Recently I had the pleasure of spending the day at Cusina Casalinga, the cooking school of the amazing Sicilian chef and cookbook author, Sally Maravantano. Our menu was titled, Gifts From the Garden. I am really excited to share some of Sally’s amazing recipes and cookbook with you during the next few weeks. In the meanwhile Sally spoke of what we needed to stock an authentic Italian pantry. I have posted about pantry stocking in the past BUT Sally’s version had endless possibilities for quick, nutritious Sicilian pantry inspired meals!!!
I have become obsessed with the Nantucket Spider products. I saw them for the first time last summer at Whole Foods and because of the all natural ingredients (essential oils), the smell and light weight feel on my skin, I made my first purchase. For the past 2 summers, I have had bottle of Nantucket Spider in my purse, on my patio, at the beach, pretty much anywhere I was going, and the fear of New England bugs was looming. This year I even tried their Incense Sticks and I will NEVER EVER sit outside at night without them again. I wish they made the incense in log form so I could burn them all summer long in our fire pit!!!!!!!! Here are some of my favorite Nantucket Spider Products:
This is the original formula. It protects against all biting bugs and ticks. It is safe for all ages, including toddlers. It is made with essential oils and citronella and is DEET free!!! You can purchase the full size HERE or the purse size HERE.
This is the uber extra strength tick repellent. This is perfect for walks, hikes, trails, your back yard, anywhere where you will come in contact with deer ticks. This is also all natural, made from all essential oils, and is safe for all ages. You can purchase the full size HERE or the purse size HERE.
This is the awesome Tick Repellent spray for Dogs. I absolutely love this product. I am sooo paranoid that one of my dogs is going to get a tick because we have so many deer in our neighborhood. This smells so good and is free of any harmful chemicals. My dogs don’t mind at all when I drench them in this!! To purchase this product, click HERE.
Lastly, this is my all time favorite product, the Garden Incense Sticks. You can stick them directly in the ground or in the sand, next to a sitting area, and once they are lit, they will keep bugs away for a long while. Again, they are all natural and smell incredible. You can purchase these HERE.
This week’s book club choice is on repeat. I recommended it last summer but wanted to feature it again in case you did not get a chance to read it. It’s sooo good…
If you LOVED Big Little Lies..you will love this book..it will keep you guessing until the end…..
I honestly get so sick of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale because of all the posts popping up on Instagram everyday. I really think some of the stuff is a definite miss but last year I bought a few pieces that I wore constantly. So this year I decided to give it a go again. I only listed pieces in this post that I tried for myself and kept or would have kept. The sale ends on the 5th, and the prices go back up on the 6th, so this is a perfect rainy weekend project. I really love the clothes that I bought and nothing listed below will break the bank!!!! Happy Shopping!!!
I have been meaning to post this recipe for a few weeks. I went to a picnic night on the beach and this was the most popular dish. Everyone loved it!! It was surprisingly light but also so delicious. I cannot wait to try it again. Bon Appetit!!!