Plus lots of wonderful recommendations!
The other day I was the luckiest girl in the world when I got to try the best olive oil in the world. It was a mind-blowing, life-changing olive oil that produced the silkiest, smoothest pesto I’ve ever had. I was eating it by the spoonful! Did I have pesto when I was in Italy? I cannot remember, so it was probably not life changing. Well, this particular olive oil is found in a tiny Italian corner in Boston, so it’s pretty legit, right?
All this to say, life has a way of surprising you. Sometimes heavenly olive oil is just around the corner and it can change your life. Here’s a few things I’ve been trying, listening to, and watching that might also be life changing.
TRY: Quattro Restaurant
Quattro. This unassuming Italian restaurant in Boston’s north end has incredible food – the lasagna is one of the best I’ve ever had – but the real star here is the olive oil (have I mentioned that?). It’s green and gorgeous, and tastes like green fresh butter (this makes no sense, but you get the point). They start you off with bread and their green liquid gold, and pesto sauce. That alone is enough to keep me coming back, but the mozzarella sticks were also delicious.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, it’s a must-try.
READ: Devotions – Mary Oliver
The late poet Mary Oliver once said, “I got saved by the beauty of the world.” Her poetry is so poignant and delightful. Her words encourage you see the world in a different and fresh way. Reading her poetry is like learning to see the beauty of the world through her eyes and being saved by it. She gives her some of her wisdom and magic through the pages of her books, and I love reading a few every day. It really changes my perspective and calms my soul.
WATCH: The Bear
I’m sure you’ve already heard of this little show where a young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after his brother’s death. Season 2 came out a few weeks ago and it’s just as good, if not better, as season 1. It’s a male-dominated show overloaded with testosterone, but it has a lot of heart. The relationships between different characters and their willingness to be there for each other and themselves is what really makes the show special. Having said that, the few females on the show are spectacular! Love, love The Bear.
LISTEN: The Bear Soundtrack
Speaking of The Bear, the soundtrack is fantastic. It’s dad rock and delightful, and just another character on the show. From Taylor Swift to John Mayer (yep!) with a lot of gems in between, there’s a little bit for everyone.
GET: Moon Juice Collagen
I don’t have a very sophisticated beauty routine, but I’ve always believed more in how you heal your skin from the inside out than what you put on your face. Don’t get me wrong, I love beauty products just as much as the next girl, but I also believe in fueling your body with nutrients and a good diet. I’ve recently started taking this collagen protect from Moon Juice and I really like it! It’s vegan and organic, and hydrates skin from the inside out. It’s a natural product that helps promote your body’s natural collagen production.
I like blending it with my coffee every morning and it’s got a subtle, nice taste. Oh, but you’re definitely gonna need a milk frother for that.
MAKE: Strawberries with Whipped Cream
aka the easiest summer dessert.
I couldn’t do a post without inserting some sort of recipe, so here’s summer’s easiest dessert that’s basically 4 ingredients (by the way, there’s no actual recipe, I just eyeball everything): chop some fresh strawberries and add to a medium bowl. For 10 oz strawberries I add 1-2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla (optional, but recommended), stir to combine. Set aside and let it sit while you do the cream: whip about 1/2 cup whip cream until soft peaks form. Add in Trader Joe’s Madagascar vanilla creme fraiche and whisk until combined. Divide cream into serving cups and top with macerated strawberries. It’s delightful. It tastes like ice cream!
