Summer Soulstice

In three short months, summer has come and gone and Tuesday marked the official first day of fall.  While I consider myself a spring (like the weather) chicken rather than a winter wonderlander, I've noticed a bit of pep in my step the past few mornings.  Not because I get four to five hours sleep on average depending on 1) how many times Finley feels like jumping on and off the bed or 2) waking up mid REM cycle thinking we have a cricket infestation thanks to Mr. Cuddles's "camp fire" setting on his sleep app, and not because I've had so much work travel over the past two months that my under eye circles are larger than my paycheck, but because there's something totally refreshing about waking up to a brisk breeze outside, crafting crock pot concoctions and spending Sundays snuggling rather than checking things off my honey-do list. 


Fall is a great time of year to binge and purge.  And, I mean that in the best way possible.  Last week, I came home from work exhausted and famished but decided to go upstairs and change before a) falling asleep on the couch or b) devouring a Costco-sized bag of Snapea Crisps (try lightly salted and wasabi ranch).  Upon entering what used to be my personal oasis pre Finley (and his fine white hairs that fall ever so gently on, oh, everything), I took one look at my closet and literally felt like I was going to purge.  You see the thing about DC row houses is that they offer minimum storage for maximum usage.  i.e. everything (except those I can't fit in them now but I might some day clothes) is shoved to one side of our closet which makes it virtually impossible for me to find anything.  Instead of pulling a Mr. Cuddles "not right this second," I tackled it - head on - right then and there.  I'll spare you the details as to what I reorganized and put where, but rest assured, I came, I saw and I conquered and now my mornings are that much peppier.


More often than not, binging and purging soothes your soul.  This isn't specific to closet cleaning.  It's applicable to many life happenings and lessons across the board.  e.g. if you have a friend that you've been hanging out with for years (BINGE) and he or she is no longer contributing to your happiness - or worse - causing you pain, PURGE.  When your life-long (BINGE) career no longer challenges or fulfills your needs, PURGE.  In an effort to help others (BINGE), PURGE by donating or offering your time.  Sadly, this is also applicable to disease.  Not only eating disorders but alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, anxiety and more.  To maintain a healthy life balance we should all be indulging in things that challenge or motivate us and ridding ourselves of the things that don't.  Easier said than done.  I enjoy things that I know are bad for me (pasta, an occasional curse word, one too many glasses of Sauvignon Blanc) and wish I did more things for the good of the order (exercising, reading, writing).  This fall, Mr. Cuddles and I are planning to binge and purge on:

BINGE
Exercise
Family
Health
Homeland (Oct. 5 premier, people!)
Restaurants

PURGE
Antiques (a.k.a. old electronics and furniture.  DC friends, DC Gov. and Salvation Army will schedule a pick up)
I can't fit in them now but might some day clothes (check local churches or donation drives)
Travel (after Oct. 5 you'll find me in DC, with a few fun visitors mixed in here and there!)
 
Friends are another thing that soothe my soul.  There is nothing like sitting down to a glass of wine and a good friend.  And, lucky me, I was able to do just that this past weekend with some of my oldest and dearest high school friends.  Some I'm still extremely close with, others I wish I was closer to, but nonetheless it was the most fun weekend I've had in some time.  Near or far, in some instances worlds apart, these girls will always be close to my heart.

Group shot

 

Me and Chan

C R A N B E R R Y  G R E E N  O N I O N  S P R E A D

Speaking of binge, I could slap this on just about anything (think left over Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches, a grilled turkey burger or between two crackers).   

You'll need
1 block or container cream cheese (I use low or reduced fat)
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/3 cup chopped green onions

How-to
Doughs and dont's: Do add your favorite everyday spices (black pepper, garlic) or seasonal ingredients (cinnamon) to taste. 

Mix cream cheese and sour cream.  Add cranberries and green onions mixing all ingredients together.  Time is of the essence so let this one sit for at least an hour before serving.  Sprinkle extra cranberries and green onions on top for garnish and devour.

Also consider using these ingredients in a holiday log (or roll) by spreading the mixture onto a sheet of Pillsbury Crescents, rolling it up and baking at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes or until dough is lightly browned.  In this scenario, you could top with a drizzle of warm cranberry compote.

~

Seasonal Serving
This dish is rugged and rustic.  It makes me think of  berries, evergreens and snow.  That said, it would be perfect plated on a wilderness or bird platter with pine cone dessert/side plates for serving. 

If you're hosting a dinner party you could run with the birds of a feather theme and use actual pine cones (or these budget busters) as place card holders, feather dinner napkins or wilderness cocktail napkins, rosemary sprigs as drink decor, antler candlesticks draped in olive leaf foliage - the possibilities are endless.

Cakes' Commentary
This fall, remember to revisit your binge and purge worthy moments.  Decide if you want to continue indulging or say buh bye.  P.S. if you have any binge list items worth sharing, please do!

Comments for Cakes? Please submit comments, feedback, questions, or things you'd like to see posted!