Literary City Guide | Düsseldorf, Germany

Photo by Emma Campbell

If you look at a map of Germany, you'll find Düsseldorf situated in the west, near the border of Belgium and The Netherlands. Our tour guide Emma grew up in this idyllic town before her family moved away, but she met her husband when she returned several years ago, and happily calls the city home again.

After reading her guide, it's easy to see the appeal. From coffee shops with cheese counters, bookstores that host cooking seminars, and plenty of bookstores to browse, you'll keep any literary cravings satisfied.

Stop by to visit Düsseldorf!

The Drink of August + Watermelon-Lime Agua Fresca

All photography by Josh Telles

There are better ways to begin a blog post featuring a watermelon recipe, but I feel I should be honest.

I've never liked watermelon. 

Then I made watermelon agua fresca, and I should be honest again and reveal that with the exception of two small glasses shared with my husband and a very talented photographer (more on him in a minute), I drank the entire pitcher myself in less than twenty-four hours. There was no remorse, no hesitation, and no regret, except when the pitcher was empty and I did in fact regret not making more immediately. 

But it's been a week and the issue has been rectified. I've made another pitcher for myself, and officially declare this beautiful pink liquid the drink of August.

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Lately, it's the small things that get me. Literally small, like the stack of onesies I opened at my baby shower earlier this month. Or figuratively small, like a series of moments strung together in a day.

Sipping this drink, rolling down the car window and smelling salt water, having my feet rubbed, sending an email to a friend, the melodic sound my necklace makes as I let the long string collapse into the bowl that holds it each night, reading three pages of a book before falling asleep with my Kindle in my right hand. I'm trying to remember everything. 

So you can see why something like agua fresca, fruit and water, can be both plainly refreshing and mildly life-changing. Most days, it's the little things, like these four lines by Charles Simic. 

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Watermelons

by Charles Simic

Green Buddhas
On the fruit stand.
We eat the smile
And spit out the teeth.

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Our baby arrives in eight weeks, give or take. In between arranging the nursery, writing thank you notes from my baby shower, cleaning out closets, shredding old files, and folding baby clothes, I'm also trying to finish up several freelance writing projects before October, which brings me to the photographer I mentioned earlier.

I've worked with Josh Telles on Life & Thyme stories over the past year, and this time he came to my house to snap photos while I cooked two recipes for my most recent story featuring produce from Farm Fresh to You.

Read more here, plus find a bonus recipe for a refreshing summer salsa!

Josh graciously agreed to let me share some of the images with you, and I'm so glad he he did, because they're too beautiful not to send into the world. It also gives you a glimpse into my kitchen, and a small peek at the belly, too.

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WATERMELON-LIME AGUA FRESCA

When the days are warm, a refreshing seasonal drink is always in order. This popular Mexican beverage gets something right: celebrating fruit at its peak of freshness. Use what’s in season, add a splash of citrus, and enjoy all summer long.

4 cups diced watermelon, rinds removed
3 cups water
2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon sugar

In a high speed blender, puree the watermelon with half the water (1 ½ cups), lime juice, and sugar until smooth. Strain into a large pitcher, then stir in the remaining water. Taste, and add more lime if desired (I added an extra squeeze!). Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving over a tall glass of ice, garnished with lime wedges and/or a few sprigs of mint.

Literary City Guide | Edmonton, Canada

Photo by Athena Raypold

We're heading up north again, where Edmonton joins Calgary in our Canadian literary city guide series! 

First things first, can we talk about these donuts? They come from a stand at Edmonton's Old Strathcona Saturday Farmers' Market, and often sell out early in the day. I really, really want one.

As far as literary options go, the guide offers twelve conferences and festivals to choose from, as well as cozy bookstores to peruse and coffee shops to relax in. Tour guide Athena Raypold knows all the best spots, so stop by for a visit!