Worth the Overflow 2.8.26
A weekly round-up: crochet projects, a valentine's day gift guide, and Ted Lasso
ONE// CRAFTING
Hobbies are important for our well-being. It’s proven. With all this discourse about analog lives, I just want to note that what really helps foster an offline life are hobbies. I started crocheting in 2022, during wedding planning. I bought a Woobles kit, made an imperfectly messy penguin, and haven’t stopped since. I’ve made blankets, plenty of crochet bags, and more! I let the spirit move me, and make as I please. I believe that working with your hands on a creative project is important for joy. I’m planning to write a longer post about crochet, as I often get questions from friends about how to get started, my favorite yarns and patterns, and lessons along the way.
My stash-busting project: The Storyteller blanket has been a joy to work on, and has annihilated my spare yarn! After I make one for my house, I plan to make one to leave at my parents’ house, in the bedroom they’ve set up for Leif and me.
Last summer, I started working on a granny cardigan for Leif. I was inspired by Jason Momoa, who looked so hunky in his crochet cardigan! I carried this project in my suitcase from DC to NYC to Boston during my work travels! I have very fond memories of crocheting away in various hotel rooms and watching Gossip Girl while making this sweater. I needed to take a break because it is a BEHEMOTH, but I am going to kick it back up again. The pattern I’m using is the 6-Day Hexagon Cardigan.
I told my friend Nate I would make a cardigan for his little girl. The Lil Rascal Cardigan is just so warm and cozy, and I have a muted purple yarn picked out. I purchased a butter yellow yarn initially, but it was too lumpy and weird- it’s relegated to my spare yarn drawer.
I’ve been saving this dreamy fairy-inspired yarn for a long time, and decided to make a big ass project bag for myself. It’s one of those projects that’s repetitive, but perfect for watching TV. I started this project on Friday and finished it over the weekend!
TWO// DELICIOUS EATS
This week, I wrote about our culture’s fixation with optimization and the nasty smoothie I was drinking regularly. By the way, my current smoothie is soy milk, frozen cherries, whatever fruit I have on hand, and chocolate protein powder.
This week, a highlight was the chicken pot pie casserole I made for dinner, where I omitted a bottom crust and topped the “pie” with a big sheet of crescent dough. I opted for classic veggies but added some leeks.
Jonathan came to visit, so I decided to host him for brunch. He eats a vegan/vegetarian diet, so I set up build-your-own spring rolls, fried egg rolls, and vegetable dumplings. And plenty of homemade peanut dipping sauce, plus chili crisp and soy sauce, of course.
Another memorable meal was dinner with Jonathan and Leif at Cielo Rojo, I got the pozole.
THREE// GINGER SHOTS
I am obsessed with ginger shots, and have decided to learn how to make my own. Armed with my Ninja blender, this recipe, and organic cheesecloth I ordered, this is my Monday night project!
Ginger shots are overpriced, and this way I can know exactly what is going into my shots. I also purchased little juice shot jars, but Leif was like, “Can’t you just put the liquid into a glass bottle and pour out the amount you want?” Touche, Leif.
FOUR// A VERY LAST MINUTE VDAY GIFT GUIDE
I curated a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift guide, all under $50, most under $20, for those of you who have procrastinated on your gift-buying. I think they’re the perfect blend of practical and whimsical, with a touch of elegance! They are also perfect if you want a little treat…
Insulated wine glass: Perfect for outdoor drinking. The stem is removable!
Travel crossbody: One of Oprah’s Favorite Things, and my newest travel purchase. I need to use this for longer before forming an opinion, but it comes with two straps and is the perfect size for on-the-go treks.
Lipstick: I bought this for myself, in an attempt to venture from my comfort zone (matte lipsticks).
Lip balm set: A steal!
Lego flowers: They won’t die! But your cats may rub their heads against the flowers, thus destroying them and filling your vase with tiny Lego pieces. Not that I know from personal experience…
Matcha bowl: I also recently purchased this. A guide to matcha lattes is coming, eventually.
Pink legal pads: So fun!
Sour gummy lips: My favorite Valentine’s Day candy.
Little pink satin scarf: A fun little gift- plus a scarf is so versatile. This pink one is darling.
FIVE// TED LASSO
I started watching Ted Lasso. Years ago, I tried to get into it, but it wasn’t for me. I found Ted Lasso to be annoying and too folksy. To be fair, I was pretty cynical and judgmental back then. I’m trying to be more optimistic and cultivate a more hopeful lens to life, so I decided to give it a go. This show is just as delightful as everyone says it is- and there’s a new season coming out on February 20th!