Hello, my friend!
How we prepare for an oncoming blizzard says a lot about who we are. Do we buy food like we're managing the national stockpile? Prepare soups to feed the masses? Or do we dash to the gym, or the liquor store, or both? 🥂
👇 In today's email:
- This week's inspiration: Lessons from the Blizzard of '26
- Latest blog post: Cosmetic acupuncture benefits
- What I made this week: Egg Drop Soup with Turmeric & Chives
This Week's Inspiration: What Matters Most
We waited and waited. And when Monday morning arrived, our windows were encrusted with ice and heavy snow pressed against all the doors. (Luckily, we could exit out the garage.) We made our way into more snow than has been seen here for almost a century. My town of Tiverton got just over 3.5 feet!At first, I lunged through the snow jumping off our picnic table with feet planted, launching into the depths. The following day, once the sun came out, the terrain was bedazzled. So bright with light reflecting off the nearby ocean, ponds, and vast white expanse — I engaged in trust falls with my neighbor Kate, each of us placing our hands over our hearts and falling straight back into the snow, laughing so hard, like howls. Isn't it wonderful when you have moments of being a child again? All the fun began to fade as the days began to compound. I wondered if any of the people who had vowed to free us were ever going to show up with a plow. If the pandemic showed us one thing, it was that we're not meant to be locked up with our families. All of that came rushing back. I no longer wanted to be snowbound. At these moments, I took inspiration from my neighbors — one of whom is a 78-year-old woman named Elizabeth, who is honestly more vital than most people half her age. She cleared her front step all the way down to the street. Then took out an antique Swedish sled to pioneer her way through the streets, her tiny dogs in tow. Another bit of inspiration came from a neighbor who sent me a picture of sunrise at the beach from her bedroom window, reminding me again to relish the sweetness, the quiet stillness — to see beauty, not stagnation.
Wednesday, I awoke to a sheer surprise: my long driveway had been plowed. I thought such a thing was about as likely as the second coming, and stood partially clothed on a downstairs sofa to get a view over the snowbanks — and indeed, it was true. We were freed!
What has all of this taught me? (Ummm, not to live in New England :) But more seriously — I love to be on the move, and when challenged, food, coziness, and playfulness are a solace. And who you surround yourself with truly matters. It sets your mental tone — because life is full of storms and obstacles, and having the right inspiration and companionship is what matters most.
Your Winter Glow-Up: Cosmetic Acupuncture Benefits
There is something about the vitality of summer: glistening hair, tan bodies, big smiles, motivation to get out there and be super fit. To be honest, in the depths of winter it's basically the opposite. I know when I looked in the mirror this week I was thinking, "What the heck is going on here?" It's time to give myself a dose of the same medicine. A little bit of depuffing, particularly around the eyes, and lifting would be helpful. Well, here's some more info about non-toxic ways to take care of yourself. Enjoy.
Egg Drop Soup with Turmeric & Chives (Inspired by Yun)
Nothing says cozy like egg drop soup. And given the week we've had, it's for sure in order. It's also a bit of a throwback. When I was a kid, my aunt Elaine Woo had a cousin named Yun who had recently arrived from China, spoke no English, and opened up an amazing Chinese restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts. Yun's egg drop soup was legit. He was the inspo for this week's recipe. Hope you enjoy!
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2–3 eggs, beaten
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (or ½ teaspoon fresh, grated)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil and stir in the turmeric — this gives the soup a beautiful golden color.
- Stir in the soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring until the broth thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring the broth in a slow, circular motion — this creates those signature silky ribbons.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with a scatter of fresh chives.
Dr. Catherine
P.S. Thanks to my friends Vincent & Elizabeth for the snowy photos