Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories and news that captivated me. Take a look at all the things captivating me lately.
Watching: Chef’s Table on Netflix
After hearing many recommendations for this Netflix original documentary show (see season 1 trailer here), I started watching Chef’s Table. It’s a lot of decadent and brilliant food shots, beautiful stories about chefs and restaurants and a look inside the brains of some of the world’s best chefs. There are two seasons with six episodes each and each episode is focused on a different chef. Five episodes in, they’ve featured chefs in Italy, New York, Argentina, Los Angeles and Australia. Seeing the different culture, style, journey and personality of each chef is fascinating and the show helps you understand the human relationship with food and the creative process of chefs. Have you watched it? Which is your favorite episode?
On Creativity
One of my favorite lines from Chef’s Table came in episode five from Ben Shewry, head chef at Attica in Melbourne, Australia: “There’s a romantic story that says people are just creative because that’s what they like to do, and they just go around all the time creating. Which is just kind of ridiculous in a way. Sometimes people have to create out of pure necessity. If I didn’t create stuff that was inspiring to people and that people didn’t like, we were going to go broke.”
Trying Clothes with Le Tote
I am not fashionable and definitely do not keep up with trends (hello closet of black and grey and white), but I like pretty and new clothes. My friend MJ sent me a free Le Tote box to try. I picked three clothing items and two accessories to borrow for the month. I have the choice to buy the things if I really love them or send them back for new items. Le Tote is a good option for those who like new and name brand clothing and accessories and have a budget of $50 a month to spend. A monthly habit is out of my budget but it’s fun to try on occasion. How awesome is the print of this off-shoulder dress and this popsicle clutch from my trial box!
What Podcasts Are You Listening To?
In true late bloomer form, I have finally discovered the joy of podcasts. I’ve listened to This American Life during road trips, but sitting down and paying attention to a podcast has been my crutch. I’m hoping to make it a habit when I’m getting ready in the morning and on my work commute. I’ve recently listed to a few episodes from some popular podcasts, including Real Talk Radio, The Jess Lively Show, and The Minimalists. What are your favorite podcasts?
Elena and Achim’s Love Story
I don’t think I’ve shared this before but if I have, here it is again! I follow Elena on Instagram and she started this love story illustration project last September. Daily posts show how she and her love came to be and as she writes in the story, this project was a way for her to evaluate and perhaps heal who they are now. Not only are the stories and illustrations so captivating but the thoughts in the story hit me deep.
How to Eat Clean
While I’ve never restricted myself to a certain diet, I’ve been trying to eat as clean as possible the last few years. From this article by A Sweet Pea Chef, “eating clean involves choosing whole foods, avoiding processed foods, and creating a healthy, conscientious approach to what foods you eat.” This means stepping away from packaged chips, frozen dinners, canned soups, etc. and stepping towards home-cooked, fresh vegetables and meat. My diet’s not perfect – I do enjoy fries and doughnuts occasionally – but I make a conscious effort to know what I’m putting into my body. Here are eight different things you can do to eat clean.
Gift Money Through Tendr
I found out about Tendr and it’s the classy and elegant money-receiving and money-giving tool you’ve been waiting for. If you’d rather receive money instead of physical gifts to celebrate your wedding, birthday or whatever occasion, you can set up a personalized occasion page on Tendr for free. If you’d like to give a monetary gift, you can choose a card and give your gift for $3. This would be great for a honeymoon fund if you don’t have a gift registry, baby fund for your second child, or alternative option if you’re a minimalist.
On the Blog This Month
Here are some of my favorite posts on the blog this month:
- One of my favorite Austin restaurants: Detroit-Style Pizza at Via313
- What I’ve learned about spending money on home entertaining: 10 Ways to Save
- An important Life Lesson reminder I got this month: You Belong Here
What have you been captivated by lately? Any cool articles, videos or products you want to share in the comments below?
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