I was looking up MAV’s recipe for quick pickles in A Year Between Friends the other day and revisited my August letter to her. August is always a tough month for me. I’m not a summer person, and by this time of the year, the initial joy of freedom from routine, long days, and sunshine has long worn off. I thought I’d share a portion of it here for those of experiencing the same August fatigue. —SCB

This year I have tried to use mantras in my day-to-day. You know, affirmations that you speak in your head (or even out loud if you like) over and over when you are feeling something uncomfortable (that something might be frustration, might be fatigue, might be annoyance, might be confusion, etc.). Here are a few of my favorites and the ones that work to calm and center me time and time again. xo, MAV

My favorite way to top any dessert has long been a big plop of whipped cream. I whip heavy cream (raw if possible) until it’s just a bit thicker, adding a sprinkle of natural sugar and some pure vanilla (or better yet the scrapings from a vanilla bean), and then keep it in the fridge until just ready to serve. Lately, however, I’ve been craving new cake, pie, crisp and cobbler toppings. Here are a few ideas from the three combinations I have been playing with! xo, MAV