OK, I’ve had a few questions circling in my head for a week or so now, and think that you all might be able to help me. Any insights/answers/suggestions to the following would be much appreciated…
- Can you wear black and brown together? I’m dead serious – I have no idea. I’ve alluded to the fact that I have, quite literally, no fashion sense. My clothing is one of the least interesting things about me. I grew up somehow thinking that one cannot wear black and brown together. But I’ve done it once or twice recently (note: not when I am in public, this is usually when I am working from home) and it seems like… it is okay? Thoughts from the more fashion-conscious out there?
- Earbuds/airpods/wireless headphone recommendations? Do you have some you love? Why? I would like to get some that work with both my phone (iPhone 10XR) and work computer (Dell laptop). I’m having a lot of difficulty with my voice recently (long story) and so having earbuds/wireless headphones that will help pick up my voice while not tethering me to the computer would be nice. And for the phone/apps, too, of course. Right now I do a lot with the phone on speaker and that drives me bonkers.
- Has anyone ever come across a recipe for a *savory* muffin/granola bar that they like? Long story on this one but I am looking for something non-sweet, portable, that I could add protein to in some way (e.g., flax meal, hemp hearts). A baked good seems the best option but I’m not finding much out there.
- This is a vague request but… I’m always seeking inspiration/guidance from books. I’ve been trying to find my next “inspirational” read but I’m having difficulty landing on one that speaks to me. To provide some context, in the past I have really enjoyed Brene Brown’s books (and do have her newest one on my TBR, so that could be my next read, I suppose). I also enjoyed a few from Martha Beck (of Oprah show ‘fame’). My other favorite source of inspiration is books of poetry – primarily Mary Oliver and David Whyte, right now. So, my request/question to you is, what is your favorite/most treasured book for inspiration/guidance/helping you see beyond the borders of your life? I’ll note that while I am not a religious person, I am not averse to reading books with a religious orientation. Is there one that you recommend over and over? Or, a particular author?
I always figure that the people we know are the ones we should ask when we have these types of, well, completely random questions. After all, the people you affiliate with likely share some characteristics with you, so it’s likely that any information/insight they provide will work for you, as well. So, thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom (particularly on the black and brown together thing; I’m doing it again today and wondering if I am committing the world’s biggest fashion faux pas and don’t know it…).
I’ll be back later this week with some thoughts on courage, and having the courage to show up as myself. Let’s just say that conference last week was good – I saw so many people I know in such a short time, and it was lovely to see them in 3-D – but it also brought up some really interesting thoughts and issues for me. Ones that, handily enough, align with my word of the year, and my intentions for the year. Isn’t it nice when life works like that?
You can wear black and brown together.
I wear Logitech Bluetooth headphones with my computer. They work well! Sorry you are having voice struggles!
Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky’s cookbooks have savory muffin recipes in their Superhero Muffins.
I recommend The Passion Paradox by Brad Stulberg.
I am glad your conference went well last week! Have a great week!
Thanks for helping me out! From your comment and the others, it seems there is agreement around the black & brown together question. Whew. I feel much better now!
Thanks for the recommendation on headphones – I hadn’t heard of those so they will go on my list! Same for the Passion Paradox… it sounds interesting, just from the title!
And, thanks for the reminder about those cookbooks – I don’t yet own one of them but maybe I can get a copy from the library or some other source.
You asked and I’ve got answers on 2 of the 4 questions!
1. 100% yes you can wear black and brown together.
2. I’m an airpods kinda gal. The only thing that drives me nuts is changing the device that they are paired to. For example if I’m paired to my iphone and I turn on my Windows computer, the computer will steal them from my phone. I use them so much that I ended up getting separate pairs for my phone and computer so that I don’t have to deal with this annoyance.
YAY! I’m not a complete fashion faux-pas. Just a partial one. 😉
And THANK YOU for the info on the airpods and that they switch devices. I did not know that, and since I have the same situation as you (Windows computer, iPhone) then I suspect the same thing will happen to me. Hm. I know 2 pairs aren’t in the budget, so I need to figure out how much this would bug me..
Thanks for weighing in!
1. Sure, you can wear black and brown together. I mean, I wouldn’t wear brown shoes with a black suit or anything, but I regularly wear a green tunic with black leggings and brown shoes. If nature does a color combo, so can you!
2. I have some Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth earbuds that I wear endlessly everyday. I like them well enough, but I do struggle with the left one staying in, despite buying three different types of earpad replacements.
3. Have you ever made your own date balls? Woodman’s has had a good deal on dates and dates + nuts (I use pecans) + shredded coconut is wonderful. I have done variations with oats, flaxseed, cocoa powder, and different spices. I just made these for book club last weekend and everyone liked them. They are easy and don’t need to be baked at all!
4. I don’t really read those types of books, but I always read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn when I need to be uplifted. Francie Nolan is my role model.
Thanks for responding! I’m just glad that my black & brown choice wasn’t a major faux-pas. Whew. And that’s a good rule of thumb – follow what nature does. I need to remember that…
I’ve not heard of those earbuds – thanks for the recommendation and the caveat about the one not staying in. I have that challenge with some wired earbuds so trying to avoid it, obviously, with a wireless pair.
I have not made date balls! Not a coconut fan (*shudder*) but they sound kind of tempting. I’m not sure I’ve ever bought dates, either. Hm. Venturing out of my comfort zone! I guess it’s good for me.
And, oh, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my childhood favorites. I love that book. Love. It. I have not reread it as an adult, though, and it seems like that might be needed… it’s still on my bookshelf. 🙂
Take care, and thanks again!
Ohh I love when people ask for advice and I can pretend I know what I’m talking about haha!
– I think you can wear black and brown together, depending on the shade of brown! I really like a tan shade with black..looks very classic. Something darker might look weird but also who cares!
– I just have the regular old Airpods and I’m shocked with how much I like them. I used to hate the headphones iPhone included but these are great! I use them for work and have been told they sound good and the battery life is great, plus they’re comfortable.
– Shalane Flanagan’s new cookbook full of breakfast food might have some good ideas! I know there’s a whole chapter for different versions of their “superhero muffins” so I bet some are savory!
– I’m not really an inspiration book type of person, but I find a lot of inspiration through memoirs. Reading about tough situations people made it through and how strong they are really speak to me!
Hope something helps 🙂
Absolutely yes on the khaki/lighter tan with black. That’s why I thought a darker brown (pants) might go with a black top and according to our fashion experts, yes, they can!
Good to know you have had a good experience with the Airpods. I’m leaning that way BUT have always had problems with Apple’s wired earbuds. We’ll see. It’s not like I can go try them on at the store, unfortunately!
And someone else mentioned Shalane’s cookbook. I’ll definitely check it out, now.
THANK YOU!
1) I also didn’t know the answer to this question, so high-five to not being fashionistas! Haha. I’m glad to find out from the other comments that you CAN! Hooray!
2) I loved having Airpods until they broke on me. So if you do opt for Airpods, get the insurance! Haha. Right now, I use Kurdene wireless earbuds and I really like them. They do have a tendency to pair with my phone when I don’t want them to, but they are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than Airpods.
3) No to the muffin request – sorry!
4) Have you read Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed? That might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Yay for the fashion not-conscious (fashion-ignorant sounds terrible, so no, we’re not going there… :>).
I did not know that Airpods could break although duh, of course they can! They’re tech! They’re from Apple! I have NEVER heard of Kurdene and will check them out.
I have not read that book! I knew you could be counted on for at least one book recommendation! Thank you!!
1. I don’t own ANY brown; one beige sweater and that’s it. But anything goes with black, so I can only assume the answer is “yes.”
2. I use AirPods and love them. I have a Macbook though, so I’m not sure how well they pair with non-Apple devices (i.e. your Dell laptop).
3. I make this recipe (https://pinchofyum.com/banana-bread-muffins) WEEKLY. And have for years. In fact I made a batch today. You can basically eliminate any sugar from them (I still throw in a handful of softened dates). I sub zucchini or carrot for the bananas and they turn out great. I add an extra egg and a T of chia seeds sometime. They’re naturally GF. Love, love, love these muffins. They are best with banana, admittedly, but you can make them just veggie without too much issue and could theoretically even skip the dates entirely.
4. I really enjoyed Keep Moving by Maggie Smith. Also Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig.
To clarify, I own one beige-ish sweater, too, but have a couple of pairs of pants/leggings that are brown. So it was more of a black top with brown pants question, although I didn’t go into that level of detail! 🙂 Brown makes me look like I’ve risen from the dead so I do not wear brown tops!
Hmmm… I know you love those muffins, and it’s good to hear that they are adaptable and could be savory if I wanted them to be! I could change up/add spices, too. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’ve ordered Keep Moving, and I downloaded Notes on a Nervous Planet based on your rec! So thanks again!!!
1) I definitely think black and brown goes together. Black and (dark) blue is the fashion faux-pas (or maybe not anymore) LOL
2) I use old hand-me-down Airpods from Jon and I LOVE them (I’ve always loved the apple earbuds!) . They fit well into my ear, they never fall out even when I am exercising and I love how easily they pair (if they do automatically switch devices, it’s fairly easy to switch them back to the device that you’re using).
3) Unfortunately I don’t have any recipes for savory granola bars, I do have a great recipe for cheddar chive scones, if you’re interested?
4) I don’t have any recs on inspirational books right now, but it looks like you’ve got a few suggestions already 🙂
Thanks, San! I got a lot of agreement on the black and brown so I’m going with it. And, out of curiosity, I googled “Can you wear black and navy blue together?” and every site that popped up said yes! Men’s Health, a bunch of fashion sites, etc. (I will die laughing when I see my ads the next time I google something, because as you are probably now aware, I am NOT a fashion maven!)
And, thanks for the Airpods endorsement. I’m really leaning that way despite the potentially-annoying switching of devices. My only concern is that I’ve never had luck with the old Apple earbuds but I’ve also heard that these have worked for people with similar issues.
Oooh, those scones sound good! I will have to look them up! 🙂
I did get good suggestions – reading Notes on a Nervous Planet now and nodding along with pretty much every page…