What I'm Reading | September 2014

I'm ready for stew, squash, and braised meat. Really. Summer was lovely, but it's time to settle in with chai lattes and snuggle up with cookbooks on a Saturday afternoon. While I wait for a weekend of rain to arrive, I've booked a vacation to Thailand (let me know any recommendations if you have them!) and decided I might need to preorder the new Kindle to survive the long flight. Happy fall! 

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All the comments on every recipe blog. 

How did we come to care so much about creativity?

Going viral takes a lot more work then you think.

Make a literary fashion statement.

Writing when no one is listening.

Storytelling t-shirts (using a single word!)

Why it's so hard to catch your own typos.

Setting a new pace. 

Why walking helps us think.

The gust of wind. And bean eaters.

For a weekend project, Thomas Keller's risotto.

Two British cookbooks I'm excited about.

72 ways food can change the world.

Reading is a sure fire way to cut stress.

Elizabeth Gilbert's really weird advice about following your passion.

Literary City Guide | Oakland, CA

Photo by Christina Eng

If you're visiting northern California any time soon, you should be covered. Our newest literary guide for Oakland compliments neighboring towns San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma so well, and makes me want to visit again. 

The last time I was passing through we stopped at Camino for brunch. That was a very good decision, as it turned out. Local writer Christina Eng has is an Oakland native, and knows the ins and outs of the city, from coffee shops with the best natural light to the charming independent bookstores. 

Stop by to visit Oakland!

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An Irresistible Offer from Huckle & Goose

Christine & Anca, Huckle & Goose Founders

I'm a pretty independent meal planner. In fact, I consider myself somewhat of an expert, having planned meals every week for the past six years or so. But lately, life has been busy. I still meal plan, but I have far less time to pour over my collection of cookbooks and magazines. Enter, Huckle & Goose. It's a meal planner with style, and a thoughtful, seasonal approach that I absolutely love. Logging in to see their curated collection of recipes from some of my favorite bloggers is a great way to find inspiration for everything from brunch to drinks to simple weeknight meals.

For one day only (September 23), they're offering an incredible deal of 50% off for one year! There are different plans to suit your needs (and tastes), so take a look today before the offer ends! Use the code: INSTAPOTLUCK! 

Literary City Guide | Auckland, New Zealand

Photo by Lauren Orlina

Lauren and I met about 10 years ago when we both worked at a public affairs firm in Santa Barbara. It was my first job out of college, and Lauren and I quickly became friends and bonded over our shared love of literature. She moved to Auckland, New Zealand seven years ago, but we still keep in touch, and I was so excited when she wanted to put together a literary city guide for the city she now calls home. 

Auckland has a lot to offer a literary traveler, including a bookstore with 18th century maps for viewing, and one steps from the beach in Auckland's North Shore. There's a 30-year-old poetry reading that takes place every Tuesday, and any kind of food you're craving can easily be found (like Turkish kebabs and Bangkok street food).

Stop by to take a tour of this beautiful city!