Joie de Vivre #4
A few delights making me smile
Hi Friends!
Hope everyone had a nice week… We’re smack dab in the middle of summer and I’m trying to soak up every moment! A few things on my bucket list are getting some beach days in, making a summer pasta for friends, getting film developed and going to the Hollywood Bowl. Here are some more fun things to eat, drink, watch and wear!
WATCH: America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - Thank you Alessandra for this hot tip! This show on Netflix follows the class of 2023 as they audition to be part of DCC - the cream of the crop for professional cheerleading. It’s a rollercoaster of a watch, but if you like incredible dancing, stressful sports and observing some truly interesting real life characters, this is for you. I desperately need to learn the Thunderstruck routine… Who wants to join me? All we need is a football field and some white boots.
EAT: Is it just me or are pop-ups poppin off?! I love going to them, it feels so personal and special. It’s a fun way to support chefs you love that might not have their own restaurant, or maybe they do and just wanna do something diff! Last week we went to Chainsaw for the first time and it was SO great. The backyard vibes were immaculate, all the food is cooked by fire and prepared out of a garage then passed around from table to table. It was a really refreshing experience and I loved watching some talented people make something happen for themselves! I highly recommend going and trying everything on the menu. My favorite was the fried snapper with chili mandarinquat salsa. We also went to the Yess x Dudley Market Vol 2. Yess is one of our favorite restaurants in the Art’s District which is definitely a solid hour away in peak traffic. Whenever they come west, we take advantage! Chef Junya did a tuna lip to tail menu which blew us away. My favorites were the tomato tonnato and the tuna katsu cheeseburger. If you happen to be in Northern Cali, you must make a plan to get over to my girl Bri’s pop-up called Lemon Hill - every Thursday and Friday in Santa Rosa. Everything she does is delicious and I’m dying to try her clam pizza soon. All these pop-ups are getting me inspired… so keep an eye on this space.
BLING: I just received the most magnificent rings from Dorsey and OMG am I in love. They are so luxe and fabulous! I got the double trillion Theodora stack in sterling silver with lab grown white sapphires and emeralds. They also come as individuals which is great when you want a more understated look! I’ve wanted a big shiny ring and this is something that looks like a million bucks, but doesn’t cost it.
GIVE: The gift of fruit. Show up with a basket of mulberries, strawberries, cherries, peaches, or a melon! This is the energy I wanna bring to the function. Fruity and delicious. Hit your local farmer’s market - it’s currently stone fruit season - and get a couple extra of whatever you’re getting to bestow on your lucky friends.
OBSESS: I’m verrrrry excited for the Olympics! I will be living for these incredible athletes representing their countries and achieving their dreams! I find it so inspirational and emotional! When I was a kid, I rode horses competitively and always dreamed of competing in the Olympics - it didn’t quite happen, but I’ve got the spirit! I’m so looking forward to gymnastics, tennis, swimming, volleyball, diving, and watching Sha’Carri crush on the track!
LUST: Old Stone Trade everything. This brand is it. Everything looks so chic and well made and is produced by craftsmen who specialize in textiles, tailoring, knitting and more. I am in love with the Handmade in America collection, this is the vibe for fall and forever. I just placed an order for the Blucher shoes which will take 6-8 weeks to make. Can’t wait to report back!
BEAUTY: I’ve been a fan of ZIIP for many, many years - I have their 1st generation device from nearly 10 years ago! Basically it’s a little hand held micro/nano current that lifts, tones and brightens the face. They have different programs on their app to follow along with that target specific needs like, jawline or “instant gratification”. I was just kindly gifted their new Halo device and am back on my ZIIP game and couldn’t be happier. Taking the 5 or 6 minutes to do a little sculpting feels like a nice thing to do for myself and I truly see a difference! Also, in case you’re nervous, it’s completely pain free, I find it quite relaxing! They are a bit pricey, but if you use it often, you’ll see results and luckily, they gave me a discount code for y’all. Use KISSZIIP for 10% off.
DRINK: Homemade watermelon margaritas… I made these the other night on a whim and it couldn’t be more simple and summery! I just threw a container of chopped watermelon in the blender with ice, the juice of 3 limes and a couple shots of mezcal. Honestly woulda been just as good without the booze too. Do a salty/tajin rim and boom! Instant fun.
Hope you’re enjoying a nice, relaxing weekend. If you’re up for a little baking project, I highly recommend Marion Burros’ legendary plum torte. The plums are perfect right now, it’s an easy bake and a big crowd pleaser. Brought one to a dinner party last night and it was a hit! Let me know how it goes if you make it! I’ll be trying to watch as much Olympics as I can! Thanks for the love on last week’s issue on carryon packing and everything I wore in Italy! Next week will be the Puglia guide but in the meantime, you can follow me on IG @kissser and shop my faves here! Thanks again for reading. Y’all are the best!
xo
Michèle
P.S. If you make a purchase using the links above, I may make a commission. Merci!
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