Art, ChatGPT, & Summer Bucket List.

August . . . you are exhausting! Art, ChatGPT & the Summer Bucket List that didn't happen.

Well, it happened. We dropped our oldest at college. I can feel the shift at home and like my son said: “it’s weird.” Indeed it is.

Thank goodness for FaceTime!

Original Art

I was recently asked what non-negotiable decorative item everyone should have in their living room.

My answer: Original art is essential! Sounds intimidating, right? Maybe even expensive... But it doesn’t have to be. We've discovered incredible pieces at flea markets, stumbled upon gems at Round Top, and found treasures in vintage shops.

While high-end art can be a solid investment, all you really need is something unique and beautiful to elevate your space. You can find it in some very unexpected places. I found some great pieces at a road side stop in India. Yes a gas station! And here’s what it looked like.

(The little box lunches wrapped in a beautiful fabric were from Grant).

Here are a few of my favorite sources:

Gillian Bryce Fine Art

I have acquired several pieces from her over the years plus she’s really fun to follow on instagram.

Chairish

It’s fun to browse on this site. I have purchased pieces even vintage oyster plates from Chairish.

Rachael

I have mentioned her before but I purchased a Peggy Guggenheim painting from her. I just love her work. Don’t you love this Iris? Another fun one to follow on instagram!

ChatGPT

I have a group chat with several designer friends here in Austin. Yesterday someone asked if we use Chatgpt. I have not so out of curiousity I used it and asked it to create a dinner meal plan for Sunday through Wednesday using Defined Dish recipes. And here’s what it created. I think I like it for this type of thing.

Does anyone use it and if you do, what for. Please tell!

Here’s a meal plan for dinners using recipes from Defined Dish:

Sunday:

• Dish: Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

• Description: Juicy chicken breasts are glazed with a tangy balsamic reduction and paired with a medley of roasted vegetables for a flavorful and easy meal.

Monday:

• Dish: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

• Description: Soft tortillas filled with seasoned sweet potatoes and black beans, topped with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and satisfying dinner.

Tuesday:

• Dish: Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

• Description: Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, olives, and feta cheese, seasoned with Mediterranean spices and baked until tender.

Wednesday:

• Dish: Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

• Description: Salmon fillets seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs, baked alongside asparagus spears for a light and nutritious dinner.

Each of these dishes offers a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, and flavors, keeping your week varied and delicious!

Then I asked it to create a shopping list for me with these recipes.

Here’s a shopping list for the recipes:

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1 can black beans (or 1.5 cups cooked)

Vegetables:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

• 4 bell peppers (variety of colors)

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 head of garlic

• 1 red onion

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro

• 1 bunch of fresh parsley

• 1 bunch of fresh basil (optional)

• 1 bunch of fresh thyme (optional)

• 1 bunch of fresh rosemary (optional)

• 1 bunch of fresh dill (optional)

• 2-3 avocados

• 1 lemon

• 1 lime

• Mixed vegetables for roasting (e.g., carrots, zucchini, Brussels sprouts)

• 1 bag baby spinach (optional for side salads)

Dairy:

• 4 oz feta cheese

Pantry Items:

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Honey or maple syrup

• Quinoa (1 cup)

• Tortillas (flour or corn, your preference)

• Cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Oregano

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper

Other:

• 1 jar pitted Kalamata olives (optional)

• 1 jar of salsa or hot sauce (optional, for tacos)

This list should cover everything you need to create these Defined Dish recipes!

Summer Bucket List.

At the beginning of the Summer I decided I wanted to create a Summer “Bucket List” of sorts. Thought about it, had some vague ideas and it never happened. Actually, that’s not entirely true, I did start some new habits. This list has now turned into a list of things I want to be mindful of come Fall.

1. Walks: I started walking every night, no matter how hot it is, with my husband and our dogs.

2. Try a New Healthy Recipe. Or at least meal plan better. Hello Chat GPT.

3. Digital Detox Day. Saturdays and Sundays beginning this weekend.

4. Read. Duh.

5. Gratitude Journal: I always want to do this but am never consistent!

6. Yoga: Forgot how much I liked yoga until I started doing it again.

7. Declutter: I embarked on the most insane decluttering mission the last couple of weeks and I vow to never let our house get to that level again. It was insane.

8. Have a Tech-Free Morning Routine.

Book Recommendation.

I’d love for you to read this book. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is a gripping crime thriller that explores the complexities of human emotion, memory, and trauma.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Love,

Annie

P.S. I have some exciting projects to share in the next couple of months. Cannot wait to share them with you.