Friday Bits & Pieces #4
A buzzy coffee smoothie, and an easy messenger bag, and mood salad links and recs. Plus, Father's Day reflections...
Welcome to Friday Bits and Pieces, a monthly-ish peek at some of the little bits and pieces of my life. Here I share things that power me from day to day; what I’m making, wearing, using on repeat, reading, listening to, etc. The stuff that enhances my life, makes it easier, lights me up, or otherwise makes me feel good; stuff I hope will do the same for you!
Sometimes I’ll toss a little essay into the mix; today, some words about my late father, who is heavy on my heart this week, and my husband, one of the greats…
Whenever I look at this picture of my dad and me, I imagine what each of us was feeling when it was taken. Me, safe, happy and loved. Him, proud and thrilled to be holding his little girl, the one who finally arrived three boys later.
My dad was a complicated man. Of his generation, he was an authoritarian parent; there were rules on top of rules, and noncompliance resulted in punishment, typically some loss of freedom- no television for the week, no going out with friends, etc. He was overprotective, which I now understand was a projection of his own fears, but also, his love language. When I was young I didn’t understand him, didn’t see his struggles, and had a hard time connecting with him. I have him to blame thank, though, for my undying love of the Miami Dolphins; watching games together (even with him yelling at the TV) felt like sacred time, a special link that provided fodder for conversation all through the years.
Like all of us, he was more than one flavor, sensitive in ways most never saw. As I got older and began to appreciate the complexities of the human condition, I came to see him differently. In contrast to his hard shell, I saw a man with a soft underbelly; one who felt things deeply, but was not entirely in touch with those feelings, a serious hindrance to expressing them. I saw a man who loved his family in ways big and small, but sometimes struggled to find the tools to show it. Ultimately, I saw a flawed but honest, decent man, and found compassion and grace; gifts he never seemed able to grant himself.
When I eulogized him in 2017, I spoke about how his tough exterior belied his tender heart. I told a story that has stayed with me since my 10th birthday party, when a classmate (a kid from a large family with limited resources) gave me a coin bank in the shape of a dog that was a bit dirty and obviously not new. When I opened it, I remember kids saying not nice things, like an incredulous “what’s that?” and “that looks old.” My father heard this, and immediately chimed in: “That,” he said, was “a Scotty dog,” going on to explain that they were really cool dogs, telling a story about one he one knew in his old neighborhood. He told the gift-giver and all of the kids that this was, in fact, a very special gift.
This Father’s Day, I’ll think about that story, and remember the decent, honest man who loved his family and did the very best he could.
And I’ll also be celebrating my husband, whom my father loved for making his daughter so happy, and who is truly one of the greats…
Postscript: I went outside for a walk after writing above essay, and as I was leaving the building, a Scotty dog walked past…
Currently Making: Buzzy Morning Coffee Smoothie
As much as I hate to admit my dependance on anything, I’m not sure I could function without my morning coffee. Part caffeine addiction, part ritual, it jump-starts my brain and connects me to my day. That first cup is always a hot one, but sometimes I crave more- a frostier version. Something akin to the Starbucks Frappuccinos I used to love, but gave up long ago because of the copious amount of sugar (and G-d knows what else) in those syrups used to flavor them. I’ve played with this one over the years, and I think I finally got it right...
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 Cup Cold Brew Coffee
1/3 Cup Non-Dairy Milk (I use Elmhurst because it contains no added sugar, gums or chemicals- just 2-3 simple ingredients depending on which variety you choose).
1 Small Frozen Banana
1 TBS Maca Powder
1 TBS Cacao Nibs
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (Truvani is my current fave for it’s simple, plant based ingredients but you can swap in a vanilla collagen or whey protein)
*2 TBS Almond Butter (optional)
*1/4 Cup Ice if you want it a bit frostier
Here’s what you’ll get in terms of health benefits:
Coffee gets a bad rap, but it’s actually full of active substances such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin, as well other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. Just know your caffeine limits, as too much of a good thing applies here.
Protein is utilized by every cell in our body, and adequate intake is critically important to our overall functioning. Especially in menopause, when the loss of estrogen can result in decreased muscle mass and bone strength, we need to make sure we are getting enough. Current guidelines recommend 1–2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Maca is a plant native to Peru, and contains many important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, Copper, Iron, Manganese and Vitamin B-6, among others. Some studies have shown that maca can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.
Bananas are loaded with potassium, which is an important mineral that helps to regulate heartbeat and ensure proper function of muscles and nerves. It may also help reduce blood pressure, which again, becomes an issue for some in the menopause years.
Cacao Nibs are a true superfood, loaded with antioxidant plant compounds, minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc, protein, fiber and healthy fats. In addition to all of that goodness, they add an amazing chocolaty flavor.
Almond Butter might seem like an odd combination with coffee, but adding nut butter gives this smoothie body and an interesting depth of flavor. It’s high in monounsaturated fat, which is linked to reduced heart disease and better control of blood sugar. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, iron and calcium, and has approximately 3.3 grams of fiber in a two-tablespoon serving.
Add ingredients to high speed blender and mix for about 1 minute, gradually increasing speed until you reach desired consistency. Enjoy!
Current Using/Wearing on Repeat:
I wandered into Uniqlo last month and while I was on line buying this top that I’ve been living in since, I also impulsively bought this drawstring shoulder bag, the best $39.90 I’ve spent in a long time. It’s perfect for running around the city, with a zipper pocket in the front to hold your essentials, side pockets for easy access to your phone and a water bottle, and enough room inside to carry a laptop, a light jacket or sweater, and even a few groceries (for the days when I invariably forget one of my 7000 reusable bags). It’s super light and can be carried cross-body, and I loved it so much I added some additional colors to the mix and now share them with the hubs.
Mood Salad Links & Recs:
Add to reading list ASAP- I just finished Ambition Monster by
(you may know her from the podcast Everything is Fine, which she co-hosts with ). Her’s is an incredible story- one she digs deep to tell. Born to teenage parents, she writes about her early trauma and how it shaped and informed the way she (over)worked and moved through the world, rising to the top of the career ladder, but a high personal cost. It’s a deeply honest, compulsively readable memoir told with heart, humanity and humor. A masterclass in storytelling, and ultimately, an examining of what really matters in life.Also on the list- The Fall of Roe, The Rise of a New America by New York Times reporters Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerner. I met both earlier this week at their launch event, and felt smarter just being in that room. Timely and incredibly relevant, they tell the story of how anti-abortion advocates mobilized to chip away at and ultimately bring down Roe.
Listen to I’m Not Dead with Sarah Clary and Christina Glickman, a podcast I recently heard about twice in one day (once thanks to
, who writes beautifully here about fashion, beauty and wellness through the lens of aging). These are quick (30ish minutes) but meaty chats with women from all walks, and each conversation opens and closes with the question “What does I’m not dead mean to you?” The answers are always interesting…Brooke Shields says “F*ck You” to aging gracefully. (via Allure)
Remember when you used to just pick up the phone and call someone? On the etiquette of unexpected phone calls. (gifted via WSJ)
Loved this interview with Julia Louise Dreyfuss, who is working on being done with self-doubt and shame. (gifted via NYT Magazine)
And finally, if you want to feel good today, read this love story about a 100-year- old man and his beautiful 96-year-old bride. It’s never too late…
Thank you so much for reading! Please hit the❤️ if you enjoyed, as it helps others find us here. And if there’s someone you think would appreciate, please share!
Note that today’s newsletter contains some affiliate links, and if you click and buy certain items I may receive a very small commission.
Have a wonderful weekend… Dina xx
Reading your story about your dad flooded my mind with memories. I always felt your dad was a soft-hearted, sensitive man. His words were loud and abrasive, but I could always feel they came from a place of immense love and concern for you. I always remember feeling safe sleeping over at your house because of all the security and lock-down systems in place. I bet you don't have many memories of conversations or words from my dad. Your dad was always around and sharing his thoughts or concerns. He for sure adored you.
Loved the story about your Dad! What a Blessing he was to your Family!