The Sunday Thymes Returns: Your Weekly Roundup of Culinary & Lifestyle Inspiration

What a whirlwind this weekend has been! From the satisfying clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen to an impromptu trip to scavenge for unique photo props, and of course, cherishing precious moments with dear friends – it’s been a vibrant blend of activity and joy. As we ease into Sunday, there’s a buzzing excitement in the air, largely due to Chicago’s much-anticipated Restaurant Week. Or, perhaps more accurately, ‘Restaurant Three-Weeks,’ given its generous duration! We’re already eagerly planning our culinary adventures for next weekend, looking forward to exploring some new and exciting dining spots across the city.

And speaking of returns and excitement, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that The Sunday Thymes is officially back! After a longer-than-anticipated hiatus, primarily brought about by the extensive work behind our recent website redesign, I’ve been brimming with anticipation to resume sharing my most cherished food-related discoveries with all of you each week. This period of reflection and revitalization has also inspired a wonderful evolution for The Sunday Thymes in 2016.

While delicious recipes, captivating food photography, and insightful culinary articles will always remain at its heart, we’re now broadening our horizons. Expect to find a delightful intermingling of other fascinating discoveries – articles, links, and resources that have personally resonated with me, offering inspiration, practical advice, or simply a moment of joy in various aspects of life. From productivity hacks that streamline your day to thoughtful pieces on self-care and heartwarming snippets, my hope is that these small additions will enhance your weekly reading experience. I truly hope you enjoy this refreshed direction!

This Week’s Curated Finds: Culinary Delights & Beyond

• A Daily Dose of Adorable: Is this not the cutest thing you’ve ever laid eyes on? I’m quite certain I watched this captivating video of a baby panda enjoying the snow at least ten times yesterday. It’s the kind of pure, unadulterated joy that can instantly lift your spirits and put a smile on your face, a perfect reminder of simple pleasures.

• Mastering Your Planner Game: For anyone seeking inspiration or practical strategies to make the most of their planner, you absolutely must check out this blog. It’s a goldmine of really great ideas and invaluable information on bullet journaling and effective planning, transforming a simple notebook into a powerful productivity tool. Whether you’re a seasoned planner addict or just starting, you’ll find something to elevate your organizational skills.

• A Slice of Summer Dream: This particular hazelnut cake looks utterly dreamy. The combination of olive oil and hazelnuts evokes such warmth and sophistication, and just gazing at its perfection makes me yearn for the long, sun-drenched days of summer. It’s a sophisticated dessert that promises both comfort and elegance.

• Soup Season Elevated: I genuinely believe this soup has never looked better. Its vibrant presentation and the promise of five simple ingredients – white bean, fennel seed, lemon, and crispy Brussels sprout leaves – make it incredibly appealing. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly comforting and visually stunning meal, perfect for a chilly evening.

• Silence Your Inner Critic: We all battle with that nagging voice, and learning the best way to silence your inner critic is an invaluable skill. This article offers practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and fostering a more positive internal dialogue. I’m totally guilty of not doing this enough, and it’s a great reminder to practice self-compassion and belief.

• Molly Yeh’s Culinary Genius: If you’ve received the latest copy of Food & Wine magazine, make sure to check out Molly Yeh’s amazing contribution! Her unique blend of Midwestern charm and international flair always results in incredibly creative and delicious recipes. It’s an absolute joy to see her talent recognized in such a prominent publication, offering fresh perspectives on winter cooking.

• Email Hacks for Productivity: If you’re not already reading Heidi’s FoodieCrush Friday Faves, you should bookmark her site immediately! This article she shared on genius email hacks to boost productivity was one of my absolute favorite links. It’s packed with actionable tips to reclaim your inbox and your time, making a noticeable difference in daily efficiency.

• The Art of the Dinner Party: Prepare to be inspired by what might be the most picturesque dinner party you’ve ever seen. The aesthetic, the food, the sheer joy radiating from the images – it truly makes me want to pack my bags and move to California immediately to recreate such a magical gathering. It’s a masterclass in elegant, effortless entertaining.

• Vibrant Homemade Dressing: Discover the simplicity and freshness of homemade ginger carrot dressing, along with a plethora of creative ideas on how to incorporate it into your meals. The bright, zesty flavors of carrot and ginger have been a particular obsession of mine this week, echoing my fondness for recipes like our orange ginger splash pressed juice. It’s a fantastic way to elevate any salad or grain bowl.

• Brussels Sprouts Obsession Continues: Clearly, my deep affection for all things Brussels sprouts remains as strong as ever. This vegetarian ramen bowl featuring spicy Brussels sprouts looks incredibly comforting and flavorful, proving just how versatile and delicious these mini cabbages can be. It’s a wonderful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a cozy night in.

• The Reading Experience: This insightful article delves into why reading a Kindle and reading a physical book aren’t the same thing. It explores the cognitive differences and the unique tactile experience each offers. I wholeheartedly agree with the points raised; there’s a certain magic and sensory engagement that only a traditional book can provide, making this a thought-provoking read for any bibliophile.

• Pizza Night Reinvented: This stunning kale pesto pizza is most definitely happening on my menu soon! The idea of a vibrant, healthful pesto base truly excites me. I might even experiment and substitute it with my own walnut-sage pesto for a different, equally delicious flavor profile. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy pizza while incorporating fresh, green goodness.

• Reclaiming Your Time: Here’s a great article on how to waste tons of time and not accomplish anything – and, more importantly, how to proactively do something about it! It’s an ironically titled yet incredibly practical guide to identifying and overcoming common productivity pitfalls. A must-read for anyone looking to optimize their workflow and achieve their goals.

• Cheese & Sweet Harmony: Do you love cheese and sweets? (Is that even a question for anyone?) Then you simply must explore this amazing list of recipes created for Sarah’s baby shower. It’s a unique and delightful collection that expertly blends savory and sweet elements, offering an abundance of creative ideas perfect for celebrations or just indulging your unique cravings.

• Perfectly Fluffy Muffins: Prepare for the ultimate breakfast treat with these fluffy, perfectly textured whole wheat banana coconut muffins! The combination of banana and coconut creates such a comforting and tropical flavor, making these an irresistible addition to your morning routine or a delightful snack. They’re a truly wholesome and satisfying bake.

• Toast Transformed: Who knew toast could be so inspiring? This collection offers tons and tons of amazing toast ideas, elevating a simple slice of bread into a canvas for culinary creativity. From savory to sweet, basic to gourmet, these ideas are so good I want to tape this article onto my fridge for daily inspiration!

And there you have it – this week’s refreshed installment of The Sunday Thymes! I hope these links provide you with some joy, inspiration, or perhaps just a delicious new recipe to try. It feels wonderful to be back and connecting with you all through these weekly curations.

What were some of your most interesting discoveries this week? Share your favorite finds in the comments below – I’d love to hear what has captured your attention! Until next Sunday, happy cooking, happy planning, and happy living!