Monday Memos // 28

Listening:

"Slumber Party With Alie and Georgia" a podcast. 

I discovered this podcast a few weeks ago when I went through the six degrees of separation game with another favorite podcast, My Favorite Murder. (Georgia is the cohost of both; there is an episode where Alie and Georgia interview the other MFM cohost Karen. Have you lost me?)

Ghost stories, rants, tales of embarrassing midnight snack obsessions... I love it all! Though there haven't been any new episodes this year, I'm combing through the backlog with great enthusiasm. 

I want to be friends with Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark. (image via alieandgeorgia)

Reading:

“Everything I Want to Eat: Sqirl and the New California Cooking" by Jessica Koslow (the chef of Sqirl in Los Angeles) and Maria Zizka.

Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl: The definitive grain bowl at Sqirl. (via luckypeach)

This place is at the top of my list for when I visit LA. I've never seen such beautiful images of toast. For real, the Sqirl toast is so thick and in that perfectly iconic bread shape, I just drool thinking about it. 

That Burnt brioche toast...(via civilianglobal)

I've had the cookbook on my Amazon wishlist since it came out last year, but I went for an evening stroll at my library tonight and there it was, waiting for me. I love that the first page I opened to had a stunning photo of Busy Phillips looking back at me (I love her!). I cannot wait to dive in. I'm drooling again. 

The design and images are perfection. (image via amazon)

Craving:

Honey sunflower butter.

I bought this jar of Wild Friends nut butter months ago from a discount shelf at a local grocery store. One day recently I finally broke the seal and have had it every single day since. On rice cakes, on banana millet bread, on sweet potatoes, licked off a spoon or fork or knife. It is great. 

Other interesting sounding Wild Friends flavors I'd like to try: 

• VANILLA ESPRESSO ALMOND BUTTER
• HONEY PEANUT BUTTER WITH CRUNCHY PRETZEL BITS
• SESAME CRANBERRY PEANUT BUTTER
• ORGANIC MAPLE SUNFLOWER BUTTER

I want to try the chocolate sunflower seed almond butter, too. (via wildfriends)

Wearing:

All I can say is: same as it ever was. 

Watching:

"Wild Tales," a 2014 Argentine black comedy anthology film composed of six standalone shorts, all written and directed by Damián Szifron, united by a common theme of violence and vengeance.

“As high-spirited as its title suggests, “Wild Tales” opens on a savage note and ends, well, that’s for you to find out. In between its shocker start and equally startling windup, this Argentine anthology offers up a scabrous, often unsettlingly funny look at human behavior in extremis. ”

— Manohla Dargis (via NYTimes)

Some great waitress revenge. (image via nerdist)

Wanting:

This is outlandish and aspirational, but I have been lusting after some Rosie Assoulin pieces. Friend of Leandra Medine, she makes the most delightful, breathtaking and fun wearables. 

Wrap Ruffle Bra Top. (via modaoperandi)

Thank You, Have A Nice Day Cotton Tee & Artichoke Hearts High Waisted Pants. (via modaoperandi)

Cork Screw Top. (via modaoperandi)

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)

Monday Memos // 17

Listening:

"My Favorite Murder" A true crime/murder mystery podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. 

I'm not usually someone interested in horror and gore, creepiness and death. BUT this podcast is amazing and makes me enjoy the darkness. It probably helps that it is hosted by two hilarious, unapologetic ladies--I would listen to whatever subject they presented to me. 

Sometimes I question listening to this podcast when I am alone at home, in the shower. However, it never gets to me in a way that makes it hard to sleep. If anything, I feel more informed about history and empowered by the catchphrases like "stay sexy and don't get murdered."

You might just become a Murderino too. (via themajorie.com)

Reading:

"From Syria, With Love" by Amanda Avutu.

I always read The New York Times' Modern Love series (that's another good podcast). This past weekend, I had tears welling in my eyes while reading. They were of the happiness variety, though.

In this time of heartache and chaos and horrible actions, it was so nice to read about decent people doing decent things. Humanity is always appreciated. Everyone should read this. It's a perfect holiday time story. 

By Brian Rea (via nytimes.com)

Craving:

Oats.

That would be the general way to describe this craving. Today, specifically, it came in the form of granola: soft-baked peanut butter and jelly granola from Lucky's Market.

This stuff is kind of like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie fell apart in a bag. Moist clumps of nuts and oats, a dried strawberry and cherry here and there. Delicious. I accidentally ate the whole bag in one sitting.

More please. (via snackville.com)

Wearing:

Girlfriend Collective leggings.

These leggings are high-waisted, so soft, really durable and I want to put them on every single day. Plus, their site and social media accounts are beautiful and inspiring. 

If that's not all, to introduce the world to their brand THE LEGGINGS ARE FREE!

"We are doing this free campaign because we believe the best way to fall in love with a product is to try it yourself. Our experience in the fashion world developing premium denim lines inspired us to make something of our own that spoke to our values."

Those who want them just have to pay for shipping (roughly $20). It is worth it. (Do it!) They are incredible and I cannot wait to see the rest of the collection set to debut early 2017. 

Photography by Sisilia Piring and modeling by Tavia Bonetti (via hypebae.com)

Watching:

"Blue Jay" A movie written by Mark Duplass. 

I sat down to watch a little bit of something Saturday night and came across this film on Netflix. I love all things Duplass (Togetherness, The Overnight, The One I Love, Animals, roles in Transparent and The Mindy Project, etc.), so I was pretty certain I would be satisfied with my choice. 

I laughed and I cried and I felt so many feelings. It was like a play, short and simple (80 minutes, two main characters, black and white). I loved it and I kind of want to watch it again. 

Sarah Paulson's outfit is perfect, too. Along with the score and Waynie and everything else.

"Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson play high school sweethearts who have a chance encounter decades later in “Blue Jay,” directed by Alex Lehmann." CreditThe Orchard (via nytimes.com)

Wanting:

Perhaps because of all the planning of my future and new paths and new destinies, I've been wanting a tarot deck.

I came across this animal spirit deck months ago on one of my favorite blogs and the idea has been in the back of my mind ever since. I like the idea of pulling a card each day to awaken some magic. 

"Use the deck for self-reflection, as an oracle, for inspiration." (via thewildunknown.com)

"Open your mind, draw a card, and have fun on your journey…" (via thewildunknown.com)

The Golden Universal deck looks pretty dreamy. (via shopspring.com)