Tales from Social Distancing...

For the most part, I'd say we're settling in to our new "normal" these days. I work from home and rarely leave the house for anything other than exercise outdoors, and that helps keep my anxiety lower. Mr. H's business is essential, so he's still at work full-time but finds ways to unwind. Often through fun in the kitchen, like this homemade Ramp Linguini! 

We also threw some ramps in with a boxed wild rice for a quick, easy weeknight meal with scallops and roasted broccoli. I love that they can really be tossed with almost anything. If you're still looking for some, check out Greg's Produce at the West Side Market.

By Saturday, we knew that we had to stock back up on proteins for our freezer. I was actually pretty proud that we had gone over a month without needing to. But, when we did, we headed to Saucisson. You can order online starting Wednesday for Thursday-Saturday curbside pick-up. The shop is also open for two customers at a time. 

In addition to their locally-sourced and house meats, they have ready-to-eat meals, some pantry items, and even desserts from Dramatic Snax like this Fudge Brownie. It was rich, moist, and HUGE. 

We stay committed to ordering takeout from The Black Pig once a week, and last Saturday we had a decadent night in with Osso Buco over Polenta with Roasted Vegetables, Salad, and Squid Ink Cavatelli with Shrimp & Crab. 

We're just trying to do our part to support our favorite restaurants during this time, so I was totally shocked and a bit teary-eyed when they had some gorgeous flowers waiting for us at pick-up. It was incredibly thoughtful, and the vase brightened up my home office all week long.

Over the weekend, we also got some outdoor time with the younger pup. She's loving (and so are we) the secluded walks in the woods. 

And we all enjoyed the addition of a fire pit in the backyard! We recognized that we'll be spending a lot more time at home this summer, so it was worth purchasing for those nights when we need some zen.

I want to also put a reminder out there that it is not only the local, independent restaurants that are suffering from the stay-at-home order. Don't forget about your favorite boutiques, specialty shops (I miss you, Lakewood Plant Company!), and other small businesses that you're used to shopping at in-person.

Take a look at their websites and social media accounts, as they may have options like curbside pick-up, online shopping, or delivery if you're not comfortable going there in-person as things open back up this month. 

I've collected quite a few pieces from my favorite vintage shop, Helm Collective. I've had my eye on this sweet (pun intended) little honey jar ever since I saw it on her Instagram account months ago.

I sent a message to ask if it was still available and she shipped it to my house for a small fee. It'll join some of the other pieces from there on a shelf project I'm working on in our breakfast nook. More on that soon! 

How are you doing? What have you been able to get out and do now that the weather is cooperating more? Are you getting into a routine that feels better now?

The Black Pig

2801 Bridge Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113

Saucisson
5324 Fleet Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44105