This month has really felt like knowing you're living history while it happens. It was the anniversary of the first COVID-19 cases in South Carolina, the first full year of working from home, so many people got this historic vaccine, and we received a third round of stimulus checks. So other than COVID-y things, let's do a March roundup!
I spoke to Greatist about how the words before a recipe in a food blog are important, and not just stupid stuff to have to whine about scrolling through. I've complained on that subject here several times and I still hold to it. If your fingers are too weak to scroll through words before a recipe, you're too weak to be cooking it.
In my freelancing life, I've been doing pretty well, getting assignments from established contacts and landing some great pitches (more to come on those!). My story on a certified seed farmer in Allendale made the cover of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture's newly revived magazine! I really loved writing that story, and it made me remember why I love writing. The second best part is the subject of the story texted me the other week to tell me how I captured the spirit of the farm. That kind of love is why I keep writing even through the annoying parts like endless revisions.
March Recipes
Milk Bar Style Dog Birthday Cake
Pastel Mexican Wedding Cookies
Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Pasta Rings
and I also reviewed oat milk, and the air fryer lid for the Instant Pot, plus listed out a bunch of ways to use up jelly and jam!
March Home Updates
This month has been the month of planting. With today being the last frost date, I started seeds in early February using these greenhouse seed starting kits. I began with cucumbers, cabbage, basil, and Thai basil. I want a LOT of basil this year. As those sprouted I transferred them outdoors. Next up is Bradford okra, butterfly pea flowers, and bell peppers.
Since I don't have a full garden space set up yet in the backyard, I am keeping my gardening small this year. Most everything is going to be grown in containers under and around the carport. Ideally I'll have the plot of land I want ready for fall planting, but you know how it gets when it's hot in South Carolina — you just don't wanna do anything. Especially anything that has to be done in the daytime outside.
Other plantings that have been going on include my orchard and big decorative bed in the back. It's been a labor of love since the winter and has really ramped up in excitement since February! Above is one of my blueberry bushes, one of the more colorful presenting varieties. We've got flowers everywhere now! It does look a little sparse but they say in gardening it's "first year sleep, second year creep, third year LEAP!" so all of these baby plants just need time and room to grow into big, beautiful plants.
At the beginning of the month, I listed out 19 ways to reduce your home allergens. I have to say, doing all of these things, especially acupuncture, is THE only way I am able to get outside and enjoy the spring weather and gardening! Next month I plan to detail my whole acupuncture experience to the point that by the end of the post you'll be making an appointment to go too.
Onwards to Spring
And finally, it's exciting to be able to go out on a limited basis to certain places again! We are fully vaccinated now and went on our first date night in over a year Sunday night. It was nice to enjoy a bit of "real life" again although I definitely don't want to go back to a full pre-COVID existence. Give me spaced out lines and other things we should have had all along!
