You know that question “What’s eating you?”

I much prefer the question “What’s feeding you?”

Here are a few things that are feeding me right now…

1. Swimming. Late in college I discovered lap swimming after an overuse injury took running from me. In the pool, for some reason, I found that I didn’t feel compelled to strive. I never counted laps or looked at a clock. I didn’t try to go fast or look good. In the pool I could breathe. In the pool I could let go. I swam regularly for years to come and only recently, like in the last couple years, did I get away from this practice. I’ve just returned and it’s like coming home.

Oh, and that print above is by Nikki McClure, don’t you love it?!

2. Bedhead in the Clouds. If you follow me on Instagram (rachelwcole), you’ve most likely seen a few of these crazy hair shots in your feed. Earlier this year, for no reason, I just started to photograph the way my hair looked on the pillow the moment I woke up…and then I’d look at, like others do with clouds, and see what I could see in it.

This silly practice gives me so much joy. I love the anticipation — no two shots are ever the same. I love starting my day by accessing my wild imagination. I love it so much that I want to invite you to join me. The only rules are that a) you can’t style your hair for these shots — they are just of what your hair really looks like before you move or get up and b) you have to tag the photos #bedheadintheclouds.

The credit for the cute project name and hashtag goes 100% to one Miss Alexandra Franzen. She’s such a word wizardess.

3. Cowboy Beans. I’m writing this post from my grandfather’s house in Tucson, Arizona. He’s one of the most important people in my life and it’s a pleasure to come here for a few days and help out — which, in our family, means cooking. A staple on our Tucson table is Cowboy Beans. I don’t quite know the origins of this recipe, but the card above was written by my late grandmother, Blanche Ware, and never fails us. I thought you might enjoy having a taste:

Ware Family Cowboy Beans

2 cups (1 lb) dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

6 cups water

2 tsp salt (unless using salt pork)

1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, sliced thinly

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 lb ham, slab bacon, or salt pork, chopped finely

2 cups canned, diced tomatoes

2 tsp chili powder

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp dried mustard

1/4 tsp dried oregano.

Put it all in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are done, but not falling apart. Enjoy!

4. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm. My clients will tell you that I’m always encouraging them to tune into what their senses are hungry for. A big part of being a well-fed woman is living a sensual, pleasure-driven life. While it might seem insignificant, the right lip balm can be a delicious experience and I’m currently obsessing over this one which has the perfect consistency and feels fantastic on my lips. It’s also great under my Viva Glam lipstick.

5. Girlfriends. The past few weeks have been pure bliss on the friendship front. I returned to the World Domination Summit for the second year and came home with sore abs from laughing so much with some of my dearest friends. But the fun didn’t stop there. With some of them visiting the Bay Area and others also calling it home the love-fest has continued.

You know those people, who when you’re with them, make you forget what day, time, or year it is? Yeah, those ones.

Big thanks and deep love to Tiffany, Michelle, Laura, Hannah, Andrea, Susannah, Marianne, Mati, Kelly Rae, Jen, Tanya, Bridget, Jamie, Kate, Tara, Britt, Julie, Laurie, Willo and so many more.

Well-fed women attract well-fed women, this I know.

 

So tell me, what’s feeding you right now?

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