Things That Bring Me Joy Lately

Sometimes there’s a lot of negativity in the world, but I think it’s good to focus on the positives too. I was ruminating a bit on things that I love lately so here are some things bringing me joy, in no particular order.

Spring & Spring Flowers

My garden is coming alive again now that it’s spring and it’s lovely to see all the flowers come back. My favourite flower is the daffodil and 🥹 cutting a few fresh blooms inside for display has been lovely.

White Narcissus in a jar

I love the variety of the daffodils and this particular kind makes me think of a beautiful dress with ruching. 👗

The Air Fryer

It feels silly to talk about a kitchen appliance but like the instant pot many years ago, the air fryer has definitely elevated my cooking. We debated for years about getting one and finally got one last year. I’m now able to attempt more complicated dishes that I never would have before. See dishes below - orange chicken, and chicken wings.

Orange Chicken

Salt baked chicken wings - one of my favourite Chinese home cooked dishes 😋 https://www.madewithlau.com/recipes/salt-baked-chicken

I’ve always been intimidated by cooking meat. It’s expensive, it’s easy to mess up and it’s hard to do right. I also don’t like touching meat, it’s usually cold, slimey and kinda gross feeling. The air fryer gives me the confidence that it’ll be mostly OK - as long as I marinade things and follow the instructions and that is invaluable.

It’s just been really nice to add in some new recipes to the rotation and to the repertoire. Plus, I was always intimidated by ‘frying’ foods - what would I do with the extra oil? Chucking it seems a waste but it’s not like we’d eat it all. And air frying, with the basket, and the oil ending up at the bottom, separated from the food, seems more healthy.

Exotic Mangoes & In-Season Fruits 🥭

I finally bit the bullet and got a box of Kesar mangoes after years of debating about it. Holy moly - they’re so incredibly aromatic, it’s like a symphony of aromas in my mouth. It was 50 something dollars for 12 mangoes though so it’s definitely not cheap but what an experience. Hopefully I’ll get to try another variety of mangoes before this year’s season’s done but definitely worth it.

A cut Kesar Mango

Being Pregnant 🤰

I’m on the last stretches of my pregnancy and I will say it’s more uncomfortable now but I will miss being pregnant. Since it’s been very uneventful, I’ve had the opportunity to focus on getting ready for my leave at work, on getting some alone time and on how close I feel to my baby. 🥹This is the closest we’ll be physically and when he’s out in the world, I won’t be able to protect him like this anymore, which is a scary thought. But there’ll be new joys and I’m honestly just appreciating all of his movements for a few more weeks before he’s here earth side.

Knitting

After making my first sweater earlier this year , I’ve been on a sweater making binge. First making one for my partner and now making one for my baby. It’s nice to be crafting something unique for your loved ones that they can use. Bonus points that this father-son sweater will be matching and machine washable. I’m getting some more materials to make a summer shirt for myself and a cardigan but it’s been great being able to make clothes for myself that uses premium materials for the same price as as shopping at the mall 😃.

Partner modelling the sweater