L O V I N G.
Spring has officially sprung in the Windy City which means our outdoor sofa and chairs are finally free from months of solitary confinement in our basement. Every morning since their release, I have very much looked forward to having my first cup of coffee sitting outside - alone and unplugged. It sets the tone for my day in the most blissful, peaceful way. It's my non-negotiable, daily, self-care practice. It's a game-changer and there are major, evidence-based health benefits to moving your morning cuppa out of bed and into the great outdoors.
Getting outside reduces the production of cortisol. Cortisol levels naturally rise and fall during the day with our highest spike in the morning within the first 30-45 minutes of waking up. If you are having difficulties with anxiety or stress management, immediately starting your day off with 15-20 minutes of outdoor time might be just what you need to stay balanced. One study showed spending just 5 minutes in nature can regulate the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system. There's also some significant brain boosting benefits including improved memory, cognition, attention and creativity. Oh, and there's this little thing called vitamin D which has a huge impact on your immune system, inflammation and your mood.
E A T I N G.
The first year I moved to Chicago, I went to an Argentinian restaurant after watching a show at Second City. Almost a decade later, I still remember the steak grilled to perfection topped with a bright green chimichurri sauce, and the minty-fresh mojitos. It was one of the best meals I have ever had, and Argentinian food became an overnight personal favorite. Strangely, I was never able to find the same restaurant maybe because the mojito was stronger than I thought or because I have trouble finding my car in the parking lot at Home Depot more often than I like to admit. (I would put my money on the latter.) Either way, it has been my own Brigadoon. I've been searching for a chimichurri recipe to recreate the magic at home ever since. I finally found it here! It's everything I remembered and more - it's not mushed beyond recognition into some weird paste, it has a parsley base not cilantro, and the flavor is *chef's kiss*. Drizzle it over steak, chicken, potatoes, shrimp or vegetables then eat al fresco under market lights and add an instrumental tango playlist.
L I S T E N I N G T O.
Does this really require any explanation? I mean it's Julia with Carol Burnett, Jane Fonda, DVF, and so many more. Listen here.
S I P P I N G.
I'm opening up the conversation of adaptogenic herbs with a tea. Rather than popping another pill this tea is a lovely and delicious way to end your day. Think of adaptogens as herbs that help the body adapt, balance and restore during times of stress. Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha benefits include the following: balance cortisol levels and reduce the stress response, improve sperm quality and increase testosterone levels in men, improve sleep, boost immune function and reduce inflammation, lower blood glucose levels and triglycerides, and improve cognitive function.
W E A R I N G.
Last time I checked, I was 99.8% Northwestern European which basically means I'm a white girl with blue eyes and a tendency toward raiding and pillaging. Along with those traits, I also inherited hooded, sensitive eyes which has made wearing eyeliner, eyeshadows and most mascaras impossible until now. The eyeshadow stick by Bobbi Brown has been a game-changer. It doesn't smear all over my face or disappear in seconds after applying. I run this creamy formula on my upper lash line and my eyes seriously pop so much so that my dude of a husband even takes notice.
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