Two magical days in Ansedonia and a celebration of summer produce on a plate.

Plus, the power of a little support.

A Little Support Goes A Long Way

Let’s get into the habit of supporting the people in our lives who are taking chances, starting new businesses, building something from the ground up, and putting themselves out there. Of course, it’s always nice to hear “congratulations,” but it’s even more powerful and meaningful to share what the people in your life are doing with your larger community. It doesn’t take more than a moment, and it really does make a huge difference.

As a creative who has built businesses from the ground up with no outside financial support, I can tell you firsthand that when someone takes the time to support you, even in the smallest way, you remember it and are filled with gratitude for that show of support. And on the flip side, when people you’ve known for years don’t show up or support what you’re doing, that has an impact too. And, this doesn’t have to mean buying something or only sharing products because you have an affiliate link. There’s real value in following along on someone’s journey, sharing their work on social media, sending a few texts to friends who might be interested, or shooting off a quick email introducing your community to what they’re creating. I know we all feel overwhelmed sometimes by the sheer volume of things we’re constantly inundated with and often forget to make the extra effort, but let’s try to remember to show up for those we care about, for the ones who’ve shown up for us in the past, and for those doing work that inspires us. So, with that in mind, here are five women I admire who are doing awesome things you should all check out:

1) HULKEN - Created by my friend Alex Schinasi and her husband Yoni, this durable, foldable tote bag on wheels is the answer to all your schlepping. Honestly, it’s a game-changer.

2) THE SLOW - My dear friend Vika Finkel just launched a beautiful Substack newsletter documenting her journey from the tech world to a slower life in Italy. It’s been inspiring to witness and now she’s sharing it with the world. Follow along.

3) CLEAN-ISH - My friend Courtney Flint just launched a company to help detox the products we use in our homes. I love this concept because figuring out what’s actually clean (and what’s just good marketing) can be so overwhelming. They make it easy.

4) RE-EAU - A beautiful summer body spray and hydrating cream created by my friend Bell, the products are light, refreshing, and perfect for the season. It’s the only scent I pack during the summer.

5) WILD GRACE - My friend Ali, a mother of three, just launched Wild Grace in Los Angeles. She offers support as a birth doula, leads mama circles, and walks alongside women as they navigate conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting.

Those are my five for now. I hope this encourages you to support, celebrate, and cheer on the people around you who are out there working hard to build something of their own. Let’s keep lifting each other up.

---

Ansedonia

Early Sunday morning, we packed up the car and bid farewell to the sweltering heat of Rome, driving north to the small coastal town of Ansedonia in Tuscany, where we spent two days by the sea with friends. Located just south of Orbetello and across the lagoon from Monte Argentario in the beautiful Maremma coastal area, Ansedonia is about two hours from Rome and a perfect spot for an easy, non-touristy summer getaway along the Tuscan coast, especially when Rome is your starting point.

The beaches and beach clubs were bustling but not overcrowded. It was immediately clear that this is a holiday destination more popular with Italians than with international tourists, unlike places like Positano, Cinque Terre, or Forte dei Marmi, which have become almost impossible to visit in high season due to both the crowds and the skyrocketing costs of everything from hotels to food to beach clubs. Years ago, we stayed across the lagoon and around the way in Porto Santo Stefano, which isn’t far, but we had never explored this side of the landscape. With its stunning sea views and surrounding pine forests, it turned out to be the perfect place for a much needed recharge. Just standing in the sand, breathing in the salty air, and taking a quick dip in the warm sea changed everything.

The beach house was built into the cliffside, just above the water, with terraced rocky ledges lined with sunbeds to soak up the sun as it cascaded down the side of the mountain. Naturally, the moment we arrived, the older boys bolted through the house and straight into the sea, where they spent hours laughing, paddleboarding, and diving before returning to the house for more swimming in the pool and games of soccer.

For lunch, we had a delicious BBQ with perfectly grilled chicken thighs, Maremmana steak (native Tuscan beef from cattle raised semi-wild in open pastures, traditionally herded by Italian cowboys known as butteri in this region), meat skewers, and grilled zucchini and eggplant. The meat, all from an excellent macelleria in Orbetello called Macelleria Cappelloni Fabrizio, was paired with grilled bruschetta, eggplant Parmigiano, and a simple farro salad.

And of course, no meal is complete without a bit of dolce and espresso. We had what Andre now calls one of the best desserts he’s ever eaten in his life: tette delle monache, translated as “nuns’ tits”, a light sponge pastry filled with chantilly or custard cream. It came from a panetteria and pasticceria in Orbetello called Tirchi e Bellocci, and it’s not to be missed if you’re in the area.

On our final day, we visited a charming local beach club called La Capannuccia, where we had a long lunch of spaghetti alle vongole and spent a few last hours by the sea. The boys boogie-boarded and built sandcastles while we relaxed. After packing up, we headed back to the city. An easy and beautiful escape; I highly recommend it.

---

The Taste of Summer in Every Bite

There’s nothing like summer produce, and she’s already showing off at the markets here in Italy. On Tuesday, we spent the morning at Mercato Trionfale and picked up the most delicious ingredients. Everything from sweet corn to juicy tomatoes, ripe figs, stone fruits, and melons is bursting with summer flavor, and my favorite part is that you really don’t need to do much of anything to create a beautiful dish when everything tastes this good.

Here’s one that combines three of my favorites on a single plate, with zero cooking or stress involved. If you don’t have nectarines, use plums, peaches, or apricots, and feel free to swap in whatever herbs you have on hand. It’s more of a framework than a recipe, and it’s all about letting the natural ingredients shine.

SUMMER TOMATOES, CORN, AND NECTARINES WITH ARUGULA AND BASIL

Serves 4

• 2 medium to large ripe and juicy tomatoes of choice, sliced into rounds and then cut in half

• 2 large nectarines, sliced into thin wedges

• 2 ears of corn, kernels removed

• 1 small shallot or spring onion, thinly sliced into rounds, soaked in water for five minutes and drained (you can also use chives or scallions)

• 1 cup loosely packed arugula

• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

• Sea salt

• Black pepper

• Red wine vinegar

• Extra virgin olive oil

On a large serving platter or in a shallow bowl, layer half of the tomatoes, nectarines, corn kernels, shallot, arugula, and basil. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Continue layering the rest of the ingredients on top and season again with sea salt and black pepper. Before serving, add a few splashes of red wine vinegar and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.