I’m so glad you started a dinner journal and that it’s non digital which is key. You’re right that the mundane details today are the most fascinating ones tomorrow. That has borne out with me over and over again with journal keeping — the dinner kind or any other. And now to check out those winter soups! Welcome back.
Thank you, Jenny. I've had your dinner journals in the back of my mind throughout all my years of parenting, but only recently did I feel like I'm really nailing it on consistent, cozy dinners (I'm a go-all-out-for-breakfast kind of mom), and even when I'm not, these little moments are worth remembering. Thank you for the inspiration and perspective, always.
Always so happy to read your posts, Sarah, and this one is packed with so many good things to follow up on (like that collection of soups! 😍). Totally agree with your thoughts on TV - we didn’t own one for about 20 years when we were raising our kids. So it was all books, all the time, lol! We would occasionally rent a video from Blockbuster and play it on the little portable TV/VCR combo we kept in the garage. All 3 kiddos are now adults who still read! My husband and I have a TV now (and just got Roku a couple of years ago) but still prefer books over anything else. Sending love your way and wishing your mom a speedy recovery! 💗
Hi Betty, thank you for the love for my mom, and as always, I love hearing your stories from when your kids were home. I wish my second-born were more of a reader, like my firstborn is (always her nose in a book, even before she could read). But he loves to be read to, and it's about the only time he sits still and lets his head rest on my shoulder, so I'll take it!
It sounds like your youngest is like my youngest one! He was not a big reader as a child but loved being read to. Now that he is 23, he has become a huge reader and is now recommending books to me, lol! Somehow it all comes around. Keep reading aloud!
Hi Sarah……this post is so lovely and filled with so much inspiration. I especially love Miracle Mornings as I have been trying to start my day with a short meditation , or just enjoying the nature outside my window before coffee or any news. It’s so important on some of these very trying and sad days. Soup! Yes! we love and share so many of yours, especially the Italian Wedding Soup. It truly is a wonderful way to connect! Thanks for a great read that I will be referring back to often I’m sure! 💕💕
Thank you for your note, Maureen. It always feels like a homecoming to see your name and your notes here — one of my earliest and most loyal readers! I'm glad to hear you are also fans of the Italian Wedding Soup..... and slow news-less mornings. I think it's so vital to center ourselves before we let the wider world into our spirits and souls. 💕
I love this post, and your list is reflective of so much of my own dedications and joys for this new year. (And I'm so glad you enjoyed the blueberry banana muffins!)
Your newsletters are sunshine to my day! Thank you!! Also I just made your Italian wedding soup last night as my family gets over a cold. It is the perfect comforting soup for this season… and my kids always go crazy for the tiny meatballs. 😊
Hi Eilana! I am so happy to hear that! It is one of our favorites, too. I hope your family heals well and quickly. Thank you for being here, and for your note! 💕
Happy 2026! I hope your son is improving. I know it can take time--my oldest had a bad concussion in high school.
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
I'm definitely a book gal and writer, so I understand leaning into those. Love movies and some TV, too.
I’m so glad you started a dinner journal and that it’s non digital which is key. You’re right that the mundane details today are the most fascinating ones tomorrow. That has borne out with me over and over again with journal keeping — the dinner kind or any other. And now to check out those winter soups! Welcome back.
Thank you, Jenny. I've had your dinner journals in the back of my mind throughout all my years of parenting, but only recently did I feel like I'm really nailing it on consistent, cozy dinners (I'm a go-all-out-for-breakfast kind of mom), and even when I'm not, these little moments are worth remembering. Thank you for the inspiration and perspective, always.
Always so happy to read your posts, Sarah, and this one is packed with so many good things to follow up on (like that collection of soups! 😍). Totally agree with your thoughts on TV - we didn’t own one for about 20 years when we were raising our kids. So it was all books, all the time, lol! We would occasionally rent a video from Blockbuster and play it on the little portable TV/VCR combo we kept in the garage. All 3 kiddos are now adults who still read! My husband and I have a TV now (and just got Roku a couple of years ago) but still prefer books over anything else. Sending love your way and wishing your mom a speedy recovery! 💗
Hi Betty, thank you for the love for my mom, and as always, I love hearing your stories from when your kids were home. I wish my second-born were more of a reader, like my firstborn is (always her nose in a book, even before she could read). But he loves to be read to, and it's about the only time he sits still and lets his head rest on my shoulder, so I'll take it!
It sounds like your youngest is like my youngest one! He was not a big reader as a child but loved being read to. Now that he is 23, he has become a huge reader and is now recommending books to me, lol! Somehow it all comes around. Keep reading aloud!
Hi Sarah……this post is so lovely and filled with so much inspiration. I especially love Miracle Mornings as I have been trying to start my day with a short meditation , or just enjoying the nature outside my window before coffee or any news. It’s so important on some of these very trying and sad days. Soup! Yes! we love and share so many of yours, especially the Italian Wedding Soup. It truly is a wonderful way to connect! Thanks for a great read that I will be referring back to often I’m sure! 💕💕
Thank you for your note, Maureen. It always feels like a homecoming to see your name and your notes here — one of my earliest and most loyal readers! I'm glad to hear you are also fans of the Italian Wedding Soup..... and slow news-less mornings. I think it's so vital to center ourselves before we let the wider world into our spirits and souls. 💕
I love this post, and your list is reflective of so much of my own dedications and joys for this new year. (And I'm so glad you enjoyed the blueberry banana muffins!)
Nicki, it's so lovely to be so aligned in health, parenting, nesting and self-care. Wishing your crew a beautiful, connected February!
Excited to dig into this soup list!
Make the gulyás, with Venison!
Your newsletters are sunshine to my day! Thank you!! Also I just made your Italian wedding soup last night as my family gets over a cold. It is the perfect comforting soup for this season… and my kids always go crazy for the tiny meatballs. 😊
Hi Eilana! I am so happy to hear that! It is one of our favorites, too. I hope your family heals well and quickly. Thank you for being here, and for your note! 💕
It is so good to have you back in my mailbox! And with such a newsletter full of juicy links and recipes! I missed your warm voice and inspiration!
Thank you so much, dear Guilia. I have really kissed being here! Feeling nourished from my time away and ready to share. 🤍