What plans do you have for the weekend? This week, I wrapped up watching The Sopranos (oh my, that series finale!) and am craving more James Gandolfini, so Freddie and I are considering watching Enough Said. Have you watched it yet? Wishing you a fantastic weekend — stay safe — and here are some interesting links from around the web…
This pink and green kitchen is so charming.
A generous bowl of salted chocolate pudding.
Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Trump’s Inauguration Day. “What better day for this to happen than on the King holiday because it allows people to see this significant contrast,” mentioned Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. (This entire article is truly worth a read.)
Jeremiah Brent from Queer Eye discusses completing home makeovers in three days. “That’s why I look like I’m 98 the whole season. I did not sleep.” (NYMag)
The energy we need going into 2025.
The 40 most awaited TV shows of 2025. (Mo! The White Lotus! The Bear!)
My all-time favorite sweater is currently discounted.
Considering meat as a condiment.
John Early is so funny; just looking at his face cracks me up.
13 fun date ideas (that aren’t just dinner), including reading sessions, cemetery strolls, and a surprising second date that went exceptionally well. (Big Salad)
Busted.
Plus, feedback from three readers…
Emily O. comments on having a house specialty: “My very Italian mother always has hundreds of meatballs stashed in the freezer (‘If I die, I want people to enjoy excellent food at my funeral,’ haha). I can’t tell you the number of spontaneous meals she’s facilitated and how many friends she’s pushed me to invite over. She says that if she ever opened a restaurant, it would be called ‘What’s One More!’ In my early twenties, I moved to a new city and called home to chat, when my mom casually mentioned that a group of friends had stopped by for late-night meatball sandwiches after the bar.”
Jo shares on inventing a holiday: “When my son was five, he decided to proclaim May 1st as our anniversary. It’s not his birthday; just a day he randomly picked, but he has remembered it for three years now! It’s a special day for both of us — we do something enjoyable just together and exchange little gifts. Just last night, he reminded me as we were getting ready for bed: ‘Mom! Our anniversary is approaching!’”
Julie reflects on 10 readers showcasing their winter outfits, “Why is it so soothing to read thorough accounts of where people are, how they keep cozy, and how they add flair to their lives? I truly enjoy it. Idea for an ongoing roundup post: ‘What are you humans wearing this week, and what delightful town or city gossip do you have?’”
(Photo by thankyou_ok/Instagram.)
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# Suggestions for Enjoying a Restful and Rewarding Long Weekend
Long weekends are a wonderful chance to pause from the daily grind, recharge, and savor quality time doing what you love. Whether your goal is to unwind, discover new places, or make the best of your extra day off, planning can enhance your long weekend. Here are several suggestions to make your time off both relaxing and rewarding.
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## 1. **Plan Ahead, but Stay Adaptable**
While spontaneity can be enjoyable, having a loose agenda for your long weekend can help you utilize your time effectively. Decide beforehand if you want to relax at home, embark on a short trip, or try something novel. Research activities, reserve accommodation if needed, and make bookings for popular destinations. Yet, allow yourself some leeway—sometimes the best experiences arise from unplanned opportunities.
### Pro Tip:
Draft a “must-do” list with 2-3 primary activities and keep the rest of your schedule flexible. This provides structure without overwhelming you.
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## 2. **Disconnect and Unplug**
A long weekend presents an excellent opportunity to step back from screens and digital distractions. Think about establishing limits for work emails, social media, and phone use. Utilize this time to reconnect with yourself, family, or nature.
### Ideas for Disconnecting:
– Spend a day enjoying the outdoors whether hiking, cycling, or picnicking.
– Dive into a book you’ve been wanting to read.
– Engage in mindfulness or meditation to ground yourself.
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## 3. **Emphasize Rest and Relaxation**
One of the biggest errors people often make during long weekends is cramming too many activities. Instead of over-scheduling, make rest a priority. Sleep in, take naps, or indulge in leisurely mornings with a beverage of your choice. Remember, relaxation is just as vital as being productive.
### Relaxation Activities:
– Enjoy a long soak in the bath with calming music or essential oils.
– Practice yoga or gentle stretches to ease tension.
– Watch your favorite film or binge-watch a comforting series.
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## 4. **Discover Local Treasures**
You don’t need to venture far for a memorable long weekend. Explore your local community and unearth hidden treasures you may have missed. Visit a nearby park, museum, farmers’ market, or historical attraction. Supporting local businesses can also strengthen your community ties.
### Local Exploration Ideas:
– Embark on a food tour of nearby eateries or cafes.
– Attend community events like art fairs or live performances.
– Take a scenic drive to a neighboring town or countryside.
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## 5. **Enjoy Time with Loved Ones**
A long weekend is a perfect chance to deepen relationships with family and friends. Organize activities that foster connection, such as a game night, a backyard barbecue, or a day trip. If you’re far from loved ones, think about planning a video call to catch up.
### Family-Friendly Activities:
– Cook or bake as a group and try out a new recipe.
– Have a picnic at the park or in your yard.
– Participate in board games or a DIY project together.
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## 6. **Experiment with New Experiences**
Add some adventure to your long weekend by trying something you’ve never attempted before. This could be as simple as experimenting with a new dish, taking a dance class, or starting a creative hobby like painting or photography. New experiences can make your weekend feel enriched and memorable.
### Ideas for New Experiences:
– Go on a day trip to an unfamiliar destination.
– Enroll in a workshop or an online course.
– Explore a new culinary style by dining out or cooking at home.
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## 7. **Stay Active**
Physical movement is an excellent way to elevate your mood and energy levels. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more intense workout, keeping active can leave you feeling revitalized.
### Fun Ways to Stay Active:
– Enjoy a hike or a nature walk.
– Join a fitness class or try a workout at home.
– Play a sport like tennis, basketball, or frisbee with friends.
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## 8. **Reflect and Practice Gratitude**
Spend some time over the long weekend reflecting on what you are thankful for. Journaling, meditating, or simply sitting quietly can help you feel more centered and content. Use this time to set goals for the upcoming weeks or revisit personal aspirations.
### Reflection Prompts:
– What are three things I’m grateful for at this moment?
– What’s one area I want to concentrate on in the next month?
– How can I integrate more joy into my daily life?
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## 9. **Indulge Yourself**
A long weekend is the ideal occasion to indulge in a bit of self-care. Treat yourself to something delightful, whether it’s a spa day, a gourmet meal, or a small indulgence on something you’ve had your eye on. You’ve
