APRIL // Things We Love
Spring is in full bloom in Northern California. There's nothing like this time of year, driving through the hills painted with California poppy and lupin flowers. Its magic! We're still getting some 'spring showers' and can't help feeling grateful for the rain, but also nostalgic for full on warm and sunny days. Until then, we're relying on our favorite things to keep us inspired and balanced this season. IN MY KITCHEN // Deborah Madison's new cookbook is just what we needed to call in some kitchen inspiration. Her simple, herb forward, home cooked meals are perfect for comforting dinners to enjoy shared or solo. Definitely finding that making meals at home has been really grounding during this wild April full moon!
SHISO SALT // The Healdsburg Shed is one of our most favorite places for inspiration in Sonoma County. There's always bouquets of fresh cut farm flowers greeting you as you walk in and their menus are seasonally curated, showcasing the best of what's growing in the area. All the attention to detail makes you always feel special eating there. They've recently launched a line of salts and spices and we're dying to try this Shiso Salt. How lovely would a sprinkle be on a macro bowl, a spring salad or on top of a runny egg?
SURIBACHI // I was re-inspired to use my mortar and pestle after a stay at the Apple Farm in Philo. The owners' dream french country/laid back California farm kitchen had multiple suribachi and mortar and pestles on the main countertop, with freshly crushed herbs. It made perfect sense to have them out, ready to use rather than keeping them all clean and tucked away! This is the one I have at home, but have been wanting to get this one to add to the collection.
NETI POT // With all that's in bloom right now, allergies are on the rise. Using a neti pot is a great way to clear excess mucus from the sinuses, clear excess thoughts from the third eye and help to soothe seasonal allergies. Our Ayurvedic teacher formulates the salt blends for the Baraka Neti Pots and they are amazing! We're in love with this black one from the shop, Sonomama. If you pick this practice up, please be sure to follow all instructions--especially regarding safety. It's critical to use clean, distilled water that is warm but not too hot to touch.
VETIVER E.O. // Another trick we learned from our teacher is using vetiver essential oil for grounding. Its earthy smell and resinous texture literally sinks you into your body which can be hard to do during these intense full moons and temperature swings. We love putting a drop behind our ears or rubbed into our hips before bed.
CALENDULA OIL // One of our favorite essential oil brands is now making organic cold pressed carrier oils! I spotted this one the other day and love how high quality all of the oils are. Calendula oil is great when the skin needs gentle soothing. Its makes for a lovely face oil and is also a wonderful option for daily summertime abhyangas.
CHIA SEEDS // Not a new wellness tool, but certainly a favorite that is making its way to the forefront of our daily routines as of late. Hydration is key this time of year as we continue to shake off any remaining stagnation from winter. We've been adding 1-2 tablespoons of chia to a liter of water and keep sipping on them throughout the day to make sure we're keeping our waterways moving.
BIRKIN BASKET // Did you see the new Free People update? They've added a ton of breezy spring staples like this basket that's perfect for collecting herbs and for taking on retreat to Palm Springs. We're getting closer to the retreat weekend and hope you can join us! Pop over the Free People page for more info.
SHIBORI WORKSHOP // Learning the magical art of indigo dying has been a dream of ours and we're excited to share a Shibori Workshop with our community. Join us for a spring day in the garden, where we'll learn 5 shibori techniques from our friend and textile goddess, Lisa Wilde. We'll enjoy a vegetarian lunch, provided by yours truly and work on indigo creations of our own to take home. Sunday, April 23rd // 10-5pm // $125 // Sebastopol, CA.
Email us -- info@thegreatkosmic kitchen to RSVP or for more info!