric looks. The colors are stunning! Although, I must confess, I’m absolutely petrified of staining everything in sight with turmeric. I speak from unfortunate, first-hand experience!

And with that, I’m out for the week! Please don’t hesitate to dump all of your thoughts, feedback, and recommendations below in the comments section. I genuinely look forward to hearing from each of you. Hope you have a wonderful and inspiring weekend!