On Comfort

A little over two weeks into our big move across the pond, and I'm beginning to settle in. I think.

At least, I feel comfortable. But a lot of things in life right now are kind of uncomfortable, and I'd like to expand on that. I know that my mother's birthday is tomorrow, and it makes me even more aware of the 3000+ miles between us. It's not easy, and I think I underestimated that. I've lived hundreds of miles from my hometown for years now, so I didn't think I'd be as phased. And I'm not, really. It's just sometimes you miss the little things. 

I don't really have any friends here yet, but that's not a biggie. I was used to the hectic work schedule and daily life of NYC that, for the past few years, had put a damper on my social life. My husband's friends have been, for the most part, really welcoming and fun here in England, and I'm thankful for that. My in-laws are wonderful, wonderful people, and their home feels like my home. Female companionship, though, is sort of limited at the moment. And "artsy" companionship. I dealt with that, even when I was still in New York, when my longtime creative partners in crime were separated by the states between us. I think I have yet to fill that void, but I'm faithful that it'll happen soon. Soon enough, at least.

I'm a little uncomfortable with being photographed these days, but I'm trying to push myself to get back into it more and more. I'm planning on dedicating a lot more time to this blog, and a few other online endeavors, until I can get a visa to work here. I don't currently have the luxury of anyone handy with a camera at my disposal, so I've enlisted Steve to wield my iPhone whenever I see a photo op. He's always willing to help out and give it his best try, so I have no complaints there (even when I do). Our current strategy is to snap as many photos as humanly possible and cross my fingers that one comes out alright. I  jokingly blame him for my discomfort on the other side of the lens, since I've put on some weight since we got married last October; someone likes his meat & mashed potato dinners, and I've obliged to cooking (read: eating) them. I don't really blame him, though, and now I'm getting back on track to being a healthier, better version of me. 

So, it's been good. It's been really, really fun so far. I feel like I'm having one of those life-changing, self-evaluation, "finding myself" experiences thanks to this move. And I think that's a good thing.

Dress: Target

Cuff: Forever21

Bun... Thing: H&M 

Berry Good

Cooking: it never gets old (well, at least for me it doesn't). Experimentation is a constant, exciting adventure. Flavors I never would have thought to combine can actually be complimentary, and it's an exciting inspiration when I'm in the kitchen. Since lavender has continued to gain popularity in recipes (being used for culinary flavor instead of being used solely for fragrance), I've tried to use more herbs outside of their 'original purpose comfort zone'.

Blackberries are in season here at the moment, so I've been picking them at every chance I get. I munch them on their own or in some greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. Yesterday, sitting on the kitchen windowsill there were five basil plants, so I thought, What the heck, and tossed a few leaves into my yogurt and berry snack. What a yummy flavor pairing! This isn't the first time I've had a basil-and-fruit epiphany; remember my recipe for Pineapple Basil Granita? That one was a favorite. 

It's so fun to continue to incorporate basil into my cooking, outside of traditional savory recipes. Another favorite summer snack with an unexpected spiced twist is watermelon sprinkled with chai tea masala. (I buy this brand, or pick up a spice mixture from a local Middle Eastern grocery store).

Have any tips on unexpected herbal or spice flavor pairings? Comment and let me know so I can give it a try, too!

Back At It

It didn't take me long to sniff out a few thrift stores over here. In fact, I found a street in town that has about 5 of them. They're not the massive Salvation Army warehouse types that I'm used to; they're more like small boutiquey places, each run by a different charity organization. I've already found a dress that I'm loving - this mixed floral number is so cute and easy to wear, and I can throw a cardigan over it to transition into the cooler weather we're already having. Can't wait to keep exploring and see what all these local charity shops have to offer my wardrobe!