Hello and happy Wednesday. I hope your week is going great. On Monday, I met my youngest son in town for lunch, which was a wonderful break from my routine. Afterward, we went to put up my mom’s Christmas tree. It was so great that he suggested helping me, and I think my mom was pleased to have her tree up. We spent time reminiscing while decorating, really enjoying each other’s company. I have been reading and listening to books while I work.

WHAT I READ…

I read Being Martha by Lloyd Allen. Allen, a once-upon-a-time neighbor of Martha, gives insightful and heartfelt reflections into her childhood, catering business, and Martha Stewart Living, offering readers a glimpse of the tenacity and creativity that shaped her iconic brand. The theme of this book is work, emphasizing not only the dedication required to build a successful career but also the passion behind every endeavor Martha pursued. I appreciate the strong work ethic that Martha has, which resonates throughout the narrative, showcasing her relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to inspire others to strive for their best. Through Allen’s perspective, one can truly appreciate the nuances of Martha’s journey and the lessons learned along the way.

WHAT I WATCHED…

I will have to tell you that I binge-watched The Paradise on Amazon Prime. I was sad to see there were only two seasons, as I truly enjoyed the captivating storyline and rich character development. The show is about the first department store in England, which revolutionized the way people shopped and experienced retail. The main character is Denise, who comes to work there, a sort of rags-to-riches story that highlights her struggles and ambitions. Throughout the series, we see her navigate the complexities of this new world, forming relationships with fellow employees and customers alike, while also confronting the challenges posed by the competitive nature of the retail business. The series does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the time period, showcasing the societal changes and cultural shifts that came with the rise of such an innovative establishment.

WHAT I COOKED…

I don’t know about you, but I have never been a chicken and noodle fan. However, after reading various recipes to find something different to cook, I came upon this simple recipe from All Recipes that caught my eye. It features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a savory broth.

Incredibly Easy Chicken and Noodles

• 3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 (26 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups diced, cooked chicken breast meat
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 (9 ounce) packages frozen egg noodles

Gather the ingredients.

Combine chicken broth, both condensed soups, and diced chicken in a large pot. Season with onion powder, seasoning salt, and garlic powder.

Bring to a boil over high heat and stir in noodles.

Reduce heat to low and simmer until desired consistency is reached, 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Let me know if you read, watch, or cook any of these.

Best,

Amy