Four Favorites October

I’m running a little late with my four favorites from October, but there were too many great things I enjoyed to skip over this monthly tradition. I restocked one of my favorite balsamic vinegars, read one of my favorite types of books, had a little time to be inspired by entertaining and design blogs, and spent some quality time with elephant seals over my birthday weekend. 

Brand:  Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar – We spent some time in Monterey in October which allowed me to stock up on my favorite balsamic vinegars. I discovered all their vinegars at their shop on Cannery Row a few years ago and they can seriously make a salad complete. There are so many varieties of red and white balsamics that are aged with fruits, peppers, herbs, spices, and even chocolate and espresso. This time I bought the pineapple white balsamic, grapefruit white balsamic, red apple red balsamic, and dark chocolate red balsamic. You can expect that last one to show up in a dessert recipe soon. 

Book:  Eat Wheat by Dr. John Douillard – The nutritional scientist in me that’s tucked deep down there below the recipe developer and food photographer sometimes enjoys curling up with a book filled with scientific research. After 7 years of studying nutrition, I expect it’s something that will never quite go away. This type of book is my jam. A book that presents a new view and a different side to what is trending in mainstream nutrition.

I make it a goal to always respect another’s eating choices. Eat what makes you feel your true best. But I’m not gluten-free. I’ve cut it out before with no change. To be honest, though, I limit carbohydrates in general because that’s what works for me. To be clear, this book is not contradicting diagnosed medical conditions such as celiacs disease. It is offering a different perspective for the self-imposed gluten-free choices so many view as essential to wellbeing. It offers some very interesting science regarding the seasonal composition of wheat and the lymphatic system’s role. I enjoyed the perspective of the book including the author’s comment, “The choice as to whether or not you can eat gluten or dairy shouldn’t be decided for you because of weak digestion, it should be decided by you as a preference.” 

Blog:  Julie Blanner entertaining & design that celebrates everyday life – I feel a new passion brewing in me and it’s guiding my blog preferences these days. I love browsing interior design blogs that work in food, entertaining, and travel. So my discovery of Julie Blanner’s blog could not be more timely. I can’t wait to follow her posts through a holiday season. She has such bright and refreshing ideas that can’t help but put you in a good mood.

Break: Elephant Seals in San Simeon, CA – My interest in sea life has tripled since we moved to California 4 years ago and the elephant seals currently have my attention. Driving along California’s Central Coast will send you through San Simeon with ample opportunity to view these creatures. We discovered them earlier this year while camping and returned for a visit over my birthday weekend in October. They have such an intriguing life cycle. At different points in the year different genders and ages of the animals nap along the beach at this look out point. I’ll be honest, there is a bit of a kindred spirit thing going on with me here. There are many a day that I feel as sluggish and crabby as a big ol’ elephant seal.