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    Home

    Musings

     

    This rainy morning in Georgia (cue Brook Benton’s classic) is really setting the tone for the finale of pro football. It’s bittersweet in our house right now; we both know this will free up some more time to check essential items off our to-do list. However, football is such a fun escape from the grind of daily life that it’s hard to say goodbye for seven more months. I’m focusing on the to-do list, though, and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead of all of us!

     

    Depending upon who you ask, Justin Timberlake is either performing at the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl is performing at a Justin Timberlake concert. I will admit, the half time show is at the top of my viewing wish list today. Will he include a guest performer? Guesses abound as we count down to the show.  

     

    As we gear up for the festivities, I’ve enjoyed playing some of my JT favorites from the past and present. Take a quick “deep dive” with me and check out the incredible, blues-y performance with Timberlake and Chris Stapleton at the CMTs in 2015. No, you don’t have to be a country music fan to appreciate this collaboration. Brought. Down. The. House. I have a feeling tonight will make an impact, too.

     

    Right now, I’m on an every-other-day workout regimen (it just works better for my travel schedule right now) and channeled my inner athlete with an awesome boxing workout last night. I’m sore today, which I LOVE, and feel like I could suit up for either the Patriots, or the Eagles, if they need me. #FitnessGoals If you’re looking for an awesome cardio/strength workout, definitely give this Popsugar Fitness routine a go. It’s in my official rotation now.    

     

    If you’ve waited until the last minute to throw together an appetizer for your friend’s Super Bowl party tonight, don’t worry. This corn salsa from Chef in Training is easy, fast, and DELICIOUS.

     

    Now that it’s February, I’m ready to start working off the few pounds I’ve packed on while hibernating this winter and creating some fresh, healthy recipes to share with you! I’m also developing a gardening plan for the front and backyard – looking for a balance between beautiful and functional without breaking the bank. An escape that will last all year. This is going to be fun!

     

    What are your goals for the week? Until my next post, I hope you enjoy your #hearthhealthhappiness.

    So, what exactly does curating life mean? First, I want to stave off the idea that I’m approaching this blog as a pretentious writer, or person. I’m not. In any form or fashion. In fact, that’s one of my goals for the blog – to reclaim the idea that curating something is reserved for the stuffy types. If there is one concept I’ve learned in 30 years is that life is a straight-up challenge. It’s beautiful, haunting, special, terrifying, inspiring, and many times overwhelming. But, it’s a great ride – and one I want to harness. Take control. Curate.

    +Case in point, check out this insightful New York Times article about the renaissance of curating.

    I love the idea that even though much is out of our control, we can focus on the details of our daily life and generate an experience that is as unique as our individual person. And, each curated life is a reflection of likes, dislikes, fears, and the moments that fill the spaces. Throughout most of my life – to this point – I’ve allowed myself to get overwhelmed by the “big picture” and concerned myself with perfecting the next requirement of my day. The feeling is draining, exhausting, and allows for little exploration of life lived “between the lines,” where you can exercise creativity and indulge in hobbies…perhaps discovering layers you didn’t even know existed. Well, life events over the last few years have reminded me that this life really is short. I want to make sure it’s a life well-lived.

    Since starting this blog, I’ve entertained more, taught myself to bake, cook, garden, and that’s just the beginning. There is always something new to discover and a new challenge to meet. These are exciting challenges, and experiences I know many of you have faced, or are facing. What would make this experience even more awesome is the ability to share with each other. What coffee aroma helps you get up in the morning? When you’re excited about the start of spring, what do you do? Make a run to Home Depot and grab your favorite flower? Throw on a sundress and find a restaurant in the trendy part of town to sit outside and drink mimosas? By the way, if you have a twist on the traditional mimosa recipe, please share! That is what this experience is all about – let’s share, dish, hang, whatever.

    As I write, I’m jamming out to some Childish Gambino’s Redbone, [Donald Glover went to a high school near mine…that makes me somewhat famous, right? Ha!] Cliff is working on his dissertation and watching Star Trek [which tells me he’s ready for a break] and our cat, Stanley, is curled up next to my laptop. It may be quiet night, but it’s perfect. “If you want it, you can have it.” Yep. I look forward to curating our best life, together.

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    Melanie Lorick Hair Half-up looking at camera

    Welcome! I'm Melanie - the founder and content creator of Inspired Epicurean. I share delicious vegan recipes (with a few flexitarian recipes from my pre-vegan days).


    Our lifestyle content is crafted to bring eco-friendly and sustainable ideas more mainstream. Learn more about what Inspired Epicurean has to offer in the about me section. Pull up a seat, friends. Cheers!

    More about me →

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