What's Good This Week

Hey friends, hope you've all had a good week.

I've been thinking a lot about my American friends this week with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I really can't believe 20 years has gone by. In many ways it feels like just yesterday I woke up to the news that the twin towers had collapsed, and in many ways it feels like several lifetimes ago. 

Life has been especially heavy lately, so I hope any of you for whom this day is especially tough are being extra kind to yourselves. Sending all the love and light your way.

We had a pretty busy week around here, which started with the kids and I trekking out to the archipelagos so they could watch their dad finish his big race. Paul "retired" from swimrun racing five years ago, but decided to make a comeback this year which has been really fun to watch.

For context, this race goes across 24 islands in the Stockholm archipelago, running across an island, swimming to the next one, jumping out and running again. It's a total of 75 kilometers, 65 of running and 10 of swimming. 

They race in pairs, swimming with their shoes on and running in a wetsuit. It is a bonkers sport to say the least, and it's been cool to see how it has developed and how much more technical it has become over the past years.

In his previous years racing, Paul and his two partners had come in either first or second place every time. He knew he was unlikely to make the podium this year, his first year racing in the mixed class. 

The boys and I made signs to take to the finish line, and then took a ferry out to the last island to await their arrival. We had several hours to kill and Niko had eleventy billion questions to ask so it made for a long day, but the boys were thrilled to watch their dad come in and even got to run across the finish line with him. 

It was a tough day for the race, and Paul had an inexperienced partner who wanted to give up around the three-hour mark, but he pushed her to keep going. He told me that he may have given up himself had he not known the kids were waiting for him at the end, and I'm immensely proud of him for showing our boys what hard work and perseverance looks like, even if you don't end up on the podium. 

11 years in Sweden and this is the first time I've seen carnival squash sold as food, and not decoration. Finally making some progress in the squash department and I'm highly excited about it!

I got slammed with my first cold of the season and it derailed most of the plans I had this week. I was meant to get a haircut, have some girlfriends over for dinner, and attend a book club event at my office that I had booked a babysitter for. All cancelled. Whaaaa. 

I've typically been working 3-4 days a week at the office and 1-2 from home, and not being able to go to the office this week really made me realize how big of an impact being around people has on my mental health. Being stuck at home and not feeling well my anxiety really begins to spiral, and too much of it is really not a good thing. 

Sweden announced that they're lifting the remaining covid restrictions / recommendations at the end of September, which means more people will be heading back to work IRL. 

I know in my office there are a lot of folks who are really comfortable at home and would prefer to just keep working remotely long term. Personally I think a hybrid model with some flexibility built into it is a good thing, so it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Speaking of covid, this piece from McSweeney's may just be the best thing I've read on the internet lately. Warning, very, very salty language. 

ON HEY NUTRITION LADY THIS WEEK

First up this week, a long overdue refresh of one of my favourite recipes, the Black Bean Tortilla Stack! It's like a black bean burrito but baked in layers and then sliced like a pie. So easy, and no rolling required!

And then a handy list of 18 Healthy Snacks for After School to help with the afternoon hangries. 

WHAT’S TRENDING ON HNL

Yeah, yeah, we all know that Mung Bean and Coconut Curry and How to Cook Mung Beans are in the top spots. Yes, still! So let’s look at what else is trending.

1. Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos. Still having their moment in the sun.

2. 10-Minute Vegetable Ramen Noodles. Mmm. So good. 

3. Turmeric Latte Mix. I need to make a new batch of this!

4. Chia Fresca. Always and forever. 

5. Cinnamon Roasted Apples. Yassss please!

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Jennifer left the following comment and 5-star review on my Sheet-Pan Halloumi Tacos recipe:

This was so delicious and the whole family enjoyed it! I will say we still had loads of leftovers after eight tacos. I will definitely make again!

Gotta love having leftovers on hand, right?! 

THIS WEEK’S MENU

HERE’S WHAT’S ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:

Monday: Leftover pasta and a big salad. 

Tuesday: An Instant Pot recipe that I'm testing for the billionth time. Hopefully will be able to share with you guys sometime soon.

Wednesday: I'm cooking dinner for some colleagues. Making a baked eggplant thing and semolina gnocchi because everything can be prepared in advance.

Thursday: Leftovers probably.

Friday: Snack dinner! 

Saturday: We're going on a little trip, so who knows! 

Sunday: Please see above.