It probably seems weird to combine these two into one post, but it felt easier since individually they’re pretty short sections. I didn’t cook as much as I would have liked between all my transitions and travel, but I found a few new-to-me recipes that were really great and unearthed a few old favorites when I was in a rut. The shopping section is possibly more robust than it would have been in years past since I moved to a new apartment and had to procure various furnishings for it. What you see below are two very eclectic lists but we’re none us surprised by it.
recipes.
Meera' Sodha’s Chicken Curry is one of my favorite dishes to make: it’s so easy and super tasty and freezes easily for future enjoyment.
Ali Slagle’s one-pot tortellini with meat sauce is both delicious and incredibly easy to make and will be a regular recipe of mine going forward.
I made this chana recipe for Maggie and me when we were both in Little Rock and it was very delicious.
Melissa Clark’s cheesy baked pasta with sausage and ricotta is easy, delicious, makes a ton, and just all-around great.
*all recipes above are gift links from nyt cooking
shopping.
the botanica embroidered linen mini dress pictured above from Banana Republic proved to be the clothing purchase win of the year for me. I bought it to wear to Maggie’s movie premiere in June and wound up wearing it a total of four times over the next six months. It’s incredibly comfortable, falls perfectly, and has pockets. It has since sold out so I don’t have a working link for you, but if they have something similar in the future I highly recommend. I would also like to shout out my Old Navy card and points for scoring me this dress at half off :)
this was the summer I splurged on an Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase. as a lifelong rucksack and duffel gal, in recent years I have found myself wanting a suitcase for certain trips and decided it was finally time to make it happen. In the six months I’ve had it I have used it four times, so it has been worth it so far. It holds a good amount of stuff but is still easy to lift when I need to, I really like the color, and the wheels roll smoothly [on floors, not so much on New York City sidewalks lol]. And now I have my own referral code if you’re inclined to get one for yourself and want $20 off. shoutout to Steph & Pete for sharing their code with me :)
this beautiful dresser [on sale!] that has allowed me to [almost] finish unpacking the last of my clothes [the dark walnut is currently out of stock but keep an eye out to see if they have it back soon]
this shoe cabinet that also doubles as the spot where I can leave keys, sunglasses, and other tchotchkes [back in stock as of this writing!]
I’ve been wanting some new ankle boots and got these Nisolo Eva boots on sale. I appreciate the low heel and soft sole, both of which are good for my flat feet, and I’ve already gotten good wear out of them
on Cyber Monday I got a great deal on this hand blender
I caved and got a laundry backpack and it has truly been a game-changer
Amos Lee and Indigo Girls are touring together in fall 2024, so Dillard and I spontaneously bought tickets to see them at Red Rocks in September!
a new daypack for hikes and various current and future trips
I had an L.L. Bean gift card and obviously had to use it on this Fair Isle sweater and this sherpa fleece
Phew! Only one Best of 2023 post to go! If you’d like to read the ones already posted, you can do so here: 2023 books // 2023 movies + tv // 2023 podcasts
What was one recipe or one purchase this year that stood out for you?
xx