My Favorite Things: April 2022
In 2002, I started PK with an email newsletter called “My Favorite Things”. I carried on for a few years but stopped because I just didn’t know what to do with it to grow it further.
To celebrate 20 years of PK, I’ve decided to bring back an abbreviated version of My Favorite Things by sharing five of my favorites for each month.
Onwards to April!
(Note: None of these items are sponsored. These are truly things I’ve enjoyed this month.)
This Band
Khruangbin
Where have I been? What’s wrong with me? What on Earth? I’m so late to the party but just happy I finally arrived. They are so funky and dreamy and soulful…just a delight to listen to when I’m doing inventory and unpacking boxes. They transport me to Coachella…or to Burning Man…or to my own little desert music festival in my mind. How I would love to be cruising down the road on my way to somewhere fun listening to them. And wait until you catch Laura Lee on the bass! She is all the cool girl goals.
Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles ($13.50 for 12 rolls)
When I travelled overseas to Manchester, I was always excited for the snacks I would be able to enjoy! Among my favorites were these absolutely spectacular gummies! Dense chewy texture, deliciously fruity and covered in a sugary shell, these are delightfully addicting. They also take me back to a fun, hectic time in my life that I’m so glad I had. Don’t you love it when a little treat does that?
This Meatball Recipe
I’m really trying right now, if you get me so I am working on doing more meal prep, which is ALWAYS helpful and beneficial. I’ve been making these meatballs ahead for the week lately and they are just downright delicious…and easy.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a big bowl, add 1 lb of ground Impossible Burger (or regular ground meat), 1 cup of thawed chopped spinach (be sure to squeeze some of the water out) and seasonings to taste. I use Garlic Powder, salt-free Greek seasoning (I love Corey’s Kitchen Collection), sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix here, it’s just easier. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mix and shape into a ball with your hands. Drop on an ungreased baking sheet. I get between 12-16 meatballs, depending on what size I make them. Bake for 30 minutes or a few minutes longer to get a crispy crust on the bottom.
The Spice Lab Vadouvan Curry Blend ($8.95 for a shaker)
Several years ago, I was having dinner at a fabulously bougie restaurant in Paris with a bestie and had the best potatoes I’ve ever had. I could not place the seasoning and could not get the chef to tell me what it was…and rightfully so, American! WELL, for reasons unknown, I recently revisited this mystery and low and behold, I solved it! THIS is the seasoning that was on those potatoes. Vadouvan is a French take on Indian masala and has mustard seeds, Aleppo peppers and the more European seasoning blend of onions, garlic and shallots. Note: it is delicious on everything!
EazzyWalls Lemon Tree Hummingbird Chinoiserie Wallpaper (Available on Etsy; Price Varies)
I have been dreaming of adding chinoiserie to my home for years! Ideally, I’d like it in every room but since I’m renting right now, I’m settling for one wall of peel-n-stick. This is going to go behind my turquoise suede headboard in my bedroom and to say this pattern compliments it perfectly is an understatement. I was also surprised by the quality of the texture. It’s very luxurious and makes me feel like the Lady of the Manor House. (They do send samples for you to try out.) Best of all, this pattern is currently on sale. Winning!