Lazy Sunday: Walden Style

Today wasn't really so lazy - a yoga class and volunteering filled most of the sunlit hours - but I've been enjoy every lazy minute lately reading Walden. It has me ready to go into the woods and start building a cabin myself... well, once this freezing weather lets up anyways. Until then I'm enjoying the amazing and sexy scent of Archipelago Black Forest candles which have filled the apartment with a woodsy and wintry scent.

Lazy Sunday: Reading Riot

I am forever reading too many things at once, and before I've whittled down my bedside book pile to a reasonable height I rarely restrain myself from making more trips to the library or the bookstore to contribute to the madness. Tonight, however, propped against stacks of pillows and fueled by a desire to simplify my literary rotation, I'm determined to finish up several of the half-read books and somewhat-skimmed mags claiming valuable nightstand real estate. Do you read several books at once? Typically I enjoy the variety but I think I've hit a critical mass.

Not So Lazy Sunday

Today's more of a hit the ground running Sunday. No time to post, but a photo for good measure.

Lazy Sunday: Sushi Adventures

Photo found on The Perfect Pantry

This lazy Sunday I decided to make sushi. No, the photo above is not my final product. Think more smooshed, less taut, nix the garnish, and more messy all-over. That was my final product. It had nothing on my favorite Denver tofu rolls or the best Boston Portabella rolls, but every once in a while it's more fun to make a mess and try things yourself... just buy a good dessert in case the exotic entree doesn't quite make the cut. Thankfully Whole Foods has added yet another vegan dessert to their bakery line-up: lemon poppy-seed cake!

Lazy Sunday: Noodle Time

I hope you had a great, long weekend, and enjoyed this lazy Sunday just a little bit more as a result. Tonight I joined a friend for dinner at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant where I had my absolute favorite meal - vermicelli noodle bowl! Warm rice noodles coupled with fresh julienne carrots and cucumber, shredded lettuce, and bean sprouts, topped with scallions, crispy tofu, and crushed peanuts. To me, the perfect combination of textures and flavors... plus it's a satisfying dish that won't leave you feeling weighed down and tired.

For many, it's back to work tomorrow morning to begin the first full week in quite a while. Getting back into the swing of things is always more challenging after the holidays, not to mention we are in the midst of the sickness season. That's why this week I will be writing about staying healthy and feeling great during the (often trying) winter months. See you there!

Lazy Sunday: Snowed In

The hour-by-hour forecast shows the little snow icon for at least the next 12 hours. Anything I had planned on doing today has gone out the window, but that's alright. Days like this are perfect for helping us to slow down and take it easy. Nothing sounds better right now than wrapping up in a big sweater, slipping on some fuzzy slippers, and getting settled in for some indoor delights - say making a batch of cookies, playing a long game of Scrabble, stringing some forgotten Christmas lights somewhere unexpected (the bathroom!), and enjoying them while taking a deliciously scented bath. Ahhh...

Lazy Sunday: Need to Buy

When I first completed my Christmas shopping, I vowed not to step foot in a retail store for anything but the necessities until the New Year. However, I had forgotten just how cold New England winters can be. My attempts at layering a few long sleeve t-shirts under a trusty cotton cardigan have been futile against the bone-chilling wind and 8 inches of snow-turned-slush this past week. My office window provides not only a view of the whitened landscape but a consistent draft too, and by the time my little car warms up at the end of the day I'm half-way home and shivering. My need for some new sweaters, boots, and, if I'm lucky enough, stylish flannel-lined jeans (okay, that may be an oxymoron), cannot wait until the holidays are behind us. So today, I'm off to see what the retails have in store for me this year. I can only hope fleece jumpsuits and woolen balaclava's are the latest must-have items.

Lazy Sunday: Under the Covers

Photo via ICH

Not only was it cloudy and dark out this morning (two very endearing reasons to stay in bed) but it was really, really cold. In fact, it was unusually cold. Covers alone were not enough to make my lazing tolerable. A trip to the the thermostat confirmed my suspicions; 58 degrees. After a little detective work the culprit was determined: a broken furnace. Fortunately, the heat and hot water were back on just a few hours later following a visit from the furnace doctor (he came in carrying one of those black leather doctor bags and everything, the only thing missing was a stethoscope casually flopping out the side). In the mean time, however, my refuge was in bed, under a pile of covers. How was your Sunday?

Lazy Sunday: Typing Away

Today's one of those autumn days when the trees aren't brilliant enough yet to warrant a leaf peeping, the wind's a little too whip-y to permit for outdoor anything, and the rolling clouds are just ominous enough to trigger a contemplative mood. Well break out the notepad and bic, moleskin and fountain, typewriter and ribbon, laptop and high-res, or whatever your recording implement of choice, because it is the perfect day to write. I am two emails into my long list of inscriptions, and there's no stopping me now. Writing is the perfect Sunday activity because it can be so emotionally cathartic. Give it a shot! Whether you opt for a letter, email, journal entry, poem, short story, free write, article, blog post, or more, it's sure to release some pent-up creativity and put you in touch with what's been on your mind.

Lazy Sunday: Long Drive

Photo via KomoNews

There wasn't a shred of cloud nor a streak of white to mar the deep azure sky today, so my mother and I relished in the bright sun with a long drive in the convertible. The leaves have started to turn here in New Hampshire; patches of orange and red burning on the trees as if the forest has contracted chicken pox. Whipping around corners on the winding river road, we later took the long way home - as if dwelling in the perfect evening's light might somehow make the dark winter ahead more bearable. As I type I can feel the warmth radiating from my face, cheeks still aglow. How was your Sunday?

Lazy Sunday: In Flight

Today's the kind of Sunday that has me dreaming I'm jetting off to a tropical destination. For me, getting there is half the fun - and when it comes to traveling, comfort is my main priority. My ideal travel outfit has to be a long, roomy tunic layered over a pair of capri-length cotton leggings (ideal for contorting into just the right position for a lengthy flight). To make long walks between terminals and security lines a breeze, I slip-on a pair of lace-free sneakers. I also like to travel prepared with little ammenities, as skimping on even the simplist forethought can make a day of jet setting an unbearable experience.

For me, this means always bringing my own snacks (fruit's my favorite) and my trusty waterbottle which I fill up right after I make it through security. A scarf is also a great way to block out excess light if you're trying to take a midflight nap, ball up into a pillow, wrap yourself in if you get cold easily, cover a frazzled travler hair-do with, or brighten up your complexion after a day of recycled air and UV exposure. I'm also sure to carry a moisturizing lip balm with me and an individual pack of scented hand wipes - these are a wonderful way to freshen up throughout the day, and when you choose scented varieties in lavendar or vanilla they can help anxious travelers relax too!

Lazy Sunday: California Style

I had a great day spent with my favorite guy - but if I had to pick a second-best Sunday it would be California inspired, no doubt. A sushi lunch (outside but in the shade) paired with a fruity cocktail, bright strappy sandals, and an afternoon of conversation followed up with a stroll along the beach. 

Lazy Sunday: Out to Sea

My Sunday has been anything but lazy, but while my hands have been busy typing case write-ups and my eyes scanning international economics review sheets - my mind has been out to sea all day. Combing the sand patiently for fragments of sea glass, perfectly smoothed by years of the ocean's rhythmic dance with the shore. Swaying gently with each wave's swell, lulling me into a contemplative state. Savoring each spray of salty refreshment, a welcome relief from the white heat of the sun intensified by the water's glassy reflection. In reality, it's back to offer curves and trade tariff theory. In my mind, my toes dig further into the warm sand - an anchor wedged deeply in a dream I refuse to leave behind.