Four Fun Things

I sewed a loop of red and white striped grosgrain ribbon to a key ring (sewed so it doesn’t fray). It’s easy to spot and doesn’t weigh any extra! And when it gets worn or ratty, I just cut and sew a new piece.

Yesss, I’m looking for more of these salad ideas after making one from Caroline chambers’ substack last week! https://whattocook.substack.com/p/farro-fattoush?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true

I came here to say thanks for linking Various key tags, I always forget the name. I LOVE them AND when they ship internationally they check the box that it’s a gift so you don’t have to pay import duties (or at least they used to!). (Happy to pay taxes, import duties on a key tag seems like a gyp, tho!) The second thing I was going to say was that I used to have a keychain that had a glow-in-the-dark part which made it easy to see in the bottom of your bag! AND I see that Various make a glow in the dark key tag!! Win/win!!

I was in New York last weekend and saw the cursed child and Hell’s Kitchen and loved both!

We love Ina Garten’s Greek Salad and we add some pasta to it. Yum! We usually have pita chips on the side.

I love all of the keychain recs but my love of tech and simplicity (and my fear of losing keys) has me living in AirTagville. I love the Apple and orbit AirTag keychains. Boring? Yes. But I haven’t lost a set of keys in years. My husband lost his once but finding them was easy even though they were 32 miles away.

I wish Broadway would hurry and get onboard with digital streaming of theater (like the British National Theater) so people who cannot travel can see them too!

I’ve been making samosa filling and eating it as a side, lol. I am GF and every so often I crave that certain spiced potato pea filling flavor, so I finally realized I could have just that! It is so satisfying :) I used this recipe but there is an Ottolenghi soup version (!) I will try as well: https://www.seriouseats.com/aloo-samosas-5205059#toc-preparing-the-samosa-filling https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026665-spiced-pea-stew-with-yogurt

I am pretty sure CoJ reads my mind! I just created a very easy Orzo salad and I absolutely do not normally cook. Mine was orzo, mushrooms, spinach, and parmesan. Now I have 2 new exciting ideas to try…thanks! Also, how adorable are those fruit keychains. I am now trying to think up a reason I need a keychain. Thanks for being here!

My rule of thumb is to go for a keychain that is colorful enough that I can find it in the bottom of my purse. And my go-to meal lately has been green soup, but I also get enthusiastic about a carrot salad (on toast, with avocado), broccoli salad, or farro salad.

SALAD: I have this on repeat thru the summer. Sometimes I use the peach balsamic vinegar instead of making this dressing – Use any of your fave veggies – even if frozen! https://www.marthastewart.com/1058020/alexiss-chopped-vegetable-salad

https://coreymoranis.com/products/knot-keychain?srsltid=AfmBOorHmcSHMTXAxOXmr95T6Y8jXCYpHbc1YG64EUZSsaFxDthF80FT A Toronto based company – its HUGE but I love it because I always find my keys in a big bag.

I have a keychain with a Title square on it, that’s how bad I am. Would love some recs on affordable matching sets.

I’m a big quinoa fridge salad person. Corn, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, feta, and either a cumin/lime vinaigrette or a greek vinaigrette. Lasts all week and I don’t get sick of it for work lunches.

So delighted to see Maybe Happy Ending featured here! A truly beautiful little show.

I’m seeing Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk next month on Broadway in Glengary Glenn Ross! It’s been years since I’ve seen a Broadway show and I am so hoping the main cast is all there that night.

My key chain is one my daughter wove for me in my fav color combo, hot pink and orange. It holds my house key and library card tag. It’s the first I’ve had a house key because for 60+ years in my former life we never locked our doors ! I love my key chain. My car key is just a key fob, no key chain. I have one I should put it on though… One of those old plastic hotel type things that says Black Lodge Ghost Forest Twin Peaks, WA .

I asked for this yellow heart keychain for Mother’s Day a few years ago (yellow is my favorite color!) and I still absolutely LOVE it. I plan on using it forever! https://www.lisaleonard.com/products/brave-love-yellow-heart-keychain-pewter-prd-lkc0015-pw

Been using this reclaimed leather and wood keychain for years. It’s the perfect size for me not to lose too easily but not bulky. From my favorite local shop full of creative, locally made, handmade goods – POST Detroit. If you’re in Detroit, check it out. But they ship too! https://www.mutualadoration.com/collections/keychains-fobs/products/keychain-reclaimed-wood-salvaged-leather

Big keychain girl over here! I have scaled it back recently, so now my keychain has a simple Chicago keychain I picked up at a little boutique in Humboldt Park (https://humboldthouseco.com/products/chicago-embroidered-keychain?variant=48016822796604) and a gnome keychain my college roommate brought back for me from her honeymoon in Norway. I really like anything that allows my border collie to easily pick them up off the ground when I accidentally drop them :)

We’ve been making this fridge salad recently – it is really tasty with kale, broccoli slaw, chickpeas and peppadew peppers for a little spice: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/happy-fridge-salad

I made my keychain at a glass workshop on Murano; every day it brings me back just a little and is possible the best 15€ I’ve ever spent.

When my husband and I first started dating I said MANY TIMES that our song was going to be “Who Let the Dogs Out” because it would be so funny if we got married and that’s how they announced our marriage. A few months into dating he gave me a rose gold key chain with a Spotify code on it, engraved with “I love you”. This was the first time he had said it! I scanned the code and it pulled up the song “Who Let the Dogs Out”. And that’s how I knew that he was the one.

I love a grain salad that sustains you all week long! These are 2 of my favorites. https://thrivenutritionrdn.com/quinoa-greek-salad/ https://thrivenutritionrdn.com/harvest-farro-grain-salad/

I inhaled this (plus grated carrots, diced apples and pomegranate seeds) every day during my pregnancy: https://smittenkitchen.com/2015/11/date-feta-and-red-cabbage-salad/ Where I live maternity leave starts at 32 weeks, so I made this in the morning, took a 2 hour pregnancy nap and had this waiting for me when I woke up. good times!

need more fridge salad content!!

I generally rotate between these 2 delicious salads- so YUM. https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/10/butternut-squash-salad-with-farro-and-pepitas/ https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/curry-roasted-cauliflower-sweet-potato-salad/

Okay! I have the BEST non-recipe recipe for fridge salad: Cook FROZEN PEAS with PASTA in water and drain. Drizzled with OLIVE OIL. Season generously with PEPPER, GARLIC SALT and FRESH BASIL. Then add a can of GREEK CHICKPEAS from Trader Joe’s. Serve warm or cold. That’s it :) You wouldn’t think it would be all that interesting but the flavors are sooo good.

https://www.thingsremembered.com/Engraved-Silver-Star-Keychain-p51584.prod?sdest=dept&sdestid=2357&storeid=128&categoryid=2357 This is the engraved keychain I’ve carried for years. Fridge salad: corn, feta, kidney beans, tuna, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano and basil. Best pantry lunch!

My keychain is bright pink, looks like an old hotel keychain, and says LOCK YOUR F*CKING DOOR (unedited). I’ve never lost it yet.

Love the Cup of Jo keychain :) do you ship these to Europe?

Love getting more fridge salad recipes. Here’s one of my go-tos that keeps all week. I leave out goat cheese and sometimes skip the almonds if don’t have them in hand and still great and quick to make. https://cookieandkate.com/farro-kale-goat-cheese-salad-recipe/

My keychain I have had for many years now has a large Scoobie (those plastic woven thingies) from primary school days and a cattle ear tag with my full name which I received at an ag themed event I participated. ID’d and textural! Last night I went to a band and the show was such a treat, I’m still riding the high an hour later. I think it counts for about 6 weeks of fun things. They had Emma Watkins (of Wiggles and Emma Memma, that Emma!) perform a song in Auslan with them which was an unexpected joy. No matter how my weekend work day goes I think I’m stocked up on happiness :D

This Ina orzo salad is THE BEST!!!! You need to make it asap if you’re on an orzo kick. So addicting and satisfying with the feta: https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/orzo-with-roasted-vegetables-1

I have a keychain that looks like a little orange but it has an AirTag hidden inside! Just the other day I lost my keys and was able to find them in two minutes thanks to the sound. I got it after my brother lost his keys on a rental car and got stuck on a mountain. One less thing to worry about losing!

This salad has become a tried and true recipe. One of my favorites and it holds up really well during the week! I do like it without the lentils as well. https://www.sproutedkitchen.com/home/2014/12/17/marrakesh-carrot-salad-book-pre-order.html

My fav keychain is plastic and looks like a vintage motel key fob and it reads: “Never read the comments”.

I use TJ quick cook farro for salad rather than orzo as I try to avoid pasta. Looks yummy!

I just made the Charlie Bird Farro Salad your sister talked about last week! I’ll make a chunky Greek Salad, sliced cukes, cherry tomatoes, kalamatas, feta, some sliced red onion, maybe bell pepper and/or pickled banana peppers, basil, oregano and a red wine vinaigrette. Or a chunky caprese…cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil , salt, pepper and olive oil…maybe some balsamic.

Violet Witchel, of dense bean salad fame. Bet she would contribute a dbs for cup of jo

I am the Operations Manager for a real estate staging company, which means I spend a lot of time in a warehouse full of beiges, olive greens, creams, and browns…. So both my coffee travel mug and my mini pickleball keychain are NEON YELLOW. Really easy to find in the sea of neutrals!

My favorite non-lettuce salad is an easy one from Trader Joes. Mix together: – 1 package of their cooked lentils – 1 container of their bruschetta topping (the one in the refrigerated section) – as much feta cheese as desired

My keychain: keys, a baoding ball and mini jingle bells, and a brass disc that started out as a wedding gift from my mother. She had 2 discs made, one with my name on it and one with his name on it and our wedding date. I carried his name, he carried mine. Long after the divorce is final, the writing on the disc is long faded away but I think of my mother every time I see it.

Look up marinated salads. They are usually a bean/lentil base with finely diced veggies and dressing. Often I will add fried tofu for extra protein. I usually add kimchi on the side for more veggies and probiotics. They are super healthy, filling and tasty. The best part is they last the whole week in the fridge.

I made that Charlie bird farro salad from the other day…omfg that stuff is incredible! Could eat that all day everyday yummmm

I feel like you are already going to have a ton of recommendations for fridge salads, but this one is my current favorite: https://thecheekychickpea.com/golden-goddess-salad/ I typically add a little honey to the dressing, especially if I’m trying to get my kids to eat it.

I’m Korean and have wanted to see Maybe Happy Ending when it came out in Korea all those years back. I got a chance to catch it last November, a little after it opened and I was in tears! Full ugly crying at the end. I’m so happy that I got to see this little gem make it all the way to broadway.

Just saw Jersey Boys at our local theater, #broadwaytheaterofpitman and the cast was phenomenal! We’re subscription holders and this was the best show we’ve ever seen there! My favorite keychain looks like an old hotel keychain and says Keys to the Dream House, I got it after we moved into our little 1927 bungalow 5 years ago because it really is our dream house!

On my 16th birthday, someone (sadly I can’t recall who) gave me a letter “A” keychain from the Coach alphabet collection. 21 years of daily bouncing around on my keyring and it’s still going strong.

Am I imagining that there was at one point a “hang loose, my goose” CoJ keychain – or was that just an idea that got floated but never implemented? Regardless, now seems like the time.

My house and car key are on an antique piece of silverware – sterling – that was repurposed as a keychain. Mine is from late 1800s presidential silverware – that was a thing at Jersey shore hotels – and as I am a history teacher, I find it ridiculously pleasing. President Garfield and I rolling out together for nearly 20 years now. My school keys are on a tiny keyring with a cut-out of the state of California, where I grew up. It can also serve as a bottle opener and since I teach Middle School, that may someday be necessary. Many Portland Leather tote bags have a built-in strap to hang keys on —- priceless when it comes to finding my keys.

My sister gave me this squid keychain. I love it when other people notice it and are like, “is that a…squid?” Yes it is. https://minandmon.com/collections/keychain/products/callie-marie-hue-charm-ibiza-blue-leather-keychain

I have a pope Francis keychain from the Vatican and I also have an apple tag and a key chain that you can write on with my cell phone. I hope it gives me half a chance of getting these back!

I’ve had the same key ring for 22 years – a silver heart that was a gift from my parents on my 16th birthday. It held my first car keys, dorm room keys, on-my-own apartment keys, and many more in between. My husband and I just bought the home we hope is our forever home, where we plan to raise our daughter. Adding that key to the ring felt like marking another milestone of adulthood…and now that I’ve typed this, I’ll probably lose my keys tomorrow. An AirTag might be added next.

I got myself a leather keychain during a particular period of family difficulty with words from Talking Heads’ This Must Be the Place: “Home is where I want to be”

https://justinesnacks.com/rhubarb-salad-with-little-gems-hazelnuts-parmesan/ Rhubarb dressing and strawberries-Spring! Justine creates a fab seasonal salad bowl!

When my niece passed her driving test I made her a Various Keytag that said BEEP BEEP.

This Christmas my sister sent me the tamagotchi I had when we were growing up, translucent purple with green buttons. She scoured eBay for the exact one and I haven’t gotten around to replacing the battery for it to even see if it works but I think of her every time I feel around for my keys in my bag and finally grasp that egg <3

Favorite fridge salad in winter: https://smittenkitchen.com/2023/01/cauliflower-salad-with-dates-and-pistachios/. Had it for lunch today.

The way I laughed at the note on the carabiner product page specifying that it is NOT FOR CLIMBING!

I feel like there’s a level of confusion in the comments over a keychain vs. a key ring. I don’t think anyone is out there just carrying loose keys in their purse BUT please comment if you are.

I saw Maybe Happy Ending when I was visiting NY last week and I am obsessed. The leads were fantastic — so much emotion throughout the whole performance! So so good.

One of my daughters bought my other daughter, herself, and me matching cloth shamrock keychains after my mom, their grandmother, died. My mom was so proud of being of Irish descent, and we love to remember her every day in any small way.

I like to make a rainbow salad. I choose a grain (quinoa or farro are favorites), a veggie for every color of the rainbow, a cheese, usually an olive. You can add chickpeas or another protein. I like to make ina garten’s vinaigrette https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/vinaigrette-for-green-salad-recipe-1945558

https://camillestyles.com/food/mediterranean-grain-bowl/ This is a great salad for the summer and easily adaptable. The side benefit is you have leftover quinoa for a breakfast power bowl or other lunch/dinner side.

I recently gifted myself this keychain: https://shop.adamjk.com/products/good-things-happen-keychain Whenever my fingers run across the message in my pocket or purse, it’s a nice reminder of hope.

Fave fridge salad is a Mediterranean-leaning, farro-based salad. Toss quick-cooking farro (that you have, in fact, cooked) with: diced fresh veggies (cucumber, kale, carrots, absolutely whatever), olives (any kind, multiple kinds!), tomatoes (any kind, multiple kinds!), marinated and pickled things from a jar (artichokes, beets, hearts of palm, roasted red peppers), cheese chunks (feta, goat, whatever), and sprinkle in some nuts and, finally, but importantly, chopped herbs (I like basil) and your favorite vinaigrette. ENNNNJOY!

I’ve been making this salad for years and it never gets old. It’s great fresh/warm or as cold leftovers. (It does have chopped kale in it, but the greens definitely are not the star of the show) https://ohsheglows.com/warm-roasted-winter-salad-bowl/

I really want to see Maybe Happy Ending!! I am definitely going to buy tickets because Cup of Jo recommended!

I have been using my late brother’s key ring stamped with Harley-Davidson key ring for almost 15 years.