Monday Memos // 24

Listening:

"Love Forever" by The Babe Rainbow.

Another case of a modern band looking and sounding old. Still, the song is catchy and feels like the perfect day before Valentine's Day pick. 

Reading:

"One Part Plant" by Jessica Murnane. 

I know I mentioned this just a couple of weeks ago, but my advanced copy came in the mail today and it is superb! 

First off, the foreward by Lena Dunham is wonderful. Second, I want to make everything. Third, it makes plant-based meals easy and approachable. I'm more likely to make things again and again if the recipe doesn't confuse me or require extensive grocery lists. 

Plus, the glimpses of Jessica and her wardrobe and family are beautiful. I want what she is eating and wearing. 

It comes out Feb. 21! (via amazon)

Craving:

Dates!

Particularly Medjools or Deglet Noors. Plain, stuffed with almond butter, thrown in a smoothie, covered in chopped nuts... I am liking any and all varieties. 

Bucket list: get a date shake in Palm Springs. 

I could make my own, but still, I really want to go to Palm Springs. (image by Alex Lau via bonappetit)

Wearing:

A faux fur bomber. 

I had a couple holiday returns and exchanges, so that left me with some gift funds to use for something new. I had been eyeing this faux fur bomber after seeing it posted on Studio DIY, and when it went on sale, I decided this would be my belated present. 

The color is amazing. I only wish it would actually get cold again here in Florida. 

Dusty pink: the color alone is worth it. (via asos)

Watching:

"Girls."

Last night, the first episode of the final season aired. It was a really good one. Without spoiling anything, my favorite parts were: Riz Ahmed, the "Modern Love" column and Montauk ocean feelings. 

I've been watching this show since the beginning and have always appreciated Lena Dunham. I feel like as a 20-something female in flux (life and confusion and emotions and dreams), I can always relate on some level. 

I'm excited for this last season and a bit sad for the end. 

These scenes really made me feel nostalgic for vineyard summers. (image via HBO)

Wanting:

Glittery, shimmery, sparkly socks. 

Perfect for this in-between weather, I could use a selection of sparkling ankle socks. 

Shimmer Dot Socks (via anthropologie)

shimmer colorblock ankle socks (via madewell)

Hansel From Basel Shimmer Socks (via brit.co)

Monday Memos // 23

Listening:

"Ride On / Right On" by Phosphorescent.

Last night I was driving home and had one of those nostalgic flashbacks. I remembered a phase of blasting this song in my car over and over again. I can still listen to it over and over again. 

Listen to the entire album. 

Reading:

For the past few years, I've visited Asheville, North Carolina during December. Each of those visits results in a trip to Malaprop's bookstore/cafe and the purchase of at least one book. My favorite part is the "blind date with a book." The employees cover dozens of books in brown paper and write adjectives across the front. My first blind book led me to Maria Semple (eternally grateful!) and the latest selection brought me to:

"2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas" by Marie-Helene Bertino.

Most important, "2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas" also shares this in common with the best of TV sitcoms: Despite the contrivances, its characters are worth rooting for. Lorca, Sarina, especially Madeleine — even Bertino's version of Philadelphia — are all imbued with such wit, flaw and charm, they deserve whatever love they're offered. Just don't count on the city to return your affections. (via npr.org)

It's not sweet and innocent, but it's a nice break from absolute heartbreak and sadness. I'm excited to see where the story goes. 

Is this why I keep staying up til 2 a.m.? (via beautnspa.net)

Craving:

Pancakes. 

My favorite place in town to get pancakes closed months ago, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own for Saturday brunch. I used Ambitious Kitchen's recipe for whole wheat banana bread pancakes (mini chocolate chips included) and they were superb---so superb I ate 2 servings and still wanted more. 

I might have to make my own brunch every weekend or make a double batch next time and try to save some for midweek eating. 

"Cravings" aka drooling over all the Ambitious Kitchen recipes. (via ambitiouskitchen.com)

Wearing:

Lipstick. 

I told myself I wanted to wear more lip color in the new year. It's fun, easy and I have been accumulating many brands and colors with my Play! by Sephora beauty subscription box, plus freebies here and there. 

Old favorites: Nars lipstick in "Heatwave" and "Schiap." 

New favorites: Smashbox Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Driver's Seat" and Clinique Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey."

(Also, I could definitely be a makeup copywriter.)

Watching:

"Santa Clarita Diet."

It's cheesy, for sure, but sometimes you need to watch a show to a) be on top of popular culture b) always be up for trying a new Netflix original and c) because Drew Barrymore is lovely. Plus, I appreciate the fact that the husband (Timothy Olyphant) is completely devoted to whatever is happening to his wife--cheers to some feminism. 

It all kind of reminds me of an early 2000s comedy meets "True Blood." The ads I initially saw on Instagram are pretty great, too. 

A vegetarian nightmare. (image via comingsoon.net)

Wanting:

From the shirts to the skirts to the pillows to the socks, I want absolutely everything from Gorman. Seriously, can I have one of everything? The shapes, prints and styles are perfect. 

gone bananas pant (via gormanshop)

earn your stripes pantsuit (via gormanshop)

fleur toile dress (via gormanshop)

fleur noir et bleu dress (via gormanshop)

Monday Memos // 22 // One Part Plant Edition

The world is in a worrying place right now, but what is making me feel better: inspiring folks and treating my body with nourishment (physically and mentally). Specifically, I have found positivity in the world of Jessica Murnane and her One Part Plant movement. So, today, I want to pass along the good vibes and OPP mission. Get into it! #onepartplant

Anything is possible with plants.

Listening:

"The Cookbook Deal," a new podcast by the One Part podcaster Jessica Murnane. 

"In this new podcast series, first-time author Jessica Murnane takes listeners through the roller coaster year she spent pitching and making her cookbook, One Part Plant."

This is a really fascinating (and real) insight into the world of making a book. The intro and episode one are up, and there are so many great moments to hear (a phone conversation between Jessica and her dad, short interviews with bloggers and agents, aches, pains and emotions). I love the personal journey and concept of this whole endeavor. 

I cannot wait for the rest of the episodes.

Listen on the podcast's website: thecookbookdeal.com.

Reading:

I got a sneak peak at the "One Part Plant" cookbook and it is GOOD. So good. 

Also, this is a major point: "One Part Plant" isn’t just a cookbook, it’s a movement. It's a new Meatless Monday (but everyday)! The book is about having at least one meal a day made up of real, whole, plant-based foods (minimally processed or not processed at all—veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes).

There's a chapter on the top 10 pantry ingredients that'll make your plant-based meals easy and delicious. I like that I know and love most of the staples, so I don't need to invest in expensive, unfamiliar powders and such. (Gluten-Free Flours, Plant-Based Milks, Nuts and Seeds, Tahini, Natural Sweeteners, Beans and Lentils, Gluten-Free Grains, Coconut, Seed and Nut Butters, and Veggie Broth. PLUS, bonus: Nutritional Yeast and Tamari.)

OPP is not some crazy diet with a list of forbidden foods you can never eat again, and it doesn’t require you to join a cult. OPP is about making plants the star of the show for one meal a day. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you pick. Once a day you’ll create, pick up, or order in (no shame) a plant-based meal. Plus, you can still eat cookies and peppermint cups in the OPP world!

I'm sold, I'm hooked, I want to make everything! 

Also, there is a really informative section on endometriosis, because five years ago Jessica was headed for a hysterectomy at the age of thirty-three, because of her Stage 4 endometriosis. Nothing worked until she changed her diet to a plant-based diet. (Life-changing stuff!)

So, before I spoil everything, pre-order it and get it February 21! (affiliate link)

Lena Dunham even wrote the forward! (via amazon)

Craving:

Plant-based meals! 

I cannot stop drooling over all the recipes in this cookbook and the ones featured on the OPP Instagram. So many bountiful bowls and mouthwatering sauces and sweet tooth-worthy desserts. 

Here are some of my biggest cravings:

Za’atar Sweet Potatoes + Kale (via the One Part Plant cookbook)

Chocolate Chunk Cookies (via the One Part Plant cookbook)

Creamy Mushroom Lasagna (via the One Part Plant cookbook)

Wanting:

To get my hands on this book! To eat more plants! To feel all glow-y and fabulous!

How lovely and radiant is Jessica?!

Insert raise the roof emoji here. (via jessica murnane)

Monday Memos // 21

Listening:

"Awesome Etiquette" with Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute.

I have always been a fan of advice and etiquette. Columns, books and blogs, I enjoy some Q&A sessions (Dear Sugar, Social Q's, Savage Love...). So, in my rotation of podcast listening, I like putting on "Awesome Etiquette." The hosts, Lizzie and Daniel (relatives of Emily Post), are really sincere and thoughtful. Plus, I feel like I am becoming a better host, neighbor and friend through listening. 

I wonder what it is like at the Emily Post Institute? (via emilypost.com)

Reading:

(I'm a little more than halfway done with "The Mothers" and it is incredibly gripping. I cannot wait to see how it ends.)

Things I loved reading recently from McSweeney's (with some particularly humorous and painfully real social commentary):

OBITUARIES FOR TEENAGE GIRLS IF THEY ACTUALLY DIED WHEN THEY SAY THEY’RE DYING

AMERICA, THEN AND NOW

CONCRETE ACTIONS PROGRESSIVES CAN TAKE DURING TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY 

DESSERTS SERVED TO OVERCONFIDENT JERKS

I love everything they do. (image via kickstarter)

Craving:

Sweet potatoes. 

I've been making a lot of baked sweet potato fries, I've been stealing a lot of sweet potato fries off my beau's plate, and I've been ogling a lot of sweet potato recipes online. 

I'm especially intrigued by various breakfast and whole30-inspired recipes with baked sweet potatoes + nut butter (combining last week's craving with this week). I think I'm going to have to try it. 

I love Monique (Ambitious Kitchen) and her recipes always make me drool, especially this "Breakfast Baked Sweet Potato with Almond Butter, Banana & Chia." (image via ambitiouskitchen.com)

Wearing:

Pins. 

I've always loved a little piece of flare. Whether fun, cheeky or provocative, I've been adding a little piece to my daily rotation. Most recent: My best friend adores bacon. We also work Sunday brunch every week. So, I bought him a bacon pin and myself a pair of eggs.

I got this pin at Moorea Seal in Seattle and it feels very relevant. (via mooreaseal.com)

I love that little slice of cake from StudioDIY. (via studiodiy)

Watching:

"This Is Us."

The solution for my missing Parenthood and Gilmore Girls. I cry pretty much every time I watch it and I can appreciate that. Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia are superb and dreamy. I want to watch it every single day. 

I really like the weaving of stories. (image via hollywoodreporter)

Wanting:

To see so many movies. 

I having an ever-expanding list of movies I want to see (whether in the theaters now or showing at Sundance, etc.). I feel like this ebbs and flows, and right now there seem to be so many worthy picks. 

An obvious choice (Ryan Gosling). (via imdb)

"20th Century Women." I love Mike Mills' movies ("Beginners," "Thumbsucker"). (via indiewire)

"Band Aid." Zoe Lister-Jones stars (writes and directs, too) alongside Adam Pally and Fred Armisen in the story of a couple who, in the wake of a miscarriage, can’t stop fighting, so decide to turn all their fights into songs and form a rock band to save their marriage. (via teasertrailer)

"Beatriz at Dinner." Salma Hayek, Chloë Sevigny, Connie Britton, Jay Duplass, Nina Arianda, John Lithgow, Amy Landecker, and John Early. Written by Mike White. Yes! (via teasertrailer)