Day 17-19: A-OK

Day 17-19: A-OK
Food for the soul.
Fri, Sat, & Sun Nov 24

It may seem like a little bit of a cop-out, but there’s where you’re wrong! This weekend was an occasion where good food brought loved ones together. Much like a practice run for this week’s turkey holiday!

Friday was a cold, miserable rainy day – and the neighbourhood Thai restaurant was looking especially inviting. Ryan and I settled down for a Christmas movie and some good ol’ greasy takeout to end a long week. Now, it wasn’t exactly an act of kindness (maybe to ourselves) so I made a point to commit a ‘countable’ act to record for the Noel Project.

I had an appointment with my dermatologist earlier in the day, and I noticed one of the receptionists was new. She had a gorgeous red matte lipstick on- so I told her. She raved about it, told me where she got it, and we both bonded over our mutual love for dark matte lip shades (not glossy!). You may think that’s a little flaky, but I don’t just dole out makeup compliments. I have long had an affinity for skin and beauty, and worked for several years as a skincare specialist and colour trainer. So my compliments (especially when it comes to cosmetics) are never lip service.

Saturday, Ryan made me breakfast in bed! I was so tickled pink that I was sure I would credit his gesture as my guest “act of kindness”. It was the first time he’s EVER surprised me with breakfast in bed so you can imagine my delight.
Later that night, however, my cousin came down for a visit – and so an ‘above and beyond’ home-cooked meal was in order. I whipped up some Puerto Rican Mofongo, filled it with sausage, and we had Italian gnocchi on the side mixed with spinach and onion and lightly tossed in a garlic oil glaze.

Sunday’s ‘act of kindness’ was a little murky… Saturday ended up being a little bit of a late night and it was bloody FREEZING outside, so most of my day was spend in the warmth of our flat under a particularly fuzzy blanket with my dog.

Ryan was out for the early afternoon and then when he got home we began to check-off a long list of to-do’s before heading to New Hampshire later this week. Running errands on Sunday is no one’s idea of fun- but yesterday it was a pleasure! Amongst all the errands and loose ends we needed to pick up, craft supplies was one of them. I love Thanksgiving (American Thanksgiving….), I always make a point to really embrace the holiday and to take the time to put all the special touches on it that I can. This year, Ryan and I (and Joya, don’t worry!) are travelling to Southern New Hampshire to visit my parents – so I have to be tactful about what I bring and what can reasonably be packed for a 12 hour drive.

Yesterday’s Act of Kindness was taking the time to craft place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner, to remind everyone about how lucky we are to gather around one (small but mighty) table.