All posts by Beth Berger

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About Beth Berger

Hi there! Finding Delight is a lifestyle and lifelong learning blog written and curated by me in Alabama. Along the way, I attempt to tackle the rough real world with books, budget-livin', brainpower and all the beautiful stuff you can find when you really look. Won't you join me? The true delight is in the finding out.

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

afternoon-sunset

Hi friends! I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. I’ve been a bit M.I.A. around these parts. Our internet is a little on the fritz, and nothing annoys me more than starting a post only to lose internet connection for the next two hours. Hopefully the problem will be resolved soon. Another reason for my absence? A little Thanksgiving vacay in St. Pete! Chet and I drove up to spend some time with my mom and sister for the holiday weekend. We had a wonderful dinner at Bella Brava, played a few rounds of shuffle board, enjoyed some lovely parks….and watched ALL of the Gilmore Girls revival. All in all, a very productive trip! I hope y’all had similarly magnificent weekends. Now, enjoy a little mid-week pick-me-up in the way of one dozen links…

Small space holiday decorating hacks.

My thoughts and heart are with Appalachia.

The case for abolishing high school football.

Reddit is tearing itself apart.

How to create the perfect holiday cheese board.

What it’s like to have your period in prison.

I’ll take one of each, please!

Adding this to my list of podcasts I want to check out.

A mental disorder that gives us unique insight into the digital age.

Gorgeous budget-friendly bag, if you’re in the market.

This book is definitely on my holiday wish-list.

And speaking of books… I just finished this memoir and now I want to eat at this restaurant and binge watch this TV show!

Wild Things

Brainpower, Every day life, , , , ,

fiu-nature-preserve

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

— Wendell Berry

(Photo taken at the F.I.U. Nature Preserve during a much needed rest amidst wild things. Read more HERE.)

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

lake-michigan

How’s it going this week, guys? After a restful weekend, I started work Monday on a DIY Advent calendar. IDK why but the Christmas bug has bit me extra hard this year. I will wait until after Thanksgiving to begin decorating but that doesn’t mean I’m not daydreaming about Christmas decor. All the holiday stuff out in stores already is just so darn cute! I’ve also been sneaking in as many episodes of Gilmore Girls as humanly possible in preparation for their triumphant return on Netflix. (I am basically this meme.) Hope you all are well, and here are a few click-worthy links I think you should check out…

There’s still time to get in a good Gilmore Girls binge sesh.

A round-up of worthwhile organizations to donate time and money to.

Trump is already scaring and discouraging students from abroad.

Yes, he thought Trump would win. No, he didn’t use hard data.

What Millennials are looking for in a church.

Make your own ornaments on a Dollar Tree budget.

The election, through the eyes of teenage girls.

What it’s like being a weed trimmer in the underground cannabis economy.

How the law will keep President Trump in check.

A mom meets Hillary in the woods.

Colorful planner stickers to keep you on track.

“Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” 

A Thanksgiving Menu for Under $50

Food, How to's, , , , , , ,

vintage-cookbook-photo

If you’re only cooking for a few this Thanksgiving, and you’re not keen to blow your whole grocery budget on a single meal, I have a few tips for you…

  1. Choose 2-3 of your favorite side dishes. You won’t be “doing it wrong” if you don’t have green bean casserole or stuffing…especially if  you don’t like those dishes anyways.
  2. Don’t waste valuable stomach-space (and cash) on a bunch of pre-dinner nibbles.
  3. Pick up one decadent dessert from a local bakery. Unless you bake on the regular, the ingredient list for your favorite pie may not be worth the hassle.
  4. Consider roasting a chicken instead of a turkey. I know, I know…super unorthodox suggestion but when cooking for less people it just makes sense.

With these nuggets of knowledge in mind, I turned to one of my favorite cook books to construct a menu. Good and Cheap by Leanne Brown is an amazing resource for anyone ballin’ on a budget (no matter the time of year). AND it’s available as a FREE PDF. Go check it out!

Here’s a Thanksgiving meal for 4 folks (or 2 with a healthy dose of leftovers). While it may not be the most traditional of menus; the recipes are easy, the costs are low, and waste is minimal. I love that the spotlight is on seasonal produce…a wonderful bounty to celebrate at any table, but it feels especially appropriate for a Thanksgiving feast! Switch the chicken out for turkey (or a turkey breast), if you like. Or nab a Tofurkey if you’re vegetarian. (Cost of each dish is indicated below.)

Appetizer

Classic Deviled Eggs (p.137) $3.60

Starter

Lightly Curried Butternut Squash Soup (p.26) $6

Main Course

Roast Chicken (p.78) $10

Cauliflower Cheese (p.93) $6.60

Roasted Vegetables (p.106) $5

Whole-Wheat Jalapeno Cheddar Scones (p.15) $4.50 *note – I would sub diced apple for the jalapeno in this recipe to make it a bit more autumnal. 

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie Rice Pudding (p.175) $2.40

Total cost of meal = $38.10 (which leaves you $11.90 to nab your favorite pie from some place local!).

Pick up a bottle of Cab and a bottle of Chardonnay and Bob’s your Uncle — budget-friendly Thanksgiving Day is a go!

What are YOUR top tips for saving money on Thanksgiving? Will you be hosting this year or enjoying dinner with friends and family? Would you ever consider CHICKEN on Turkey Day?! (Chet, a former butcher, swears up and down that no one actually likes turkey anyways. LOL! He prepared a delicious chicken last year and I gotta say…I’m now a fan of the Thanksgiving Chicken.) 

 

The Power of Self-Care

Personal, , , , , , , ,

haircut-selfie

In the aftermath of the election, I needed to call on the power of self-care. Here are a few of the ways I took care of myself this weekend in an effort to catch my breath, hit the refresh button, and keep fighting the good fight.

1. Took time away from social media. 

In the days after the election, I found myself trapped in a never-ending social media binge. I kept hitting refresh as if I needed to see every last person’s opinion on what was happening. I desperately needed to step away. (There are only so many thought-piece Facebook statuses I can cry over before I start to spiral.) In an effort to avoid my computer screen for a few hours, I re-read Little House in the Big Woods one afternoon. For some evening diversion, Chet and I watched Midnight in Paris and Drive.

2. Gave to a worthy cause.

If you haven’t seen this great list that Jezebel put out last Wednesday definitely go check it out. It includes a whole slew of pro-women, pro-immigrant, pro-Earth, anti-bigotry organizations that need our support. Inspired, I decided to spend some time reading about the American Civil Liberties Union and the work they do. I joined, donated, and spoke to friends and family about why they should do the same.

3. Spent time in the great outdoors. 

As I’ve mentioned before, I was gifted a self-paced photography class for my birthday (Thanks Mom!). The homework from the most recent lecture provided the perfect excuse to get outside in search of cool subject matter. Camera-strapped and sans-phone, I walked around the FIU campus for a few hours. Fresh air and sunshine are such a magical combination, don’t you think? And hopefully I got a few good shots!

4. Told a few folks to come correct. 

Sometimes you need to find comfort in community in order to take care of yourself. A few times over the past week, when commiserating with others, expressing fears and sadness, a rogue individual has butted in to man-splain why getting upset isn’t helpful. Nothing gets my goat like a dude policing my emotions. I will happily tell a fella’ to back off so my little community can continue to care for each other.

5. Re-visited this encouraging website. 

Do you remember this amazing pep-talk generator? (I first talked about it here.) I’ve clicked on it a few times over the past days and it always delivers. I especially loved this pep talk, which popped up right after I’d had a conversation with a friend about how the results of the election made me, as a woman, feel so small…

“Don’t keep yourself too hidden. Embrace feeling small — let it open up the world before you, then watch it change with your touch. From the way you move oceans to the breaths you unknowingly take. The universe is already falling for you. Make lost your new home, and don’t stop. You’re meant to be you, where you are, right now.”

My loves – How have you been taking care of yourself? I hope the list above offers you some ideas if you’re looking for a shot in the arm. Hang in there! 

November ’16 Stitch Fix (Unboxing + Try On)

Fashion, Style and Design, , , , , , ,

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I received another box from Stitch Fix!!! Wanna see what’s inside? For those that don’t know, Stitch Fix is an amazing online company that hooks you up with your own personal stylist. It’s pretty simple! First, you sign up on their website and fill out a style profile. It asks you questions about what you like to wear and your lifestyle to get a clearer picture of the type of clothing you would enjoy receiving. You can also include a link to one of your Pinterest boards for your stylist to peruse. Next, you schedule a “fix” and leave a comment with any special requests or upcoming occasions. And then WAM-BAM, in a few weeks you have a package with five unique items, hand-picked by your own stylist. You also receive a style card for each of your five pieces with two outfit ideas. This is a neat way of showing you how you can incorporate the pieces into your existing wardrobe.

For this “fix,” I asked my stylist to send me short-sleeved shirts that could be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. Because of the never-changing weather in Miami, these are my go-to wardrobe items and I’m getting a little sick of my existing supply. I was a little disappointed to discover that my stylist did not exactly heed my request! However, she did a fabulous job sending items that match my wardrobe aesthetic. Here’s a look at each item…

1. Skies are Blue shirt dress. 

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2. Laila Jayde cap sleeve top.

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3. Kut From The Kloth distressed boyfriend jeans.

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4. Market & Spruce solid quilted vest.

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5. Bay to Baubles floral statement necklace.

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Now comes the fun part! Deciding what to keep and what to send back. Your box comes equipped with a pre-stamped bag/envelope so you can send back what doesn’t work for you at no extra charge! However, if you keep all 5 items you receive a 25% discount off your total bill. You have three days to make your selections. I like to have a rifle through my closet, jewelry box, and shoe collection to try and come up with full outfits for each piece. This is my way of sussing out if I’ll actually wear the item or not. Here’s what I came up with…

sf-try-on-2   sf-try-on-1

This shirt dress is absolutely something I would wear. (I love anything with a “Prairie” vibe.) Wouldn’t this be such a cute look to rock during Thanksgiving dinner? Or to a more casual Christmas shindig? Unfortunately, the fit for this piece was just a tad off for my size. The bust and arms felt tight, causing the waist in the back to ride up ever so slightly. I know it seems a small issue but these are the annoyances that keep clothes hanging in the closet instead of in your wardrobe rotation.

Verdict: Sent back. 

sf-try-on-7   sf-try-on-8

So I did get one short-sleeved top in this fix! The color is super cute, although not exactly seasonal, and the length was perfect for tucking in a pair of jeans or wearing loose with some smart shorts. This was the piece I debated for the longest. I did ask for it! But in the end, I decided the material was too sheer. I’m just not a huge fan of wearing camis/tanks under my tees.

Verdict: Sent back. 

sf-try-on-4   sf-try-on-5

Jeans of any style or cut are difficult to find for my 5’3″ frame but boyfriend jeans are especially difficult to track down. What’s a girl gotta do to get a flattering relaxed fit?! I couldn’t believe when I pulled this pair on and found them to be the perfect length! No extra cuffing needed, no hemming…and they aren’t even a short or petite size. They look super cute with sandals as well as ankle boots and Converse for those colder climes.

Verdict: Keep. 

sf-try-on-1   sf-try-on-4

I know this is a really impractical closet addition for someone who basically lives in the tropics but I just couldn’t send this vest back. I’m in love with everything about it and it’s not like I’ll be in South Florida FOREVER, ya know? Hunter green, beautifully structured, gold hard-ware-d vests never go out of style.

Verdict: Keep. 

sf-try-on-6   sf-try-on-3

Sometimes you can have too many statement necklaces, and I am currently in that camp. I just never wear the ones I own and then I always feel the need to get new ones for special occasions. So, the little practical voice in my head kicked in on this item. “You want this necklace but you don’t neeeeed this necklace.” Little voice was probably right but looking at these pictures, I’ve gotta admit I’m regretting listening.

Verdict: Sent back. 

So there you have it! I kept two items that I truly believe I will get tons of wear out of (for years!). While the spoils of my fix ended up being more “Closet Basics” than “Wardrobe Refresh,” I’m quite pleased with my purchases.

What do you think? Which pieces are your favorites? Would you have chosen differently? Let me know your thoughts below!!

P.S. My June Stitch Fix Uboxing + Try On.

If you’d like to give Stitch Fix a go, and I SOOO recommend you do, CLICK HERE. It’s a service I’ve used for a few years now and the pieces I’ve kept become closet staples. 

june stitch fix box

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , ,

white-pumpkins

How’s everyone doing today? Honestly, I still feel like I’m in shock. My mixed bag of emotions includes sadness, disbelief, anger, and grief for what could have been.

But I also feel an overwhelming love for the people in this country, especially my friends and family who now face the very real possibility that hardship awaits. I believe we can all do good in spite of the roadblock we’ve found ourselves up against. I believe we can claim the power in our own lives to effect change and help others. This love and these beliefs are what I’m clinging to.

Today, I’m bummed…because I really, really, really wanted a woman in The White House. I’m mourning for our country and how it would have felt to have her, despite facing a loud-mouthed male opponent, come out on top. I was counting so much on the tears I would shed for her victory that I never considered the tears I would shed for us all if she lost.

Tomorrow, the fight continues.

Here are some links pertaining to last night’s results…

A transcript of Donald Trump’s victory speech.

The electorate has, in its plurality, decided to live in Trump’s world.

This is how much America hates women.

What will I tell my children? 

Feeling homeless in America.

How the future voted.

“To all the little girls…never doubt that you are valuable and powerful & deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.” – Hillary Clinton

—

And here are a dozen non-election links, if you’re in need of a diversion…

A trove of historical gold from the attics and shoeboxes of Virginia.

Prince Michael Jackson can’t sing or dance.

Stanford sexual assault case survivor speaks out.

Samantha Bee condemns Catholic hospitals.

Watched this documentary recently and would highly recommend.

A swoon-worthy light fixture, if you’re in the market.

Is Barbara Bush four feet tall? Siri thinks so.

Lindsay Lohan NEVER disappoints.

‘Afghan Girl’ is arrested in Pakistan.

Female medical detective is such a bad-ass job title tho.

How to deal with jet lag.

Such a sweet story.

Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower

Food, How to's, , , , , , ,

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In Florida, the passing seasons aren’t marked by changes I’ve grown accustomed to. (Plummeting temperatures! Sweaters! Dreary rain all day!) However, I still find myself hankering for the sorts of foods that would warm you up on a cold, Autumn evening. Hearty vegetables and ooey-gooey cheeses. Whack ’em in the oven casseroles that smell delicious and warm up your whole house. This dish, adapted from Leanne Brown’s cookbook Good and Cheap, certainly fits the bill. And since it uses cauliflower as a base, one could argue that it’s basically the healthy alternative to mac and cheese! I’m excited to whip this one up again in a few weeks as a Thanksgiving side.

What you’ll need:

1 head of cauliflower

1 Tbsp butter

3 cloves of garlic

1/2 tsp chili flakes

1 Tbsp flour

1 1/2 cups milk

6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

salt and pepper

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp paprika

breadcrumbs (optional)

scallions (optional)

And how it all comes together:

– Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat and chop your cauliflower into florets. Once water has boiled, add the cauliflower florets and a pinch of salt and allow to boil for 4 minutes.

– Butter a small casserole or pie dish. Drain the cauliflower and add it to the buttered dish.

– Next, melt your butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and stir quickly for about a minute to allow your roux to get a bit brown. Slowly add your milk as you continue to stir. (Note: You may need to add a bit more flour or a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.)

– Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring every once and awhile to insure the bottom of the saucepan doesn’t get scorched.

– As soon as the sauce reaches a boil turn off the heat and stir in your cheese. Add your mustard, paprika, and scallions. (Note: This is a really great cheese sauce recipe to have in your wheelhouse! Add it to noodles for creamy mac and cheese or to scalloped potatoes or chopped winter squash.) I also chopped up a few slices of deli turkey that I wanted to use up and threw ’em into the mix. Add what you have on hand: leftover cooked ham, bits of crispy bacon, peas, salsa…the skies the limit! Or, leave the cauliflower to speak for itself.

– Give the sauce a taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

– Pour the cheese sauce over your cauliflower and add breadcrumbs to the top, if you like. Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is bubbly and brown! Enjoy as a main dish (great casserole or mac and cheese substitute) with a green salad or as a hearty vegetable side with a yummy roast dinner.

10 Holiday Gift DIY’s You Should Start Making Today!

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Here are a few ideas to get you started if you plan on making holiday gifts this year. DIY gift giving is a great way to save some dough during the costliest time of year. Not to mention, there’s something so sweet and personal about receiving a gift made especially for you, don’t you think? The 10 DIY’s listed below range from “extremely simple” to “easy but time consuming.” All the supplies needed are readily available. (At second hand stores, Dollar Tree, or your local hardware/craft store.)

Please excuse how many involve jars…

gold-polka-dot-mugs

Gold Polka Dot Mugs

Make these for: Someone who loves to entertain. Think: Your best friend who hosts a monthly book-club or your sister who always offers to throw wedding showers.

The How-To: Find a few mis-matched white mugs at Dollar Tree or a second-hand shop. Decorate with different sizes of polka dots. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and let cool in the oven.

Pair with: A bag of Fair Trade coffee beans.

mason-jar-candles

Mason Jar Candles

Make these for: Anyone who spends a lot of time relaxing in the great outdoors. Think: An aunt who spends most every evening on her screened in porch or your sister-in-law who considers the ideal vacation something akin to a chapter from Little House on the Prairie.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A historical fiction novel.

polka-dot-jeans

Polka Dot Jeans

Make these for: A jeans and t-shirt kinda gal. Think: Your art-obsessed daughter or a friend who always discovers enviable flea-market finds.

The How-To: Find some suitable denim and cut the legs to achieve a casual, cut-off’s vibe. Dip the tip of a pencil eraser into some white fabric paint and stamp the jeans to create a polka dot print.

Pair with: A clever tote bag.

colorful-braided-rug

Colorful Braided Rug

Make this for: A cuddly kid. Think: Your toddler son who is always on the floor surrounded by toy trucks or your sweet niece who would rather be curled up with a chapter book than anywhere else in the world.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A lamp that makes ceilings look like the night sky.

love-you-jars

“Love You” Jars

Make these for: Someone who loves dainty decor. Think: Your little sis who is in need of decorations for her brand new apartment or your gal pal who matches mantelpiece decor with each approaching holiday.

The How-To: Attach a doilies and red paper hearts to glass jars. (You can glue, decoupage, or just tie the string tight enough to hold the paper pieces in place.) Wrap red and white bakers twine around the middle and tie so the knot is hidden in the back.

Pair with: Fairy lights.

homemade-taco-seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Make this for: Anyone who believes in Taco Tuesday. Think: Your brother who fancies himself somewhat of a celebrity chef or your co-worker who always posts her meals on Instagram but you don’t hate it.

The How-To: Follow the recipe for your favorite homemade taco spice blend. Package in whatever container you think most suitable.

Pair with: Taco holders that keep your hard-shelled tacos up-right.

eco-friendly-dryer-sheets

Eco-Friendly Dryer Sheets

Make this for: The people in your life who never forget their reusable bags when they go to the grocery. Think: Your Greenpeace donating Mom or your yoga instructor.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: A clothes hamper.

chai-tea-latte-mix

Chai Tea Latte Mix

Make this for: Someone who likes to start their day with a hot cuppa. Think: Your Starbucks-obsessed boss or the mom you share carpool duty with.

The How-To: Find a recipe for chai tea latte and mix it up. Add the mix to a jar and embellish with some twine and a pretty tag. (Great for bulk gift-giving!)

Pair with: A tumbler for drinking hot beverages on-the-go.

t-shirt-produce-bag

T-Shirt Produce Bag

Make this for: Anyone who frequents the Farmers Market. Think: Your green-thumbed boyfriend or your BFF who recently got really into juicing.

The How-To: Instructions HERE.

Pair with: Gift certificate to your local produce market or co-op.

flavored-syrups

Flavored Syrups

Make these for: Someone who fancies themselves a barista. Think: Your husband who wouldn’t be caught dead drinking plain, black coffee or your budget-savvy bestie who has sworn off her coffee shop habit as an upcoming New Year’s resolution.

The How-To: Recipes for vanilla, raspberry, coconut, and caramel syrups HERE. Add each syrup to a bottle with a pour spout. Package in a basket or tray so they’re kitchen counter ready!

Pair with: A coffee cookbook for added inspiration.

Which DIY from above is YOUR favorite? Do you plan on making any presents for the holidays this year?