Welcome to my very first Table Talk! This monthly series will feature a sneak peek of what goes behind the scenes at Chef Kate F.
Here you'll find everything from what I've been watching and reading to where I've traveled and what I've been enjoying outside of work. I'll also share anything new at Chef Kate F and what you have to look forward to in the coming months here on the blog!
Be sure to share your favorite shows, books, and hobbies in the comments below! I'd love to hear your recs. 🙂 Let's jump in!
What I've Been Watching
Hunter and I love a good drama with quick and witty dialogue. Diplomat was just that. It reminded us of one of our favorite shows, Homeland, in the down-to-the-wire moments that made the show so enticing. If you enjoy political drama and foreign affairs, with a dash of romance, this one's for you.
We also recently finished Terminal List. Chris Pratt is phenomenal in this mysterious, mind-boggling show about a platoon of Navy SEALs who get ambushed and what happens when you question who you can trust.
Currently we're watching Bloodline, which has been the perfect summer drama, as it takes place in the Florida Keys. Heated sibling dynamics, ulterior motives, and family trauma...what's not to love?! If you enjoyed Ozark, this is in a similar category.
What I've Been Reading
I have had Playing Big on my bookshelf for a very long time, and I finally finished it. To say it was transformative is an understatement. It's a book I believe every woman should read, especially if you find yourself saying "just" a little too frequently and if you struggle with self-doubt and confidence. This book teaches how to take agency over your life and provides practical tools and resources to create the life you've always dreamed of. I found it most impactful in helping me leave some of my people-pleasing tendencies behind and instead live in a way that my future self would be proud of.
I just recently started One Italian Summer. Look, I'm a total sucker for a cute book cover and this one captured my attention immediately! Cue me pouring Aperol Spritzes by the water so I can imagine myself reading on the coast of Positano. If you're looking for a relaxing summer read that will transport you to a dreamy beach in Italy, look no further.
Where I've Been
It has been a busy and exciting summer in my family with one cousin getting married this August and one with a baby due in September. I traveled to my hometown of Springfield, Illinois twice recently for a bridal shower and a baby shower. I made this Vegan Cheese Board for my cousin's bridal shower, and I made two vegan summer salad recipes for my other cousin's baby shower. Nothing beats cooking for extended family and gathering around the table together. 🙂
Hunter and I traveled to Banner Elk, North Carolina to visit his side of the family for the 4th of July. We have 5 nieces and nephews, plus Hunter's two younger cousins on this side and it's always such a blast playing with all of the kids for a week. We took them on an alpine coaster and spent lots of time by the pool. Hunter and I lucked out and got to play golf in the mountains at Linville Ridge.
What I've Been Enjoying
Speaking of golf, I've been doing a lot of it this summer and even played in my first scramble event with Hunter. It was a blast, and I've made it a goal to get to the driving range or play 18 once or twice a week! I love challenging myself through this sport, but I especially love spending hours outdoors on beautiful courses.
I signed up for a half marathon!! I used to run cross-country, and I have had an itch to go for long runs again and compete. When I say compete, I really mean compete against myself. I love running because there is always a new goal and a new PR to beat. Training has been a blast and it has given me a renewed passion for hydration, nutrition, cross-training, and recovery. Stay tuned for more updates on this process!
This summer I've been really trying to be present and slow down. This can be hard to do when I look at my calendar and see things scheduled nearly every day, but whenever we have the chance, we've been going out on the boat to simply float, read in the sun, and swim with our pup, Frisco. I know looking back these moments will be my favorite from summer.
What's New at Chef Kate F
I launched my first newsletter! While I'm just getting started, I hope to send out two a week—one with a personal letter from me and one with the most recent (or seasonal) recipes. If you haven't already, you can join my email list and receive 5 morning beverage recipes with inspiring morning rituals!
Summer's not over yet! Expect a handful of summer recipes still to come on the blog, and as we near the end of August you may see some advice on setting intentions for the new season. 😉
That's a wrap on my first Table Talk! Don't forget to share what you're currently watching and reading, and I'd love to hear where you've traveled this summer in the comments below! Until next time, friends.
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