I realize I’m a little late posting this lifestyle update, but I wanted to share what I’ve been up to over the past few weeks. I skipped last month’s “things” post and wanted to catch everyone up on recent highlights, routines and small discoveries that have made everyday life a bit brighter.
First, a favorite moment: The Pretty Dish cookbook launched, and it was an exciting time. I attended the launch party and later went to a book signing. Being part of that process felt special and energizing—watching a project come to life and celebrating it with friends reminded me why I love food, community, and the rituals around both.
One of my recent dining obsessions is a local brunch spot called fl.2 in Pittsburgh. It’s quickly become one of my go-to restaurants; I’ve been three times and each visit gets better. A recent brunch with Miguel was especially memorable. The menu included pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish, and Miguel was thrilled, saying it’s the best he’s found in the city. Finding a place that serves something you love authentically is a small but meaningful win.
On the home-cooking front, a tofu press has been a game-changer. Since getting one, we’ve started swapping one meat-based meal per week for tofu. It’s become an easy way to add variety and lightness to our menus. If you’ve been debating a tofu press, I highly recommend trying one—especially if you enjoy crisp, well-textured tofu and want a simple kitchen tool that makes a noticeable difference.
For TV, we’ve been deep into a couple of series. We binge-watched The Americans and are now caught up with the current season; I’m on edge waiting to see how everything resolves, especially how certain character revelations unfold. We’re also watching The Handmaid’s Tale, which has left me tense and emotionally invested episode after episode. Both shows are intense in very different ways and have become regular conversation starters at home.
When we first moved into our house, I brought home two plants from Home Depot to add greenery to the living room. Unfortunately, I lost one and had to move the other to the kitchen to find a better spot. Our home has good overall light but lacks a spot where sunlight streams directly, which hasn’t helped the plants thrive. I thought I was watering them properly, but without sufficient sun they struggled. I’m considering adding a few high-quality faux plants to fill a corner where a real tree wouldn’t survive. I’ll still keep small real plants on the windowsill, but for larger decorative pieces I’m open to faux options that look natural and require no maintenance.
Big news: Miguel and I are going to Spain next week. This trip has been on the calendar for a long time—planned well before we bought our house—and I’m thrilled it’s finally happening. We originally thought we’d travel extensively in 2018 and wait until 2019 to buy a house, but life unfolded differently. We’re learning to embrace the unexpected, enjoy being new homeowners, and make time for a much-needed vacation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel and excited to experience a new place together.
Because of the trip, we’ve paused most home improvement projects for now. We did buy new living room furniture, but other decorating plans will wait until we return. Right now the yard needs attention, and we’ll focus on that when we’re back. Decorating takes time and a clear vision, so I’m comfortable postponing decisions until we know how we want each room to feel. Taking a slower approach helps avoid rushed choices and gives us space to settle into the house before committing to major decor moves.
That’s the latest from me. I’ll likely share a recap after the trip with photos and highlights. If you have any tips for Barcelona or favorite spots to see while we’re in Spain, I’d love to hear your suggestions when I return.