The Sunday Thymes: Your Weekly Dose of Culinary Inspiration, Lifestyle Hacks, and Curated Discoveries

What a whirlwind this past weekend has been! Between diving deep into new culinary experiments in the kitchen, embarking on an impromptu quest for the perfect styling props for upcoming projects, and cherishing invaluable moments spent laughing and connecting with dear friends, it’s been a vibrant blend of activity and joy. As winter embraces Chicago, the city truly comes alive with gastronomic delights, and it’s officially that much-anticipated time of year: Restaurant Week! While perhaps a misnomer given its generous three-week duration, this annual event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Chicago’s incredibly diverse and innovative dining scene without breaking the bank. We’re already poring over menus and making plans, eagerly anticipating the chance to savor new flavors and experience some of the city’s finest establishments next weekend.

A Triumphant Return: The Sunday Thymes Reimagined for 2016

After a longer-than-anticipated hiatus, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that The Sunday Thymes is officially back! The past few months have been dedicated to an exciting, yet demanding, complete overhaul and redesign of the website, aimed at creating an even more beautiful, user-friendly, and inspiring space for all our culinary and lifestyle content. While the redesign process was extensive and required my full attention, leading to a temporary pause in our regular Sunday Thymes series, I’m incredibly excited to be returning to this cherished weekly tradition with renewed energy and purpose.

For years, The Sunday Thymes has been a dedicated space for sharing my absolute favorite food-related links, from innovative recipes and essential cooking tips to fascinating articles about the culinary world. As we step into 2016, I’m excited to introduce a small but significant evolution to this beloved series. While delicious food will always remain at the heart of what we do and will continue to be a prominent feature, I’ll also be intermingling a broader array of discoveries. This means you can now expect to find an eclectic mix of articles, links, and resources that have personally captivated my attention, offered profound insights, or provided practical help in various aspects of life – from productivity hacks and personal development strategies to home inspiration and thoughtful digital detox tips. My hope is that this subtle shift will offer an even richer, more holistic source of inspiration for your week ahead, encouraging both culinary adventure and personal growth. I genuinely hope you enjoy this refreshing change and find immense value in these newly expanded weekly roundups!

This Week’s Curated Finds: Food, Fun, and Fresh Perspectives for a Brighter Week

Let’s dive into some of the wonderful things that caught my eye and sparked my interest this week. From heartwarming animal moments that bring a smile to your face, to inspiring recipes that beckon you into the kitchen, and thought-provoking articles that offer fresh perspectives on daily life, there’s a little something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Moments of Joy & Daily Inspiration

Is this not the absolute cutest thing you’ve ever witnessed? I confess, I might have watched this delightful clip of a giant panda enjoying its snow day at the National Zoo at least ten times yesterday. It’s a simple, pure reminder of the joy found in unexpected moments and the sheer bliss of playful abandon. Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle, all you need is a dose of undeniable cuteness to brighten your entire day and put a smile on your face.
If you’re embarking on a journey towards better organization, increased personal productivity, or simply seeking a more mindful and structured approach to your daily tasks, you absolutely must check out this incredible blog immediately. Kara’s insights on planning, bullet journaling, and creating systems that truly work for a busy lifestyle are nothing short of brilliant. Her content is packed with really great ideas, practical tips, and invaluable information that can help transform your approach to daily planning, goal setting, and overall life management.

Culinary Delights & Recipe Inspiration

Oh, this olive oil hazelnut cake with orange from Local Lovely is pure culinary poetry. The sophisticated combination of rich, fruity olive oil with the earthy, nutty warmth of toasted hazelnuts and a bright hint of fresh orange sounds utterly dreamy and incredibly flavorful. Just seeing the photos makes me yearn for the sun-drenched days of summer, though I imagine this elegant cake would be equally comforting and sophisticated as a treat during these colder winter months. It’s a wonderful example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can yield truly extraordinary and memorable results.
Speaking of comforting and delightful, this five-ingredient white bean, fennel seed, and lemon soup with crispy Brussels sprout leaves has never looked more appetizing. The innovative use of beautifully browned and crispy Brussels sprouts as a garnish elevates a simple, wholesome soup to something truly special and texturally intriguing. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful textures and bright, fresh flavors can transform a humble dish into a memorable and nourishing meal, ideal for a chilly evening when you crave both warmth and vibrancy.
Have you received the latest copy of Food & Wine magazine yet? If so, be sure to seek out Molly Yeh’s amazing contribution. Molly’s unique blend of Midwestern charm and global culinary influences always results in recipes that are both accessible and incredibly exciting. Her work is consistently vibrant, inspiring, and full of personality, making her section an absolute must-read for any food enthusiast looking for fresh and inventive winter cooking ideas that promise both comfort and creativity.
For anyone who adores cheese and sweets – and let’s be honest, is that even a question for most of us?! – you absolutely must explore this amazing list of 30 cheesy and sweet baby shower treats created for Sarah’s baby shower over at Snixy Kitchen. It’s a brilliant collection that ingeniously proves sweet and savory can coexist beautifully, offering unique and utterly delicious ideas perfect for any celebration, or simply for indulging your most delightful cravings when you can’t decide between salty and sweet.

Mindfulness & Productivity Boosters for a Balanced Life

The best way to silence your inner critic is a topic that resonates deeply with many of us, especially in today’s fast-paced world. This insightful article from MyDomaine offers valuable strategies for quieting those nagging voices of self-doubt that can often hinder our progress, diminish our confidence, and prevent us from reaching our full potential. I’m totally guilty of not consistently practicing these techniques, but reading this served as a powerful and much-needed reminder of the importance of self-compassion, intentional thought management, and building resilience in achieving both personal and professional growth.
If you’re not already reading Heidi’s Friday Faves, you should bookmark her site immediately! Her weekly roundups are always a treasure trove of inspiring finds, covering everything from delicious recipes to practical lifestyle tips. This particular article on genius email hacks from Real Simple, which she shared recently, was one of my absolute favorite links. In our increasingly digital world, managing email effectively is crucial for maintaining productivity and reducing stress, and these tips offer smart, actionable ways to achieve inbox clarity and save precious time.
Here’s a fantastic, albeit counterintuitive, article on how to waste tons of time and not accomplish anything – and, more importantly, it brilliantly pivots to show you how to do something about it! Sarah von Bargen deconstructs common productivity pitfalls in a relatable and often humorous way, then provides actionable steps and mindsets to reclaim your focus, overcome procrastination, and make real progress towards your goals. It’s an insightful and highly recommended read for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a rut.
This fascinating piece delves into why reading a Kindle and reading a physical book aren’t the same thing. The article explores the intriguing cognitive and sensory differences in how our brains process information from digital screens versus traditional print. I totally agree with the premise; there’s a unique tactile, immersive, and often less distracting experience that comes with a physical book that a digital reader, however convenient, simply can’t fully replicate. It offers a great perspective for bibliophiles and digital readers alike, prompting a thoughtful consideration of our reading habits.

Home & Entertaining Inspiration

Oh, to host such an event! The most picturesque dinner party featured on Honestly Yum is an absolute feast for the eyes and soul. From the stunning, rustic-chic decor to the beautifully presented, seasonal food, every single detail exudes an effortless elegance and warmth that instantly transports you to a dreamlike setting. This feature alone makes me want to pack my bags, move to California immediately, and start planning my own al fresco gatherings inspired by this breathtaking aesthetic. It’s truly a masterclass in entertaining with style and heart.

More Irresistible Recipes & Culinary Adventures

I’m always on the lookout for versatile homemade dressings that can elevate everyday meals, and this recipe for homemade ginger carrot dressing from 101 Cookbooks looks absolutely exceptional. What makes it even better is the wealth of creative ideas provided on how to incorporate it into various dishes beyond just salads – think marinades, glazes, or a vibrant sauce for roasted vegetables. Clearly, I’m deeply into anything carrot ginger this week – the vibrant flavors, refreshing zest, and undeniable health benefits are just irresistible!
Clearly, my obsession with all things Brussels sprouts continues unabated! This vegetarian ramen bowl featuring spicy Brussels sprouts from Naturally Ella looks like the ultimate comfort food with a healthy, flavorful kick. It’s amazing how versatile these humble sprouts are, transforming from a simple roasted side dish to a star ingredient in a hearty, nourishing, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for colder weather.
Yes, this vibrant kale pesto pizza from Cookie and Kate is most definitely happening in my kitchen very soon! The combination of fresh, nutritious kale pesto combined with a crisp crust sounds like a perfect, healthful indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor. I’m even contemplating a delicious twist by substituting the kale pesto with my own homemade whole wheat pasta with walnut-sage pesto, which offers a wonderfully earthy and aromatic profile. Decisions, decisions, but either way, it promises to be delicious!
These fluffy, perfectly golden whole wheat banana coconut muffins from Two Peas and Their Pod look like the ideal breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up. The delightful combination of sweet, ripe banana, tropical coconut flakes, and the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour sounds like a match made in heaven. They promise to be both deliciously moist and satisfyingly wholesome, making them a perfect addition to any weekend brunch or busy weekday morning.
And finally, for a dose of pure, unadulterated culinary creativity: tons and tons of amazing toast ideas from Shutterbean! This isn’t your average butter-and-jam toast; we’re talking gourmet toppings, savory combinations, and artistic presentations that elevate humble toast into a canvas for culinary expression. From sweet to savory, simple to elaborate, there’s an idea for every craving. I’m so enamored with these creative suggestions that I literally want to print this page and tape it onto my fridge for daily breakfast inspiration! It just goes to show how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little imagination.

Wrapping Up the Week with Gratitude and Anticipation

And that wraps up another refreshed edition of The Sunday Thymes! It’s been such a pleasure to reconnect and share these hand-picked finds and personal reflections with you. Whether you’re looking for your next exciting cooking project, a nugget of wisdom to boost your productivity, some inspiration for a beautiful home, or just a moment of delightful distraction, I sincerely hope this week’s curated collection has offered something valuable and inspiring to enrich your week ahead. Thank you, as always, for joining me on this journey of culinary exploration and lifestyle discovery. Don’t forget to explore these fantastic links, and I look forward to sharing even more exciting finds and fresh perspectives with you next week!