The Littlest Things

Words & Photography
by Vanessa Gray



Pretty flowers and a pretty dress.
Sometimes it’s the littlest things that can
make your whole day a little brighter.

Dear Diary

Words & Photography
by Miriam Stimpfl



Dear Diary,
The mini-jungle in my bedroom
couldn’t be happier about the sun,
and my to-read book basket is (finally) shrinking.
I just wish I had a balcony to spend the days outside.
I also got a huge red pimple on my nose.
Love, Miriam

Our Current Reality

Words & Photography
by Kristi Reed

...realizing what used to be a therapeutic trip to the nursery now feels rushed and full of anxiety. One day at a time, one breath at a time.

A look into our current reality; adjusting masks on a quick trip to gather garden supplies (she loves the mask by the way) and realizing what used to be a therapeutic trip to the nursery now feels rushed and full of anxiety. One day at a time, one breath at a time.

Beyond Measure

Words & Photography

by Brooke Hutch

How do you show someone you love them beyond measure...⁠
You cook for them; a slow meal.⁠
With the finest ingredients you can get your hands on.⁠
And you end the meal with a homemade raw cheesecake.⁠
And you cheers with a kiss.

How Much More?

Words & Photography
by Morgan Kotsovos



How much more does the heart need?
Not taking a second of this for granted.
Forever and always my little darlings.

Simple Joys

Words & Photography
by Carrie Huseman

"Never be in a hurry;

do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.

Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,

even if your whole world seems upset."

- Saint Francis de Sales

Simple moments, simple joys. Ones that pull you through, one day at a time.

What I Said Vs. What They Heard

Words & Photography
by Amanda Pahls



What I said vs. what they heard:

Mom- "Hey guys, momma needs a little bit of alone time and has a headache so I’m going to take a quiet, relaxing bath."

What they heard: "Ladies, momma needs some alone time and has a headache so I’m going to take a quiet, relaxing bath. It would be cool if you would all join me and make as much noise as you can with your loudest metal kitchen toys, and also if you could fight over the toys and dump water all over the bathroom, that might make for the perfect relaxing touch."

Lap Cheong Fried Rice

Words & Photography
by Maggie Lam





The absolute best thing about cooking rice (good bye, microwave packet rice!) is leftover rice, because that equals fried rice. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about lap cheong (Chinese sausage) fried rice that a single bite alone warms my soul and immediately takes me back to my childhood.

Lap Cheong (Chinese Sausage) Fried Rice

Ingredients
4 cups day-old white rice
2-3 lap cheong sausages, cut into small cubes
4 eggs
Dried shrimp (I used ~1/3 cup)
Frozen corn and peas (~1 cup)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 spring onions, sliced
salt and white pepper to taste
Asian greens and XO or crispy chilli oil sauce to serve (optional)

Directions
1. Microwave the day-old rice in an enclosed microwave safe container for 1 to 2 minutes - the steam/condensation will help add some moisture back to the rice so that it doesn’t dry out further when cooking in the pan.
2. Heat a large non-stick frying pan/wok over medium heat. Add the lap cheong sausages and pan fry until crispy. Remove from the pan and allow to sit on a sheet of paper towel. Discard the oil from the pan.
3. Pan fry the eggs. You can whisk these beforehand if you prefer but I just crack them right into the pan. Once fried, slice the eggs into bite sized pieces. Alternatively, you can add the eggs straight to the rice instead alongside the other ingredients, which will cook as you fold the fried rice, but I personally enjoy the bites of egg in my fried rice.
4. Add all ingredients to the pan. Fold through the ingredients until evenly distributed and the fried rice is heated through. Season to taste with more soy sauce/salt if needed and white pepper.
5. Serve immediately, alongside some Asian greens (I stir fried some Chinese broccoli with garlic) and XO/crispy chilli oil sauce if so desired. Enjoy!

This Guy

Words & Photography
by Erika Berlin



Oh the feels... is it nap time yet? Love this little guy.
If anyone is loving this time right now, it’s this guy.
We are alwaaayyss home.

Croque Madame & Croque Monsieur

Words & Photography
by Alysia Hayers



Week 6 - Sandwich: Croque Madame & Croque Monsieur.

These his and hers sandwiches are a combination of gruyere, parmesan, ham, and dijon mustard, grilled then topped with creamy béchamel and more gruyere, placed under the broiler until bubbly and golden brown. Add a sunny side up egg for a Croque Madame, or eat as is for a Croque Monsieur.

Bon appétit!

Daffodils

Words & Photography
by Michelle Milowe



Making a habit of walking out in my slippers
in the morning to clip some daffodils for the table.

Southern Grandma Energy

Words & Photography
by Sarabeth Hurst



Throughout this quarantine I’ve been cultivating
a strong southern grandma energy.

This Situation

Words & Photography
by Olivia Jane



Something I’ve been focusing on lately is the gift of this time. And please don’t misread me. I’m not saying the pandemic is a gift or that this period has been without challenges and difficult feelings. What I mean is, for me, this crisis has created an opportunity. A chance to slow down and recalibrate. To practice living in the present.

I think there’s opportunity in this situation for all of us. To check in with ourselves. To give thought to our ways in order to better understand what’s working and what’s not. And to realign accordingly.

I think there’s opportunity in this situation for all of us. To check in with ourselves. To give thought to our ways in order to better understand what’s working and what’s not. And to realign accordingly. My hope is that we won’t overlook the growth this situation holds for us, because I believe we all have the potential to be more present and intentional versions of ourselves.

Avocados

Words & Photography
by Tanya Connor



I’ll admit, avocados are truly a way to my heart.
I could have them with pretty much anything.

Breakfast Nook

Words & Photography
by Jen Jeppsen



“Mom we want a breakfast nook,” they said.
“Okay,” I said.

Eating In The Time Of Covid-19

Words & Photography
by Yiyin Zhang

...I’m a fan of Wasa crispbreads - they’re fantastically dry and will suck all the moisture from your mouth, but it also means I can leave the package open for two weeks and they won’t get stale...

Eating in the time of COVID-19: tinned fish (we had smoked salmon and sardines that had been sitting in the pantry for ages), crackers (I’m a fan of Wasa crispbreads - they’re fantastically dry and will suck all the moisture from your mouth, but it also means I can leave the package open for two weeks and they won’t get stale), pickles (I used gherkins and capers), whatever fresh produce/herbs you have on hand (I had radishes, red onion, dill, and a very old lemon), and some type of creamy spread (I softened butter and sprinkled Maldon sea salt on top). Decided to throw on a jammy egg last minute. Super delicious.

Sundays Feel Different

Words & Photography
by Carla Thompson



Sundays feel different without going out for breakfast,
but my boy is taking a nap so I will count that as a win!
Spent some time cleaning around and
repotted some of my plants.
In the next few weeks we will be working
on our backyard sitting area.
Now to find outdoor furniture...

Send Noods

Words & Photography
by Rebekah Stratton



Send noods.
Bending my regular no gluten rules during this time
and having so much fun baking cakes and making pasta
(and other delicious things).