The Social Chou

The Social Chou is all about giving people ideas on how they can better connect with the people around them. Sometimes this means paying attention to the small moments around us, and sometimes (a lot of times) it means food!

I've found whether you are going out to grab a bite, sitting down for a cocktail or coffee, or making something to host or share with others, food is something that brings us together and makes us feel at home with the people around us. Throughout the blog, I will be sharing recipes and other ideas for you to share with new and old friends alike.



Today I spent my Sunday afternoon pairing two of my favorite flavors together, lemon + lavender. The recipe was found on the Anthropologie Blog for Lemon-Lavender Scones by Christiann Koepke.



The smell of the fresh lavender and lemon is a treat in itself while you are baking! It didn't just stop at the smell...these were some of the best scones I have ever had! I'm hoping that writing this blog will distract me for a bit before I run to the kitchen for seconds. I think the best part is, not only were they easy and enjoyable to make, but it's something you could make for a lot of different occasions, beyond just a treat to get you through your week.

Occasions to make them for:

• Bring them into your office for a treat for our teammates, or a pick me up during a meeting! 
• Have a guest over for an afternoon and pair with coffee or tea. Better yet, bring them with you outside for a picnic and enjoy the summer months.
• If you are traveling to stay with friends or family, these scones would travel along well too and would be a great hostess gift. (Plus you'd get to enjoy them too!) 

(Slice up your lemon after zesting and use it for lemon + cucumber water)

(Adding butter always makes me think of the best chef, Ina Garten)

This holiday weekend, I got the chance to escape the city to spend time with my boyfriend and his parents at their lake house in CT. And boy was it a case of the Tuesdays today coming back and wishing I was still at this home that encompasses everything you would expect of the word, and with the people that make it that way. Not only is it hard to leave behind a long weekend and dive into the work week, but it's that much harder when you have to part ways with the person you love too, say "see you so soon", and head on your way. Following graduation, we ended up in different cities, and after having done it for a while now, I have found that the day after saying goodbye, and having to re-set the clock until we see each other again always has a tricky way of being really hard.

As I was thinking about the weekend on the train ride home, I thought of a strong memory that I have of being at the lake, and it taught me something about these days of being apart, and anything that might be a bit hard for that matter...

There is one thing in particular that we have done a few times at the lake now, and always proves to bring a bit of excitement with it: putting in and taking out the dock. I've found that, while it is not quite as easy as it would be to plunk down in the grass and hope for a good tan, it's something I've really grown to love despite some hard work and stepping on a few rocks.

The topic of the dock has become quite the discussion! The process of taking it in and out can be excitement all in itself. When we put it in, it is often too early for the water to be comfortably warm, and by the time it's ready to be taken out, the water is already cooling off. With a rocky lake bottom, heavy dock pieces, and having to decide on the best layout, it is quite the feat to get everyone organized to put it in correctly and to not get hurt in the process.


While this may seem like quite the difficult task, some might say the benefit is having the beautiful dock in a beautiful setting, all that you can enjoy with people you care about. And while I wholeheartedly agree with all of those things, I think there is another benefit that can often get overlooked. Today, this realization is helping me while wishing that we were in the same place.

When we put in the dock, yes it might be heavy, and yes you might stub your toe, or maybe get a little frustrated along the way. But the memories of laughing about it later, and supporting each other when a piece gets hard to carry, and figuring out how it should all come together, those all stick with you. And at the end, you've built this incredible thing that you can share together. So yes it might be hard, but I secretly hope we always get to help put the dock in, because I wouldn't trade those memories with them for anything.

I realized today that the same goes for being in a distance relationship. It's hard work, sometimes your heart gets really heavy, and sometimes it might feel like you stubbed your toe. But the best part is you have someone there helping you carry it through, and figuring out how to put all of the pieces together. You get to hold each other up, and innovate with new ways to connect when you can't easily be sitting in the same room with one another. Just like you learn new things about one another while struggling to put a dock in, you learn so much about each other in a distance relationship. And when the distance is done, you've also built something really strong that you get to enjoy together too.
While I wish we were still together at the lake, and returning home to the same city, I also see how a little bit of hard work can be so very worth it, and bring you closer together.



Cheers to all of you heading into your week, and all of you also navigating being at a distance. I hope you can find a bit of joy in each of your dock pieces too. Have you had any moments like this too? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

I think most all of us can appreciate a good Dunkin' Donuts donut. And if you're really looking for some sugary goodness, the Cookie Dough iced coffee is back now, which I would highly recommend, (but also have to caution you might get the case of the giggles after all of that sugar.) We all might consider ourselves fans by picking up our morning coffee on the way to work, but the award for Dunkin's biggest fan? My cousin Ryan has us all beat.


Ryan is the most loyal Dunkin' Donuts fan I have met. In fact, his refusal to eat any donut but Dunkin's puts the loyal coffee drinkers to shame. This past Christmas, I was back in the great state of Texas, and Ryan and I experienced a trip to Dunkin' that both made my holiday, and is something I won't forget. The month of April is Autism Awareness Month, and I was reminded of that trip to Dunkin' and what it taught me, as Ryan is Autistic. I've tried a lot of different ways to start to write this post, as I wanted share this sweet message that I came across in reflecting, in hopes that is will spread a little farther than myself. Autism is something that so deeply affects an individual and their family, to the point that those of us who aren't in those shoes will never be able to fully comprehend. But I do think we can open our hearts and minds to those who are living with Autism to be of greater support and understanding. That is my hope with this post.



Over this particular holiday, Ryan was recovering from a very large surgery that left both of his legs in full casts. He was quite the trooper, and before we knew it, he was buzzing around the house in his wheel chair. But as we were preparing to have our big Christmas meal and open presents, it seemed there might be one thing that could make Ryan's morning just a bit better: a trip to Dunkin' Donuts.

After calling around to a few different locations, we found, to our surprise, that Dunkin' was open that morning. We had about a half hour before our breakfast would be done, so I quick grabbed my UCONN t-shirt, the shorts I had slept in would do the trick, and most likely brushed my teeth (to keep Ryan and I alive in the car.) It was a perfect clear morning in Dallas, and Ryan and I drove along with the windows down, listening to music, and enjoying the ride together. A smile started to crack as we pulled into the drive through, and soon enough our donuts, hash browns, and my much needed iced coffee were in hand.

I realize in reflecting on that morning that it was all about the simple things. How Ryan handed me my phone after it slid into the back seat. The little glances of excitement we shared through the rear view mirror over our treats. Taking time to notice the beautiful day, and how nice that Texas breeze felt coming through the windows. How Ryan seemed truly happy with his favorite treat.



You see, for someone with Autism, moments both big and small can often be overwhelming. For that individual's family, while in a different way, life can be overwhelming. But in seeing Ryan, and his family, and all of the difficulties they face every day, I see something shining through.

 I see a mom with the biggest heart who gives her life for her son, her family, and her friends. I see a dad, also with a loving heart, who works extremely hard to take care of his family, and still finds ways for them to all enjoy time together. I see a sister with a beautiful old soul, who sees far beyond the day to days of high school, who would do anything for her brother. I see a strong and brave thirteen year old boy who is getting ready to go to high school, who has shared so much with the people around him.

Ryan has a strong message that he shares with all of us, and I think it is a message a lot of people need to hear. When Ryan comes in to snuggle in the morning, I'm reminded of the precious moments we share with those we hold close to us. When I see Ryan, an incredible swimmer, floating in the pool with a smile on his face, I'm reminded of peace. And when I see the happiness that comes to Ryan when we see that pink and orange building ahead, I am reminded of the power of a sweet little donut.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, I ask that you share this message, be kind to those you know who are affected by autism, and learn from what Ryan teaches us all, to enjoy the little things.

When it comes to meeting new people and networking, I've taken Kate Spade's advice and started to "skirt the rules." I am here to tell you that meeting new and very interesting people doesn't just have to happen through a mutual friend or at a networking event. In fact, some of the connections I am the most blown away by happened in ways that are far beyond the normal 'rules' for how and when you can talk to someone you don't know. So, I invite you to 'skirt the rules' with me, and who knows, maybe you'll end up wearing a Kate Spade skirt or dress through it all like I did. And if that's not reason enough to try my suggestions I don't know what is!

This specific story of connection begins as I was preparing to attend the Massachusetts Women's Conference. I knew a conference with thousands of women who were talking about innovation and leadership would be the perfect place to meet some pretty neat, new people. As I was preparing for the conference, I knew I wanted to be able to seamlessly share my contact information so I could easily stay in touch with whomever I met. And given that I could always use some organization help, it seemed like a business card holder was just what I needed.

Tip: When networking, be sure to get their business card or contact information as well. This allows you to be able to reach out as well, rather than leave the connection only in their hands.

Kate Spade instantly came to mind, and after a quick phone call to Newbury Street here in Boston, my Let's Do Lunch card holder was waiting for me to pick up on my way home.

(I'm also quite in love with the Kate Spade fox phone case)

This perfect little card holder fits right in my wallet, and has made appearances everywhere from the conference, to at the end of a flight after chatting with the person sitting next to me. All through having my card with me, I have met a new friend who also moved to Boston, a woman who was interested in further business conversations, a college student who connected with my grandfather who works in a similar field, and was able to exchange information with another who lives in Boston and has a daughter my same age. They gave feedback that it was notable that I could exchange my info that quickly, and I'm not sure any of these connections I would have stayed in touch with had it not been for that trusty card holder.

The best part? It didn't stop there. I thank my card holder for the connection I made while I went to the store to pick it up as well. On the way to the register, I was perusing the bright colors and playful patterns that is a Kate Spade store, and my mind traveled to twirling around in one of these dresses at my company holiday party.

Kimber, the store manager, happened to be the gal I had talked to on the phone to put it on hold, and we had chatted about store events etc. Luckily, she was still in store, and we continued to chat as I was preparing to buy my much anticipated card holder. As we were talking, I asked if she knew any way to find a great deal on a Kate Spade dress. Little did I know, my deal would only involve a trip to the tailor and dry cleaner.

With the true Kate Spade spirit, she quickly offered up one of her dresses, as they "needed to get out more anyway and not just sit in the closet." The perfect dress, with the perfect bow and twirly skirt, that even had pockets, was now mine to wear for a night out of dancing with Mon Chou, after just a few temporary stitches. And a perfect evening it was.



 I'm not quite sure how I got lucky enough that Kimber picked up the phone that afternoon, that she was still in the shop when I walked in hours later, or that she was generous enough to share her dress with me for an evening. I do know that when you "skirt the rules" and chat with people in all situations, you never know the people you might meet or the exciting (and colorful) things that might come from it.

Happy chatting,
T

When I first moved to Boston, I remember waking up on a perfect sunny Saturday with a lot of exploring ahead of me. I've been in the city for a surprising amount of time now, I know my way around like I've lived here for (almost) forever, and I've met some wonderful people. But that first weekend, contrary to everything that I was used to, I was all on my own for this round of exploring. Growing up where a close friend or family was never far away, this was a bit of a new experience for me.

So I made a plan. I decided there was a city of people around me, and probably a lot of opportunities to meet these people, so I was going to go out and introduce myself.

That afternoon, I wandered through the art market, and learned a bit more about all of the design centers in Boston. I tried a new coffee shop, and gained a new found love for sitting on a park bench and just looking around.

I was sure to bring my notecards with me, and used my nice shady spot to write a few letters to people I wished was sitting on the bench with me. I am a big fan of snail mail, but that is a whole other post. (Stay tuned!)

I looked up from my writing to find an elderly man with a walker. He seemed to notice I was sitting on the bench, and decided to sit on the little chair on his walker instead. That bench definitely had room for two, and I motioned for him to come over.

I can't quite remember who spoke to who first, but I quickly learned that he was from China, and spoke little to no English. It was very interesting how at first it felt so stuck. We both seemed like we could use an afternoon pal, and I wasn't sure how to connect with him through language.

After a few smiles that spoke many more words than we knew how to, we tried to talk about some things that might be recognizable, like family. He told me he had children, and it seemed he was here in Boston with them. I motioned to what a beautiful day it was, and he agreed. His eyes lit up when I taught him the word 'park'. We shared a few conversations, a few smiles that filled in the words we didn't know for each other, and some silent moments enjoying having someone else on the park bench with us.

He got a phone call awhile later, and after hanging up, he turned to me with big eyes and told me it was time for him to go home now. I told him it was very nice to meet him. He took my hand in both of his, and kissed me on the cheek. The smile he had while he slowly walked back to him family was enough to fill you up for the week.

I saw him a few weeks later outside of the post office. He didn't recognize me, and didn't remember the park, but it warmed my heart to see my park bench friend again. When I felt a bit alone that weekend, a stranger on a park bench quickly became a friend, with very little words at all, and that seems like something to remember.

I love a good cookie. When the highlight of your afternoon is popping across the street for a fresh baked mix of chocolate, flour and sugar, you better believe National Cookie Day is treated like a recognized holiday. So this year, I grabbed my work pal and idea partner Shirley, and we went on a cookie hunt.

This afternoon was a bit different than our usual afternoon snack. We devised a plan our business could use to celebrate National Cookie Day too. We strolled down to our local grocery, found the perfect cookie with splashes of M&M's coloring, and had them write our company's initials in big blue frosting. The plan was to take a photo of our cookie and link it to a blog our company has on baking and data quality (pretty cool huh?). Looking back, not only was this one of our most successful social posts, but it's always good when your most successful things are the most fun. I'm not sure if it was the M&M cookie (those always seem to make people happy), or our little escapade of taking artsy cookie pictures in the middle of Boston, but I still smile thinking of how much fun we had on our outting.

And then we took the photo you couldn't help but laugh at. It was like the little cookie takes the big city, with a small arm. I still can't stop looking at it.



After pulling ourselves together, we wrapped up the shoot with the cookie below the Macy's tree. We tend to think the lights really bring out the cookie's features, don't you?

Shirley and I walked back to the office, me eating the cookie along the way. The image of the little cookie with the big city kept coming back to me, and I thought aloud how fun it would be to create an  instagram account of holding different objects up among a big background.

As all ideas seem to do, this idea came back to me at 5am on a Saturday. But, I am glad for it now, as I probably wouldn't finally be writing this blog if I hadn't been awake then. I realized that little cookie picture had more to say than just it's blue frosting letters.

I had wanted to write a blog for a long time. I had wanted it to be something I cared about, and something that might make the people who (hopefully) read it think. I had a rough idea, but nothing quite seemed like the light bulb moment yet, enough to sit down and start typing.

But then I thought about that cookie. It might not have seemed like a big deal, but whether it is one of our quick trips for an afternoon pick me up, or a full blown photoshoot in the middle of a busy street while holding a cookie up, I've gotten to know Shirley really well. I tend to think her standing outside last week during a blizzard to take a photo of a Nutella latte for World Nutella Day is a sign that our friendship has grown a bit. It seems to me things like grabbing a cookie can be sweeter than we think, we just might not take note of it too often.

To me, it seems that the opportunity to connect and communicate with the people around us is available, in so many ways. I have a love for connections and communication, and I think both are things we can constantly learn about. So this blog will be dedicated to all of the ways that we can do both of those things, whether through hosting the neighbors for dinner, talking to the person next to you in the coffee shop, or maybe seeing the importance of celebrating National Cookie Day with your new friend. Thank you for reading along, and I look forward to connecting!