March 🌷🐛🫧
A recap of recipes, all forms of media, podcast episodes, projects, and more from the month!
Fancy seeing you here on a Monday! I know this isn’t our usual time to chat but I thought it would be fun to start doing end of month recaps as I tend to share a lot of content over a month’s time.
This email may be clipped — read it on desktop for the full experience!
March was honestly a very weird month. It’s been interesting to watch the types of projects I work on shift and evolve over time. Last fall I was all consumed with social strategy projects and this spring it’s been a large volume of recipe development + design projects. It has been a nice reminder of why I set out to build this studio — so that I can have the flexibility to take on the projects that truly make me happy.
Aside from work, my health has been quite contentious. A few of you may recall, if you’ve been here since 2018, that I suffer from chronic migraines. Well, this month I thought I’d give medication another shot and that bit me in the ass. Allergic reactions are no joke! So we’re back to where it all started, acupuncture. My first appt is Wednesday, so wish me luck. <3
The highlight of my month was visiting my best friend in Chicago and giving myself a much needed break. Even though it’s hard not being in the same city, it is quite nice to have such a cool destination to go to when visiting her.
I was lucky enough to chat with 4 really cool founders this month!
Kimberle Lau of Bake Me Healthy reminded me that there can be silver linings to health challenges and that innovation in the food space is truly remarkable.
Mike Glick of Goode Health chatted about the importance of nourishing your body and why supplements are great but shouldn’t be the only solution.
Speaking with JW Wiseman of Curious Elixirs was such a pinch me moment as I’ve been a fan of the brand for years. Their no. 4 cans will forever be my favorite social beverage.
Finally, Laurel Gallucci of Sweet Laurel Bakery and I chatted about sweet treat culture and how she’s built her empire on natural ingredients. Starting and ending the month with sweets was pretty lovely!
I was very into nourishing, cozy meals this month that didn’t feel too heavy. We started off the month with a marinara potato salad that is such an interesting yet delicious combination packed with rich umami flavors. Two drinks entered the rotation: cream soda with espresso and a salty coconut hydration elixir. I’m currently sipping on both + water, as Aimee France would say “three drink minimum with breakfast”. There were lots of delicious recipes in between but the dense bean and pastina salad has been keeping me fed on the weekdays. I implore you to make it and add your own spin to it with different herbs, veggies, or dressings.
A whole lot of recipes for you —
Watch: I fear I’m not unique here because watching White Lotus, Severance, and Righteous Gemstones is the pinnacle of my week. I’ve also been loving Lexie and Clara’s youtube channels.
Read: All of my reading is done on Substack — Sam’s journey to forage chanterelle’s was enchanting, Erin’s guide to Charleston has me wanting to plan a trip asap + I’ll be using Erin’s travel essentials during said trip, and Olivia’s recipe recaps always leave me so inspired.
Listen: I’ve been obsessed with Bella White (Rhododendron pulls at my heartstrings) since seeing her in concert and a nice jazz soundtrack for the house while working from home.
Cookbook: I haven’t literally followed any recipes from Molly Baz’s books this month but her style of cooking is always my no. 1 inspiration source.
Purchase: I have not stopped wearing my yellow adidas japan’s and I fear I never will!
PR shoutout: Thank you so much to my friends at Ellenos yogurt, Brightland, Floura, Fancypants, Miracle Made, Spicy Virgin, and Plant Chi for the lovely packages. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by so many creatives that always think of me!
Thanks for supporting this publication, it truly means the world to me! This month 20 new friends subscribed and readership is steadily increasing. Please like, share, and comment when you feel pulled to do so. 🌞
Talk soon!
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)
Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio
Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director
If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊