Hi!
A few months back, I told you about how I left a note for a neighbor (who I did not know) whose cottage garden I’d coveted for years. I asked her to help me create my own cottage garden, she said yes, and now she’s mentoring me (and most importantly, we’ve become fast friends). I’ve learned so much working with Joan and swear all the digging and planting is changing my brain…so much so, that I want to learn even more and pay it forward by pursuing a Master Gardener certification this Fall. The program is split up into coursework and volunteer/community efforts – which makes me so excited.
I’m telling you all of this because I think everyone needs a little Joan in their life. And now you can. She’s taking her 25+ years of gardening experience and amazing mentoring skills to build an online platform, The Gardeners Green, to help others (and not just nosey neighbors who stalk her house) learn to grow and live a cottage-inspired life. You can sign up here to be notified about the launch of The Gardeners Green and follow her on IG here.
Alright, a Vanderpump Reunion sandwich for you and lots of special things below!
Love,
Jessica
The Things That Freaked My Week
I’m currently loving…
Crispy Mushroom Ricotta Toast (and dinners outside)
I hosted some friends this week for dinner on my back porch, and I made Bon App’s mushroom toast - and it was SO GOOD. I used Kite Hill’s ricotta and some sourdough for the “country-style” bread. It’s definitely going to be in the rotation for more dinner parties. And for my centerpiece, most of the bouquet on table was foraged except for the David Austin roses gifted by Joan (mentioned above). I had never heard of David Austin roses before that day, and now I’m name-dropping David Austin all the time (and want David Austin roses of my own). David Austin. David Austin. David Austin.
Dutch Bolwoningen (Bulb houses)
Interesting read about these bulb homes designed by Dries Kreijkamp in AD.
”The need for simple, sustainable dwellings is certainly more apparent now than it was in the early ’80s. Even if aspects of Kreijkamp’s vision for housing leaves something to be desired, there remains much that forward-leaning architects can learn from his vision.”
Jayson Home x Tensira Collection
Loving all the pieces of this collaboration, especially this dream couch. My budget might need to settle for these napkins for now…
Castor Fleuriste
I want to live in this studio (click here and scroll down to watch the video), buy this vase from the collection, and have this bouquet delivered to my house.
One more!
My friend Ari Bendersky launched a newsletter that covers lots of wine, food, “glorious things”, and more wine (he’s really into wine, but not in an annoying way). You can follow him here!
Something About Her-Inspired Greek Sandwich
If you watch Vanderpump Rules (or just started watching because of Scandavol), next week’s reunion is our Super Bowl. And a Super Bowl needs gushy food.
In honor of There’s Something About Her (Arianna and Katie’s maybe-future sandwich spot), I recreated their Greek Sammie (from their preview party on episode 14). I have no idea if these are the exact ingredients…but from what I saw while they made it, I think it’s pretty close. And it just tastes really good. You can eat it as a traditional sandwich or open-faced.
If you have no idea what any of this means and don’t watch the show, you’ll like this sandwich anyways.
Something About Her-Inspired Greek Sandwich
Sourdough or bread you love
Hemp Ranch (recipe below)
Vegan Feta
Banana Peppers
Kalamata Olives
Cooked Chickpeas, gently smashed
Red Onion, sliced super thin
Greens / Micro greens of your choice
Slather the hemp ranch on two slices of bread. Add all the toppings and then finish with greens or micro greens. If serving open-faced, drizzle on a little more ranch.
Hemp Ranch
Adapted from my friends, Amor Healing Kitchen, a non-profit that provides plant-based meals made by teen volunteers for people facing health challenges. You can see their original recipe here.
1 cup hemp seeds
1/4 - 1/2 cup vegan mayo (add more or less for desired consistency)
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Handful of parsley, dill, and other herbs you have on hand (basil, mint, chive)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
Blend all together. Add more mayo, salt, herbs, lemon to taste.
Store any leftovers in a sealed container for up to a week.
If you’re new here, check out last month: April Life
And some books by me:
One Part Plant: A Guide to Eating Real One Meal At a Time
Know Your Endo: An Empowering Guide To Health + Hope With Endometriosis