The rainiest week + spring blooms

Portland had one of its' rainiest weeks so far this winter, and it's not something that I mind. Living here, you learn to love the dreary days because they mean you can be cozy indoors- and that when you do make it outside the world will be green, lush, and full of spring blooms. In particular, I've been filling the vases in the shop with classic spring florals like daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and ranunculus. I also love the new fish sticks fish shaped beeswax taper candles, which I think just add such a fun whimsical touch to a set table or plain candlestick holder.

The chilly rainy week did have me flipping through El Bajio: Recipes and Wanderings Through Mexico's Heartland, and dreaming of travelling to Mexico for tropical fruits, sunshine, and afternoons spent walking through a flower market.

In the meantime though I'm enjoying trying out the flavorful olive oils we have in store- there's Ya Albi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a flavorful extra virgin olive oil sourced from orchards in the West Bank, Palestine. Ya Albi is can be used for cooking, drizzling, and dipping- I prefer to use it in recipes where its' flavor will really shine, like drizzled over labneh and served with pita and crudité, or incorporated into Mediterranean pastries.

This week brought us our delivery of Casa Virgin olive oils, Italian olive oils harvested and bottled in Italy. There's the gorgeous Riserva Virgin drizzling oil, a finishing oil that is amazing over roasted vegetables or salads. As a super pepperoncini fan though I really like their Spicy Virgin Peperoncino Drizzling Oil, over eggs or pizza (delicious!) it is a pantry staple for me now.

We had a bit of sunshine at the end of the week, which made me excited to open the shop doors and let some fresh air in. Looking forward to spring!