Book Review: In a Holidaze

Childhood friends Mae and Theo were made for each other - or, so say their parents, all college friends themselves who have been rooting for the union since the kids were in diapers. There are just two problems: 1. Mae sees Theo as more of a brother than a potential lover and 2. Mae’s been in love with Andrew, Theo’s brother, for almost two decades. Ever since the kids were born, the families have been meeting up for Christmas in Park City, Utah where Theo’s parents own a cabin. One night, after far too much eggnog and a journey to rock bottom, Mae gives in to Theo’s flirty overtures, and the two share a sloppy kiss that Mae immediately regrets. The next morning, Theo, usually warm and open, gives her the cold shoulder reserved only for his many conquests, and Andrew, the love of her life, congratulates her on finally making things official with his brother. To top it all off (as if things couldn’t be any more dire), an announcement is made that the decades-old cabin, a safe-haven for Mae and the rest of the gang, is in need of a laundry list of repairs - the only option is to sell. Mae is devastated. Though she knows the relationships formed there over the years are rock solid on their own, the yearly tradition of going to the cabin is the only thing that ensures they all have a reason to come together.

On her last day in Park City, quite possibly for good, Mae is left with her thoughts, forced to confront the ramifications of a romantic mistake, the prospect of life changing forever, and no escape from the dead-end job waiting for her when she gets home. In a moment of desperation, Mae implores the universe to show her what will make her happy. A moment later, she finds herself thrown back in time - before Christmas, before the kiss, and before her life officially went up in flames. Mae realizes she’s been given the gift of a do-over - a second chance to keep a friendship alive, save the cabin, and maybe, just maybe, get the relationship she was meant for all along. But is what she wants to make her happy the same as what she needs?

In a Holidaze by the writing duo Christina Lauren is the hilarious, sometimes bittersweet story of a young woman’s fervent pursuit of happiness over the holidays, and the family - both biological and chosen - who help her get there…with a few twists, turns, and false-starts along the way!

The Good: I loved the way the authors were able to inject all the warmth and coziness of a holiday rom-com into this novel without the shallow cheesiness you sometimes get with books in this genre. As the reader, you really get a sense that the characters all really know and love each other, and that this chosen family is very close. I also appreciated that everyone included in the story has a purpose in some way, they aren’t just throwaway background characters you see mentioned a couple of times and then never again. The romantic scenes between the two main characters felt really realistic, and Christina Lauren did a great job of swiftly pulling you into the most intimate moments to make you feel like you’re actually there.

The Bad: While I appreciated the “groundhog day” aspect of this novel, I felt like it didn’t have the effect that the authors intended. In my opinion, either Mae should’ve been taken back in time more often, or only once. She felt a lot of anxiety about making the wrong choice and getting “reset” in a way, but I felt like there was so much build-up around it that ultimately wasn’t necessary. I also wish there were more scenes with Theo, perhaps a scene leading up to their kiss or maybe a few scenes from Christmases past to demonstrate more of Theo’s flirty personality. The story begins right after their kiss, but it would’ve been nice to see what sparked the moment; maybe then the reader would understand why that time, of all times, Mae would choose to cross that line with a person she’s never looked at romantically.

Bottom Line: This was a perfect and fast read to get me into the holiday mood (and also get me out of the reading funk I’ve been in lately). Sure, it’s got an ending that you can predict, and it’s not the deepest novel on the shelves at the moment, but it made me laugh, it made me smile, and I truly couldn’t put it down until I reached the very last page. If you’re looking for a super fun, festive read this holiday season that comes with a twist, I highly recommend this one!

Find In a Holidaze HERE!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #17

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Pop & Lock for gold! - As if the Olympic games weren’t exciting enough, this week, members of the Olympic committee announced a new sport set to debut at the 2024 Paris games: breakdancing! Officially called “Breaking,” this event will feature 16 athletes in the men’s and women’s categories competing for the gold, silver, and bronze medals. Other new sports to get excited about? Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing (very excited to see how Paris is going to pull off that last one!). (New York Post)

• The vaccine of the future. - Here are two things you probably never expected to think of together: the COVID-19 vaccine, and Dippin’ Dots. If you’re unfamiliar with Dippin’ Dots (i.e. have never visited a national sporting event or overpriced amusement park), they are tiny beads of ice cream invented by microbiologist Curt Jones in 1988. They are the self-proclaimed “Ice Cream of the Future,” and I’ve got to tell you, even as an adult in my late twenties, if I see Dippin’ Dots (particularly the banana split combination), I get them no matter the time of day - they’re THAT fun to eat. You’re probably wondering though, what on earth ice cream and a vaccine have in common. The answer is the temperature. In order for Dippin’ Dots to maintain their bead-form, the ice cream must be kept at -49 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Slipping even a few degrees below that temperature results in immediate melting, ruined product, and money lost. Similarly, the COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech and approved by the FDA this week, must be kept at -94 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, or else important components of the vaccine could degrade. In order to ensure the vaccine constantly stays at its required temperature while being shipped nationwide, manufacturers are adopting the “cold chain” method that Dippin’ Dots has been successfully using for decades. Read the article, it’s fascinating! (Popular Science)

• Christmas, 1918. - What was Christmas like in 1918, the last time a pandemic ran rampant worldwide? Turns out, much like now! Though America had seen the worst of its second wave by Christmas of 1918 while we’re still seeing a consistent surge in cases in 2020, some things are eerily the same: stores feared supply chain issues while also spending serious ad dollars to get people through the doors, folks didn’t want to wear their masks, staying home for the holiday season was strongly encouraged by public health officials, and pandemic fatigue was a real thing that was widely experienced and documented. Talk about history repeating itself, huh? (Smithsonian Magazine)

• A place to chill.- Every year, more than 700,000 people travel to Sweden to visit the world-famous Icehotel, made almost entirely from snow and ice that’s formed when the Torne River freezes over. Though 2020 has obviously put a wrench in all of our plans, you don’t have to travel (or pack extra layers!) to enjoy this year’s 21 stunning new art suites. Check out the Icehotel’s augmented-reality experience on Instagram! (Travel + Leisure)

• A Christmas feast for $100 - it can be done! - Delish’s June Xie is back with another episode of Budget Eats, and this time, she’s making a 10-course meal for four people in New York City with a $100 budget. Fair warning: the duration of this video is over an hour, but Xie’s talent and creativity makes it both fun and informative to watch (as always)! (Delish via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Early on in the pandemic when Zoom happy hours were bountiful and everyone pretended that they were just as good as the real thing, a person I was kind of “seeing” in June (a story for another time) and I decided that a fun activity for us to do in our respective homes was a little cocktail party in which each of us got the ingredients for the other’s favorite drink, made them “together,” then tried them on camera. To make it easy, I suggested one of my favorite beers instead of an actual mixed drink because I got the impression that anything more complicated would result in him not even attempting it, and me waving my hands and saying, “Oh, it’s fine” when it would, in fact, not be fine at all.

For my part, I was assigned a Screwdriver (orange juice and vodka). We were still in the phase when you’re supposed to pretend to be super breezy and chill with everything, so I didn’t mention that I’m not a particular fan of either ingredient. So, I bought the cheapest bottle of vodka I could find that would still taste okay, and a small bottle of orange juice, and our cocktail party for two was on. I feel like it shouldn’t surprise you though to learn that on the day of our cocktail hour, I was the only one who had actually kept up my side of the bargain. Despite me texting him not one, but two alternative beer choices in the event that the liquor store in his neighborhood didn’t carry my favorite, and him texting me back saying it wouldn’t be a problem because they seemed to carry everything, when it came time for us to log on, both parties were pouring orange juice and vodka into our glasses. Maybe I should’ve spoken up about the beer - after all, he’d agreed to do the drink swap with me, hadn’t he? But, as they say, you shouldn’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to, so I very breezily pretended that making Screwdrivers together had been the plan all along. Needless to say, the courtship didn’t last, but the nearly-full bottle of vodka that I’d purchased for one purpose had. And since I’ve made more of a commitment this year to reduce as much waste as possible, I set out to come up with a way to use it up. Then it hit me: what’s one thing I’ve always wanted to make that I use all the time? Vanilla extract!

Making vanilla extract is super easy and incredibly cost-effective if you bake a lot and go through vanilla faster than most people. I don’t believe in buying the tiny bottles at the grocery store because it always feels like you get a few tablespoons out of each bottle before it’s time to go back to get more. So, I opt for the large size, and with that increase in fluid ounces (though the bottles are never quite FULL are they?), comes a rather hefty price tag - and that adds up over time. While it will cost you a bit upfront to make your own extract (quality vanilla beans aren’t cheap), I know of people who have gone years adding on to the original extract they made, only adding more vodka and vanilla beans to the mix when the potency has diminished, saving them major money in the long run.

All you’ll need to make your own vanilla extract is 4-6 vanilla beans, vodka, and an airtight glass bottle or jar. That’s it!

The last thing you’ll need when making vanilla extract is a whole lot of patience. Though your new vanilla-rich concoction is technically ready to use in as little as two months, the longer you wait, the deeper the color and flavor will be. For that reason, it’s best to wait 6-12 months before you pop open your bottle and start treating your baked goods to that highly-elevated vanilla flavor. And trust me, it’ll be worth it!

It only took a failed Zoom-based courtship during a global pandemic, a couple of vanilla beans, and a bottle of vodka to fulfill a years-long goal of mine. Who knew?!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

What You’ll Need:

• 4-6 fresh vanilla beans

• Vodka

• A clean glass jar or bottle with an airtight lid

Directions:

Using the tip of a very sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise all the way down, then gently pull apart to expose the seeds inside. Carefully scoop out the seeds of each and place them in the glass bottle or jar you’re using. Once all vanilla beans have been split open and the seeds have been removed, add the vanilla bean hulls to the jar (depending on how big your vessel is, you may have to fold the hulls in half to fit them in).

Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle the vanilla bean hulls and seeds together to start the breakdown process. Remove the spoon and scrape any seeds or hull pieces that might be on it back into the jar.

Next, pour enough vodka into the jar to completely cover the seeds and vanilla bean hulls.

Tightly seal the jar, then give it a few very strong shakes.

Store in a cool, dark place such as a kitchen cabinet, and be sure to shake the jar at least once a week. With each passing day, you’ll start to see the color deepen into a beautiful amber hue.

The vanilla extract is ready to use in 6-12 months. The longer you wait, the more potent the flavor will be. Make sure to label your jar in some way with the date so you’ll know when it’s time to use your extract.

KEEP IT GOING: Be sure to add more vodka after every use to continue the extraction process with the vanilla bean hulls and seeds still in the jar. Over time, the potency of the vanilla aroma and flavor will start to diminish, and more seeds and vanilla bean hulls will need to be added to the jar.

TO STORE: Always keep your vanilla extract in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #16

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• 🎶I wish it was Christmas todayyyy…🎶 - If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live then you’ll know that the period of time when the nearly 50-year-old sketch comedy series truly shines is during the winter holiday season. Get ready to laugh and revisit some classics because Vulture has put together a list of the fifteen best holiday-themed skits of all time! (Vulture)

• The art of doing nothing. - Is being productive always…productive? In the Western world, and North America especially, we are expected to always be doing something, to not “waste” our downtime by being idle. If we aren’t knocking off multiple tasks on a never-ending to-do list, we’re viewed as “lazy” or not driven enough to succeed. But is constantly moving a healthy way to live? Olga Mecking, author of the new book, Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing, doesn’t think so. Instead, she pushes people to discover Niksen, the Dutch practice of doing absolutely nothing. But if you think doing nothing means watching television or doom-scrolling on Twitter, you’re doing “nothing” wrong. Niksen means literally doing nothing: sitting motionless and staring out a window, clearing your mind, and allowing your brain the opportunity to completely shut off. By doing this on a regular basis, Mecking argues, you just might find yourself being more productive than ever before. It’s worth a shot, no? (Apartment Therapy)

• A jolly holiday at home. - One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the open-air markets. The hustle and bustle of people all around you, the chance to meet and support small business owners while getting one-of-a-kind gifts, the warm smells of roasting chestnuts and spiced nuts swirling in the air, and the festive tunes being blasted from hidden speakers - I love it all. But 2020 has proven that we can’t have nice things, and many of the markets that have been historically open for decades come rain or shine, are closed this year to keep everyone safe. While I totally understand and agree with the rationale, it’s still quite a bummer. But that doesn’t mean all is lost! Here are some helpful ways to bring the magic of the markets to you. (Food52)

• Kitchen studies. - It’s that time of year again: every media outlet you’ve ever heard of has started publishing their yearly “best of” compilations. While they all aren’t worth stopping to read, if you’re like me and love both design and food, you’ll really like Dwell’s list of the top nine kitchens they featured in 2020. The kitchen is the heart of every home, and these spaces are positively swoon-worthy! (Dwell)

• Name that song! - There’s been so much Leslie Odom Jr. content on the Internet lately, and I ain’t mad at it!! Here’s Leslie, the angel-voiced man from Hamilton, Harriet, and, most recently, One Night in Miami, playing the Song Association game with Elle! (Elle via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Review: Book of the Month

There are strictly two types of readers in this world: those who always know what they want to read, and those who want to read everything but don’t know where to start. I fall into the latter category without question. I’ve got lists all over the place of books that I’ve read about and find interesting, but when it comes down to picking what to buy and read next, I suddenly feel terribly overwhelmed. And though the feeling of indecision when choosing a new book will always be a part of who I am, a newly-discovered, 94-year-old service has helped make the process much simpler for me this past year: Book of the Month.

How Book of the Month works:

Each month, a curated list of 5 new releases ranging in romance to non-fiction is announced, and members are invited to choose one from the list to make their Book of the Month for $15. If more than one title catches their eye, they can add up to two more books (either from that month or previous ones) to their box at a deeply discounted price. if they don’t like any of that month’s books, they can always choose to skip. When a month is skipped, the member won’t be charged, and their credit rolls into the next month.

Why I like it:

Along with the expected synopses of each book, Book of the Month also enlists the help of guest judges who not only tell you why they love the book but why you will, too. Past and current BOTM judges have been singer Alicia Keys, actor Abbi Jacobson, and author Jasmine Guillory, just to name a few.

Another cool thing to mention is that Book of the Month makes deals with publishers to offer early releases of highly-anticipated titles, many of which, go on to become monster bestsellers. It’s like being in an exclusive club of readers who know how special a book is before everyone else. And while all books that are curated for the month are new, Book of the Month also features some older or not-as-well-known titles that are available for purchase as well.

Is Book of the Month worth it?

This is a fantastic service for people like me who love to have a sample of the latest titles presented in such a way that limits the feeling of being overwhelmed. It takes a ton of the guesswork out of what to read next and gets you excited for what new releases are on the horizon, especially if you’ve been in a bit of a reading rut. But, having said that, this is not a service for readers whose “to be read” piles grow faster than books can be replaced. Book of the Month allows members to skip any month, but if you find yourself skipping two or more months in a row because you’re running out of room for the books you’ve got, this service ultimately might not be worth it for you.

Want to learn more about BOTM? Click HERE!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #15

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• The Million-Dollar Question. - In its 20-year run, the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has never had a celebrity contestant win the top prize…until now. On last Sunday’s episode, viewers nationwide witnessed Chef David Chang make television history by correctly answering the final question - with the help of friend and journalist, Mina Kimes - to win $1,000,000 for his charity, Southern Smoke Foundation, an emergency relief fund for individuals in the food and beverage industry severely impacted by the pandemic. Congrats, chef! (Entertainment Weekly)

• The $1 Villa. - If you’re looking to become a homeowner but don’t have a big budget for a down payment, you’re in luck! Castropignano, a small village about 140 miles southeast of Rome, is the latest in a string of European communities to offer centuries-old homes, now crumbling and decaying, for sale with a $1 price tag as a last-ditch effort to reinvigorate the local economy. According to mayor Nicola Scapillati, there are roughly 100 properties up for grabs, with most being in pretty decent shape. But don’t let the initial property price fool you - there’s always a catch. Accepted buyers will be required to complete renovations within a three-year period and must present a $2,378 down payment, much like a security deposit, which will be returned once the works have been approved. Still sounds like a good deal to me! (CNN)

• Everyone’s a dessert person. -Claire Saffitz, beloved food personality and author of the new cookbook Dessert Person (one of my favorite cookbooks of 2020), launched her Youtube channel this week, amassing nearly 200,000 subscribers so far and counting. I loved watching Claire’s journey in the BA Test Kitchen while filming Gourmet Makes, but this new version of her, more relaxed in her small home kitchen, surrounded by cute cats and cookware, is way better. Watch Claire make her debut with the soft and crispy focaccia recipe from Dessert Person in the video below! (Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person via Youtube)

• Dua Lipa at home. Fans of the disco-pop fusion that’s currently sweeping the nation right now can thank singer Dua Lipa in part for making that happen. Her new album Future Nostalgia, which dropped in March, yielded hits like “Break My Heart,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Levitating” - all songs that have been a major part of my personal quarantine playlist. Proving that she is still the reigning queen of pandemic-era performances, here’s Dua Lipa’s recent Tiny Desk Concert, produced by NPR Music! (NPR Music via Youtube)

On a serious note…

According to new statistics from the nonprofit organization Feeding America, more than 50 million people in the United States will experience food insecurity by the end of 2020, with 17 million of those being children. Now is the time to band together so that members of our communities - our friends, co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and loved ones - have food on the table today and every day. If you are able, please consider donating your time, money, or anything you can spare to your local food banks who are really feeling the strain right now. Learn more about food banks in your area and what they are most in need of NOW by clicking HERE.

Holiday Gift Guide

Happy holidays, friends!

Usually, around this time every year, I haven’t even begun to think about the gifts I’m giving. I come from a family that loves the holiday season but waits until the last minute to do everything. We never get the tree until two weeks into December (but we DO leave it up until mid-January, so there’s that), admire all the greeting cards at the store for weeks, but don’t buy any until there’s mere days left to send them before the deadline, and wait to purchase gifts because no one tells anyone what they want in enough time for the shopping experience to be anything but stressful and panicky. But not this year, ya’ll! This year, I am on TOP of things. I officially finished my shopping on Saturday, have at least ordered my cards (progress!), and have even started the long process of tracking down the decorations that were hastily thrown into boxes 11 months ago. The 2019 version of Sydney wouldn’t even recognize 2020 Sydney, and it’s a beautiful thing! Of course, the thousands of emails I’ve gotten from every store I’ve ever placed an order with telling me that I need to order my gifts ASAP or risk having nothing under the tree probably helped push me along... but I like to think that’s it’s just me finally growing. (Time will tell. Check back next year.)

Since I got such a blessed head start on getting gifts this year, I actually got a chance to take my time and see what cool new things are out there. If you’ve still got a few people to shop for on your list but don’t know where to start, don’t panic! I’ve put together a little guide of some of my favorite finds this holiday season that you may find helpful. Most of the items on this list come from independent businesses, and I encourage you to shop small as much as you can. You’re guaranteed to find unique items of excellent quality, AND you’ll be directly impacting the lives of small business owners everywhere.

Scroll down to see my top gift picks for the cooks, book lovers, co-workers, and best friends in your life, plus some excellent stocking stuffers!

Hedley & Bennett Carryall Apron, $85

Perfect for the serious home cooks in your life, the Hedley and Bennett Carryall Apron has deep pockets to keep essential tools close, strong stitching to withstand years of wear-and-tear, and handy towel loops so that wipes are always on-hand for inevitable workspace spills. If you ever watch baking competition shows on Food Network and wonder who makes the snazzy, colorful aprons the contestants wear, now you know!

Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bags, $11.99

Help your friends save the environment and cut down on waste with these reusable storage bags made of non-toxic platinum silicone. If you happened to read my review a few months ago, then you’ll know how much I love them! They come in beautiful colors, are easy to clean, keep food fresh, and have already saved me quite a bit of money on single-use sandwich bags.

Diaspora Co. Build Your Own Trio pack, $36

Founded in 2017 by Sana Javeri Kadri, Diaspora Co. is a single-origin, small-batch spice company based in Oakland, CA that works directly with spice farmers in India to provide extremely high quality spices to their customers, and ethical pay to the farmers. Disapora Co. specializes in aromatic spices like Pragati turmeric. Nandini coriander, and Baraka cardamom, and can guarantee that each batch sold has been harvested within the year. If you know a home chef who enjoys flavors that pack a punch, why not give them a trio of these amazing spices sold by a person-of-color and woman-owned company?

In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen, $35

Written by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, In Bibi’s Kitchen focuses on the cuisines of eight African countries that all touch the Indian Ocean: Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, and Comoros - specifically chosen for their rich histories and the vital role that each plays in the spice trade. What makes this cookbook so special, and one of my all-time favorites, is that it provides the opportunity to meet real women, all grandmothers, who tells stories of love, loss, and resilience through absolutely phenomenal recipes. (Read my full review here!)

Ideal Bookshelf “Read.” shirt, $24

Help the book lover in your life spread the word that literacy matters with this super cute, VERY soft cotton t-shirt designed by Jane Mount, author and owner of Ideal Bookshelf! This unisex t-shirt comes in sizes XS-2XL.

Art of Tea French Lemon Ginger Tea, $18 for a 4oz zip pouch

Name a more iconic duo than a good book and a nice cuppa. This soothing organic loose leaf tea blend boasts tasting notes of citrus, grass, and spice.

RatherKeen “Night Owl Book Club” enamel pin, $10

Who hasn’t said “just one more chapter” with half-closed eyes in the wee hours of the morning? Now your favorite bibliophile can wear their around-the-clock dedication to reading like a badge of honor with this lovely enamel pin!

Book of the Month gift subscription, $50 for 3 months

You’ll never hear the words “I have nothing to read” from your loved ones again when you give them the gift of Book of the Month. Here’s how it works: each month, a curated list of 5 new releases ranging in romance to non-fiction is announced, and members are invited to choose one from the list to make their book of the month for $15. If more than one title catches their eye, they can add up to two more books (either from that month or previous ones) to their box at a deeply discounted price. if they don’t like any of that month’s books, they can always choose to skip, won’t be charged, and their credit rolls into the next month. I’ve been using this service for almost a year and absolutely love it!

Raaka Chocolate 3-Bar Gift Box, $25

What’s better than delicious, high-quality chocolate in gorgeous packaging? Treat your favorite co-worker to chocolate bars with unique flavors like “Ginger Snap,” “Pure Cacao & Strawberry & Coconut,” “Bananas Foster” and more!

FlowieStyle Camila Zipper Pouch, $26

This beautiful floral pouch is perfect for the co-worker who likes to keep all her belongings just-so. It’s a great size for storing make-up, tech cords, small office supplies, or even some out-on-the-town essentials!

LOOK Cotton Candy Stripe Mittens - Mint, $24

Depending on where you live, the weather might not be all that chilly yet, but summer’s still a long ways away! Make sure your work buddy’s hands are protected from the elements with these soft, pastel-hued mittens.

SugarSpoonMugs “Creative Juices” mug, $11.25

Nothing like a morning coffee to get that brilliant mind of theirs firing on all cylinders during your daily brainstorming sessions. Let your other co-workers know that the secrets to success lie within this “creative juices” mug!

7Sages “Woman Up” tote bag, $15.95

Make sure your favorite feminist has a vessel to carry everything she needs to smash the patriarchy with this awesome “Woman Up” tote bag made out of 100% cotton canvas.

Otherland “Daybed” candle, $36

Perfect for a self-care spa day, this pretty and pink candle from Otherland, made out of a coconut and soy wax blend the burns for 55 hours, boasts the irresistible scents of rosebud, peony blossom, and pear water.

Runcible Studios Cyan Grid Face Mask, $18

A gorgeous cyan-colored mask like this one will help your bestie stand out in the crowd and stay safe at the same time. Made from 100% quilting cotton, this handmade non-medical mask features two layers for extra protection, and a pocket for a filter. Best of all, for each mask purchased, a mask gets donated to a healthcare professional working tirelessly on the front lines!

S’Well Rose Jacquard Bottle, $35

Whether she likes to stay hydrated with an ice-cold flavored seltzer or piping-hot green tea, this rose-patterned, stainless steel, triple-layered, vacuum-insulated bottle from S’Well will become her constant companion.

McCrea’s Single Malt Scotch Caramels, $24.95 for a case of 6 boxes

I stumbled upon McCrea’s caramels last summer when I was visiting a gourmet kitchen store on Martha’s Vineyard. These caramels are rich, decadent, whiskey-forward but not too overwhelming, and totally addicting. Plus, they’re made right here in New England, which to me makes them extra special!

Beetle Ink Co. Peach Sunnies enamel pin, $12.95

Perfect for warm-weather days or when you just want to remind your favorite person of how cool you think they are, this adorable enamel pin goes with everything: backpacks, scarves, and even jean jackets.

Amplified by Adrielle sunflower coasters, $35 for 4

If you're looking for a great housewarming gift for a person who brings endless sunshine to your life, look no further than these hand-knit sunflower coasters from Ampified by Adrielle, a Black and female-owned business out of Atlanta, GA!

Areaware Little Puzzle Thing Series 5: Ice Cream, “Affogato,” $15

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle on a snowy day? Help your friends keep their minds sharp with this quirky ice cream puzzle from Areaware! Part of a series, this 70-piece puzzle is ideal for someone who doesn’t want a big commitment but still wants a big payoff.

What are some of the gifts that YOU are excited to give this season? Sound off in the comments below!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #14

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Our favorite “chart throb” is back! - If you are a fan of MSNBC and found yourself glued to the television screen on Election Night (week, really), then you’re probably familiar with election statistics expert, Steve Kornacki. He and his smart board worked tirelessly the whole week to bring viewers constant election coverage, barely sleeping (or going home to shower!) in the process. With so much on-air screen time logged, it didn’t take long for Kornacki to become the Internet’s next boyfriend (he was even named one of People’s “Sexiest Men Alive” this year!). The election is over and the world is moving forward, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other key races to project! This week, Kornacki returned to his smart board on The Kelly Clarkson Show to project Thanksgiving 2020’s biggest dessert trends - and he took it VERY seriously. Watch the funny clip here! (Delish)

• Get reading. - Whether you’re someone who likes the idea of reading for fun but can’t seem to find the time to do so, or a lifelong reader stuck in a bit of a rut, Book Riot has put together a helpful guide on how to strengthen your reading habits! There’s no better feeling than getting totally and completely lost in a phenomenal story. (Book Riot)

• Gotta kick it up! - Congratulations to Vanderbilt University’s Sarah Fuller, who this week became the first woman to play in both an SEC and Power 5 football game! The 21-year-old kicker, who is also a Vanderbilt soccer star, made her debut during yesterday’s (November 29) game against the University of Missouri. Though Vandy ultimately went on to lose the game 41-0, the real winners, in my opinion, were women everywhere who’ve ever been told that football was just for boys! (Sports Illustrated)

• Mr. Robot writes romantic fiction. - Machine learning is coming a long way. So far, robots can help compose emails, tailor product ads based on browsing history, and now…write romantic short essays? That’s what the New York Times discovered recently when it challenged an artificial-intelligence language system named GPT-3 to write a submission for its long-running “Modern Love” column. GPT-3’s essay is, in a word, “unexpected,” but all you romance novelists out there shouldn’t feel threatened - I think it’ll be quite a while before robots come for your job. (The Cut)

• Two turkeys and a Frisbee! - If you’re a regular viewer of Late Night with Seth Meyers, then you’ll know that every year Seth and his wife Alexi dress their sons Axel and Ashe and dog Frisbee up in adorable Thanksgiving costumes, and this year was no different! Watch their super cute Thanksgiving greeting in the clip below! (Late Night with Seth Meyers via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Today and every day, I’m grateful that you take the time out of your busy lives to read the words I publish on the Internet every week. Your support lifts me up and keeps me going, even when life has me feeling a little down. You’re simply the best.

Love always,

Sydney

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Some things about Thanksgiving are going to be different this year. Usually, for the cold-weather holidays, my family heads down south to see our relatives, watch football, play Spades (I don’t personally know how to play, but the temporary drama that ensues between my extended family could rival any Real Housewives franchise), and eat our weight in cornbread and stuffing, But this year, my immediate family is staying home and celebrating everything we’re grateful for by having a micro-Thanksgiving. We’re still planning to eat all the foods we’re used to (in smaller quantities), and a well-coordinated Zoom call is scheduled so that we can pretend to all be at the same table, but I’d be lying if I said I won’t miss fully participating in our traditions.

Yes, some things will certainly be different, but one thing that will never change? The battle between my mother and myself for control of the dinner menu.

Every year since I was in my early twenties, my mother and I have duked it out over who would make what come Thanksgiving Day. The turkey, macaroni and cheese, pies, and stuffing are all up for discussion as we’ve tried every year to lessen the load for my elderly grandmother who plays host. Even though we’re in New England this year, we’ve managed to keep the spirit of that particular tradition alive and well. And in keeping with tradition, I have once again lost. (So long, Thanksgiving turkey. I hope to learn how to cook you by myself one day...) But I didn’t totally concede! While everything else was claimed before I could get my hands on the shopping list, I DID manage to negotiate making one thing for the table. I usually call dibs on dessert since baking is in my wheelhouse, but it was the first item on the menu to be finalized. So, I chose the second most important thing: dinner rolls.

Hear me out for a sec. The turkey, all golden and crispy, is the showstopper for obvious reasons. The greens, macaroni and cheese, and stuffing all have their rightful places on the plate because they’re classics (and, if you cook them like my family does, filled with enough butter to make your heart stop), but the rolls? They’re the silent supporters who keep the meal in check. Good for eating quickly as you wait in line to fill your plate or for mopping up the remnants of leftover food, the dinner roll can do anything. Humble though the roll may be when placed next to perfectly-toasted marshmallows atop sweet potatoes, without it there, you’d notice. And yes, you could buy some already made, but with just a few ingredients you can make your own, and believe me, it’s worth it.

The perfect dinner rolls are pillowy soft, buttery (but not overwhelmingly so - gotta make sure you can add extra butter for yourself), golden brown, and deliciously yeasty. These homemade dinner rolls, based on the world-famous Parker House rolls, check all the boxes. Add a little flaky sea salt on top and you’ve taken a classic and made it extra fancy!

Homemade Dinner Rolls

What You’ll Need:

• 1 envelope active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup water, warmed to 110 degrees Fahrenheit

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature and divided into two 1/4 cup halves

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine kosher salt

• 1 large egg at room temperature

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting your work surface

• Vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Whisk yeast and warm water in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast has dissolved and bubbles have formed on the top.

Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it has just warmed through, about 2 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup butter, sugar, and kosher salt. Next, add the warm milk and whisk until the ingredients are fully blended (the mixture may look curdled at this stage if the butter has not completely melted - that’s okay, just keep going!). Add the flour all at once and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead until the dough has become smooth and pliable, about 5-6 minutes (if the dough is too sticky, feel free to add more flour to the surface a little bit at a time until it becomes easier to work with - careful not to add too much!)

Lightly oil a large bowl with the vegetable oil and transfer the dough into it, turning the dough over once to make sure it is covered on both sides. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest and rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and adjust the oven rack to the center of the oven. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan then, using a pastry brush, brush some butter into a 9x13 -inch baking dish. Set the remaining butter aside for a moment.

Punch down the dough (it should’ve risen quite a bit at this point!), and transfer it back onto a lightly-floured, clean workspace. With floured hands, carefully shape the dough into a 12-inch log. Using a sharp knife or bench cutter, carefully cut the log into 18 pieces that are roughly the same size. Next, cut each piece in half so that you end up with 36 pieces in total. Roll each piece into the shape of a ball.

Working one at a time, roll each ball out into a 3-inch oval using a floured rolling pin. Brush the interior with a light layer of melted butter, then fold the oval in half lengthwise so that the butter-covered interior is covered. Next, reshape each piece back into a ball and place it in the buttered baking dish with the seam side down. Repeat this step until all the pieces have been buttered on the inside and four rows of dough balls are in the baking dish.

Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted unsalted butter (if it has started to resolidify, just pop it on the stove for a few minutes on low until it has reliquified), then lightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.

Bake the rolls in the oven until they have puffed up and taken on a golden color on the top, about 25-35 minutes. Brush the tops of the warm rolls with the 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and sprinkle liberally with flaky sea salt. Rolls are best served warm.

TO STORE: Rolls can be kept at room temperature when wrapped tightly with aluminum foil for at least 3 days. When ready to serve, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil, and let them warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes.

(Tip: For best results, if you don’t have a scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and sweep off the excess with a knife to avoid over-packing.)

SOURCE: Adapted from Bon Appetit