Favorite Things
A new Netflix series I'm obsessed with, my favorite pizza condiments and more...
Hello, friends!
I hope you’ve all been doing well, and happy Friday! It’s been a long week, and I am very much looking forward to some quiet time at home. I just finished (re)reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with my daughter, so we’re hoping to cozy up and watch the movie together this weekend. Also on deck: listening to the new Taylor Swift album, taking walks outside (tulips and cherry blossoms are in bloom all over town, which is making me very happy indeed), and enjoying slow mornings and big breakfasts. Weekend things.
If you’re in need of inspiration yourself, here are some things I’m into lately:
My new Netflix obsession is Ripley - it’s totally brilliant; have you seen it yet? The Talented Mr. Ripley, the 1999 movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Jude Law, is one of my all-time favorites, so I was initially too caught up in comparing the two to really appreciate the series in its own right. A few episodes in, I started to really love Ripley for exactly what sets it apart from the movie - it’s slower paced, more subtly acted and stylistically very different. The series is shot entirely in black-and-white film noir style and consequently feels much broodier and “artsy”. It has stunning cinematography, incredible acting, an exquisite Italian backdrop, and a totally compelling storyline. I can’t wait to rewatch it and I haven’t even finished the series, that’s how much I love it.
A few years ago, I treated myself to a nice set of wind chimes - listening to their gorgeous sound outside my window each day is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures.
We love homemade waffles in my house, but our trusty waffle iron recently bit the dust - RIP. We replaced it with the Cuisinart Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker, which has exceeded my expectations. Perfect waffles, every time!
I’m trying to teach myself Italian and loving the Coffee Break Italian podcast, along with daily time on Duolingo. I am determined to be able to communicate beyond “Ciao” and “Grazie!” next time I visit.
You know we have weekly homemade pizza night in my house, but did you know this is my favorite pizza seasoning? I’ve tried most of them, including some very fancy brands, but Frontier Co-op’s is the best (I think it’s the fennel seed that sets it apart for me). This White Truffle Pizza Oil is also next-level.
I loved this episode of Rich Roll’s podcast with Dr. Layne Norton on debunking pervasive wellness misinformation on social media, as well as lots of other nuggets on plant-based protein needs, exercise, mindset, weight management and more.
I recently discovered
and her newsletter is a treasure trove on eating for brain health/cognitive wellness. She also plans the most incredible retreats to Italy (sigh!) and Costa Rica, and does a deep dive into the lifestyle and eating patterns practiced in these regions that enjoy lower rates of cognitive decline and better overall longevity.I hope you have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Stay healthy and well. Treat yourself to something nice (even if it’s just a walk among flowers or an extra 10 minutes in bed) and talk kindly to yourself - you deserve it. Thank you for reading, I appreciate you!