The Mondays: March 18, 2025

Like many women, I hoped the New Year would provide me with a hard reset after a difficult 2024. When it didn’t work out, I pledged to restart again on Lunar New Year. And again on February 1. And again on March 1. Now, I’m hoping to find a clean slate on the other side of the Vernal Equinox, which arrives in two days.

I am, without question, a Spring girlie. Winter is too cold and riddled with disease. Autumn is too unpredictable. Summer is often too hot and too smoky to be enjoyed. But Spring, that’s my season. Maybe it rains, maybe it shines, but going outside is just a question of willpower and which jacket you want to wear.

Here’s to another reset. This one (hopefully) with sunshine. And in that vein, let’s spend today’s lunch break talking about things that bring joy. Joy /joi/ noun: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

My Mom bought this Made In cast iron griddle for Kyle as a gift, and it has become the most used item in our kitchen. Sloane loves a griddle quesadilla. We use it to warm up store bought naan or tortillas. You can quickly toast a sandwich. And on Sunday morning, it makes a quick pancake and eggs.

Few things that are “must haves” really are, but the hype for this griddle is real. It works on gas, electric and induction cooktops. It also works on the grill. Don’t spend a few grand on a Blackstone, when this griddle gives you the same experience in a smaller package for a much better price.

Thanks, Mom!

Speaking of toddlers who only eat beige food and berries, this spinach pasta sauce from Yummy Toddler Food is the only green thing Sloane will eat. It’s also delicious enough that any adult will love it.

I use frozen garlic and onion cubes to speed up the cook time. I also use the pasta pot to wilt the spinach, and then, wipe it out and boil the water. Further, the Beast blender (which is better than the Vitamix, don’t @ me) simplifies the rest of the job and stores the leftovers. All in, it takes 15 minutes if you assemble the ingredients on the counter before you start.

We made this last night, and it was a hit. Sloane had it on cheese tortellini with fruit. Kyle and I ate it on orzo with chicken sausage. Yay for a dinner everyone can eat that only takes one pot.

When Sloane was born, I searched high and low for a lovely locket that wasn’t going to put me in arrears. I love Monica Rich Kosann but, woof on the price tag for the base model. So when I spotted this absolutely gorgeous locket from Monica Vinade it sprouted wings and flew into my cart.

This locket is a fantastic medium size. It’s pretty without being too much. And you can engrave the front, the inside, the back or all three. I’ll wear it on their 24″ beaded chain, which I already own. now, I just have to decide if the picture inside is Sloane’s or Avery’s…maybe I can convince them to pose for a photo…problem solved.

Very excited to read Amor Towles new book, Table for Two, on my work trip next week. Gentleman in Moscow is my favorite book, so I’m always happy to have a new one from him.

If you have a new (old) book to recommend, throw it in the comments.

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