An email that's just for fun. |
|
|
Well, hello hello I'm glad you jumped on this frivolous idea with me: a simple email, just for fun, to a group of friends. So, here we are :) I am never not looking for opportunities to bring good people closer (to me and to one another) and to share the small things that have made my day(s) more colorful. Whether through good food, a new favorite read, an inspiring conversation, a badass album, or a parenting fail, perhaps you'll find something worth savoring here too. With unwavering curiosity and a taste for life's tiny treasures, Aly "Dill" Zain P.S. For those who only know me as Zain, my maiden name is Diller and I'll forever carry with me the nickname, "Dill". |
|
|
I recently watched Oprah's interview with actress Viola Davis (it's on Netflix) and I immediately ordered her newly released memoir, Finding Me. Viola had my complete attention-her presence is so captivating. I know her story will be a humbling one. I love this Anne Lammott quote she brings up in the interview: |
|
|
I'd be surprised if you know me and don't know about my enthusiasm for Mexican culture, especially cuisine. I found Isabel Eats about a month ago and I'm such a fan of her recipes-they're so approachable! If you've ever wanted to venture into Mexican cooking, you will love what she is sharing. Below are her Instant Pot Refried Beans. |
|
|
I've shared a little bit on Instagram about the parenting struggles my husband and I have been having with our oldest child. With the help of other parents and in doing our own research, we've learned that she is in the 15-20% of people that are highly sensitive. I am certain that I also fall into this category as well. HSPs (highly sensitive people) deal with a heightened awareness of their environment, taking in an intense amount of detail (their brains actually work a little differently than the majority). It's been validating to learn about common sensitivities HSPs share, as well as the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. The first good resource we've found (that is based on actual research) is the book, The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine Aron. We have a long way to go with getting our home to be a more peaceful place, but I feel like we're making some progress. On an especially hard parenting day, this quote from the book made me feel a little better: "Children are seriously children for about a decade. But for five or more decades after that, they will be your friend- if you're fortunate to like each other." |
|
|
One of the first things I loved about our house was the backyard. We have a deep lot with lots of tall trees, my favorites are the white pines at the very back of our property. When we bought the house there was an already made fire pit in the ground, a massive one. As a child, my dad taught me how to build a fire. I have a vivid memory of learning how to twist a piece of paper so that the fire can travel up it and spread effectively. As an adult, I don't make fires except maybe once a year if we go camping and, admittedly, my fire-building skills have wained. I'm impatient and I usually let my husband remedy my failed attempts. However, I'm getting back in the saddle and relearning the art of building a perfect fire. Let's just say, not all fires are made equal. I'll share my progress with you on the 'gram. What's a new skill that you've learned as an adult? |
|
|
That's it, folks! I had fun making this. I hope it makes your Thursday a smidge brighter. Thanks for reading! Until next time, chao! |
|
|
|
|
