If you’re looking for me this week, I am somewhere between "productive business owner" and "feral Abby surrounded by moving boxes," and both are true. Moving has fully taken over my life. There is cardboard everywhere, packing tape stuck to my socks, random Sharpies appearing in places Sharpies should never be, and at least one mystery box that is either kitchen stuff or winter sweaters or tax papers or, idk, maybe all three. Love that for me.

And then there are the shoes. Dear god, the shoes. I have spent an alarming amount of time asking myself why one human woman needs this many pairs of shoes. Why did I own so many versions of the same boot? Why did Past Abby feel the need to purchase shoes for lives she was not actually living? Was I heading to a yacht party? A country concert? A Real Housewives casting call? Unclear. Anywayyyy, the purge is happening. I gave away a ton of them because at a certain point you just have to look at the pile and say, "you know what, babes, you are not all coming with me." Ruthless. Necessary. Slightly humbling.

It’s actually been weirdly freeing though. Like yes, moving is chaotic and dusty and deeply offensive to my lower back, but getting rid of stuff feels kind of amazing. Every bag that leaves, every pair of shoes that disappears from the floor, every random thing I no longer have to shove into a box... instant relief. Tiny hit of serotonin. We love a purge moment, even if it does make me question every shopping decision I made between 2019 and now.

And in the middle of all this nonsense, food is genuinely keeping me sane. The halloumi shawarma bowls? Saving me. Meal prep was pretty awesome this week. Emotionally, spiritually, probably medically. And the idea of shimmering lemonade with edible glitter? Also saving me because apparently my coping mechanism is making food and drinks that feel a little unhinged but in a fancy way. If I have to live in box city for a minute, then at the very least I deserve squeaky cheese and a sparkly beverage that looks like a tiny vacation.

So that’s the current state of the union over here: moving chaos, shoe mountain reduction program, and me clinging tightly to shawarma bowls and glitter lemonade like they’re my emotional support hobbies. Not the worst identity, tbh.

Here’s the lineup from meal prep this week!

* **Coconut Basil Curry and Chicken:** This is like a warm hug in a bowl. The basil gives it that fresh, spring hit, and the coconut is just... *chef’s kiss*.

* **Halloumi Shawarma Bowls:** If you aren't obsessed with halloumi, are we even friends? It’s salty, it’s squeaky, and when you put it in a bowl with some shawarma-spiced goodness, it’s a total game changer.

* **Peach, Burrata, and Caramelized Onion Sausages:** Okay, hear me out. It sounds fancy and weird, but the sweetness of the peach with the creamy burrata and the savory onions? I’m basically a culinary scientist at this point.

* **"Girl Breakfast" Graze:** You know the "girl dinner" trend? This is the breakfast version. Lots of little bits and bobs, fruit, cottage cheese, maybe a hard-boiled egg, some dark chocolate. It’s perfect for when you’re too busy packing to sit down for a real meal.

* **Peaches and Cream Oats:** Because spring is officially here and I am manifesting all the stone fruit vibes.

The Budget-Friendly Pivot (Lobster Roll Dreams)

Let’s talk about cravings for a second. I have been *dying* for a lobster roll. Like, it’s all I’ve been thinking about for three days. But then I looked at the prices and, boyyy, was I hit with a reality check. In this economy?! It was waaaay out of my budget this week. Moving is expensive, life is expensive, and as much as I want to live like a billionaire, my bank account is currently screaming "ABBY, NO."

Instead of pouting (okay, I pouted a little), I decided to pivot. I ended up getting mussels and a spicy tuna tartare instead, and honestly? It hit the spot perfectly. It felt fancy and indulgent without making me feel guilty about my financial choices. Sometimes you just have to find the "mussel" version of your "lobster" dreams, you know?

Speaking of food dreams, looking ahead to next week, I’m already manifesting some serious comfort food. I’m thinking double smash burgers, the kind that are super thin and crispy on the edges, and maybe some birria tortellini? Is that a thing? I’m making it a thing. Who knows! My culinary brain is a weird place to live, but it’s never boring.

The Shimmering Lemonade & The Ice Machine Saga

Is spring officially here? The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and I am ready to be a "lemonade on the porch" person. Except... remember way back when my ice machine broke? Yeah. About that. It is *still* broken.

I know, I know. It’s been forever. I keep saying "hopefully soon," but life just keeps happening. My brain just puts "fix ice machine" on the back burner every single day. But with the weather warming up, I am determined to get it sorted so we can bring back our signature lemonades! Plus my brother sent me home with a hose of sorts to somehow magically have it all fixed? Maybe there will be a DIY live session on IG where I will actually be asking for the audience to help me as to not flood my shop. Again. The last few times were not my fault btw.

But getting back to the fun stuff, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of a pineapple limeade lately. I think "Lime-Pineapple Lemonade" actually sounds better. It’s got that zesty, tropical, "I'm on vacation even though I'm actually just standing in a kitchen full of boxes" energy. And to make it extra fun? We’re adding edible glitter. Shimmering lemonade is the only way to live. If your drink doesn't look like a magic potion, are you even having a good time?

Summer is Calling

Even with the moving chaos and the broken appliances, I am so incredibly pumped for the summer. We have a few trips set and I am counting down the minutes. I need the beach, I need the mountains, I need the sun, and I need to not be thinking about packing tape for at least five consecutive days.

If you’re in the market for a cute little yellow house with lilac shutters and hand-made window boxes in a quiet family friendly neighborhood come to the open house! Aiming for June I think? She was adorable inside with lovely personal touches but my realtor said I had to make it look “sterile”. Ugh. I don’t like that word. I’m officially replacing it with “gallery chic.”

What is everyone else doing this summer? Are you doing the big travel thing or keeping it low-key with some backyard hangs? I want to hear all about it! I feel like we all deserve a really top-tier summer after the winter blur.

Stay sparkly (and hydrated)!

XX,

Abby

Song of the day: they don’t know ‘bout us by BTS.

Mmm. K-pop hotties.