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Welcome to my coffee table.
Today’s spread includes a simple cup of joe and a slice of apple scrapple — a bread I find endlessly fascinating and, more importantly, yummy! It’s made with applesauce, brown butter, and chunks of apple. So good. And I love saying it: Apple Scrapple.
I picked it up at a farmer’s market about 30 minutes away. It’s winter here, so the market wasn’t big — just a handful of booths and the sweet smell of something cooking.
Farmer’s Market Confession: I can barely pass a bakery booth without buying something. I’m sure it drives my husband a little nuts, but I can’t help it. I love sampling — if it’s not great, it goes back in the bag; if it’s amazing, bonus!
Beyond my love of baked goods, I also love supporting small, local artisans. We all need support — and I’m a firm believer in what goes around comes around. Most of the folks at farmers’ markets are sharing their work and passion, and I’m all in for celebrating that joy.
Apples are always the prettiest at Farmers’ Markets.
We were also there to check out a new venture by a couple of folks from home (Guam). They were doing their grand opening pop-up of local island food. It was so cool to connect, cheer them on, and get a whiff of home. Their setup — 671 Pacific Flame and Grill — was sizzling with chicken and short ribs, that familiar island aroma that immediately transports me back.
When I said perfect was canceled this holiday season, I apparently meant it.
In the basement, the holiday decorating is about 80% done. The glass balls still aren’t on the Ikea tree sculpture, and two Christmas pillows are still upstairs. And I’m perfectly fine with it.
What’s making me crazy, though, is the dining room. After Thanksgiving, we got sick — my husband is still coughing and congested — so cleaning up fell to the bottom of the list. Argh.
I also decided to go (mostly) back to fabric Christmas bags. What started as a nod to eco-friendliness has become an act of convenience. I’m mixing it up, but most of the gifts are bagged — and I’m so OK with it. The thought of tying ribbons makes me want to crawl back into bed.
Overall, I’m happy with how the holidays have started. Letting go of perfection is working in my favor, and I intend to keep embracing it.
I hope you’re having a good start to the season too. My advice? Identify your top three priorities for the holidays and stick to them. Mine are simple: spend time with family, slow down, and be present.
If the boys want to watch Christmas movies on Saturday, then that’s what we’ll do. In the past, I’d rearrange our plans for events or obligations. I don’t want to do that anymore. Family time shouldn’t come second. I want that to be the lesson this season (all year) for my kids.
And now I have to head out. Thank you for having coffee — and breaking apple scrapple bread — with me this week. If you’re a premium subscriber, thank you deeply for your support. And if you’re not yet, please consider it. We, artisan and creative types, thrive because of communities like this one.
— Rindraty Limtiaco is Not Done Yet.
Drop me a note at [email protected]
💎 5 Holiday Gems for the Week
Perfect really is canceled. The most peaceful homes are often the ones still halfway decorated, at least I think so. 🙂
Support your local makers. A loaf of bread or a handmade candle isn’t just a purchase — it’s a little act of community.
Convenience can be beautiful. Fabric bags, unfinished corners, and early nights count as self-care.
Keep your top three. Define what matters most this season — and let everything else slide.
Home is who you’re with. Whether it’s over coffee, grilled ribs, or an imperfect tree, presence is the real tradition.
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