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Guys don’t fret, that blogging sabbatical was totally planned. #saidnooneever

To be completely frank, the whole turn of life events at the beginning of 2014 has made blogging straight up hard. I’m in awe of bloggers like Grace and Jen who moved so gracefully through parallel personal transitions, barely missing a post. I reached a serious mental road block a few weeks back and had to put this space aside for a while. There were moments during that period where I didn’t know if I’d ever pick it back up again. And through that, the lifecycle of a break up became blatantly clear to me. My whole notion that the farther you got from it, the easier it became, was pretty flawed. Luckily I’m in a much brighter spot now, but I don’t doubt it’s going to take several more months for this whole experience to sort itself out. Recognition of the process, though, is really what got me to that brighter spot. Surrendering myself to the fact that life is simply not going to look at all like it did before is, in a way, a huge relief, and very liberating.

So with that fact in mind (and on the wise advice of a dear friend), I decided to spend the past week focusing solely on the basics. Eating, sleeping, exercising, and working. That’s it. Only those four. As someone who likes to take 24 hours and cram what couldn’t get done in one week into one day, this was hard. But I was determined. I needed to get back to my life roots- homemade food, consistent workouts, placing a priority on sleep, and not staring at the screen past 10 pm. In a way it makes perfect sense that I found myself back in this space this week. Life felt kinda right again. It felt so darn good to pick up my camera and style some food again this weekend. And if I learned anything, it’s that focusing on only the basics is exactly where I need to be right now. That and I should never give up my yoga practice, even if it means only practicing once a week. Seriously, someone yell at me if I do that again, ok?

Oh and one more life lesson- scones are one of the loveliest things ever. Add summer corn and basil and they’re even lovelier. When I pulled out my standmixer to make these yesterday, it was seriously like hugging an old friend! Yep, that’s real life. Clearly Kitchenaid mixer activity needs to be part of my weekly basics, too. Bring on the baked goods…

Thanks for hanging with me during this time. Have a great week! xx Clara

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Savory Summer Corn & Cheddar Scones  loosely  adapted from Ina Garten

Makes 8 large scones

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 1/2 tablespoon all purpose flour (separated)
  • 1/2 cup corn meal
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 lb sharp cheddar, small dice
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • corn cut from one ear

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Mix the eggs and buttermilk and quickly add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Combine until just blended. Toss together the Cheddar, basil, corn, and 1/2 tablespoon of flour and add them to the dough. Mix until they are almost incorporated.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for 1 minute, until the cheddar, corn and basil are well distributed. Roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. Shape in to a disc, cutting first in half, then in quarters, and then in eights. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outside is crusty and the inside is fully baked. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

  1. I am so glad you are back! I may not comment very often, but I sure do love reading your blog! I absolutely know what it feels like firsthand to put everything else before doing stuff for you-like yoga!!! It’s funny how the times we don’t go to our practice is typically the times we need to the MOST. :) Happy Monday!

    • Clara

      Thanks, Jess! So glad to have you as a reader. xo

  2. So sad to hear you’ve had such a hard time lately. Grateful, however, that you decided to share this lovely scones with us. These look so flaky and good! Definitely bookmarked.

    Wishing you all the best; strength & faith into yourself and the future that lies ahead of you,
    Sini

  3. Patricia Taveniere

    Welcome back Clara - you’ve been missed! What a nice way to start my week.

    • Clara

      Patty! You’re such a doll. Thanks so much for reading and hope all is well. xx

  4. Kimberly Carey

    Hi Clara

    So happy that you took some time off and just focused on you!

    It does take a great deal of time to get use to not having someone you cared for not to be present in your life!

    Please continue to put you first .

    I have a yummy apple pie recipe that I think you would enjoy if you want me to email it to you.

    I love reading your blog and I am so happy that you are back!

    Kim :)

    • Clara

      Hi Kim! I’d love for you to email it to me! You can send it to [email protected]. Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading :) xo

  5. lauren

    Hi, Clara. Welcome back. Sticking to the basics and focusing your efforts on what makes you happy is evidence of the power of self. Out of turmoil we triumph. I treasure posts rooted in strength and am happy for your success.

    As you heal; as you blog, you never know who you speak to and how much you speak to them. Thank you for your post.

    • Clara

      Lauren- such touching words. Means so much. xx

  6. jen

    the scones look amazing (i love savory scones) and your words are beautiful.

    • Clara

      Thanks, girl :) xo

  7. nicole

    I nearly squealed when I saw a new post from you. Welcome back…you were certainly missed! :)

    • Clara

      Wow! Best comment ever, Nicole! Sending you lots of love.

  8. Jon

    So great to have you back. We miss you and wish you all the best. Keep ’em comin’ … Jon

  9. I’m thrilled your back Clara! Hope you’re doing better (and doesn’t yoga help, so much?!)

    These look delicious. I agree with the others- you were a nice surprise on a Monday girl!

    • Clara

      It DOES help so much! Thanks for the kind words, and so glad to be back. xo

  10. Welcome back! Your honestly is appreciated, we can all get a little bogged down in life, glad to hear you are focusing on what you need right now. Your photos are gorgeous and these scones look delish! Can’t wait to see what else you have in store!

    -Caroline

    http://www.chardonnaymoi.com

  11. Girl - good for you for taking time for YOU & focusing on what is most important!! It’s SO necessary & something we should remember all the time (though it’s so hard to do, especially when the chips are down.) On a purely selfish note, I’m glad you’re back - I mean, your tasty recipes are always drool-worthy… ha. Hope to see you soon, m’dear! XX

    • Clara

      Thanks, Katie! xx

  12. So happy to have you back! I’d refresh my Pulse app to check for new posts, and did miss reading your updates. Was hoping you hadn’t bid adieu! We all need to recharge our batterries and feel inspired again. It’s ok to recede to the sidelines sometimes…you’ve shared an awful lot of personal stuff with your readers, which is really big of you-and it’s ok to take a step back, otherwise it gets overwhelming. xo

    • Clara

      Meenakshi- thanks so much for your kind words! And touched that you missed me. xo clara

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