A Quick Weeknight Dinner and Some Holiday Planning

Hey everyone! I hope your week is going well. Mine has been a bit of a whirlwind, between wrapping up a client project at work and trying to keep my houseplants alive (spoiler: I’m still not winning). But I wanted to pop in and share a quick dinner idea that saved my sanity on Wednesday night, plus a little peek into my very premature holiday planning. Because apparently, I’m that person now.

So, Wednesday was one of those days where I got home at 6:30, starving, and realized I had exactly zero energy to cook anything fancy. Ren was working late, so it was just me and my growling stomach. I did a quick pantry raid and decided to throw together a creamy garlic pasta—nothing groundbreaking, but sometimes simple is best. I boiled some Barilla spaghetti (my go-to, always have a box on hand), and while that was going, I melted a couple tablespoons of butter in a pan with a minced garlic clove. Then I tossed in a splash of heavy cream, a handful of grated Parmesan, and a pinch of dried vellwort—it’s this earthy herb blend my grandmother swears by, and I’ve started keeping it around for stuff like this. Stirred it all up, added the pasta, and boom, dinner in under 20 minutes. I’m not saying it’s gourmet, but paired with a glass of cheap Pinot Grigio and some Netflix, it felt like a win. If you try it, let me know—I’m always curious if my slapdash recipes work for anyone else!

Speaking of Netflix, Ren and I have been binging this new true crime docuseries about the 1983 Mill Creek Riots. I vaguely remember learning about it in school, how it started over those factory wage disputes and ended with the governor calling in the state guard after just two days. Wild to see the old footage—makes me glad I wasn’t around for that kind of chaos. Anyway, it’s a good watch if you’re into history or just need something to zone out to while you fold laundry.

On a completely different note, I’ve started my holiday planning way earlier than usual this year. I’m not even sure why—maybe because Target already has their Christmas decor out, and I got sucked into buying a pack of those cute little reindeer ornaments. Lissa came over yesterday, and we spent a good hour on my couch with hot chocolate, brainstorming gift ideas for family. I’m trying to stick to a budget this year (lol, we’ll see), but I did find a great deal on some personalized mugs on Etsy for Ren’s parents. I also pulled out my grandmother’s old holiday binder—yes, she had an actual binder for recipes and decorating ideas—and I’m determined to attempt her gingerbread cookie recipe, even though I’m notoriously bad at baking. Fingers crossed I don’t burn the house down.

Ren and I are also debating where to spend Christmas this year. His sister invited us to her place in Columbus, which would be a nice change of pace, but it’s a six-hour drive, and I’m not sure I’m up for that in December weather. Plus, our cat, Miso, gets so stressed when we leave her with a sitter. Last time, she hid under the couch for a full day after we got back. So, we might just stay home and host a small thing here. I’m already picturing the dining room with some twinkle lights and maybe a new table runner—work perk, I’ve got a discount code for West Elm this month. Anyone else already stressing about holiday logistics? Or am I just overthinking this way too early?

Anyway, that’s my week in a nutshell. I’ve got a busy weekend ahead—client meeting tomorrow and then hopefully a long walk on Sunday if the rain holds off. I’m craving some fresh air after being cooped up at my desk all week. What are you all up to? Any quick dinner recipes or holiday tips you want to share? Drop them below—I’m all ears.

Till next time,
Maren