why this newsletter is a work in progress
finding more time and finding my voice
If you’ve been here for a while, you’re probably wondering why this email is formatted differently every week. Or maybe you’re not — but I’m going to explain anyway.
I’m just a girl who can’t make up her mind. I’ve been experimenting with so many formats and styles because I want this newsletter to feel like me. I don’t like the limitations on substack — they make it impossible to customize text and position photos the way I imagine. Which brings me to my next point: canva. I design in canva and import to substack. And every week, as I swap out photos and retype recipes, I get extremely carried away with the endless fonts, colors, and elements, which leaves you with a different looking newsletter every week.
I’ve settled with the notion that substack’s limited options leave me wanting more, yet canva’s endless possibilities make it hard for me to stick with what I’ve already created. For now, I’m loving this vintage recipe card look with ripped paper along with the scrapbook feel — but don’t get too attached. Knowing me, I’ll probably change it again next month… oops.
Writing has always been something I’ve loved, and this newsletter has become such a creative outlet for me. It’s where I get to experiment with ideas, share what’s on my mind, house my recipes, and connect with other creatives whom I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. That said, my schedule has gotten a little busier lately (yay for growth!) which means starting now, I’ll have to adjust a bit. You’ll be getting a newsletter from me every other week versus every Sunday. I’m excited to keep writing and sharing with you all in whatever format that may be. And if I’m spending time formulating my thoughts, I want it to feel intentional and worthwhile. Lately, I’ve felt a bit rushed when it comes to sitting down and really honing in on here, and I don’t want to feel that way. Moving forward I’m eager to give myself the space to create more thoughtfully.
Every time I sit down to write what’s on my mind, it takes me longer than the last time as I debate whether what I’ve written is interesting enough to share. I often tell myself that nobody’s reading this to push myself to hit publish. It’s scary putting myself out there, whether it’s a kitchen recommendation or a personal story—there’s always the fear of imagining others reading it, and I get this second-hand embarrassment. But as this newsletter has become more of a weekly ritual, I’ve started to enjoy just sharing whatever’s top of mind. Sometimes it’s deeper, sometimes lighter, but that’s why I love the lack of structure here. Every week is an unknown, for better or for worse.
*I’ve been noticing wood paired with sleek glass jars and vessels everywhere lately. This one happens to be a decanter, but the combo works just as well in other forms too such as a canister or dispenser.
*I love bowl with a bold look. Three of my favorite spots to find a statement piece have been Great Jones, Material Kitchen, and Unison.
*Passionfruit just screams spring and summer. Anthropologie has this passionfruit simple syrup that I’m convinced would be incredible in coffee, matcha, or some kind of dessert. They always have the cutest kitchenware with hand-painted fruits, veggies, and vibrant little details. These tomato tongs are no exception like look at them.
*I love a good cocktail mixing glass. I’ve been making so many more drinks lately—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—for various brands or just as a midday pick-me-up, and this one from Unison looked so playful!
Meet my pins for a series i like to call If This Were Food where i reimagine my pins as recipes inspired by patterns, colors, and textures.
Meet the menu inspired by my pins.
Peanut tofu skewers
Recommendations:
Try to cube the tofu as evenly as possible and center it on the skewers to ensure all sides cook evenly in the cast iron.
Grocery List: Peanut Tofu Skewers
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