Wish List Wednesdays: When Were You Born? (1938) Is Finally Available on DVD

From Amazon

For me, October 1st is the start of the Halloween season, so let's ease our way into spooky fare by starting with a film that has only a hint of the supernatural.  "When Were You Born" (1938) is more of a mystery thriller, starring Anna May Wong as astrologer Mei Lee Ling, who finds herself mixed up in a murder when she predicts a dire fate for a fellow ship passenger which indeed comes to pass.  The police naturally suspect that her prediction was more than just coincidence, so to clear her name she offers to help the police find the killer.  It turns out Ling really does have an uncanny ability to predict the future based upon an individual's astrological sign, and with her help the police are eventually able to solve the murder.

The most interesting gimmick in this movie is that the twelve main characters were born under the twelve different astrological signs, and Ling accurately predicts the personalities of each based upon when they were born (hence the film's title).  Also interesting is that this movie's screenplay was written by astrologer and mystic Manly P. Hall, the founder of the Philosophical Research Society, who also appears in the introduction of the film to give a detailed description of the astrological signs which feature so prominently in the movie.  One final interesting observation is that, although Anna May Wong is presumably the main character in the movie, she receives second billing to a white female actress whose role in the film is more marginal (the movie was made in 1938, so this is probably not surprising for the time).

While this is not the best murder mystery film ever made, I did enjoy the admittedly gimmicky trick of using astrology to help solve the crime, and the plot was just convoluted enough to keep it from being too mundane.  I first saw this movie a couple of years ago on Turner Classic Movies, and have been waiting patiently for it to come out on DVD (click on Amazon link above).  If you are not interested in actually owning a copy, you can watch it on YouTube here:

Gore Guide (0=none to 5=extreme): 0

This 'n That Thursdays: Afternoon Tea Party Video (ASMR Animation)

Feeling a bit stressed this holiday season?  Wouldn't a cozy afternoon tea party with a dear friend be just perfect to relax you right about now?  Then how about the next best thing - watch this short video of two cute cat buddies doing just that!  I am really enjoying these adorable cat animation videos - they are very short and do not take up too much of my time, but are so fun to watch and bring a bit of joy and peace to my day.  And isn't that exactly what the holidays are supposed to be about? 😸

This 'n That Thursdays: Cozy Fall Night Routine Video (ASMR Animation)

If autumn is your favorite season and the idea of cozycore slow living appeals to you, then you will love this very short animated video from YouTube - it is adorable!  I have watched way too many fall slow living vlogs lately, and all of the essentials for a cozy autumnal evening show up in this video - hot beverage, hot bath, soothing skin care, fall décor, candles, snuggling in bed under a warm blanket while reading a good book - what's not to love?  And the animated star of the video is a cute kitty with a huge head!  Get ready for all the cute fall vibes here! 🍁🍂🐱☕️🛀📚🍂🍁

Wish List Wednesdays: Recent Purchases for Autumn

Image from Mercari

After returning home from a train trip back east for two weeks to visit family for Labor Day, I am so ready to welcome autumn.  We had a particularly hot and dry summer this year, but have finally gotten some rain and cooler temperatures with the onset of fall, and I could not be happier.  Since we are still unpacking boxes after moving all of our numerous belongings from Georgia to New Mexico, I rarely give myself permission to shop for anything other than essentials.  However, I decided that I would indulge just this once to celebrate my favorite season, so let's take a look at what I found.

At the top of the page is an image of the Peanuts Autumn Is Calling mug that I found at TJMaxx for only $6.99.  I love Snoopy, of course, but also the colorful leaves on the exterior and the orange handle and interior.  Best of all, there is even an image of a fall leaf at the bottom of the interior!

Image from Poshmark

I also found this DW Home Log Campfire candle at TJMaxx for $12.99:

While I am not crazy about the scent (it is okay but not my favorite), I could not resist the cute embroidered top with an autumnal mushroom design.  Luckily this top fits on other candles I already own with scents that I really enjoy, so I can easily reuse it.

I really did not need new kitchen towels, but I could not pass up the cute autumn dogs pattern on this Casaba Home Kitchen Towel Set (2 patterned towels and one orange towel) for just $9.99, also from TJMaxx.

I am hoping that purchasing these towels with give me the push I need to sort through my kitchen towels and finally get rid of some of the older ones that have been kept around for far too long!

My last autumnal TJMaxx find was a couple of packages of Simply Wize Gluten Free Pumpkin Gnocchi for just $3.99 each.  While I am not on a gluten-free diet, I do like pumpkin gnocchi, which I have actually made from scratch before, so I am looking forward to trying these, perhaps with a simple garlic and sage butter sauce.  This is apparently an Australian brand, so I was lucky to find it for such a reasonable price in the United States.  Luckily food purchases are only temporary additions to our home, so I don't need to feel guilty about bringing them into the house. 😊

I found the Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea Bags for $7.99 at our local Sprouts Farmers Market.  Of the various pumpkin spice-flavored teas I have tried, this version is the one I prefer.

My next purchase was quite the splurge, but I really wanted to try the Fall Tamales from Williams Sonoma ($99.95 for a dozen tamales).  The pumpkin mole flavor sounds delicious and I can't wait to try these with the surprisingly tasty Roasted Tomato and Chipotle Salsa Roja from Walmart.

Update: These tamales were okay but a bit dry and bland.  In my opinion they need the addition of cheese to reduce the dryness and some Hatch or other tasty chilies to add more kick.  I still have half of the order left, and plan to try them with a generous amount of cheesy enchilada dip to see if that enhances the flavor.

And speaking of Walmart, I also picked up a package of Oreo Pumpkin Spice Cookies there (available online for $4.58).  I do not usually buy packaged cookies, but I have never tried this flavor before and I do usually let myself try something new once, even if it is not the healthiest choice.  I hope I like them!

Update: Meh - I was not impressed.  These Oreos did not taste like either pumpkin or spice - all I could taste was sugar.  You would be better off getting the Halloween Oreos with the chocolate cookies and bright orange filling because at least then you can taste the chocolate.

I always seem to end up buying new sweaters every autumn, and this year is no exception.  I purchased two St. John's Bay Womens V Neck Pullover Sweaters from JCPenney (one in Rustic Brick and one in Deep Bronze, two very autumnal colors) for a very reasonable $16.49 each.  If you are looking for a good quality inexpensive lightweight mostly cotton sweater I highly recommend these (they also come with a crew neck but I prefer the V neck).

Okay, one last purchase I made for fall is the Galison Autumn in the Neighborhood 1,000 Piece Puzzle ($17.99 on Amazon).  I love 1,000 piece puzzles, and the little dog reminds me of our dog Madison, so I will truly enjoy working on this one!

As you can see, I really stocked up on seasonal goodies for fall this year.  I also added to my book collection in anticipation of more time for reading once gardening season is over and the weather turns chilly, so I have a future post planned with recommendations for spooky season reads.  Bring on the fall weather! 🍂🎃🍁

On the Homefront: Two of Our Favorite Places to Visit in Santa Fe

If you ever get to visit downtown Santa Fe, the two places that my husband and I recommend are the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the nearby restaurant Fiesta Oaxaca.  We have been fans of the museum since it first opened in 1997.  We got to visit the first week it opened, and it was then that I discovered my favorite artwork by O'Keeffe, her painting entitled "Rust Red Hills" (1930).  Exhibits change on a regular basis, and the artist's works from other museums as well as objects from her Abiquiu house are often displayed in addition to the museum's own collection.  We went to see the recent exhibit "Georgia O'Keeffe: Making a Life" and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I just adore the colorful interior! (from the restaurant website)

The restaurant patio open to the outdoors on a lovely warm day.

Just a short walk away from the museum is one of our favorite restaurants, Fiesta Oaxaca, which features moles, one of my husband's favorite foods.  He loves to order their Mole de Oaxaca, a chicken dish smothered in a dark mole sauce which is rich and deeply flavorful.  My favorites include their Enchiladas de Mole de Oaxaca and Chilpachole de Mariscos, a tasty seafood soup that is so satisfying on a cold day.  Be sure to order their mole tasting appetizer, which includes the five different moles they serve.  (I look forward to trying their mole de verde the next time we dine there!)  The restaurant has a wonderfully colorful interior as well as a patio that is completely enclosed and heated during the cold months but open to the outdoors when it warms up.

Across the street from both the restaurant and the museum is the Santa Fe County John Gaw Meem Historic Building,  designed by Santa Fe's most acclaimed architect and recently restored to its original glory.  It is worthwhile stopping by to visit the beautiful courtyard (shown above) and to admire the wonderful southwestern architecture.

"Homage to the Burro" by Charles Southard (1988)

From the restaurant it is an easy walk to the downtown plaza via historic Burro Alley, which is my favorite street of course (I described it previously here).  As you head to the plaza, be sure to stop by my husband's favorite place, Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery, which has an amazing collection of beautiful southwest Native American pottery, including the works of Maria Martinez.

Right now is a lovely time to visit Santa Fe, as we had a relatively wet spring and wildflowers are blooming everywhere.  The landscape is very green and the mild temperatures are so comfortable for exploring the city.  Oh, and one more activity you may enjoy while on the plaza is a visit to the rooftop bar at the famous La Fonda on the Plaza for a drink, appetizers, and a spectacular overview of the city and surrounding mountains.  The rooftop bar is only open during the warmer months, so if this appeals to you plan your trip accordingly!

This and That Thursdays: Indoora World | Cottagecore Series on YouTube

If you are a fan of all things cozy and cottagecore, I encourage you to check out the YouTube vlog Indoora World | Cottagecore Series.  The creator of this vlog is a gentle soul with an amazing gift for storytelling.  Her current series, called "The Dandelion Pact", is set in the recent past and follows the lives of two young women who are brought together and inspired by the writings of their grandmothers who were lifelong friends.  Above you can watch the most recent episode of this series, but I think it is best to follow the story from the beginning.

The series follows the current seasons, starting in the summer, continuing into the autumn, and is now set in the winter with spring to follow soon.  Each episode is the epitome of slow and peaceful living, with many crafts and recipes shown in the most lovely cottagecore settings.  We also get to have snippets of both the grandmothers' diaries and the young ladies' letters to each other read to us in the most gentle and soothing of voices.

I look forward to every new episode just to find out more about the lives of both the young women and their grandmothers, and cannot wait to find out what happens to the younger ones as their friendship progresses.  Watch one of these videos and you too may find yourself becoming totally immersed in Indoora World, enchanted by the peaceful loveliness of each episode.  Below is the trailer for the very first episode of the series, and don't be surprised if this alone is enough draw you in to Indoora World!

This 'n That Thursdays: Play Ainar's Colorful Autumn Forest Escape Game

I enjoy playing free online escape games, and I recently played one with such a lovely autumn theme that I just had to share it.  You can play Ainar's Colorful Autumn Forest escape game on the Escape Fan website and enjoy the beautiful fall imagery as you solve the puzzles to collect 30 golden leaves.  If you have never played these types of games before I hope you find this one as relaxing and fun as I did (I have already played this game twice just to explore the colorful forest again!).

Wish List Wednesdays: Two Good Reads for the Holidays

Our holidays are particularly chaotic this year as we continue to unpack our moving boxes, but I still try to find a little time to relax with a good book when I can.  Currently I am reading two short story anthologies as I find it easier to quickly read one story at a time whenever I can fit in a short reading break.  I am really enjoying The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories ($14.99 on Amazon) edited by Martin Edwards, which is one of his British Library Crime Classics featuring holiday-themed short stories written during the Golden Age of detective fiction.  If you are a fan of short mystery fiction, check out the other Martin Edwards anthologies here.

The other anthology I will be reading for the holidays this year is The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter ($13.56 on Amazon), which is one of the Penguin Classics Hardcover books.  All of the stories have a Christmas theme, but the genres range from fairy tales to ghost stories, so this should be a fascinating read.  I intend to start this one on Christmas day, which I plan to spend quietly, doing as little work as possible and only engaging in cozy and enjoyable activities.  I hope your holiday plans include only fun activities as well!

Wish List Wednesdays: Hygge Collection Cozy Fireplace by Olivia Gibbs 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

I normally prefer to buy 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles because I like the challenge, but when I saw the Hygge Collection Cozy Fireplace by Olivia Gibbs 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle from KI Puzzles ($17.99 on Amazon), I just could not resist!  Not only is this cozy image perfect for a chilly autumn day, it even comes with a Wood Sage and Sea Salt scented candle to burn as you set about putting this cozy jigsaw puzzle together.  There are two other puzzles available in this Hygge Collection (both options can be viewed if you check out the link above) which also come with their own unique scented candle.  I can't wait to start working on this puzzle, sipping a hot cup of tea while enjoying the aroma of the scented candle!

Wish List Wednesdays: Charles Wysocki Trick or Treat Hotel 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

My life has been extremely busy this summer, as my husband and I have finally listed our Georgia house for sale and we are gearing up at long last for getting my husband and the rest of our considerable belongings moved to our New Mexico house.  He is in Georgia and in charge of getting the house sold and our possessions moved, while I am in charge of supervising improvements to our New Mexico house so that everything we decide to move will have a place to go.  We are also installing solar panels and a wood-burning stove to improve the energy efficiency of this house, enclosing a small porch so that we can store wood for the winter to use in the new stove, and getting a number of maintenance issues taken care of that were postponed from last year until the COVID vaccine became available.

Needless to say, neither one of us has much time for leisure activities right now, so I have not had a chance to work on many jigsaw puzzles.  However, I did find a new one I look forward to piecing together this fall.  The VNVNE Charles Wysocki Trick or Treat Hotel 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($35.99) is a bit pricey for a puzzle, but no one captures the mood of a season better than Charles Wysocki, and this Halloween edition is truly a delight!  A little bit spooky but mostly nostalgic (the latter is a trademark of Wysocki's works), the intricate detail of the images in this puzzle will make it so much fun to work on, just to see each image come into focus as it is pieced together.  Go to the Amazon link and zoom in on the image to take a closer look at this artwork.  I could spend hours just hunting for each tiny detail - if I had the time!  (BTW, you can find this puzzle for a better price here.)

Wish List Wednesdays: At Home with Books Jigsaw Puzzle from Bas Bleu

It has been quite a while since my last post (I have been extremely busy lately getting ready for the long-delayed completion of our move from Georgia to New Mexico) but I am going to try to get more posts out for the month of September.  Let's start with a fun jigsaw puzzle!  The At Home with Books Jigsaw Puzzle ($16.95) from Bas Bleu is quite reasonably priced and features an image of a secret room behind a wall of books - just the sort of room I wish I could have in my own home!  I have already purchased this puzzle and only recently started to put it together.  If you like a good challenge and enjoy jigsaw puzzles with a cozy feel, then I highly recommend this one.

Wish List Wednesdays: Cobble Hill Vintage Tins 1000-Piece Puzzle

I first saw the Cobble Hill Vintage Tins 1000-Piece Puzzle ($23.99) several months ago, but by the time I was ready to place my order it was out of stock.  It has finally become available again, and I placed an order immediately, but it seems to be selling out pretty quickly, so if you too are fascinated by the lovely vintage tins design you might want to place your order now!  I am really stocking up on jigsaw puzzles right now in anticipation of hot summer days, as I like to work on these puzzles when I am forced to stay indoors to avoid the heat of the day.  I am so glad I was finally able to order this particular puzzle - I really do love the design!

Wish List Wednesdays: Nathalie Lete Mushrooms/Champignons 1,000-Piece Puzzle

I just placed my order for the Nathalie Lete Mushrooms/Champignons 1,000-Piece Puzzle ($19.95) at the Anthropologie website, and I look forward to working on this gorgeous jigsaw puzzle!  I love the colors, and the mushrooms are beautifully done in great detail.  Unlike most people, I am more likely to work on puzzles during the heat of summer rather than on cold winter days, so I will probably save this one for warmer weather, when the middle of the day is just too hot to work outside.  If you love to do jigsaw puzzles, you may want to order this one too.  It will not be available for shipment until April 22nd, but if you wait too long you may miss out (I have had that happen with other puzzles when I wait too long to place my order - jigsaw puzzles are a very popular pandemic pastime!).

This 'n That Thursdays: An Amazingly Self-Sufficient Woman's Vlog

My pandemic-induced obsession with simple lifestyle YouTube vlogs continues, and lately I have been fascinated with those posted by self-sufficient women.  My most recent obsession is a vlog called Primitive Survival Life, featuring a young woman from Singapore who demonstrates the traditional survival techniques of her homeland in her quest to live off-grid.  Her vlog has only been up for a few months, but already she has built a large outdoor covered porch with an enclosed sleeping area, a bamboo villa, two wells, two water filtration systems, two outdoor kitchens, a small swimming pool plus seating area, an outdoor sleeping pavilion, an underground shower, and an underground toilet!  She does all of this on her own with only the simplest of tools and mostly using materials from nature (she even makes her own concrete!).  Above is her first video where she builds the outdoor covered porch, complete with a moat filled with wild-caught fish.  Below is the video showing how she built one of the water filtration systems, which I find particularly fascinating - the water passes through three different filtration tanks, each with progressively finer filtering material, until the fourth tank finally receives the drinkable water. 

I have to confess that I binge-watched all of the vlog posts over a couple of days, and now can't wait to see what she builds next.  I don't think I have ever had the strength, stamina, and determination this young lady has, even when I was her age, and I certainly never possessed the amazing skill sets she demonstrates so effortlessly.  This woman seems to be working with the support of fellow Singaporeans who share a desire to live in harmony with their natural environment while preserving traditional ways of life (she recommends two other similar vlogs by friends at the bottom of the page here).  What I most admire about all of the vlogs I have seen by young people from around the world is that they have no problem blending the demonstration of a simple lifestyle with advanced technology.  They know how to balance concern for the planet with their computer and digital skills, and they are showing the the rest of us how it can be done in unique and creative ways.  I for one hope that this is the way of the future!

This 'n That Thursdays: "I'm not a cat" Viral Video

If you have not seen this hilarious video yet, be prepared to laugh hysterically!  A clueless Texas attorney attempts to join a Zoom court hearing using his secretary's computer, unaware that her young daughter has turned on a filter that turns the user into a virtual cat.  The poor man struggles on while trying to figure out how to turn off the filter, and even says that he is prepared to carry on regardless, uttering his now famous line, "I'm not a cat!"  With the judge's help the lawyer eventually manages to return to his human form, but history had already been made, and the video has gone viral worldwide.  Luckily this man has a sense of humor, and has said that he is happy to bring some humor into our lives, even if it is at his expense.  Maybe trying your case as a cute kitten is not such a bad idea - who could possibly rule against that adorable feline face?

This 'n That Thursdays: Another Cottagecore/ Hygge-Style YouTube Vlog

 

I just discovered another lifestyle vlog on YouTube from Darling Desi that features a cottagecore/hygge theme, and I enjoyed it so much I thought I would share a couple of the videos here.  I normally prefer silent vlogs, but this vlogger has so many great ideas that I don't mind listening to what she has to say.  The video above is a perfect example, with so many tips for adding cozy touches to your home in the winter.  Books are a big focus in most of the vlogs, as this young woman loves to read, and she has many suggestions for seasonal reading, some of which are new to me - I am already putting together a list of some of her recommended books that I need to find and read!  Her most recent video (below) features recipes inspired by scenes in three of her favorite books.  All three recipes look so delicious, and the tablescape she puts together to present the finished dishes is just lovely.  I am now working my way backwards through all of her videos, and looking forward to all future installments!

This 'n That Thursdays: Delicious Day Food Vlog on YouTube

I really probably should be talking about the domestic terrorist attack on our US Capitol Building yesterday, but my goal for this year is to keep topics positive and optimistic, so instead I will introduce you to a delightful YouTube food vlog that I recently discovered called Delicious Day.  The South Korean woman who created this vlog makes videos that are all short and sweet, usually averaging about 5 minutes or less.  The recipes tend to be simple and easy to follow, and best of all most look quite delicious, enough to make me want to try making some of them myself.

I have linked to two of the cutest videos, above and below, that feature recipes for uniquely shaped desserts.  The teddy bear head Steamed Custard Buns shown above would be perfect for a spring holiday, and the jack o' lantern Sweet Pumpkin Sticky Rice Cakes shown below are so impressive I am thinking of trying that recipe for Halloween this year.  For me, though, the best thing about this vlog is the amusing English subtitle comments.  They make me smile every time, and sometimes even burst out in the occasional chuckle - this young woman has a way of turning a phrase that is just wonderful.  Most of all, these videos will make you hungry, so I would advise not watching them on an empty stomach.  Bon appétit!

This 'n That Thursdays: "Halloween is Canceled" Short Horror Film

I am not a big fan of slasher films, but this short horror film parody of the "Halloween" movies is only scary at the very end, and until then is actually rather funny.  In the three-minute video, Michael Myers returns to his home town of Haddonfield on Halloween to once again wreak havoc, only to find that his favorite holiday has been cancelled thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.  He searches in vain for victims, and is about to give up in despair, only to be confronted by an angry "Karen" who verbally assaults him for wearing a mask.  Needless to say, this confrontation does not have a happy ending (or does it?).

Have a safe and happy Halloween, and don't forget to wear your mask!

Bonus: Click here to play a fun and not too scary Halloween escape game!

Wish List Wednesdays: Springbok The Conservatory Jigsaw Puzzle

If you are always on the lookout for new jigsaw puzzles to work on, as I am, then I have yet another one for your consideration.  I recently completed the 1,000-piece Springbok The Conservatory Jigsaw Puzzle ($17.50 plus $3.00 shipping), and it is absolutely delightful.  I love the colorful and complex design, and it is enough of a challenge to satisfy even the most ardent fan of jigsaw puzzles.  This is the sort of puzzle to leave set up so that it can be worked on whenever you have the time.  Our sudden blast of wet and wintry weather here in New Mexico is a reminder to me that outdoor activities such as gardening will be coming to an end soon, and a nice quiet evening working on a puzzle such as this one would be a perfect way to spend a chilly evening.  Now is the time to stock up on puzzles to work on this winter, and this one is a great way to start your stash!

This 'n That Thursdays: The Pandemic Popularity of Cottagecore, Part 1

From Wild Flower Child

Not being on social media at all except for this blog, I am probably one of the last to become aware of the popularity of an image aesthetic called Cottagecore.  Minus any political connotations this trend has developed, Cottagecore is basically "...an aesthetic inspired by a romanticised interpretation of western agricultural life".  The anxiety over the COVID-19 pandemic has many people wishing for a simpler, more stress-free life, and viewing Cottagecore images is one way to satisfy this yearning.  It is especially popular on photo-sharing platforms such as Tumblr, where fans search out and post images like the one above that exemplify the Cottagecore ideal.  Here are more examples:

From Peaceful Dumpling

From Today

From My Desired Home

From Gardenholic

From Reddit

From canberkarac.com

From Real Homes

From We Heart It

From Yummy Toadstools

Interestingly, since the pandemic started I have been following a number of vlogs on YouTube that document a similar lifestyle, only in China!  My favorites document the daily life of rural Chinese women who live in rather remote areas.  All of these vlogs focus on cooking, but for these women cooking starts with raising almost all of their food themselves, or foraging for ingredients in the surrounding countryside.

Some of the videos are truly breathtaking, showing the beauty of their localities as well as some aspects of everyday life not necessarily focused on food.  Almost all of these women have pet dogs, all very different from each other but all equally adorable, ranging from a huge Malamute to a small yellow mixed breed with a big personality.  Some of them have other animals as well, both pets and livestock (and no, dogs are not livestock for these families in case you were wondering).

I think what I like best about these videos is that there is very little dialog (which is a good thing because I do not speak Chinese) - instead, lovely music plays softly in the background.  Some but not all of the videos have English subtitles describing the ingredients and cooking methods.  Most of these descriptions are not really detailed enough to allow duplication of the recipes, but for me that is not the point - I just enjoy watching the simple routines of daily life for these women.  Below are examples of a few of the vlogs I follow, starting with that of Li Ziqi, who lives in China's Sichuan province and who I have described in a previous post:

The Wild Girl vlog features a young woman from Guizhou province who has her own brand new little house in the country.  Her home is lovely, spare and neat and full of light.  She also has the cute little yellow dog that I just adore - he reminds me of my dog Madison.  This woman does a lot of foraging in the wild for her ingredients, as seen in the video below where she gathers the most amazing-looking mushrooms I have ever seen:

Another popular Chinese rural lifestyle vlog is that of Dianxi Xiaoge, who lives in the Yunnan province of China and features many local recipes and customs in her videos.  She owns the large and amusing Malamute named Dawang, who is as big as a pony but still thinks of himself as a puppy.  This young woman also spends a lot of time foraging in the wild for recipe ingredients, as seen in one of her most recent videos below:

My post is getting way too long, so I will continue with the rest of my favorite YouTube vlogs next week.  I also intend to explore this Cottagecore notion a bit more, as I find it intriguing but possibly open to a more expansive as well as more realistic interpretation.  I do think that we could all do with a little more simplicity and comfort in our lives right now, though, wherever we can find it!