Welp! Here we are again— our 5th consecutive year of insane winter weather stretching across the country, but most specifically positioned on my street. Like, with much respect to the Midwest/Northeast, but please keep this January polar vortex to yourselves!

So, how are we doing? I’m ok in this very moment, but with these storms, shit can go left very, very quickly. But I am not spiraling out over rolling brownouts or boil water ordinances. I am grateful to have power, warmth and plenty to do around the house. Let’s just keep it on the up+up, and think about more peaceful ways to pass the time.

First of all, every single tip from “Daddy Winter” holds up a year+ later, so please revisit that masterpiece of a post :). I am actively holding strong on 5/7 bullet points.

Secondly, what are we watching?

1. I embarked on a rewatch of Daisy Jones & The Six and was awestruck once again. Riley Keough is a goddess, and as we consider all she’s been through since the show’s release, it makes her turn as Daisy more beautiful and haunting than ever. The ensemble cast is amazing and the soundtrack somehow has hit my little heart even harder than the first watch, with new songs jumping out to me. I knew it then, but watching Camila Morrone captivate and command every scene she’s in confirms that she is indeed way too good for Leo. Did we ever consider that these women are outgrowing him?
2. Someone please make me sit down and watch Sinners! I missed it in theaters and now can only watch before 3pm, or else I will have nightmares. Although, the Michael B. Jordan x 2 is plenty incentive for me.
3. Tennis season is upon us! There is something so “snowed in @ home” about watching the Australian Open every January. One year, my cousin and I stayed up until 3am to watch Naomi win the title– I was tired from that for the next week! The juxtaposition of wind chills in the single digits vs. a tennis match in 80 degree Sydney is still a little ironic. Rooting for Coco Gauff all the way!

Shock of all shocks, I have been in the kitchen the past two days! I whipped up a small batch of marinara sauce, some easy blueberry muffins and will make my favorite green goddess dressing. The key to not being absolutely burned out by the first snowflake is keep it all simple! Lean on recipes that you could make with one hand tied behind your back– this is not the moment for that complex dish you saw in Cooks magazine. A snowstorm does not afford enough eggs, milk and protein for experimentation! Hit up Melissa, Gaby and Taelor for some straightforward home recipes.

In honor of my Daisy re-watch and absolute deep-dive love for Riley, I started From Here to the Great Unknown. As a native Memphian, I have been so impressed with how Riley engages with and protects Graceland and her grandfather’s beloved hometown. I am just a few pages in, but the distinction between Lisa Marie’s totally uninhibited recollections of her singularly unique childhood and Riley’s thoughtful reflection on behalf of both her and LM jumps off the page. A timely read for the King’s birthday month! I’m nowhere near an Elvis fanatic, but this is one of my favorites of his.

Finally, as most of my early week workouts will surely be cancelled, I am dipping into the Melissa Wood Health archive to stay active. I also went on the most brisk walk just down my street to get my legs moving and a little air on my face. We’re snacking like it’s summer break, so I am finding small ways to move so I’m not totally thrown off my game!

Ok, that’s plenty directives for now! Stay warm, stay sane, stay in. Xx