This is my new H&M coat, which I like a lot. It's a spring weight coat, fully lined in adorable polka dots, see the adorable? It's perfect for a number of reasons, it's cotton (I find wool itchy), the collar is cute but not too cute, it's fitted but not too much, it hangs to the knees but it's not too full and swingy, it's not too trenchy, it's not too military or vintage-y. And the pockets, which aren't too shallow, are also lined in the polka dots. I think it was around $70. And it comes in red.

The scarf is my latest knitting accomplishment, it only took me four months to complete, ha ha. It's the Lace Ribbon Scarf pattern from Knitty done with Comfort DK yarn, which is surprisingly excellent. And I'm thrilled that Comfort is now offered in a chunky weight as well.

While I'm talking about kitchen stuff this week I will also tell you about my favorite spatula. I have a bunch of spatulas in my kitchen including a Chef'n Switchit, one of the substantial Williams-Sonoma silicone spatulas, one of those KitchenAid mixer-shaped spatulas and various orange generic spatulas but the one that I consistently reach for is a small Orka all-purpose spatula. It's got the killer combination of being seamless silicone with a sturdy embedded metal handle, not too floppy on the end and really really easy to clean because you can just drop it in the dishwasher without worrying over hurting a wooden handle. It recently met with a food processor blade (sob, also, duh) so I went back to buy another and discovered they also offer a larger spatula and spoonula, silicone turner and slotted turner and a wide fish turner. Now, if only they still made them all in orange.

mushroom bourguignon and smashed chickpea salad at Smitten Kitchen

Melt-in-the-Mouth Cookies, a brief history at Justinsomnia

Homo Sapien Tool at Better Living Through Design

Eight-Week Online Introduction to Food Writing Course with David Leite, it's expensive but probably well worth it

How to Read A Wine Label at Chow

I just discovered lapsang souchong , which might be the greatest drink I've ever encountered. What other smoky things can you recommend? at Ask Metafilter

Chicken Tikka Masala approved by Alicia at Posie Gets Cozy

My Favorite Tomato Sauce recipe at Eating Well Anywhere

Why does my Ikea SENIOR casserole, which has a "matte enamel interior", come with instructions for seasoning? at Ask Metafilter