Since the preparation here is so simple, the key is to use great ingredients like fresh, organic pastas and gorgeous vegetables (yet another big thumbs-up to Fairway, Iloveyouneverchange). And don't dress it too heavily; the goal is to let the pasta and vegetables shine.
...And this is how we spent the bulk of Sunday afternoon.
I can't believe it's taken me this long to get to Smorgasburg (the foodie portion of the Brooklyn Flea, open Saturdays from 9AM-5PM). What can I say? It's been a lazy summer. And one filled with worries about long Port-a-potty lines.
A sample of Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm recently came my way courtesy of Casey (if you live in NYC, her restaurant reviews are the best), and it's phenomenal stuff, so I have to tell you about it. I'm big on tinted moisturizer all year 'round - I also like Laura Mercier and Fusion Beauty - and this is tinted moisturizer taken to the next level: it moisturizes your skin and protects it with SPF 45 sunscreen, while simultaneously including anti-aging properties and subtle color that brightens and evens out your skin tone. So in theory, it's literally the only (daytime) skincare product you need. (The line also has other products that contain water-repelling ingredients, varying levels of sunscreen, and nighttime balancing elements.)
I was mildly skeptical about it at first, because I feel like anything that purports to do too much probably won't do any of its jobs particularly well, but: wrong. I can't really speak for the anti-aging properties yet, having only used it for a handful of days, but the texture is gorgeous and absolutely eliminates the need for sunscreen and moisturizer, and there's an immediate and noticeable difference in skin tone thanks to the tint - I used nothing else at all on my face, save for concealer on any egregious spots.
TL;DR version: if you're looking to whittle down your skincare program, this is a perfect One Stop Shop.
Mint Oreo Milkshakes.
I get emails from readers every so often telling me their stories and asking for love/relationship advice. I don't print those emails here - not even anonymously - because...well, they're very personal, and they're not my stories to share. (Please, always feel free to email me with this kind of stuff, by the way - I love hearing from you regardless of the subject matter, and if you're nervous about me publishing anything a) know I won't without asking first, and b) just say "would prefer not to have this published," and it won't be, guaranteed).
I'm noticing, though, that a couple of ideas keep popping up over and over in the emails I send back to readers who ask what I've learned about relationships over the past decade or so, or what makes my relationship with Kendrick work.
First, you know how they say that you have to make all those horrible dating mistakes before you're able to open yourself up to a healthy, long-term relationship? That may not be how it goes for everyone, but it was certainly was how it went for me. I fell in love for the first time when I was 17, and broke up with that boyfriend when I was 19 (and then again when I was 22), and for a long time, I thought that was it. I'd been told once or twice that you never love anyone the way you loved your first love, and for years and years, I believed that was true.
First, let me show you a diaper bag that costs approximately as much as a month's rent for a large studio apartment in New York City:
(It's Burberry, for those of you who are curious or have more disposable income than I.) Now that we've got that one out of the way (so pretty; so ridiculous), let's move into more reasonable pastures.
The hardest period in life is one’s 20s. It’s a shame because you’re your most gorgeous and you’re physically in peak condition. but it’s actually when you’re most insecure and full of self-doubt. When you don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s frightening.
- Helen Mirren in Esquire (via justbreathecw)
Concur. Maybe except for the "most gorgeous" and "in peak condition" bits, because wow, was I a hot faux-hair-wearing/priorities-majorly-askew mess for awhile back there (more on all that here)...but really: no problems turning thirty around these parts.
Sayonara, twenties. It was...interesting.
Thanks so much to Molly for giving me the heads-up about GTLI, which works "to help indigenous people acquire the resources and skills to ensure their long term survival while maintaining their traditional cultural values."
If you'd like to support the cause (learn more about GTLI here), there are tons and tons of beautiful hand-beaded bracelets (perfect for stacking!) for sale. They're just $10-$12, and 100% of the purchase price goes to the women of the Hamar tribe (in Ethiopia) to help them provide food for their families.
Q. Hi Jordan, Would you mind recommending some Chinatown restaurants? I'm taking my husband and three kids to visit in August.
