Around the Table: February Edition

Most people use the New Year to hit reset, but I tend to recenter and refocus in February. My birthday is the chance to start anew. So here we go . . .

Living life

I recently saw this Chinese proverb and it just stuck with me. Even after thirty-five years there are so many things that scare me. Things I’ve put off doing and experiences I’ve steered clear of just out of fear. Fear of failure. Fear of judgement from others. Fear of success. The list goes on and on.

Last year was the year of change in my life, but this year is the year of growth. Growth by facing fears and doing things I’ve always wanted to do. I’m kicking off day one of my new year of life by starting the journal Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You . . . follow on Instagram to see what challenges and fears I tackle.

One of the first things I’m tackling is my interest in (and honestly fear) of photography. You guys, I finally signed up for an online food photography course. I love taking photos and have had the chance to be a part of a lot of professional photoshoots from the planning and non-photographer execution perspective, but I want to be behind the camera. So I paid for ($=dedication) a highly respected course and I am already meeting so many amazing people and loving learning again. Hopefully, you will all be seeing the fruits of my labor soon and who knows maybe in print one day.

Local love

Unfortunately, this month hasn’t allowed a whole lot of local exploration. Between the flu, strep throat, and lots of wintery weather we’ve been sticking pretty close to home. But this last weekend we did get the chance to wander out to Lambertville, NJ. This little town right on the New Jersey Pennsylvania border is a hamlet of artist galleries and antique shops.

After exploring the variety of antiques throughout the four floors of the People’s Store, we were starving. Thankfully, I had done my research and I knew exactly where we were headed – Liberty Hall Pizza. Remember I have a thing for Neopolitan style pizza so I couldn’t pass up the chance to try another spot. The wood-fired pizzas were great and the housemade hummus was unbelievably good.

Of course, what would a leisurely weekend be without a little dessert. Just down the street from Liberty Hall Pizza you will find a cute little ice cream shop dishing out handcrafted flavors created from locally sourced ingredients. If you go to Owowcow (which you must), try the cow flights – eight mini scoops of your choice of flavors!

Food

Of course, we haven’t talked about food enough yet. Since the homefront is just as much about food we’ve been enjoying a few new items this month that we think you should know about.

First, if you like Nutella you have got to give Hella from Bubble Goods a try. This healthier version of the chocolate hazelnut spread is every bit as delicious as the original but contains only three ingredients. We’ve enjoyed this on homemade peanut butter banana bread and english muffins. Warning it does sell out fast.

Second, I came across Endangered Species Chocolate in the regular grocery store. I fully admit to have a massive sweet tooth, but I like to keep it on the healthier side or when I do really treat myself make sure it is quality. These chocolate bars are delicious and ten percent of the net profits go to save wildlife. I highly recommend the Caramel Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate bar . . . break off a little square or two for the perfect end of the day treat to yourself.

Travel

I recently saw a study that said you should treat weekends like mini vacations and I can’t agree more. In fact, with life being so busy sometimes the weekend is the only “vacation” you get. If you need a few ideas to get you started, check out the article I recently published on Travelpassmag.com for five great options for a long weekend.

We’ve got a few long weekends in the works that I can’t wait to share with you as they approach.

Of course, we also have a few longer trips on the calendar as well. Including a return trip to Gulf Shores and a week back in our former home, Minnesota.

Until later . . . safe travels and happy eats!