Five subscriptions that are simplifying our lives

Having a house wine, the one thing you're forgetting to do, and a to-die-for granola recipe

We’ve finally been getting the occasional warm-weather day, and it is giving this SAD-afflicted lady life. Outdoor brunches! Taco Tuesdays! Drinking things that are not red! The changing of the seasons has me excited for spring cleaning, a backyard refresh, and sunny ski days ahead.

Mike’s birthday is this weekend, and we’re heading to Mexico to celebrate with our dogs Steve and Cleo stowed under-seat. I fully acknowledge that we’ve crossed the line into weird dog parent territory and fear what kind of human-parents we might be one day. But our two little furry friends just bring us so much joy, and I can’t wait to see them lose their minds, pee on coconuts, and sprint up and down the beach with abandon.

Teresa

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Five things we subscribe to that simplify our lives

Lately, I’ve been trying to reduce the unnecessary remembering-of-things and decision making that goes into managing our lives. Below, five time-saving subscriptions that are freeing up just a little bit of headspace:

1. Olive oil: If you cook frequently, you probably tear through grocery store-sized bottles of olive oil. When Mike was living in Europe, one of his favorite restaurants served this cold-pressed Greek olive oil as its house olive oil. He later discovered it online in 3-liter(!) tins—perfect to cook with but also high quality enough to serve with bread or dress a dish up with. We decant into a dark wine bottle and drizzle with an oil pourer.

2. Coffee: Since becoming Breville converts, we’ve started subscribing to a biweekly espresso bean delivery from this Santa Cruz roaster so we never have to remember to pick up whole beans at the store. Plus—it just eliminates one more moment of overwhelm I’d normally experience while perusing all the options in the coffee aisle. (Here’s a $5 off referral link if you’d like to subscribe.)

3. Dog food, treats, poop bags, and meds from Chewy: Keeping my dogs fed and alive—self explanatory.

4. Face wash: I had no friends when I first moved to Japan, so I rigorously tested Japanese pharmacy products in my abundant free time. This oil cleanser is my absolute favorite for daily use and is a steal, too.

5. Sunscreen: When I asked on IG what else people were subscribing to, multiple people mentioned sunscreen. I subscribe to this physical sunscreen for use on days I leave the house, and also use this chemical sunscreen when I’m planning to be indoorsy.

Other popular subscription items that readers mentioned included: Water pitcher filters, air filters, probiotics, vitamins, and contact solution.

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Do you have a “house wine”?

During a Willamette Valley wedding weekend years ago, we discovered Yamhill Valley Pinot Noir—a balanced, super drinkable wine that’s pretty widely available for under $25.

My friend Landon had the bright idea to order it by the case, and it’s been our go-to “house wine” ever since.

Weekday dinner and don’t know what to drink? Cracking open the Yamhill. Invited to a last minute barbecue? Bringing some Yamhill. Dinner party gone on three hours longer than expected? Pull out the Yamhill.

But… I think we have now drank too much Willamette Pinot to the point where I’m craving a new flavor profile. I know, devastating.

This past weekend, we treated ourselves to the tasting menu at Beckon, and my friend Hayley thought to ask the (wildly informative and helpful!) sommelier what <$25 bottle he loved for easy home drinking. His pick for an everyday wine: Vietti Barbera D’Asti. We love a Piedmont red and at $20, you can’t really beat the price point.

I’m curious to hear: Do you have an everyday “house wine” under $25? Would love any recommendations below!

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🔪 Have you sharpened your knives lately? I recently took our knives to a local sharpener and can now slice through tomatoes like buttah, making meal prep an absolute delight. Like replacing your HVAC filters, it’s one of those things that isn’t really at the top of anyone’s to-do list, but makes such a difference once you’ve done it. (If you’re in Denver, Ishi Sharp is your guy.)

👩🏻‍🍳 “That granola is crack” —my friend Genevieve’s text review of the granola that I sent her home with after dinner. Eleven Madison Park granola without the EMP bill? Yes, please to this astoundingly simple recipe.

🛋 Jake Arnold’s newly launched line is my favorite Crate & Barrel designer collaboration yet. So many good pieces with that time-worn vintage feel. I’m obsessed with this wavy bar cabinet, this kidney bean-shaped coffee table, and these chic dining chairs. Also included is some beautiful decor at approachable prices, like this table lamp and marble coasters.

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