For the people's people, the ones who love food and those who love a look.

Friends and Sweet Readers,

I’ve been posting in a format similar to this in ways but a little bit more accessible, comprehensive and entertaining. I’d love to have you to be present there in addition to here. This blog space will always be a platform that stays a part of the brand, and also, as things change and develop, I want to stay in tune with those as well. The platform itself also suggests and ties you into other articles that may interest you. You can subscribe to those, or not.

THINGS TO KNOW

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You can unsubscribe at any time.
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The experience is better when used through the app.
It feels healthier for me than IG or other social media platforms. I like reading it at night or over the weekend.
You can change your notifications in settings.

The account I’ve started HERE has turned into something really beautiful and, even better, consistent. To get a peek, subscribe with your email address. For a more full version, join me with a paid subscription. It’s only $7 a month and you can unsubscribe anytime if it’s just not for you. There are much deeper topics shared over there— digesting life and the happenings. Recipes. Hosting as a lifestyle and items to shop that really pull it all together.

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I’ve been thinking a lot about food lately. I’ve been thinking about where I acquired my deep love of it, for my love of preparing a meal, serving it, and sitting with others as they savor the plate in front of them. I love trying new foods; I love returning to comfort foods that make me feel more whole or reminiscent of some sweet moments I’ve experienced. I think enjoying a wide range of foods is good for the soul, and some foods that aren’t as “healthy” for the body are necessary for the health of our souls—therefore good. I believe, inherently, it’s a gift— the format of nourishment. It could’ve been so different than it is—tasteless, or complete one simple bite, or otherwise; I feel it rather intentional that eating tends to all of our senses, ties our hearts to memories—laughter, tears, deep joy, connectedness, belonging—a gift.

I’m centering around the goodness of a meal—the goodness of community that’s deepened around a table. I’m recalling the way the fragrance of a meal in the oven welcomes those we love inward. I am grounding in the idea that working with our hands is most healthy for our bodies, souls, and minds. I’m anchoring to the idea that serving others is healing and wholesome. When we make space, we fuse in a necessary yet sometimes forgotten way. When we are sitting beside each other being served over a bar top, saluti with the group before a meal around a table, a clanking of glasses to celebrate good news, the shared bite of decedent dessert at the end of the meal— a Michelin star experience with one you cherish. Worthy. Good. Kind.

And so— we live here, in this corner of the internet where gathering and togetherness mean something— from the plates we prepare, to the way we dress for the occasion and the atmosphere of the room we’re dwelling in. I’m a resource for pulling a room together, things to think about as you prepare for hosting or being hosting, what to wear to thing, what to eat and obviously, restaurant guides as we travel.

Welcome to Karen’s Substack 2.0.
If you’re a man or a woman who loves to be around people, who appreciates thoughtful prompts toward being better, who kind of loves a good clothing piece to wear when you want to feel good or are around others, or you love really delicious food and want to learn how to prepare it intuitively, please stay here with me and invite the friends who also love these things. If all of this makes you detached, uninterested, or blah— I send love and goodness to you as we depart.

I can’t wait as this next chapter takes shape. Thank you to each person here who’s participated as I’ve found more of my voice, shared vulnerable and personal things, and now continue forward with me as I lean into some of my favorite, happier things like food, humans, and fabrics. There is so much space for each person here to feel really seen, loved, and nurtured as us, who are hosts, initiators, date planners, friend hang curators, kind of link up and walk further down the road together—

To overcome loneliness, to really good wine, a shared plate, and a look that’s to die for— I’m so happy to see you here. Salute, babies. 🥂