5 Ideas
A crunchy salad, new moon prompts, a suspenseful show and more
Hello from snowy snowy Connecticut. Here are some ideas to keep you busy and inspired this week. xxxx
1. NOTICE: New Moon in Capricorn
Our first New Moon of 2026 invites reflection and intention. New Moon rituals help us align with the Moon’s energy and reconnect with ourselves, grounding our visions into tangible reality—true Capricorn style. Clarity gained now may reveal unexpected opportunities in the months ahead. Plant seeds connected to your career, long-term plans, and what you’re committed to building this year. Think of goals that require patience and steady nurturing. Capricorn energy is mature, disciplined, and forward-looking, unafraid of hard work and devoted to creating solid foundations and healthy boundaries.
Pen to paper, follow a plan. Here are simple new moon rituals you can do this week:
Cleanse your space - This can be as simple as ringing a bell or spraying an aura mist, opening the windows or lighting incense.
Set up an elemental circle or altar - Many rituals may begin by calling in the elements, acting as a grounding focal and protective point. I put incense or a feather in the East for Air, a candle in the South for Fire; a bowl of water in the West for Water; and crystals or a plant in the North for Earth. Call upon the assistance of each element for fresh insight and new beginnings, grounded spirit, intuitive wisdom, and rooted guidance respectively.
Centre + ground yourself - I do some breathwork followed by a visualisation meditation. This could be a simple few deep breaths or Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
Journal on your intentions - Write down what you wish to call in using positive affirmations.
2. BUY: The new DEERDANA Tiny Tote™
She is here! The newest tiny tote featuring the DD logo :) Proudly made by a family-run business in New Hampshire and embroidered locally in Connecticut. Use as your everyday bag, for snacks or lunch, for accessories when traveling, to carry your current craft project (embroidery! beads!), etc. www.DEERDANA.com
Use code HZ to get free domestic shipping (site-wide) :)
3. DO: Take a class!
It’s a great time to take a class - there are so many fun things you can do from home or venture out and do something in your town. I took a remote calligraphy class last year from Debby Reelitz. There is a new session starting January 22nd - you get a kit of supplies in the mail to use alongside your classmates. In October I took a remote diary quilting workshop from Heidi Parkes. I started a simple embroidery and hope to make a quilt this year. This was more of a go-at-your-own-pace class with modules you could access anytime and bi-weekly group Zoom sessions.
I currently taking Intro To Judaism through East End Temple in NYC which meets once a week for an hour and lasts until June! I am going to finally officially convert once this class is over. It’s great to connect with others and learn - some of the students are simply interested in learning more about religion while other are on a path to conversion. Most recently I started the first of a four week line dancing class through the rec center of a nearby town - it is so fun. I went alone and danced for an hour with people of all ages. 10/10
Other ideas:
The League of Kitchen Cooking Classes (in-person and online)
Online Naam Yoga/Breathwork/Meditation
4. WATCH: His & Hers
His & Hers is a crime drama that is action-packed, well cast (including on of my faves, Sunita Mani) and corny but suspenseful and bingeable. A reclusive news anchor is drawn back to her small hometown after learning of a brutal murder. There, she crosses paths with her detective ex-husband who is leading the investigation—and growing increasingly suspicious of her sudden return and intense interest in the case.
Watch on Netflix here.
5. MAKE: Fennel and Apple Salad with Toasted Spiced Almond Clusters
This is crunchy satisfyingly savory salad. I served it over the weekend with lamb kofta and mujadara. Fennel and apple are BFF. The spiced almond clusters are soooo good. And the dressing is so simple and delish.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp Fennel Seeds
5 TBSP Neutral Oil
1 C Slivered Almonds
1 tsp Ground Ginger
2 TBSP Honey
Salt
1 Lemon + 2 TBSP Lemon Juice
2 Medium Bulbs of Fennel
3 Apples
Optional: Cucumber, Arugula
Bunch of Fresh Mint Leaves, finely chopped
1¼ tsp Garam Masala
METHOD:
Bash the fennel seeds until they’re coarsely ground in a mortar and pestle or small blender.
Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add the almonds, stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they turn pale gold, then add the ground fennel seeds, ginger, honey, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir-fry for another minute until caramelized. Carefully tip onto a plate and leave to cool.
Fill a big bowl with cold water. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the water, then throw in the lemon halves. This will help to stop the fennel and apple from discoloring. Very finely slice (mandolin if you can) the fennel and apples and put it into the lemony water.
Drain the fennel and apple well, discard the lemon halves, and put the mixture into a serving bowl along with the mint.
To make the dressing, mix together 3 tablespoons of oil with the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, garam masala, and a pinch of salt.
Pour over the dressing just before serving and toss together using your hands or a pair of tongs. Crumble the caramelized almonds into the salad.
