Good Times Summer 2023

Hello Beautiful, 

Welcome to our Good Times Summer 2023 compilation of all the things that are bringing Team W&W joy, beauty and, of course, fabulous glowing skin! 

Let’s begin with Chris Stapleton's beloved question, “What are you listening to?” Each time you walk into Wren and Wild we hope the sounds and energy of the store are as enticing as the curated shelves. There’s nothing better than when a hit comes on and someone says ‘turn it up, this is my jam’ (it’s usually Mandy from her office btw). And we might be biased, but we think our team has really good taste in tunes. Here’s what we are listening to. . . 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60BJaZhDoCAuJueZSnduHw?si=a44295fdad814f7d

A quintessential summer day is lounging in your favorite spot (hammock, pool or beach), taking in the scenery on a long road trip or on a long sunset walk (airpods in) with a good book. Pick up a novel at our most favorite bookstore, Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe or download one of our staff top picks and let your summer days drift away in relaxation mode. Here's what we you reading. . . 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

Soul Bloom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution by Rainn Wilson. Comedic actor, producer, and writer Rainn Wilson, cofounder of the media company SoulPancake, explores the problem-solving benefits that spirituality gives us to create solutions for an increasingly challenging world.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call.

You Better Be Lightening by Andrea Gibson. One of the most celebrated poets and performers of the last two decades, Andrea Gibson’s trademark honesty and vulnerability are on full display in You Better Be Lightning, welcoming and inviting readers to be just as they are.

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker. Written in a relatable voice that is honest and witty, Quit Like a Woman is at once a groundbreaking look at drinking culture and a road map to cutting out alcohol in order to live our best lives without the crutch of intoxication. You will never look at drinking the same way again. 

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Liane Moriarty comes a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the most.

Summer days are long and we all love to unwind with a binge worthy show, a great documentary, or highlights from a Cubs game;) Here’s what we are watching. . . 

The Bear. Streaming on Hulu featuring Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White. Cuz, if you know, you know, and if you don't, you're going to want to!

7 Hills by the infamous Jesse Locke. A feature length documentary showcasing refugee kids who frequent the 7 Hills skate park in Amman, Jordan.

We at Wren and Wild believe that a Good Time Summer is all about being the best version of yourself and we know that happens when we look and feel vibrant and healthy. We look to our favorite anti-inflammatory doctor for some summer advice. Dr. Barbara Sturm shares her opinion on living optimally: 

“A HEALTHY, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET PROVIDES YOUR SKIN WITH THE NOURISHMENT IT NEEDS FOR GROWTH AND REPAIR.” 

Here are a few team favorite recipes for fabulous glowing skin. What we are eating. . .

Mandy's Homemade Granola

Watermelon Cucumber Salad from team Dr. Barbara Sturm

This refreshing salad makes the perfect side dish or snack. Not only is it delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients that are great for your skin. Cucumbers are antioxidant-rich and 96% water, providing a boost of hydration to the system. Watermelon is rich in antioxidants such as Lycopene and Vitamins C and A, which help fight free radicals and promote collagen and elastin production. Pair this salad with Sturm’s Salmon Lettuce Tacos for a healthy and delicious, anti-inflammatory meal.

Cube the watermelon and quarter cube the cucumbers and set aside. Crush the walnuts and combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Juice the lime over the salad and add pepper to taste. Garnish with the mint leaves and serve.

Salmon Lettuce Tacos from team Dr. Barbara Sturm

These colorful and vibrant Salmon Lettuce ‘Tacos’ are the perfect, simple summer dish and contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to boost skin and overall health. Salmon is a skin health superfood as it’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which help calm inflammation, retain moisture, and maintain skin elasticity. It is also rich in Vitamin D, which helps protect the skin against free radicals. And avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain Vitamins E and C which are important for healthy skin. Read on for the recipe.

To prepare your avocado sauce, add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender and mix until smooth. Next, season the salmon filets generously with everyday seasoning salt (or your favorite seasoning) and drizzle each with a little avocado oil. Grill them on a medium high heat for 5-8 minutes, turning them once. Cook just until filets easily flake but are still moist and set them aside to cool. In a small mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro leaves and the juice of one lime and add salt to taste. Rinse and dry butter lettuce leaves and then assemble the wraps by breaking apart the cooled salmon filets, placing them in the wraps and covering them with the coleslaw mix.  Finish each lettuce wrap taco with a dollop of the avocado sauce and the juice from an orange slice. Enjoy!

Last, but certainly not least, what are we using on our skin to keep it fresh and fabulous all summer long?

Here is Mandy’s must have summer essential and Carly’s can’t live without: 

Mandy’s must have is what team W&W calls ‘Miracle Water’. Hydrating, brightening, firming and so much more! It’s none other than the 8-in-1 Superhero Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence. In 5-7 spritzes this glorious concoction firms, exfoliates, plumps, balances skin’s pH, brightens, supports the skin’s barrier function, hydrates and feeds your skin with over 70 water-soluble nutrients and 20+ superfoods so you can go on being your most radiant, healthy and glowing self. 

Carly’s can’t live without products are two she reaches for every day. She begins with Odacité’s Salicylic + Hyaluronic Clarifying Serum; this skin-compatible formula helps clarify breakouts and targets clogged pores, oily shine, and environmental toxins. She then follows up her routine with Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream; the luxury moisturizer clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

And just look at these two beauties! The epitome of Good Times Summer! We hope y’all enjoy our lists and the long sunny days ahead. 

XO,

Team Wren and Wild