Nourishing Things
A roundup of practices, reads, eats, and products that feel good and grounding
Lately I’ve been flying through books based on recommendations from others. Since I’ve also been getting questions on a variety of topics—and I love a good rec myself—I’ve made a lil’ list of a few things that have been nourishing me lately, inside and out.
This isn’t to promote any specific practice or product, but to share what I’ve been passing along to my in-person and online community—everything from yoga props to recipes; from earrings to face oils.
Health and wellness—whatever the heck you want to call it—are so personal and individual. So if anything, let this guide and inspire you to make intentional choices that nourish your body and mind.
The undercurrent of all of this is to be as ecologically-conscious as possible. Because without nature, we would neither have anything, nor be here to enjoy any of it.
Remember that taking care of ourselves better equips us to take care of each other and this giant space rock we all call home.
Some items below contain affiliates links—I receive a small commission (no cost to you).
Cooking
Chickpea stew with coconut and turmeric. An Alison Roman winner. I used chard for the greens and added zucchini—so satisfying. Will make again.
Lemon jam. Halved the sugar in this recipe—turned out tangy and delightful. Here’s how I jar homemade jams using my German partner’s grandma’s method.
Drinking
Lemon ginger tea. Fresh ginger, lemon (or lime) + peel, dried sage + nettle. A go-to, especially when I teach morning yoga classes—I enjoy it cooled in the summer, too.
Nut milk (homemade). Made both cashew and almond milks; used the pulp for cookies.
*Code SASHA10 = 10€ off European Mylky orders
Baking
Almond pulp cookies. Modified with black sesame paste and whole wheat flour. Thoroughly enjoyed, and love reusing the pulp from homemade nut milk.
Lemon cake. Halved the sugar and used yogurt in this recipe. 10/10 recommend.
Mindful-ing
Belly breathing. As someone recovering from anxious tendencies, this simple practice has been surprisingly profound for both my mental and physical wellbeing.
Silva Method. Not “traditional” meditation techniques, but I’ve been experimenting with it for the past 5 months and it’s offered some unique, helpful mindset tools.
Moving
Virtual Iyengar yoga classes. I’ve been increasingly intrigued by the practices and postures that support hormonal and digestive health—Nikki’s insights here have been game changers for me. It’s also helped tremendously with my wrist recovery.
Yoga bolster. Getting a lot of use out of this lately and wondering what I ever did without one. A student also recently asked about blocks—I use cork ones.
Brushing
David’s nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Working really well for me, and I find the research on this ingredient pretty fascinating. Also a cool family-owned company.
BeeWise recycled toothbrush heads (EU). Made with 80% bio-based bristles sourced from castor oil for Oral-B electric brushes. Plus Ultra has similar ones in the US.
Moisturizing
Living Libations Best Skin Ever. My skin loves this oil, especially during dry winter days and windy spring winds. A friend recently told me my face smelled lovely, too :)
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Magic Balm. I use this all winter and spring—it’s great for travel, too. It saves my hands, lips, and dry nose. Versatile, gentle, and effective.
Sleeping
Magnesium. This one has worked well for my sleep and digestive regularity (💩✌🏼).
Mouth tape. I caved to the trend, and I have to say it works for me. I use a skin-safe tape I already had, and I’m happy to see some more sustainable options out there.
Wearing
Catbird gold filament hoops. I rarely take these out and always get compliments. Perfect for my second and third piercings. Appreciate their eco commitments.
Pact organic cotton socks. So comfy and cozy. Spring in the Côte d’Azur can sometimes still be a bit fresh, and these keep my feet warm without overheating.
Fun fact: I’m no fashion influencer, but I do have an MFA in fashion merchandising (essentially business) with a thesis on eco-conscious brands and products—so sustainability has remained an undercurrent in how I dress and how/what I consume.
Reading
Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor. Thought-provoking and sneakily emotional.
(Eco-ish tip: I use the Libby App to borrow Kindle books from my Cali library.)
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Glided right through this. So touching.
Podcasting
Good Hang with Amy Poehler. The world needs laughter, and Amy always delivers.
The David Ghiyam Podcast. Digestible spiritual insights and practical lifestyle tools.
Listening
I’m Still Here soundtrack. This film was beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at once—and the groovy Brazilian tunes are a vibe.
Radio Melodie d’Azur. A new favorite local radio station with all the classic jams.
Watching
Pasta Grannies. It is therapy, it is joy. It is the content we all need.
Laura Ramoso. Her reels with My German mother, My Italian father, Checking in for a flight in Italy, and Renting a car in Italy are truly medicinal. Laughter Rx.
Appreciating
The Hunger Project. I read about them in The Soul of Money and was really moved.
World Central Kitchen. Incredible, ongoing global disaster-relief efforts.
Onward
Nourishment comes in many forms—whether it’s a juicy yoga practice, a soothing skin oil, a delicious homemade meal, or tunes that make your shoulders shimmy.
Stay curious and explore the stuff that feels supportive for you so that you feel good enough to support others.
What’s been nourishing you lately?
Take good care,
S