It’s Friday. Somehow another week has gone by, and while I can distinctly remember each day, it feels like Monday was just a few seconds ago. This week has graced my little city with the most beautiful spring weather. We drudged through the grey days and showers last week and now we are basking in the breezy sunshine that has followed. Wednesday morning I found myself sitting on my patio at 6am, cup of tea in hand, and I had to remind myself that I was not on vacation.

My family used to take camping trips somewhat often when I was young and, being the early-riser that I am, I usually found myself sitting at the edge of the lake with my grandmother watching the sunrise before anyone else had woken. Her Bible was always opened on her lap and we did not exchange much conversation, but though I was not usually a friend of quietude, my 7-year-old self found contentment in the silence that was sprinkled with the sounds of geese flying across the water and the unzipping of tent doors. There was something deeply wonderful about the early morning hours spent outside. This past Wednesday morning on the patio evoked a flood of reminiscing and made me yearn for a holiday. For now, these indulgent, slow-going, mornings are a daily dose of restoration and another reminder that living with intention is easiest when I begin the day well.

I need you to tell me about this dragon fruit thing. Do you really love the flavor? I do not want to fall into the obsession merely because of ascetics, but I have to admit that these smoothies are calling to my color-loving heart.

I have always walked past the ubiquitous bowls of mayonnaise-drenched macaroni at picnics. Pasta salad has never tempted me...until now. For some reason I am craving something I haven't even tasted, but I just have to get my hands on one or both of these salads (Goat Cheese Arugula Pasta Salad and Bow Tie Salad Scallops. Olives, Oranges & Mint) very, very soon. Memorial Day seems like an open opportunity.

With the current influx of strawberries, this favorite from last spring has been on my mind. It may be happening tomorrow. The buttermilk ice cream is calling me.

Speaking of which, ice cream-making is one of the best weekend activities. If buttermilk is not your thing, this cinnamon ice cream is pretty rad.

I know I talked about it last week, but I really am so delighted with this straw bag trend. I have been toting my oversized market bag around constantly and I love it, despite the critical strangers who have felt the need to comment upon the contrast between its size and my own. It is on the larger side, but I'm just a busy lady trying to carry a lot of things, okay?

I feel like we have really hit the time where vacations are being booked and anticipated. Do you have any special holidays in the works? I hope you do, but even more so, I hope you can take the time to work in a few moments of easy living each day, even if that means waking a bit earlier so you can sip your coffee rather than gulp it.

Happy, happy weekending, friends!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie