Sneaky & Savory Shopping at Suculenta

I nearly walked right past this unmarked hidden treasure. The music in the streets was bumping, the colorful flowers and masked strangers nearly distracted me, but I somehow found this savory little shop in the bustling streets of Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos. This mystical shop, I later learned was called Suculenta. It smelled of a wild mix of fresh herbs, cedar wood, and peppercorn upon entering which of course peaked my curiosity. 

I was warmly greeted by the only woman in the shop, who was mixing an organic mustard on a steel table and pouring it into small glass jars. I was fascinated. It was like an apothecary for pickles, jams, compotes, and spices. I went through the tester jars that were gathered on the table and was blown away by the local flavors and ingredients. They create and hand craft everything from edible oils, cheeses, and compotes to wild mushrooms from the Sierra Norte. Everything is then bottled and placed around the store on custom built wooden shelving and old antique scales. 

My favorite things on the shelves were the dill pickles, the organic honey with cardamom, and the spicy mustard I got to sample. Oaxaca is known for their incredible food, culture, and rich traditions… but the shopping is also absolutely amazing. If you are in Oaxaca, I definitely recommend popping into this sneaky little shop for a sweet and savory expedition. 

You can find Suculenta down the street from Boulanc bakery on Av. Porfirio Diaz, in the unmarked light blue building. If it’s open, the door is open. 

Xx

Shopping at Pike Place Market

Finding the best local market is the first thing I do when exploring a new city or town. I am always fascinated by the people, products, and energy that is radiating from each stall and stand. After hearing so much about the food, coffee, and culture in Seattle, I was thrilled when I arrived at Pike Place Market.  

I was blissfully overwhelmed by the bustling market stalls and winding aisles packed with products, produce, and flowers. I stopped to smell the hundreds of vibrant flowers that quite literally drowned the women who cut and arranged them.

I browsed the racks of local wines, tried, smelled, and tasted local chocolates, teas, and spices, and embraced my inner hippie while testing out various essential oils and chakra beads. While I wanted to buy everything that I had seen, smelt, and experienced… there were a few products that I simply couldn’t pass up.

This is what wound up in my shopping bag:

• Bee Propolis Chewing Gum: Bee Propolis is the substance used by bees to seal their hives and keep out infection. They collect sap from trees, and convert it to this waxy sealant. People can use it for sore throats, and use it as an antiviral as well as warding off infections or sickness. The owner of this amazing Bohemian shop, called Tenzing Momo, adds peppermint to this gum-like consistency and created a gum that is not only freshening your breath, but also improving your health.

• Chakra Mala Necklace: I purchased a Chakra Mala with beautiful colored gemstones that represent all 7 chakras. There are 108 rudraksha beads that make up this necklace, which is the traditional number for chanting and prayer. Each rudraksha bead has been handpicked, blessed, and chosen for its energy level. Created by Aum Rudraksha Designs.

• Almond Coconut Chocolate Bar from Theo: Not only are these chocolate bars absolutely delicious, they are also USDA organic, Fair Trade, and non-GMO. The Theo brand is involved in every step of the process: From the cacao farmer in the Congo, to the truck driver in Seattle, to the chocolate lovers like me all around the world. I bought this 65% dark chocolate as a “celebration of spring” that has crunchy almonds and toasted coconut making a smooth, and rich dark chocolate that is nutty and refreshing.

• Zodiac Essential Oil Aquarius:  I thought this concept was so fascinating and of course had to buy it. The bohemian shop, Tenzing Momo, hand blends essential oils based on your zodiac sign. Each astrology sign has different strengths and weaknesses, which creates a unique combination of essential oils to become most beneficial to the user. Being a Valentines baby, I bought the Aquarius blend and love wearing it on the inside of my wrists and neck.

• Sage Bundle: As I walked around the market, the smell of something burning wafted into my nose. Originally I figured it must have been weed, after all... Washington is one of the places where marijuana is legal, so this concept was not too far of a stretch for me. However, shortly after my nose picked up this scent, I came to a table covered in small sage bundles, some of which were on fire. I learned about smudging, which is the cleansing of energetic and metaphysical aura’s completed through the burning of a sage bundle. It is said to help with conflict, anger, illness and evil energy, while also calling forth energies of peace and love. So I bought this little bundle of wonder to burn in my New York City apartment to bring in good energy and burn out anything negative.

• Rejuvenating Rub: After a long weekend of skiing the slopes, my body was aching and exhausted. So when I hit the stand for Moon Valley Organics... I was so pleased to find their Rejuvenating All-Over Body Rub. Moon Valley is a “Farmacy” nestled in the majestic foothills of Washington's Cascade Mountains. Their herbalists take nature's healing agents and turn them into truly effective and luxurious care products. The Rejuvenating Rub combines mint and lavender with arnica to create the ultimate cooling and calming experience, perfect for my aches after workouts, long plane rides, and strenuous activities.

The Bohemian Beach Town of Tulum

A few months ago I started hearing murmurs, a small muffled mentioning of pop-up shops that gave the hamptons a run for their money. Of mixologists fleeing their bone-chilling local bars in Williamsburg to serve south of the border. Of the ecotourism movement that left travelers with just the beach, a mosquito net, and their own curious minds.

It was happening, the gentle gentrification of Tulum. It started, similar to Yucatan plumbing, like a slow dripping faucet, and has now become the buzzing epicenter of Manhattanites... searching for a break in the sun and a getaway that doesn’t feel too far from home.

Naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about. So, my two best friends and I booked our flights, rented a car and headed an hour and a half south of Cancun towards the restorative town of Tulum.

After some research, I realized the weekend we had picked was that of a full moon and Papaya Playa Project, an eco-chic multifunctional community nestled carefully between the Mayan Jungle and the beautiful coastline, is infamous for incredible food, comfortable cottages, and an even more kickass full moon party. Done and done.

Every morning during our stay, we indulged in their continental breakfast of fresh fruit, juices, smoothies, and coffee (with the exception of one hungover morning that involved begging for huevos from the incredible line chefs, long after breakfast was done being served.) This would kick start days of biking to the main strip of bohemian, shack-like gems that looked like a cross between the hippie markets of Ibiza and the Crow’s Nest in Montauk.

In a sea of dreamcatchers, overpriced but droolworthy jewelry, and tiny bikinis we mindlessly meandered and strolled the incredible shopping scene that has blossomed in this tiny jungle town.

Open air dining has been absolutely mastered and come complete with large wood burning ovens, buzz-inducing Mezcal concoctions, and of course fresh seafood. We passed on dining at the acclaimed but consistently overcrowded Hardwood for the likes of Cafe Jaguar and the incredible Canopia (which meaning canopy… was our only solace in a tropical rainstorm.)  

Overall, this hippie town has everything you need for a long weekend away. From biological reserves, Mayan ruins, and natural cenotes to bohemian shops, mixology bars, and more beachfront yoga then you can shake a stick at… Tulum is an incredible town, perfect for disconnecting and re-centering yourself before a midwinter breakdown.

The Insider: What to Buy and How to Shop for Healthy Meals on Deck

At some point every summer I find myself aboard a boat… sailing for an extended period of time, whether it’s exploring a new route for The Yacht Week, or lazily tanning, sightseeing, and hopping from island to island. Sailing is by far one of my favorite ways to explore new places.

1. You get to jump straight into the ocean every morning… Who needs coffee?
2. There is nothing quite like jamming to your favorite tunes laying in the sun watching islands float by
3. Feeling spontaneous? Just pull the boat into a nearby cove and go for a quick snorkel/cliff jumping sesh
4. BBQing off the back of the boat with the salty wind in your hair just can’t be beat

However, that last item on my list lead me to a big challenge I’ve faced after living on a boat for a week or longer the past few summers. On a boat, you typically don’t have the luxuries or amenities readily available, that are necessary for maintaining that healthy bikini-body regime.

What ingredients do you really buy in a tiny market at a marina that will serve a big purpose in a bite-size kitchen below deck? As a first-timer, I stood in the middle of the bustling aisles of the local store with my shopping cart, mouth agape, with no clue where to even start.

Through the years, I have learned what works and what doesn’t when sailing or living on a boat for an extended period of time. So below are the tips of things to buy, based on availability, price, and tolerance to sea life. It’s all about the ease of making a meal that’s healthy and tastes great, to keep you happily fed while maintaining your pristine waistline.

First off the biggest and most common mistake I’ve seen, is travelers going hog wild in the canned food section. Hoarding cans of tuna, beans, and tomato sauce like an apocalyptic lunatic. And while yes, it’s great to have these items on hand for the occasional tuna sandwich, you are creating much more trash onboard as you go, it’s healthier and greener to just go with the fresh ingredients.

Essentials:

• Vegetables:

-Lettuce: obviously great for salads but also a fabulous alternative to bread for  quick and easy lettuce wraps

-Tomatoes: they’re inexpensive, keep well, and are an easy addition to any meal. Think salads, sauces, and salsas

-Carrots: amazing for munching and dipping into local delicacies such as hummus or tzatziki

• Fruit:

-Mango/Peaches: by itself is stellar, in yogurt, as a salsa or dip for fish, with honey and dark chocolate as dessert, or sliced into your morning champagne… who doesn’t love a good Bellini?

-Apples: Helps keep digestion regular, as it can be a little funky on a boat: FIBER, FIBER, FIBER. Also great as a healthy snack with peanut butter, an addition to a cheese plate, or topping on a fresh salad

-Bananas: huge source of much needed potassium that is essential when swimming and being in the sun all day. (Also, ladies sneaky tip… when paired with coconut milk, and honey this delicious smelling concoction doubles as a natural deep conditioner. Perfect for your hair after it becomes fried from the sea and the sun.)

-Grapes: easy in the morning or as a snack but also awesome when used as iced cubes when frozen… sneaky trick when everyone thinks the ice is gone.

• Eggs: amazing source of protein, and even easier to keep fresh then American eggs as they are kept at room temp in most European ports, which is great if you have to go a day without power while also saving on fridge space. Obviously a great breakfast option, but can also be hard boiled and tossed into a salad or a grab-and-go filler between meals

• Cheese: pick up a little local cheese just to try, then grab some essentials to help pump up a salad (ie. feta for a greek, mozzarella for caprese etc), or a spread for an antipasti on a lazy afternoon.

• Meat: cured is always easiest, prosciutto, salami etc. As well as deli meats such as turkey and ham. The smoked/cured meat is great over eggs in the morning, or served on a charcuterie plate, and the quick protein boost you get from wrapping up turkey, cheese and lettuce for example is a no-brainer. You can also do chicken, or burgers but I typically stay away from serious raw meat as I never trust fridges that can turn on and off.  It’s also great to try and get local fish daily from wherever you are docked and grill it off the back of the boat.

• Spices/Herbs/Condiments: these are essential and save your life in the long run. Sea salt and pepper, as silly of a reminder as this is in the heat of the moment it isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when grocery shopping. I always try and get basil and dill for salads and eggs, as well as red chili powder and some form of hot sauce… cause I’m an addict for spicy! Really good to get mustard to add moisture and flavor to meats & cheeses as well as sandwiches. Balsamic is great, and olive oil is a must. I also always pick up a little chocolate as I get a sweet craving after every meal. It’s great as is and is also wonderful melted over fruit.

• Yogurt: This is a big deal-breaker for me… It’s (if you buy the right kind) full of protein, has probiotics, which helps for stomachs at sea, easily mixes with honey and fruit for a sexy morning parfait, or can be just as easily pair with savory ingredients like mint, garlic, and chive for a enjoyable dip or topping.

Topic of Water-

It’s hard to admit but this part of the traveling world has yet to go green… People, myself included, have to load up with hundreds of plastic water bottles to insure there’s enough water to survive long sails and hot summer nights. However, if you know you will be docked at a marina where you will have access to water, I highly recommend bringing (beforehand) both personal water bottles with filters, as well as large water filters. This eliminates the use of plastic, cuts down on waste, and really saves on space used in the boat for storing all those extra bottles.

Take it from a local-

I started this small thing at marinas that had great restaurants, I’d ask them for a large batch of their local specialty: in Turkey I asked for their fresh baked pita bread, and a large container of tzatziki, in Greece it was their hummus, and in Italy their homemade spaghetti sauce. Buying these things straight from a restaurant means that there is little to no prep involved, the ingredients are fresher than those packaged in a factory for sale at a market, and typically everything is authentically better tasting. Not to mention the amount of space you’re saving by having all the ingredients already blended together.

As I mentioned before I always seek to try local products wherever I go such as: wines, cheeses, nuts, spices, meats, herbs, sauces, and produce. This helps me really get a flavor for the culture and the cuisine.

I’ve learned these tips and tricks of the trade during my times sailing through the ports of: Croatia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, as well as the British Virgin Islands. These essential things on my list are just simple suggestions and guidelines that I follow personally while on board and of course are open to be tweaked and played with depending on your diet and preferences.

Photos by various Yacht Week Photographers (as watermarked)