Eleven years ago I told my older brother something ain’t right. I don’t feel okay. A week later I was sitting in a prescribing psychiatrist’s office, at the recommendation of my family. I explained to her that winter is not my friend. I’ve dealt with Seasonal Affective Disorder long before I knew the term, since back when I was a girl. Each East Coast winter my inner lights would predictably dim. Despite my efforts to the contrary (Exercise! Plan a trip! Take my Vitamin D!) I’d pale, physically and mentally.
Did she write me a prescription? Nope. She said, “Why don’t you move to California?” So I did. And it worked. But after a wonderful decade in the Golden State, it was time for a change. Home was calling on the landline.
I’m now settled snugly in Sag Harbor, a happy camper. So far, so great. Each sunny fall day is a revelation. Leaves changing up their color commitments. Walks in the woods. Fireplaces lit. It all feels extra special not just because it’s new to me again, also because I’m aware of what’s ahead as days shorten. Hello darkness, my old friend. How will I fare? Only time will tell. But here’s some of what I’m doing to boost my well-being, keep me feeling great inside and out.
I am part lizard now. I thought California was arid but the desert is nothing compared to indoor heating in an old house. In addition to dry-brushing, I’ve been slathering on different combinations of lotions, oils and creams in an effort to de-scale.
U-Beauty Super Body Hydrator. Caveat: This is stupid expensive, but it really works. My limbs are now downright dewy and soft. Granted the opaque plastic container is not exactly environmentally thoughtful and you can’t tell when you’re running low, which is annoying. But life is about compromise, people.
Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is a permanent fixture in my shower. Scrub-a-dub even minus a tub and voila, baby skin. If I could use it on my face, I would.
Dr. Bronner’s Virgin Coconut Oil. Coconut oil out of the jar. I snagged this from the kitchen pantry, cheap and cheerful. Earthy vibes here but the stuff is effective and price sensitive, and I guess sex positive, too? It’s edible if you intend to be naughty and nice.
Supplement Season for my OCD friends. You cannot just moisturize from the outside in. Gotta do it from the inside out, too. Omegas down the hatch! I am also keeping my immune system on full power to counter cold & flu season. My supplement game is organized with this pill holder. Most of the others I’ve come across just aren’t big enough to accommodate my daily dose. This baby fits in my purse and closes with a satisfying snap.
Luxurious flannel sheets are a thing. I associated flannel bedding with pilling dorm room beds. But then my client Coyuchi sent me a set of organic flannel bedding (to shoot accompanying images for a post I wrote for their blog about a pen-to-paper gratitude practice). And oh my dear lord, they are deliciously good. I am swaddled in a refined cloud of cozy. They breathe, they soothe. I resent putting any other kind of sheets on my bed until spring thaw.
I am not telling you this because I have any contractual obligation. Nope, zero. I am sharing this glowing review because it’s unequivocally true. Snag yourself a chill-chasing set here. And use the code LAURA_COYUCHI for 15% off.
Soup-er Tuscan. Easiest way I know to feed people (especially yourself) a warming meal is this recipe for white bean and spinach soup. Add a simple salad and a crusty baguette. Done. Make the stock yourself? Congratulations. I don’t, though and I feel zero guilt about it.
Florentine White Bean Soup
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Pancetta or bacon, 3 oz (90 g), chopped
Yellow onion, 1 small, finely chopped
Carrots, 2, finely chopped
Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
Dried oregano, 1⁄2 teaspoon
Tomato paste, 1 tablespoon
Chicken broth, 4 cups (32 fl oz/11)
Cannellini beans, 2 cans (14.5 oz/455 g each), drained and rinsed
I package fresh baby spinach,
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, minced
Parmesan cheese for grating
Sauté the vegetables
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the oil. When it is hot, add the pancetta and sauté until it browns slightly, about 5 minutes. Raise the heat to medium, add the onion and carrots, and sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Finish the soup
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well. Add the broth and the beans. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the spinach and cook until it is wilted and the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the parsley and a few passes of freshly grated parmesan. Serve with flaky sea salt and good olive to drizzle on top.
SERVES 4 happy people.
Enjoy!
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Great post
always happy to hear more ways to get cozy and stay dewy. xx