In our weekend round-up, we focus on a curated selection of posts, for each of your six senses.
Plus a little bonus called DO GOOD. Because we believe in giving back and doing good. And there are so many great people + organizations out there, doing just that.
Miscellany.
Simple. Beautiful. Inspirational. And probably funny.
Grab a cup ‘o tea, a latte, or some other deliciousness and dig in.
xo
I am SO excited to see the new film created by street style photographer Ari Seth Cohen. Advaced Style :: the movie, is based on Ari’s blog which captures some of New York City’s most fashionable seniors. The film dives into their personal lives, their philosophies on beauty and aging and of course their eclectic style. These women are such inspirational voices in a sea of youth obsession, and they prove that with age comes grace, confidence and (always) style!
My favorite thing about living in L.A. is the plethora of craft fairs. I mean it’s kinda crazy. There’s an artisanal type fair or event virtually every weekend during the summer months (and beyond). At one such craft fair in my East LA ‘hood I met the creator of Sandoval Room Sprays (my new scentsory obsession). Each small batch bottle or aromatic room spray is made of pure essential oils that are expertly blended into one of four incredible scents. Seriously, I dare you to choose — it’s impossible. On top of the beauty of the blends, each bottle contains a natural crystal, charged in the light of the full moon, to enhance the intention of each spray. I mean . . . so good!
Tip :: This isn’t just a room spray. I use it everywhere – my bedroom linens, in the living room, in my car, on myself!
Tip :: This isn’t just a room spray. I use it everywhere – my bedroom linens, in the living room, in my car, on myself!
I love this new age of music. Musicians can create and release their own material (see ya later record labels), plan their own tours and surprise us with new material on the regular. Yesterday one of my favorites, Thom Yorke (of Radiohead fame) released a new record exclusively on BitTorrent for a mere $6. Considered to be a music innovator in many respects, this album is a must download.
I’m a sucker for products. Edible products. Face care products. Body products. Office products. You name it. I love the tangible. The sense of holding something in my hands, feeling the texture, the weight, the temperature — nothing will ever replace the handmade. If you’re here in Los Angeles, and you’re a fan of DIY and all things handmade, you’ll definitely want to check out this incredible workshop at Communal LA (coming up on October 12th). Herbalist + landscape photographer Molly Steele will be guiding makers through how to make an herbal healing salve for the skin. I’m so in!
A few years ago I heard about one of my favorite chef’s involvement in creating a chocolate bar. I knew I had to try it, being the ultimate fan-girl that I am. So I tracked down and ordered a few of the limited-edition Good & Evil Bar’s from Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert and Eclat Chocolate’s Christopher Curtin. I’m not just saying this because I believe Mr. Ripert can do no harm — The Good & Evil bar is one of the best chocolate bars I’ve ever tasted. The trio hikes into the Peruvian jungle where there are only a few trees that produce this prized Peruvian Pure Nacional cacao beans. They bring it back and make a limited edition run of bars each year. If you can get your hands on one, try not to eat it all at once (or better yet, order a handful while you still can)!
I recently came across the book SECOND SIGHT by Dr. Judith Orloff that details her own story of learning to listen to her intuition. In the book she shares her thoughts and lessons, so that we too can begin to tap into our own inner wisdom. If you struggle with hearing or listening to that “inner voice” that everyone talks about — this book might be a great introductory first step into how to find and cultivate a relationship with your inner world.
Last night while on the hunt for a dress to wear to an event tonight, I saw something that sadly I know isn’t uncommon. Something that made me so angry, I wanted to lash out with rage. Something that makes me cry just thinking about it. I witnessed a woman slap her dog in the face because he was barking too much. It was so painful to see and yet this type of abuse happen every single day, all over the world. Whether in homes with domesticated pets, puppy mills, factory farms or hunting and poaching — animals have long born the brunt of our sometimes abhorrent human ways. I love the mission behind the Animal Welfare Institute (one of the highest ranked charities of its kind). The work they do both on the ground and in policy change is powerful and SO needed.
