Jalapeño and Cilantro Grill is not a coffee shop, but it is where I do find one of my favorite cups of coffee! (Naturally, I had to make sure to include this restaurant in my Coffee Shop Hop!) The coffee is freshly ground, strong, and flavorful (I drink it black with a little sugar); there's … Continue reading ☕ Jalapeño and Cilantro Grill (Milltown, NJ)
Author: Melissa Morris Inoa
☕ Paris Baguette (North Brunswick, NJ)
With a lot to do on a Monday morning -- working on a story I had been writing over the weekend at the top list -- I went to Paris Baguette in North Brunswick, NJ for a cup of coffee and a place to work. I selected a pastry, ordered a drink, and sat down … Continue reading ☕ Paris Baguette (North Brunswick, NJ)
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (January’s 12 in 12)
I sobbed giant, mixed tears by the end of the book -- tears of both gentle joy and deep sadness; I was caught up in the story and the characters, grateful for the recommendation, and reminded "...love has to be stronger than hate, or there is no future for us."
☕ It’s a Hidden Cafe (in Hillsborough, NJ)
Even on the days that are made up of the ittiest, bittiest time confetti, I try to squeeze in some sustained time for creative tasks. Most days, it's not alone time, so that means I'm working alongside my kids -- usually at home as they write or draw or build or sculpt (which can be … Continue reading ☕ It’s a Hidden Cafe (in Hillsborough, NJ)
☕ Franklin Park Diner (Franklin Park, NJ)
When you're doing creative work, where you work can make a difference. Inspiration strikes differently in different settings, and I believe that the energy of a space directly impacts the flow of creativity. The other day, my husband and I were running errands in Franklin Park, and we were bouncing some ideas back and forth … Continue reading ☕ Franklin Park Diner (Franklin Park, NJ)
Our Sustainable Living Inventory
It's April, aka Earth Month. This is the time of year when we see an influx of earth-friendly messages and community events, when people are (at least talking about) planting trees and everyone is just a little bit more aware of their impact on the environment. So, I figured this in celebration of Earth Day … Continue reading Our Sustainable Living Inventory
Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps in the kitchen! #plasticfree #sustainable #mindful #zerowaste #foodstorage
We ran out of toothpaste, so I made some!
Rather than going to the store to purchase more, I thought I'd try to make my own toothpaste. There are a few reasons I wanted to try making my own toothpaste:#1 - I feel absolutely HORRIBLE every time I throw away an empty plastic toothpaste tube. I know that plastic is going to sit in … Continue reading We ran out of toothpaste, so I made some!
A House that Love Built
We found some time this week for a fun family project (and finally got around to using a cookie house kit we purchased back in December!). Before we started, I swapped some of the candies that came in the kit with pink and purple ones from our candy jar to make it feel a little … Continue reading A House that Love Built
Taking a Deep Breath
It's morning, and my toddler is still asleep. I watch him sleeping soundly, breathing deeply, and I am grateful for him and for this day that I will spend with him. I smile. And then, I become aware of my own breathing. I inhale. I exhale. I smile again. There really is something so powerful … Continue reading Taking a Deep Breath
Melissa Morris Inoa🌱 