AvoleenWrites

Welcome to episode 3 of my weekly snippet series. Series? Is that what I should call it? I was feeling a bit lazy today because it’s rainy and gloomy. The perfect weather to stay in bed and have a lazy day. While I initially started writing from the comfort of my bed I quickly realized that nothing much was going to be done if I stayed. My eyelids were slowly closing as sleep was creeping in. So now I am writing from my desk. It shows me how much I actually enjoy writing this segment of my blog. Doesn’t it?  Let’s dive into last week’s shenanigans shall we?

Gilmore Girls

I started watching Gilmore Girls for the first time ever last week. I wanted to find something “cozy” for lack of a better word, to add to my show list. After watching a few episodes I see why the show is a popular Fall series to watch. For those who don’t know what the show is about, it’s a multi-generational dramedy about a 32-year-old mother named Lorelai Gilmore and her 16-year-old daughter Rory, living in the fictional small town named Stars Hollow in Connecticut, USA.

Lorelai actually named her daughter after herself. She believed that if men can name their sons after themselves then why shouldn’t women do the same? Facts! Her daughter goes by Rory, throughout the show. Lorelai was born into a wealthy and strict family. Growing up she was rebellious.

After an unplanned pregnancy at 16, she moved out of her parent’s house to raise Rory on her own. She builds a life for herself and works her way to becoming an Executive Manager at a bed-and-breakfast called Independence Inn. We meet Lorelai’s parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore, in the very first episode as Lorelai reluctantly asks them for money to help Rory who has been accepted into Chilton, an elite private school. In exchange for the help Emily asks that Lorelai and Rory come for weekly dinners.

At the core of this show it’s about the relationship between mothers and daughters. I am still on season 1 right now. A little fun fact for my Canadian girls is that the pilot episode was filmed in Unionville in Ontario, a small town just north of Toronto. After the pilot was picked up by Warner Bros. Studios production was moved permanently to Los Angeles, California.

Colouring As an Adult

I recently picked up a new hobby – colouring! It’s been so fun and relaxing to do, especially in the evenings before bed. While I was on Tiktok I came across this page called Coloring With Coco – a page about all things colouring. I purchased their colouring book from Amazon titled Rest & Reflect.

Finding a colouring book that you want to colour is a game changer. There are several benefits of colouring which include promoting relaxation and better sleep, improving motor skills and coordination, building colour awareness and design sense, stimulating creativity as well as giving a sense of accomplishment. If you are looking for a new hobby to pick up, definitely consider colouring. 

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Last but not least, I ended the week off by making a cozy Fall drink. The recipe is below:

Here’s how to make a cozy stovetop hot apple cider 🍎🔥

🍯 Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 liter) apple cider or apple juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1–2 tbsp brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey (to taste)
• (Optional add-ins: a few slices of fresh ginger, splash of vanilla extract, or a shot of bourbon/rum for adults)

🫖 Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients
   In a medium pot, pour in the apple cider and add cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, orange slices, and sweetener.
2. Simmer
   Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (don’t boil), then reduce to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes so the flavors infuse.
3. Strain
   Remove the spices and orange slices using a slotted spoon or fine strainer.
4. Serve warm
   Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if you like.

I added slices of ginger and a shot of rum to mine. The drink was a bit on the really sweet side. Instead of 2 tablespoons of honey next time I will opt out of using any honey at all. 

This week’s quote comes from the lovely Shonda Rhimes:

“The secret sauce of the business that I can offer is my creativity, and in order to keep my creativity alive and fresh, I have to pretend that no one is watching the show, that there are no audiences, there are no ratings; I’m just telling a story.”

That it’s for this week folks. Hope you have a great week ahead. It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada – Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!