Sydney's Sunday Reads: #27

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Hootie and the Post Malone. - For this edition of “Unexpected Covers That Are Almost Better Than the Original,” we have Post Malone covering the Hootie and the Blowfish hit, “I Only Wanna Be With You,” that was literally released the same year and month Malone was born (July of 1995). The brilliant cover was released for the 25th anniversary of Pokémon and stands as Malone’s first release as a solo artist since 2019. As a 90s baby I can’t believe that one, Pokémon has been around for 25 years, and two, how much I love this cover. I don’t think Post Malone gets enough credit for his production skills, but they really shine on this track. Smartly, he sticks closely to the original but puts his own flair and signature vocals on it to make it all his own. Listen HERE! (Billboard)

• A Domestic Science. - In the 17th century, household management meant much more than cooking and cleaning - it could also entail minor surgery! In this fascinating article, Olivia Campbell introduces us to Hannah Woolley, an author of domestic management books in pre-Industrial Revolution Europe. Campbell explains that while Woolley is considered by many to be a pre-Martha Stewart-esque influencer, a more apt comparison would be that of Woolley to Gwenyth Paltrow, actress and founder of the wellness empire Goop. It would not be enough for a wife and mother of the 1600s to just know how to clean, she would also need to possess nursing skills to whip up tonics and tinctures that could heal ailing family members. As more and more cookbooks and recipe books of this era become digitized, we’re being treated to a glimpse of why women have been running this world for centuries. (Smithsonian)

• Small space, big potential. - I’ve always been a fan of home tours, but after a year of being at home full-time, it’s become one of my absolute favorite genres of video content. Check out this 280-square foot abode in NYC that has been creatively transformed into a dream space perfect for one person. (Apartment Therapy via Youtube)

• Glory! - Behold: one of the greatest auditions in ten years of The Voice. Victor Solomon, a college student in North Carolina, chose John Legend’s Oscar-winning song, “Glory” for his shot at entering the competition, and absolutely blew all the judges away - including John himself, who historically never turns around for people singing his songs. The power in Solomon’s voice, the ability to add runs that aren’t in the original, and just the overall energy make this performance truly unforgettable. I think this guy’s got a chance of going really far! (The Voice via Youtube)

• One more… - And while we’re on the subject of electric Voice auditions, here’s my other favorite so far: Raine Stern from Madison, WI singing “Electric Feels'“ by MGMT. Right off the bat she starts her audition with a super sick guitar riff and has amazing vocals to match. Mark my words, Stern will be the one to watch this season! (The Voice via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #26

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Our dog Skipper. - Doctors call her a miracle. In this article, meet Skipper, the adorable border collie and Australian shepherd mix born on February 16th with some special additions: two extra legs, and an extra tail, to be exact. She was delivered naturally at home during a big snowstorm in Oklahoma along with her eight brothers and sister, and, once the weather was clear, taken straight to the vets by her owners for a check-up. With the help of some pretty extensive imaging, it was discovered that not only does Skipper have some extra appendages, she also has two pelvic regions, two urinary tracts, and two reproductive regions. This could be the result of a twin that did not fully split while the puppies were in utero. Though Skipper will likely have some challenges as she grows, it’s been over a week and the little gal is doing nothing but thriving. (CNN)

• Just torch it. - If you’ve ever wondered how the maintenance team keeps Paris’s Eiffel Tower in tip-top shape during the winter months (haven’t we all??), wonder no more! Instead of using salt on the sheets of ice that form on every level, which would be extremely corrosive to the massive metal structure, workers use blowtorches! Listen, I’m not saying that I’m about to run to Home Depot and grab a couple of torches for the next big snowstorm here, but I am saying that snow removal would be a lot more fun (and probably way faster!) with a blowtorch involved. (Travel and Leisure)

• Well, it’s happening. - In case you missed it, three weeks ago it was announced that the folks over at Paramount were in talks to revive the hit ‘90s show Frasier with Kelsey Grammer reprising his role as the lovable but pretentious Dr. Frasier Crane, a talk radio show host based in Seattle, WA. And now, it’s official: a brand new season of Frasier is headed to Paramount’s new streaming platform Paramount+, with an as-yet-to-be-determined release date. It’s still early days, so we don’t yet know what new adventures Dr. Crane will get into, or if any other living member of the original cast will return. As a giant fan of this show, I’m not at all excited about this reboot, but will keep an open mind. If writers can figure out a way to successfully update a sitcom that’s been off the air since 2004 while maintaining the original formula, then I’m all for it. Judging by all the reboots that have gone before it in the last couple of years, I don’t have high hopes. (Vanity Fair)

• A steak and a wax? - Have you ever wished you could break bread with your favorite celebrity? Well, now you can (sort of.) You may have heard that indoor dining in New York has returned, albeit at 35% capacity. Though I haven’t ventured inside a restaurant to eat in almost a year, I’d imagine it can feel pretty empty with so many open seats. Fortunately, for Brooklyn, New York’s famous steakhouse, Peter Luger, a quick call to Madame Tussauds, the global wax museum chain, solved that problem. Through March 1st, diners will get the opportunity to sit face-to-face with some pretty big icons like Audrey Hepburn dressed as her character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Jon Hamm as Don Draper from Mad Men, and others. For me, I think the novelty of the wax figure would wear off pretty fast, and sitting so close to something with dead eyes staring back at me while I ate would be pretty unnerving, but hey, whatever brings in the customers! (Grub Street)

• A charming prince. - This week, CBS late-night talk show host James Corden became the envy of all his peers when he scored the interview of a lifetime with new California resident and sixth-in-line to the British throne, Prince Harry! In the video (down below!) the pair do a bit of sightseeing on a double-decker bus, have high tea on the highway, complete a pretty intense obstacle course, and more. This is one of the most authentic-seeming interviews with a British royal (though he and his wife Meghan Markle have officially stepped down from their active royal duties) that I’ve ever seen. Harry comes off as warm, funny, and very, very honest. This is definitely worth a watch. (The Late Late Show with James Corden via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #24

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• One final Cook’s Tour. - We tragically lost chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain in 2018, but his legacy lives on. At the time of his death, Bourdain was in the midst of writing a guidebook highlighting some of his favorite places around the world. Though the project was in the very early stages, his friend and longtime assistant Laurie Woolever was intent on finishing what Bourdain started, and set out to piece together excerpts from his most popular and long-running shows, No Reservations and Parts Unknown, as well as extensively interview his closest friends to make it happen. The result of Woolever’s true labor of love, World Travel, will be released on April 20th, but if you’re a diehard Anthony Bourdain fan and feel like you just can’t wait that long, you’re in for a treat. Here’s an excerpt from the book, an essay by Anthony Bourdain’s brother, Chris, about their first family trip to France and how it changed their lives forever. (Entertainment Weekly)

• Queen Serena, ruler of on-the-court-fashion. - As the child of a former tennis line judge, I can probably name just about all of the contemporary greats without batting an eye, but no one stands out to me more than Serena Williams. Her athletic ability is second-to-none - the woman was 20 weeks pregnant when she won the 2017 Australian Open for goodness’ sake - but just as noteworthy? Her fashion moments on the court! Known for taking the lead in designing all of her outfits, Williams really upped her sporty fashion game this week when she debuted her multi-hued, one-legged catsuit, a touching homage to the late great track and field olympian, Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionally known as “Flo-Jo”, who famously rocked the style back in the late ‘80s. In a post-game interview, Williams revealed that she worked closely with her design team at Nike to give the eye-catching one-piece a few modern updates, as well as the necessary tweaks to make it all her own. Check it out here! (Buzzfeed)

• Cooking with Mrs. Obama. - In case you missed it, this week former First Lady Michelle Obama announced the March 16th release of her new children’s cooking show, Waffles + Mochi, streaming exclusively on Netflix. The show will follow two puppets named, you guessed it, Waffles and Mochi, as they fulfill their dream of becoming chefs with the help of a magical flying shopping cart and Michelle Obama, who will play a supermarket owner. Viewers can also expect to see a slew of celebrity guests, as well as some home cooks along the way. The kid-centric series is the second project to come out of the Obamas’ multi-year, multi-million dollar deal with Netflix through their production company, Higher Ground Productions. I can’t wait to binge-watch this!! (The Cut)

• A super skinny flat in the city. - As if big-city real estate wasn’t bonkers enough already, a “skinny” flat in west London, just six feet wide, recently went on the market for a cool $1.3 million dollars. The five-story property in Shepherd's Bush, converted from a hat shop into a residence by famed fashion photographer Juergen Teller, is 1,034 square feet and boasts three bedrooms, an art deco tub, a patio garden, and curb appeal that is certain to be a conversation-starter for years to come. Listen, ya’ll, I know living in a big city is fun, but if you’ve got $1.3 million to spend, head to the nearby ‘burbs where you can take advantage of all the SPACE. Everything fun is just a train ride away! (CNN)

• Impossible? Things are happening every day! - No disrespect to Dame Julie Andrews, but for us ‘90s babies, Brandy Norwood is our Cinderella, and the incomparable Whitney Houston our Fairy Godmother. When I was a kid, I absolutely devoured the 1997 adaptation of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic Cinderella, which featured a star-studded, colorblind cast, gorgeous costumes, and captivating performances. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I watched it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. it was on television. This week, Disney announced that the film would be available on its streaming platform, Disney+, beginning February 12th. To celebrate its release, singer Brandy, Disney’s first Black princess, teamed up with Youtube star Todrick Hall for a mashup of Cinderella’s greatest musical hits. Look closely, and you might just see some other familiar faces as well! I grinned until my cheeks hurt watching this. Check it out below! (Todrick Hall via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #23

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Ten ways to stay booked! - Like many voracious readers, I’m constantly searching for the next book to read, even when my TBR pile is nearing the ceiling. For me, there are few greater feelings in life than reading the back of a book and immediately getting excited about what adventures are in store; it’s similar to hearing a new favorite song for the very first time. Here are ten ways to find the perfect next book to read! (Book Riot)

• A return to tossed salads and scrambled eggs? - New reports suggest that a potential revival of the hit 90s television show (and one of my favorites of ALL TIME) Frasier is in the works for Paramount+, the CBS streaming platform. Few details are known at this point, such as if any of the remaining cast members (minus John Mahoney who sadly passed away in 2018) will be joining star Kelsey Grammer, or what a new season would mean for the lovable but pretentious psychiatrist from Seattle, but if the project is green-lit, filming could start as early as this summer. As a diehard fan of this show, I’m not sure I want to see a revival. So far, most if not all the revivals we’ve seen in the last couple years haven’t managed to keep the formula of their shows without seeming a little behind-the-times, so I kind of hope this project doesn’t happen. Frasier has 11 perfect seasons, do we really need any more? (Vulture)

• One Pricey Weekend. - You’ve probably heard it said a billion times at this point, but tonight’s Super Bowl Sunday is going to be unlike any other. But just because things are going to look a little different this year doesn’t mean it won’t be any less epic! In fact, The Weeknd, tonight’s Halftime Show performer, has dug into his own pockets to make sure his set is one you’ll never forget. While the NFL generally absorbs all costs associated with the Halftime Show, The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) actually contributed $7 million of his own money to make sure the fans in the stands, as well as the fans at home, get a full, cinematic experience. That’s dedication right there! Also, fun fact: did you know that Super Bowl Halftime Show performers aren’t paid? That blew my mind! (E! Online)

• Sisters in isolation. - In this photo essay, meet Gayatri and Swati Goswami, two elderly sisters from Kolkata, India whose albinism has led to social ostracism and self-imposed isolation for nearly their entire lives. Most remarkable about them is that they grew up in wealth and are both extremely accomplished (Gayatri has three degrees and speaks five languages, and Swati has a history degree and plays multiple musical instruments), but when they step outside, all people see is their pale skin, light hair, and blue eyes, which leads to extreme verbal cruelty from members of their community. A powerful think piece everyone should read. (The New Yorker)

• Fun with Funfetti! - I love all of Claire Saffitz’s videos on her Youtube show, Dessert Person, but this week’s episode is a really good one. Think about the best cakes you had at birthday parties growing up. Did they come from a box? Were the insides FULL of polka dots of color? There’s just nothing like a good Funfetti cake to put you in a festive mood, and no one agrees with that sentiment more than Saffitz. In the video below, watch as she recreates a childhood classic and updates it for a more grown-up palate. Fans of the Bon Appetit series. Gourmet Makes, will find this episode particularly entertaining! (Dessert Person via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #22

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Traveling in the kitchen. - Even for a total homebody, I miss traveling. I miss packing a bag and essential snacks for the plane. I miss the butterflies in my stomach every takeoff and landing. I miss de-planing and immediately getting hit with the smells of a new environment. And, most of all, I miss all the vacation eating. But just because we’re all being responsible and staying home until the pandemic is over doesn’t mean we have to give up every aspect of travel: we can still eat like tourists! Take a look at this great list of travel-inspired cookbooks put together by Jen Rose Smith for when dinnertime needs a serious refresh. (Washington Post)

• Reading exercise. - Did you know that different types of reading exercise different parts of your brain? Or that. the older you get, the more reading can slow down or even halt signs of cognitive decline? It’s all laid out in this article that makes a pretty compelling argument for why we should be making reading a priority - especially now. (Popular Science)

• Candy + Macaroni + Cheese? - On this episode of “Foods No One Asked For,” Kraft recently announced the special release of their famous boxed macaroni and cheese with one rather interesting addition: candy flavoring that turns everything pink, and it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day! That’s right, if you’ve ever been enjoying your savory macaroni and cheese and thought, “Boy, this sure could use a ton of artificial sweetness and an unnatural color!”, you’re in luck. But before you head out to your local supermarket, read this: the only way to get a box plus the packet that adds the color and candy flavoring, is to enter for a chance to win it via the Kraft website. I have about a million questions about this mac and cheese, but the top one is: does it turn your teeth pink? Now I kind of want to enter to find out… (Delish)

• Goodbye, meatballs! - Whether you know her from her Bon Appetit days, or her two bestselling cookbooks, Alison Roman is well on her way to becoming a major household name in the food world. All throughout the pandemic, Roman’s been keeping her fans up-to-date on her life via her popular newsletter, simply titled A Newsletter, but now the 35-year-old is branching out and making her long-awaited return to Youtube with her brand new series, Home Movies. Check out episode 1, “The Best Meatball Recipe,” in the video below! (Alison Roman via Youtube)

• The Family Haim! - One of my favorite bands is HAIM, a pop/alternative sister trio that’s created stellar bops such as “The Wire,” “Summer Girl,” and “Want You Back” I’ve always loved sibling acts because there’s chemistry there that just can’t be replicated, and it’s always fun to see the dynamics in interviews and even in performances. Recently, HAIM got together with their mother via Zoom to make latkes for British Vogue, and the video is adorable! It’s clear that the sisters hold Mama Haim in the highest regard, and each fights subtly for her attention. You even get a brief cameo from Papa Haim, who is responsible for getting the girls into music in the first place! If you’re looking to learn how to make latkes, this probably won’t be a very helpful tutorial, but I think it’s absolutely perfect nonetheless. (British Vogue via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #20

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• A brief history of royalty’s animal best friends. - When you think of animal companions to some of the world’s most powerful monarchs, past and present, you’re probably thinking of dogs and cats, right? Well, what if I told you that Caligula, Roman Emperor from 37-41 AD, had a treasured horse named Incitatus who lived in a marble stall and had his own palace for receiving guests? Or that Empress Josephine, wife to Napoleon, had a sweet female Orangutan who wore dresses, curtsied, and even ate at the dinner table with a knife and fork? While this article names plenty of precious canine and kitty companions, the stories of angora cats hiding in toilets at Versailles and a chameleon at Buckingham Palace who received a white coffin and proper royal send-off upon its death are far wilder - literally! (Vanity Fair)

• A true nugget of knowledge. - Could the future of sustainably-sourced meat really come from a lab? In this video meet Ian, a chicken whose cells have been used by San Francisco, CA-based startup Eat Just Inc to create cultured meat in a process that scientists say is biologically similar to brewing beer. Already approved for sale in Singapore with plans to expand the offering to fish and beef, if this new innovation catches on worldwide, it could eliminate the need to kill any animal for their meat as well as significantly reduce the meat and dairy industry’s massive carbon footprint by up to 99%. So, does this chicken really taste like…chicken? I, for one, am super excited to find out! (CNN)

• A slender home in Seoul. - One of my favorite things to do, especially during the pandemic, is take virtual tours of homes in faraway places - the quirkier the space, the more I like it. Recently, I came across this skinny 570-square-foot abode in Seoul, South Korea, designed by Architect TaeByoung Yim, that only has one room on each of its four floors! Check it out! (Dwell)

• A BTS look at Bridgerton! - As I mentioned this week, I REALLY liked Bridgerton and already can’t wait for season two! I started watching it for the scandalous storylines, but I quickly became drawn to all the fabulous costumes - the bright colors, lush textures, and bold patterns are nothing short of spectacular. Did you know that Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) wears 104 dresses throughout the first season!? And that’s just one character’s wardrobe! So, how did the costume department create such a strong visual identity for the show through clothing? Check it out in the video below! (Netflix via Youtube)

• Dwight enters The Matrix. - It’s no secret that the American version of The Office is considered to be one of the greatest sitcoms of modern television history. As a person who has watched the series from start to finish many, many times, I thought there wasn’t anything else to learn, but luckily, I was wrong! This week, to celebrate the show’s move to the streaming platform Peacock, NBC released a never-before-seen cold open in which Jim and Pam pull the ultimate prank on Dwight - convince him that he’s been in the real-life version of The Matrix his whole life. Which pill will he choose, the red or blue? Watch the clip below to find out! (The Office via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #19

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• Ann Lowe, wedding dress designer to the stars. - The September 1953 wedding of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier to then-senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy was considered one of the biggest events of the season, possibly even the year. Nearly 3,000 well-wishers flocked to the streets outside of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island to catch a glimpse of the blushing bride and the gown that she adorned for the momentous occasion - the true moment that Jack and Jackie stepped into their role as American royalty. The bride’s dress, made of silk taffeta with an elegant sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, and flowing bouffant skirt was adored by all who gazed their eyes upon it, and no doubt informed the style of wedding gowns for several seasons following its debut. We know a lot about the gown, but how about who designed it? In this article, meet Ann Lowe, a Black dress designer born in Alabama in 1889 whose stellar talent landed her some of the biggest and most influential clientele of the time period. (CNN)

• Television in 2020. - What is considered “good” tv? What’s considered “bad”? In 2020, none of that seemed to matter as we sought comfort and escapism over anything else. So what if the writing was predictable, or the wigs were so bad in scenes you wondered if the budget was only $5? In 2020, we just wanted to be absorbed into another world, to get caught up in a story that wasn’t our own for a moment. So, were the critics of the past wrong? Is television the mind-numbing, brain cell-killing, “vast wasteland” that it’s always been accused of being? Or, in times like this, is it exactly what we need? (The Atlantic)

• Read it again! - How often do you return to your favorite books? I do it all the time. When you have a book blog, or bookstagram account, you sometimes feel pressured to find the Next Great Novel or feature the latest and trendiest books with the snazziest book covers. But between you and me, while I read every book I feature, sometimes, in between the newness, I need to return to the familiar. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-read a story and thought, “Wow, I’ve never noticed that before,” or “Ah, I see, so there were actually tons of clues all along!” When the real world’s got me feeling down, there’s a stack of stories that I know will always lift me up and show me something new. There is power in the re-read. (Book Riot)

• Most beautiful book covers of 2020. - Writing a story that people really connect with is no easy feat. Also hard? Designing a cover that will grab a reader’s attention long enough to give that story a chance in the first place. Here are some of 2020’s most beautiful book covers according to Buzzfeed! (Buzzfeed News)

• The return of Lem and Phil. - The mid to late 2000s had many sitcoms that were amazing, but a lot of them were way before their time. One of the best of the best, in my opinion, was Better Off Ted, an ABC workplace comedy about Ted, a research and development executive who starts to question the ethics of the company he works for. My two favorite characters are Lem and Phil, mad lab scientists and best friends whose crazy creations are as brilliant as they are a little dubious (in one episode, they manage to grow a blob of beef in a lab, but soon wonder if it can feel pain.) While the writing on the short-lived show was absolutely amazing and hysterical, the actors who played Lem and Phil, Malcolm Barrett and Jonathan Slavin, are really who brought the characters to life. 2020 was nothing if not the year of all the reunions, and Better off Ted was no exception. In the video below, Slavin and Barrett attempt to shoot a promo video for the reunion special as their characters. Unfortunately (but fortunately for us), things don’t quite go to plan. I smiled from ear to ear watching this! (Malcolm Barrett aka Verbal the Rapper via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #18

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• What’s in YOUR toolbox? - 2020 has been one of the most collectively stressful years of all time, there’s just no denying it. We’ve had a contentious battle for the White House, a global pandemic, racial and social unrest, and the loss of so many people. And with COVID numbers steadily rising, another crucial upcoming election here in the US, and the frigid winter season fast approaching, practicing self-care, no matter how you define it, is of the utmost importance. In this article, artist Martine Thompson talks about the things in her “joy toolbox” - her list of go-to items and activities that are guaranteed to bring her happiness when she needs it the most. What’s in yours? Mine includes several of my favorite sitcoms, a spicy chai mix, a playlist of upbeat jams, and books that always make me smile. (Healthyish)

• A snack for the ages. - Archeologists in Pompeii, Italy this week announced the unearthing of a 2,000-year-old snack stall, known as a termopolium, that still has traces of food in it! This is the first of its kind to be discovered fully intact, and displays frescoes on the exterior panels of ducks hung upside down and chickens; an indication to passerby in ancient times of key ingredients in the food being sold. Also found on-site were ceramic cooking bowls, wine flasks, a bronze drinking bowl, and amphora (tall Roman jars with handles on each side and narrow necks). How cool is that!? (CNN)

• A timeless ballet. - For me, it isn’t the holiday season without The Nutcracker. I love listening to the soundtrack and pretending to be the Sugar Plum Fairy as I dance through the house in full decorating-mode. On really good years, I’ve been able to see the production live, always dazzled by the costumes and athletic endurance and grace of the dancers. Of course, this year, the lights have been dim in theatres all across the country, making 2020 a year that this magical tradition was missed. But there’s always next year, and, if I’m able and we can all be together again, I’ll be first in line to get tickets to see it up-close and in-person. In the meantime, here’s a historical look at photos ofThe Nutcracker, a 128-year-old ballet, through the years. (Buzzfeed News)

• Olive + Mabel. - One thing that has gotten me through quarantine is watching the many adventures of Olive and Mabel, two labradors in Scotland whose father, sports commentator Andrew Cotter, started filming and narrating their lives and uploading the videos to Twitter earlier this year. The first video was Olive and Mabel at dinner time, racing to be the first to finish their food. Cotter treated it as he would any televised sporting event, adding backstories for each dog’s “career” and noting the sportsmanship and sheer professionalism of each, much to the amusement of viewers. From there the two cute pups have gone on epic runs on the beach and in the woods, attended “performance reviews” via Zoom, and even moved house. It’s been quite the journey so far, and luckily, there’s more to come. Meet the sweet trio of Cotter, Olive, and Mabel in the video below! (The Times and The Sunday Times via Youtube)

• Judy the Elf’s hot cocoa recipe! - It’s also not the holiday season for me if I don’t sit down for my annual viewing of The Santa Clause which to me just gets funnier and funnier every year. One of the best scenes in the film is Scott Calvin’s (played by Tim Allen) first time to the North Pole where he meets Judy, an elf and executive assistant to Santa Claus who has been alive for at least 1200 years. As Calvin tries to wrap his mind around all that he’s seeing (and his new job as Santa), Judy offers him a cup of her famous hot cocoa, a recipe for which she’s been tinkering with for a long, long time. As a huge fan of this movie, I’ve always wondered just what this amazing hot cocoa would taste like, and apparently, I’m not alone. In this episode of Binging with Babish, filmmaker and YouTuber Andrew Douglas Rea (aka Oliver Babish), breaks down just what he thinks Judy meant when she described her cocoa as “not too hot, extra chocolate, shaken, not stirred”! (Binging with Babish on Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #16

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• 🎶I wish it was Christmas todayyyy…🎶 - If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live then you’ll know that the period of time when the nearly 50-year-old sketch comedy series truly shines is during the winter holiday season. Get ready to laugh and revisit some classics because Vulture has put together a list of the fifteen best holiday-themed skits of all time! (Vulture)

• The art of doing nothing. - Is being productive always…productive? In the Western world, and North America especially, we are expected to always be doing something, to not “waste” our downtime by being idle. If we aren’t knocking off multiple tasks on a never-ending to-do list, we’re viewed as “lazy” or not driven enough to succeed. But is constantly moving a healthy way to live? Olga Mecking, author of the new book, Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing, doesn’t think so. Instead, she pushes people to discover Niksen, the Dutch practice of doing absolutely nothing. But if you think doing nothing means watching television or doom-scrolling on Twitter, you’re doing “nothing” wrong. Niksen means literally doing nothing: sitting motionless and staring out a window, clearing your mind, and allowing your brain the opportunity to completely shut off. By doing this on a regular basis, Mecking argues, you just might find yourself being more productive than ever before. It’s worth a shot, no? (Apartment Therapy)

• A jolly holiday at home. - One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the open-air markets. The hustle and bustle of people all around you, the chance to meet and support small business owners while getting one-of-a-kind gifts, the warm smells of roasting chestnuts and spiced nuts swirling in the air, and the festive tunes being blasted from hidden speakers - I love it all. But 2020 has proven that we can’t have nice things, and many of the markets that have been historically open for decades come rain or shine, are closed this year to keep everyone safe. While I totally understand and agree with the rationale, it’s still quite a bummer. But that doesn’t mean all is lost! Here are some helpful ways to bring the magic of the markets to you. (Food52)

• Kitchen studies. - It’s that time of year again: every media outlet you’ve ever heard of has started publishing their yearly “best of” compilations. While they all aren’t worth stopping to read, if you’re like me and love both design and food, you’ll really like Dwell’s list of the top nine kitchens they featured in 2020. The kitchen is the heart of every home, and these spaces are positively swoon-worthy! (Dwell)

• Name that song! - There’s been so much Leslie Odom Jr. content on the Internet lately, and I ain’t mad at it!! Here’s Leslie, the angel-voiced man from Hamilton, Harriet, and, most recently, One Night in Miami, playing the Song Association game with Elle! (Elle via Youtube)

What are YOU reading, watching, and listening to today? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Sydney's Sunday Reads: #15

Happy Sunday, friends!!

Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.

• The Million-Dollar Question. - In its 20-year run, the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has never had a celebrity contestant win the top prize…until now. On last Sunday’s episode, viewers nationwide witnessed Chef David Chang make television history by correctly answering the final question - with the help of friend and journalist, Mina Kimes - to win $1,000,000 for his charity, Southern Smoke Foundation, an emergency relief fund for individuals in the food and beverage industry severely impacted by the pandemic. Congrats, chef! (Entertainment Weekly)

• The $1 Villa. - If you’re looking to become a homeowner but don’t have a big budget for a down payment, you’re in luck! Castropignano, a small village about 140 miles southeast of Rome, is the latest in a string of European communities to offer centuries-old homes, now crumbling and decaying, for sale with a $1 price tag as a last-ditch effort to reinvigorate the local economy. According to mayor Nicola Scapillati, there are roughly 100 properties up for grabs, with most being in pretty decent shape. But don’t let the initial property price fool you - there’s always a catch. Accepted buyers will be required to complete renovations within a three-year period and must present a $2,378 down payment, much like a security deposit, which will be returned once the works have been approved. Still sounds like a good deal to me! (CNN)

• Everyone’s a dessert person. -Claire Saffitz, beloved food personality and author of the new cookbook Dessert Person (one of my favorite cookbooks of 2020), launched her Youtube channel this week, amassing nearly 200,000 subscribers so far and counting. I loved watching Claire’s journey in the BA Test Kitchen while filming Gourmet Makes, but this new version of her, more relaxed in her small home kitchen, surrounded by cute cats and cookware, is way better. Watch Claire make her debut with the soft and crispy focaccia recipe from Dessert Person in the video below! (Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person via Youtube)

• Dua Lipa at home. Fans of the disco-pop fusion that’s currently sweeping the nation right now can thank singer Dua Lipa in part for making that happen. Her new album Future Nostalgia, which dropped in March, yielded hits like “Break My Heart,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Levitating” - all songs that have been a major part of my personal quarantine playlist. Proving that she is still the reigning queen of pandemic-era performances, here’s Dua Lipa’s recent Tiny Desk Concert, produced by NPR Music! (NPR Music via Youtube)

On a serious note…

According to new statistics from the nonprofit organization Feeding America, more than 50 million people in the United States will experience food insecurity by the end of 2020, with 17 million of those being children. Now is the time to band together so that members of our communities - our friends, co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and loved ones - have food on the table today and every day. If you are able, please consider donating your time, money, or anything you can spare to your local food banks who are really feeling the strain right now. Learn more about food banks in your area and what they are most in need of NOW by clicking HERE.