I've been meaning to tell you about that book I finished last week – it was actually much better than I expected given the mixed reviews online. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle chapters but the ending really tied everything together nicely. I stayed up way too late finishing the last hundred pages because I couldn't put it down. Have you read anything good lately? I'm looking for recommendations for my next read. I also tried that new pasta recipe you mentioned and it turned out great. The sauce was really flavorful and it came together in under thirty minutes which is always a win on a busy weeknight. The key was letting the garlic infuse slowly in the olive oil before adding the tomatoes and fresh basil. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes too which gave it just a little warmth without being spicy. Definitely making that one again soon.

I also started listening to a podcast about urban gardening and now I'm thinking about trying to grow herbs on the balcony. The host makes it sound so simple even for someone with no gardening experience. I might pick up a small basil plant this weekend and see how it goes. If I can keep it alive for more than two weeks I'll consider that a win.