The Weekly Mix: Embracing Spring, Conquering Whole30, and Weekend Adventures

The highly anticipated weekend has finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of excitement and a palpable sense of accomplishment! Here in Chicago, we’re not just celebrating the start of another weekend; we’re reveling in the promise of a glorious 60-degree day, a true harbinger of spring. But for me, this weekend holds an even deeper significance: it marks the final stretch of my Whole30 journey! Can you believe it? The finish line is truly in sight, and the feeling is incredibly surreal.

As I promised in earlier updates, a comprehensive recap detailing my final thoughts, insights, and overall experience with Whole30 will be shared in the coming week. Time, as it often does, has flown by in the blink of an eye during this challenging yet rewarding endeavor. On one hand, it genuinely feels like an eternity since I last enjoyed a simple piece of cheese or a comforting slice of bread. On the other hand, the initial days of the program still feel incredibly recent, as if I just embarked on this dietary adventure. To those of you who have patiently endured my Whole30 musings, I sincerely appreciate your understanding and support. Rest assured, the end is very, very near, and I am deeply grateful for you putting up with my dedicated, sometimes obsessive, focus on this program.

Speaking of challenges, a significant hurdle awaits me tomorrow morning: navigating brunch in the ‘real world.’ Dining out while strictly adhering to Whole30 guidelines is anything but a breeze. It requires careful menu scrutiny, polite inquiries to waitstaff, and a strong will to resist temptation. Please send all your good vibes and wish me luck! In case you missed it, I recently shared a recipe for this incredible Mediterranean Chicken Salad yesterday. While its humble name doesn’t fully capture its essence, let me assure you, it has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals. It’s a symphony of vibrant, fresh flavors packed into a single, satisfying bowl, offering a delicious and Whole30-compliant option that truly feels like a treat.

Weekend Delights and Canine Charms

On a lighter note, I simply must share this utterly adorable photo I captured this week. It features our beloved big puppy, Marley, in his element, happily socializing and playing with a cheerful group of his dog friends. I truly can’t get enough of it! The expressions on their faces – especially the little chihuahua and Marley’s own priceless look – are just too precious for words. Dogs have an incredible way of making life infinitely more entertaining, bringing endless laughter and heartwarming moments into our daily routines. Their unfiltered joy and playful antics are a constant reminder to embrace simplicity and find happiness in the everyday.

Switching gears to culinary inspirations, my talented fellow blogger friend Christina recently whipped up this week’s lemon tahini sauce, and by all accounts, it was a smash hit! Her adorable baby, Camille, simply couldn’t get enough of it, devouring it with gusto. I absolutely adore that kid – her enthusiasm for food is infectious! If you haven’t seen it yet, you absolutely must check out this delightful video of Camille enjoying the sauce. It’s pure gold and guarantees a smile. Truly, I “die” from the cuteness every time I watch it!

Thought-Provoking Content and Culinary Cravings

Connor and I dedicated some time this week to watching the documentary Sustainable on Netflix, and we both found it incredibly engaging and thought-provoking. We wholeheartedly recommend it! A fantastic bonus was discovering that it predominantly focused on a sustainable farm located just outside of Chicago, featuring many of my absolute favorite chefs, including culinary icons like Rick Bayless and Dan Barber. The film delves deep into the importance of sustainable agriculture, the challenges faced by local farmers, and the chefs who champion their produce. It’s an eye-opening exploration into where our food comes from and the critical role we play in supporting ethical and environmentally conscious food systems.

In other news that sparked joy, did you hear that Ellen DeGeneres is selling her house? I had a peek at the listing, and let me tell you, it’s freaking spectacular. Her Santa Barbara home is a masterclass in elegant, comfortable design, perfectly blending luxurious amenities with a serene, inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of house that inspires dreams of tranquil living and impeccable style, making you rethink your own home decor aspirations.

And for those of us who have long championed wholesome, natural fats, there’s fantastic news: butter has finally made a triumphant comeback! After years of being unfairly villainized, the scientific consensus has shifted, recognizing the health benefits of real butter. As someone who has always appreciated the rich flavor and culinary versatility of butter, I am incredibly happy to see it reclaim its rightful place in our kitchens and on our tables. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the simplest, most traditional ingredients are indeed the best for us.

My bread starter is not just alive; it’s thriving and bubbling with potential! The anticipation of baking with it next week is almost unbearable. There’s a unique satisfaction in nurturing a living culture and transforming it into something as magical as homemade bread. In the interim, I’ve found myself completely captivated and obsessing over these incredibly inspiring artisanal bread Instagram accounts (yes, they truly exist, and they are glorious!): @maurizio, @mydailysourdoughbread, and @blondieandrye. Their feeds are a constant source of inspiration, showcasing breathtaking crusts, intricate scoring, and perfect crumbs that fuel my own sourdough aspirations.

Ever wondered what culinary masters eat when they’re not crafting gourmet dishes? A sneak peek into what chefs and food writers eat for lunch reveals that it’s not always the glamorous, multi-course affairs one might imagine. Often, it’s something simple, quick, and practical – a testament to the fact that even the most celebrated palates appreciate humble, comforting sustenance during a busy day. It’s a refreshing reminder that at the end of the day, food is about nourishment and enjoyment, regardless of its complexity.

And speaking of deliciousness, just look at those incredible chocolate puddles! There’s something undeniably alluring about perfectly melted chocolate chips oozing within a warm, freshly baked cookie. The visual alone is enough to send cravings into overdrive. These particular cookies, made with coconut oil, offer a delightful twist, promising a richness and texture that’s both comforting and slightly unexpected.

Upcoming Adventures and Life’s Little Updates

Big news on the travel front! We are embarking on our exciting trip to Japan exactly two weeks from today! The anticipation is building with each passing day, and I am absolutely brimming with excitement. I have a profound feeling that this journey will be one of the most unique, culturally immersive, and unforgettable travel experiences of my entire life. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, and the exquisite culinary landscape, Japan promises an adventure unlike any other, and I cannot wait to share all the details upon our return.

This upcoming adventure also means that we’ll be moving apartments in less than four short weeks! It’s a whirlwind of activity, but we recently received some truly great, unexpected news that significantly lightens the load. Our current living room rug, which we adore, actually does just barely fit into our new living room space! This is a huge relief, as it means we are no longer on the often-stressful hunt for a new rug. I was *almost* ready to commit to this stunning coral rug from Rejuvenation, which speaks volumes about the style and aesthetic we’re aiming for in our new place.

What could possibly sound more appealing and refreshing right now than a charred pineapple margarita? The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes sounds like the perfect antidote to a busy week and an ideal beverage to usher in the warmer weather. It’s a creative twist on a classic, promising a burst of tropical flavor with an intriguing depth.

Confession time: I sort of gave up on my bullet journal this year. While I love the concept, the time commitment and artistic demands sometimes felt overwhelming. Instead, I’ve been diligently using this wonderful planner, which offers a more structured yet still customizable approach to organization. However, after seeing Tracy’s inspiring bullet journal layout ideas, I’m genuinely tempted to give it another try! Her beautiful and practical spreads remind me of the creative outlet and mindful planning that a bullet journal can offer.

And finally, for a touch of indulgence that sounds almost too good to be true: homemade almond croissants that can be prepared in less than an hour. Say no more! The thought of warm, flaky puff pastry generously filled with almond paste and dusted with powdered sugar, all ready in under an hour, is truly irresistible. This recipe is definitely going on my must-try list for a luxurious weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat.

And with that, I’m officially signing off for this week’s mix. I’d love to hear your thoughts, weekend plans, or any inspiring links you’ve come across. Feel free to dump all your comments and insights below. I hope each and every one of you has a truly wonderful and rejuvenating weekend!