IN THE EVERYDAY
In a rare and beautiful twist of fate, one of my best friends married my cousin (also one of my best friends) thus bringing the cutest best person into this world - Vincent. I never know how to describe my relationship with them because we are connected in so many ways. I have lived with or been neighbors on purpose with either Justin or Lindsay or both for most of my life, and they have been a grounding force for me always.
If you have been following along here with Everyday Oil, you might remember that these guys let me use the downstairs of their house as a work studio for Everyday Oil when it first started - and Vincent used to "help make oils" with me daily. Lindsay also used to ship Everyday Oil when I went out of town and when she saw an order from one of our friends she would send a letter with the order. She just visited me and I saw her slipping a note into an order from our friend Amy.
They just bought their first house in Springs - so send all your good energy to them. Justin and Lindsay's Dad, George, are both woodworkers so little by little they are going to make their new cottage into a dream. Here is a little slice of their life -
All photos by Ritchie Espenilla, styled by Martin Carvajal
In Lindsay's Words...
DAILY ROUTINES
It is so beautiful where we live on the east end of Long Island and an important part of my routine has been to get outside daily. Vincent and I spend hours outside most days, usually on nature walks through the woods or visiting the beautiful bays that surround us. It lifts my mood and just feels so good to be outside observing nature. It was unexpected for this part of my routine to become so important to me, especially since I spent so little time in nature while living in NYC, but I am grateful for the opportunity and lesson.
I would have rolled my eyes at these responses if I had read them a few years ago when I was working full-time at a 9-5 job in NYC and had no time or energy to spare. I feel very fortunate that I can stay home with my son while he is young. I know that my life won't always look like this and I want to make the most of the time that we have together and the time that I have to myself. [Lindsay told me I better edit out that towel over the window but I refused because I love stuff like that and this is not that kind of blog 😂 ]
Vincents favorite book right now is One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
BOOKS + MEDITATION
There are so many things that I have read or come across that have influenced me and the way I live my life. I'm always curious to read or hear what other people are up to. This is embarrassing but I have started a daily meditation/chanting practice after reading a book called "Spirit Babies: How to Communicate with the Child You're Meant to Have". And while I haven't heard anything from my spirit baby yet, I have noticed other benefits to taking this time to quiet my mind. I often experience moments of clarity and inspiration during the meditation and afterwards I feel calm, grounded and just good. I think that this is the introduction that I needed to engage in meditation which has always felt too uncomfortable and unapproachable for me.
ALL THE STUFF JUSTIN PUTS IN HIS HAIR
Justin has thick, curly hair and he usually wears a hat around the house after washing his hair to "keep it from poofing up". He will put anything nearly anything in his hair to weigh it down. I have caught him rubbing body lotions and kitchen oils into his hair. Now he is using Everyday Oil in his hair and beard and hopefully the lotion days are behind us.
FAVORITE KITCHEN ITEMS
I love our Omega masticating juicer. I don't feel guilty when our fruits and vegetables start to go limp because I can juice them. This is also a good activity to do with Vincent because he loves to operate the juicer and will usually drink the juice afterwards, even if it is green
WELLNESS
Gaia Herbs HPA Axis was recommended to me by my Naturopath for stress/anxiety relief. It is an adrenal support blend with Rhodiola, Holy Basil Leaf and Ashwagandha among a few other ingredients. I can't say enough good things about this product, it has made a huge difference in the way I handle stress. The stressors in my life are still present but the way that they affect me physically, mentally and emotionally has significantly improved. Anyone with anxiety should try it
LINDSAY + VINCENT'S FAVORITE GRANOLA RECIPE
4 cups rolled oats
1 cup pecans, chopped into pieces
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup maple syrup
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and spread out onto baking sheet with covered with parchment paper. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring a few times while baking. Let cool and then break apart before storing in air-tight container.
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You can see Justin's work here and can purchase his work in person or online at our friends' store S + S Corner Shop. He makes these beautiful super oversized cutting boards that are pretty perfect for everything.
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