My favourite ingredients...

Sometimes, there’s just nothing left to do but make a list.  And so, I thought I’d share some of the things that are currently making this girl one very happy birdie (and no, it’s not all food, all the time). Here are my current favourite ingredients:


Read: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

I recently finished reading this book and it was fabulous. Despite it’s in-your-face title, it actually offers a balanced and refreshing take on the issue of eating meat. Foer eloquently presents both sides of the argument and includes testimonies from family farmers, slaughterhouse builders, and animal activists. Highly recommended.

Eat: Chili garlic sauce

Obviously chili garlic sauce needs no explanation (nor does it’s equally potent relative, Sriracha). It goes with anything and adds a spicy bite to even the most tame of dishes. The fiery heat ensures it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but hey, who needs those wimps anyway?

Click: Jezebel.com

I already follow far too many blogs, but when I stumbled across Jezebel.com I couldn’t resist adding another to the daily roster. This hilarious website is intended exclusively for women and basically includes all of my guilty pleasure in one convenient location: trashy celebrity gossip, cute animals and baby videos (and baby animal videos- obviously the best kind), fluffy fashion posts, and awesome of-the-moment news stories. Disclaimer: do not go to Jezebel.com if you have something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to meet. Highly addictive.

Listen: Sufjan Stevens’ new(ish) EP, All Delighted People

Sigh, can Sufjan do no wrong? ... Actually, some of his original Christmas tunes are pretty brutal (“Christmas in July”, really Sufjan?), but that’s beside the point. All Delighted People only has 8 tracks but it generously provides its listeners with one hour of awesome other-worldly music. The EP is anchored by Sufjan’s epic ballad by the same name (offered in two styles- the original or the classic rock version for those who dare). It’s hard to choose a favourite song, but I always find myself hitting repeat on the hauntingly beautiful “The Owl and the Tanager”. I recommend making a pot of herbal tea, hitting the lights, and sitting back to let Sufjan’s angelic voice and eerie imagery take you away. Seriously, do it.

birdie drawing courtesy of the lovely Lindsay, photos by me

Try: Chalkboard paint

I always loved the idea of using chalkboard paint somewhere in the apartment, but being the lowly renter that I am, I figured it wasn’t in the cards for me. Turns out it’s super affordable, easy to apply, and can be painted over when we move! Added bonus? I have a really cool landlord who didn’t mind one bit. It took a couple of coats and a good three days before we could write on it, but then, voila! It’s so much more convenient than scrambling for a post-it and pen that actually works when a much needed grocery item suddenly comes to mind. Chalkboard paint- the fun, easy way for your friends to tell you they love you by coming over and drawing pictures of cute birds in the margins. Whoo!

There you have it, five little things presently bringing me joy. So tell me friends, what are your favourite ingredients?