I’m back with 5 favorite things that have brought me joy and inspiration this summer.
Summer Soundtrack
The soundtrack to my summer has been a steady rotation of the new HAIM and Lorde albums, and more recently the new Justin Bieber album, Swag. I made a new Summer Playlist featuring highlights from these albums, as well as other songs that I’ve had on repeat all summer long.
With the state of the world getting more unsettling by the day, I have found myself returning to nature for grounding and nourishment. Now more than ever I believe it is vital to be proactive in finding daily respite in nature - even if it’s a few minutes / deep breaths a local park in the middle of a bustling city.
Summer Reading
I’ve been loving getting lost in novels these past few months, ranging from an epic multigenerational interwoven narrative (the 2016 novel Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi) to a mystery/ thriller that kept me guessing up until the end of the story (Heartwood, by Amity Gaige).
I have also been savoring each page of photographer Cig Harvey’s new book, Emerald Drifters which features a forward by Oprah’s fave, Ocean Vuong. Cig is not only a tremendously talented photographer, but a deeply soulful writer as well.
Discovering New Recipes
I am finally putting my NYTimes Cooking subscription to good use, and making virtually the easiest recipes featured on the site - easy but delicious! Highlights include the one-pan orzo with spinach and feta, Samin Nosrat’s crunchy cabbage slaw with creamy sesame ginger dressing (a bonafide crowd pleaser), and lastly, Mark Bittman’s classic corn salad with tomatoes, feta, and mint (summer in a bowl).
Experiencing Art
On a recent trip to Maine I visited Colby College Museum of Art, and saw a fantastic Gertrude Abercrombie show, as well as their permanent collection, which features a massive wing of Alex Katz paintings. True heaven. No matter where you live, I encourage you to go see art - either in a museum, gallery, sculpture park, or elsewhere! Nothing feeds the soul quite like experiencing art.
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