Oh hey, look! It’s me, updating this newsletter that I forget about for months at a time.
I mentioned way back in September that my last boss (turned friend) used to send out something called a Friday Moment of Zen, a combination of work reminders and light-hearted real world updates. Here’s my version….
1) What I’ve been reading - (Connect with me on GoodReads)
The Book of Lost Names - I can’t quit WWII books.
What Could Be Saved - Even though the storyline and writing were both great, the utterly unlikable characters just did it in for me.
Long Bright River - I’m only 100 pages or so into this one but wow. It’s a combination of a thriller/crime novel and a deeper story of family trauma and generations of drug addiction and poverty. It weaves its way between “then” and “now” and I’m totally hooked.
2) What I’ve been watching -
HACKS - Oh, Jean Smart is a national treasure. Watch watch watch!
Startup - I’m constantly on the hunt for something that Pat and I can watch together and this fits the bill. Adam Brody for me and crypto-currency / money laundering for him! We watched the first 2 episodes last night.
3) What I’ve been cooking -
Anything dairy-free. Including this cashew cheese ricotta recipe that was pretty damn great.
Anything with pasta (KIDS!) - I was amazed when my friend Coco, who is a bit of a foodie, didn’t know the joys of Marcella Hazen’s Tomato Sauce. It combines canned tomatoes, butter, salt and an onion and I don’t know exactly what happens but it’s pure magic when it’s done.
Also filed under magic - this Caesar Dressing that uses mayo instead of raw eggs but is still utterly delightful and homemade. I made this for my book club ladies with a big salad and some grilled chicken, steak and shrimp and it was a hit.
4) What else I’ve been doing -
Meditating. No, really. After my recent yoga weekend, I decided to really commit myself to a daily meditation practice. I’ve known for a long time that my morning routine was not serving me (aka wake up, roll over and immediately start scrolling social media). I’m 5 days in and it feels good.
5) Beautycounter News -
Free shipping goes through end of day today (Friday 6/11). The shipping sitch at Beautycounter is my least fave part of the company so please, please take advanatage of this offer. AND, if you’re a new customer (or have a new email address ;)) you can use code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off your order.
As always, reach out with any questions you have. Lately, I’ve been loving the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser with the Vitamin C serum to start my day (even if it’s at 3 pm!) Oh and Dew Skin is a must for pretty much everyday - little bit of dewy coverage plus SPF. Please and thank you :)
Hope you are all enjoying the unofficial start to summer. Lots of love to all.
xox
Ali
alisonmbrady@gmail.com
beautycounter.com/alisonschramm
@alischramm_bc (insta)