020224: Things that made life special this week
Spicy hot cocoa, natural deodorant, Pilates, a book that's changing my brain, a gorgeous French clothing brand, and more
Hello and welcome to Things That Made Life Special This Week, a celebration of the pursuits that add a little something extra to the everyday.
The Bell’s birthday special is still going on! Take 20% off all monthly and annual subscriptions when you upgrade to paid this week!
Ed note: If you read last week’s Friday newsletter in your email, you saw my little note to self to follow up on the Material cutting boards (obviously left in by accident because I didn’t actually follow up). Basically, I love them! They grip to the counter, they’re a nice size and weight, and the colors are pretty in my kitchen. I wish they weren’t plastic, but they’re only half plastic, so I’ll take that as a win. Highly recommend.
Watching: My Best Friend’s Wedding on Netflix
And then Listening to this light and fun discussion about it on the Sentimental Garbage podcast. I’m having so much fun re-watching the rom com canon this winter! And extending the fun when my favorite pop culture podcast has covered them.
Eating (Drinking?): Spicy dark hot cocoa
On my way home from an appointment the other day, I stopped spontaneously into a shop called L.A. Burdick Chocolate. It’s a cute little place that looks like a chalet in the city and specializes in, yep, hot chocolate. I bought a spicy dark hot chocolate (you can also do non-spicy, milk or white chocolate, and even single-origin!) and noted that they sell mixes that would make an excellent host or hostess gift. Each bag comes with a little whisk!
The drink was rich and delicious: creamy, not too spicy, not too sweet. I’m shocked I had the self control to sip it slowly on my walk home and save the second half for my husband.
If you don’t live in Boston or have a chocolate-specific boutique, it’s a great time of year to get a hot cocoa at your local coffee shop or make it at home!
Trying: Agent Nateur natural deodorant
I’ve seen this product recommended over and over, so I finally took the plunge. I was using a natural deodorant before that was effective for daily use, but not for rigorous physical activity. We’ll see how this one goes! It smells luxurious and totally natural, which is a great start.
Moving: 20 min Pilates with Anna Greenberg on Peloton
My aunt is devoted to her Pilates classes and goes twice a week, so I decided to give it a try yesterday on the trusty Peloton app. Anna made it look really easy, so I was a little intimidated that I struggled so much on certain moves, but my core muscles are sore today so something must have worked. I’m going to incorporate at least one class per week into my strength routine for a while and see if I get the hang of it. All Peloton pilates classes are on the mat and require no equipment.
Reading: How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
This is a wonderful nonfiction book about how to reclaim your attention from the corporate forces that conspire to keep you distracted—primarily on social media. Odell, an artist, writer, and avid birdwatcher, advocates tuning out from your devices so you can tune in to the natural world around you, your family and friends, and your wider local community. So it’s not really about doing nothing, it’s about reclaiming the space and quiet in your own mind so that you can do something meaningful!
Making: So many things! Big cooking week.
First, I made an easy and incredibly flavorful cardamom cake with my friend over the weekend. If you like cardamom, this is the dessert for you. We ate it with whipped cream, but it’s also delicious with jam, plain or vanilla yogurt, whipped crème fraîche, and the like.
Then I baked sesame chocolate chip “pan banging” cookies which are toasty and nutty without containing nuts. Definitely use bittersweet chocolate.
For a weeknight dinner, I made this braised chestnut chicken over white rice; it was super easy with great flavors. I bought already-peeled chestnuts in a jar and skipped Step 1 after the mushroom rehydrating.
I also made both chicken bone broth and vegetable broth, but I’m going to master beef bone broth and then dedicate a whole Dinner Bell newsletter to broth-making, so you can look forward to that!
Following: @thierrycolsonparis on Instagram
I’m drawing so much inspiration for warm weather dressing from this brand’s recently released pre-Spring line that celebrates femininity. It’s a small business and everything is made carefully with the highest quality materials and construction. Their pieces are to own for life. I can just see their dresses and skirts in the French countryside!
Doing: Taking deep breaths of outdoor air
I know: breathing, groundbreaking. But I spent most of January indoors (I suspect I’m not alone) and I’m finally pushing myself to go outside into “nature” (the park; the river walk) and fill my lungs with fresh outdoor air. My goal is to take a long walk outside every day in February, who’s with me?
Join me in the open recommendations thread on Substack Chat, where I’d love to hear what’s making your life special this week. Here’s how to download the app if you don’t already have it.
I hope you have a great weekend!
xx Jane
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