It’s been so long since I’ve checked in with a life update that I don’t even know where to start. Let’s knock this out listicle-style:

9 Recent Life Things

1. Best one first: My cousin just got the call for a life-saving double lung transplant she’s been waiting on. Please send all the positive energy you can toward the surgery, which, as of now, is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:30am.
2. I turned 31 and Ben made the cake childhood dreams are made of: funfetti. He doubled the recipe for the party (I haven’t had a birthday part since high school – it was amazing) and it looked super celebratory.
3. I got an extension tube six months ago and finally got around to playing with it for a hot five minutes with the funfetti cake. I need a lot more practice but it was satisfying to finally give it a try.
4. In addition to the birthday party, we’ve been entertaining like crazy. I love it. We had a toddler Halloween party and anytime I have to cook up something fancy for an assignment I use it as an excuse to invite over friends. We’re also hosting Thanksgiving this year, and I swear I’m not the least bit stressed about it – just pumped.
5. I graduated from PT for diastasis recti (one of the many, many things pregnancy can do to wreck your body). The abdominal gap isn’t totally closed but I’m making progress and now I’m just doing the exercises at home. I’m sure they would have tried to milk me for more money but my therapist was going on maternity leave.
6. On my birthday, a friend of mine who’s tight with Amy Poehler took me to an event for her book Yes Please. I got to go backstage to meet Amy and Seth Meyers, where I smiled and looked awkward.
7. Speaking of books, I recently created a goodreads account because I fiiiiiinally started reading again. I think I read maybe…two books between Zane and Ruby but now I’ve picked my favorite hobby back up and it feels. so. good. Follow me on goodreads so I can follow you back!
8. Ben modeled for a painting at the baseballs fields and I brought bacon + whole wheat scones with butter and jam for everyone to snack on while the artist did his thing.
9. Also, Ben had a vasectomy.

 9 Favorite Internet Foods

1. Snacks! BBQ roasted chickpeas and sriracha honey popcorn clusters
2. And soups! vegan cream of broccoli soup and my new favorite soup garnish.
3. And doughnuts! Pumpkin creme brulee doughnuts and breakfast cereal cake doughnuts.
4. I actually love plain oatmeal but I wouldn’t turn it down with a cookie lid.
5. All. The. Cornbread. Hearty herb, corn, and oat bread. Easy cornbread muffins.  Pumpkin, leek, and pecan cornbread with spicy honey.
6. I cannot wait to try this creamed onion gratin. My mouth starts watering anytime I think about it.
7. The best Thanksgiving turkey I’ve had was smoked, and although we won’t be smoking our this year I’ve bookmarked this tutorial and this one for just the breast for future use.
8. The styling on this meat and cabbage dish is incredible.
9. I like to finish with something sweet. How about a raspberry ripple birthday cake. If you have cake on Monday, your week wins.

Last weekend we went apple picking upstate, sharing a house with three other couples and their toddlers. It was one of those trips I’ll look back on fondly, recalling the cute kiddos chasing after each other and biting into just-picked apples, savoring still-warm apple cider donuts, and eating s’mores and playing board games with some of my favorite people after the kids went to sleep. Meanwhile, the memories of rain, toddler meltdowns, and failed meals resulting in decent-at-best takeout pizza will fade without making the long-term memory cut.

Getting out of the city was a good reminder to invest in experiences. It’s one of those things I’ve known for a long while but, especially now with two little ones in tow, have to make a real effort to put into action and reinforce. With no trips planned again until the end of the year, I think it’s time to plan a party!

And since eating is an experience, here are some more ways to up your happiness:

I don’t think you need to be vegan to drool over this butternut queso. And now I want nachos.

If I’m feeling more adventurous than buckwheat granola, I will definitely try this superfood granola and will totally make the homemade macadamia milk to go with it.

No-churn coffee ice cream! With circus animal cookie crumbs!

Pairing hummus with shakshuka is genius.

If the words pumpkin chai latte don’t tempt you enough, how about clove caramel and maple whipped cream? And speaking of lattes, this spicy chocolate latte also sounds amazing.

Coolest lattice top, ever.

I love everything matcha but these mini brownies with matcha glaze are near the top of the list.