I woke up this morning, my head throbbing dimly as a reminder of last night: the loud bar, low pulsating music, a throng of bodies crowded into a warm room. I stand at the kitchen counter. I’ve done the usual to wake up. A brisk walk, the cold wind stinging my eyes. A cup of milky coffee. Now, I’m alert but still operating at half-speed.

If you were to find yourself in the position of needing to really impress someone, here's your solution. You can bake this tart, and when everyone says things like oh, you are a true baking virtuoso OR you must have spent hours and hours making that tart OR marry me, you domestic god(dess), you can just smile graciously and think about how easy it actually was.

We had a few perfect fall days this weekend. Knowing that this weather is fleeting makes it feel all the more fantastic. Everyone is out soaking it up: I biked home today along the Hudson River, past dozens of birthday parties and barbecues and groups of friends sprawled across picnic blankets.