Thrillist: The Best Meal in Iceland Is a Life-Changing Tomato Soup |
In a mammoth greenhouse crawling with twisty-turny vines of near-bursting tomatoes lies Friðheimar restaurant, a seed-to-soup wonderland located in Reykholt, Iceland, about an hour east of Reykjavík. When guests arrive at Friðheimar and take in the chaotic rows of vines, their energy is palpable. There’s excited chatter, broad smiles, and glasses raised with tomato-fueled toasts. It’s a special energy, born of impassioned commitment to a singular vision. This permaculture paradise aims to tell the story of Icelandic foodways and environmental responsibility in one, seemingly straightforward dish: all-you-can-eat tomato soup.
Get the full story on Thrillist |
Photo | Paige Deasley
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Insider: Profile |
This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Doran Dal Pra, who co-owns The New England Holiday Light Co. in Hooksett, New Hampshire. It's been edited for length and clarity.
My job as a professional holiday-lights installer started when my best friend, Jeff Paquin, came to me with the business idea. In October 2018, while I was still working my full-time IT job, Jeff and I completed our first installations for a few friends, plus aunts and uncles who took pity on us. Full story on Insider |
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Wander with Wonder
 Mohican Treehouse Resort (PC: Chris McLelland @ Compelling Photo)
Wanderlust isn’t a mood. It’s a lifestyle with a passion to explore the wonders of the world, immerse ourselves in new cultures, and give wings to our curious whims. We long to disconnect from the grid—and reconnect with our intuitive sense of adventure.
Some may want to hike mountains—others to sip their coffee while watching the morning mist dissipate through the forest leaves. Wanderlust—once loosely associated with hippie culture—is quickly becoming a game-changer in the travel industry. Just as people are shifting to the preference for open-air shopping experiences, some travelers opt to ditch the square, homogenized rooms of traditional hotels searching for more. The trend of unique travel experiences such as tiny houses, yurts, geodomes, and safari-style glamping offers travelers a union of simplicity and the great outdoors—with touches of convenience and even luxury. Check out the full story with travel suggestions! |
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Jack Sherman, a long-time Tionesta resident and businessman, has been a dedicated Lion for more than 60 years. The Sherman family roots run deep in the small community—a gateway town for the Allegheny National Forest. Jack’s father, Joe Sherman, was a pillar of the business landscape, building success in farming, trucking, banking, and a still-operating sand and gravel business. Nearly 20 years ago, Jack wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and find a way to give back to the community in a unique and meaningful way. Jack—a passionate lighthouse aficionado—decided Tionesta could use a beacon of its own.
In 2003, after personally spearheading design efforts, Jack Sherman broke ground on the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse. The 75-foot structure honors his love of lighthouses and his family’s heritage, but its foundation is firmly cemented in the community. Though the landmark is privately-owned, Sherman opens the lighthouse for tours throughout the year and the proceeds go directly to the Tionesta Lions Club. Visitors can learn about the construction of the lighthouse, read up on the history of the Sherman family, and view the collection of nearly 300 replica lighthouses on display. Funds from the lighthouse tours account for roughly one-third of the Lions’ annual budget. But why a lighthouse? “Lighthouses are beautiful structures. Architecture is at its best,” says Sherman. He wanted to “build something unique to become a landmark in Tionesta, and a place where the heritage of my family may be preserved.” Check out the full story here. |
THE GRANDEUR OF ICELAND
Experience Fire, Ice & Otherworldly Contentment
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Iceland sounds a bit intimidating. A continent named for ice, after all. But I assure you, this is the most magical and unexpectedly accessible land of adventure. Yes, Iceland is speckled with volcanoes spewing ruby-red lava, and you can casually walk amidst its diamond-like ice structures.
The grandeur of this place is not just what we see above ground but also its caves and geothermal activity below the surface. There are wonders so awe-inspiring that they will recalibrate your sense of possibility. And the best part? You don’t need to be a weathered adventurer to experience the wonders of this continent. Read all about the adventure here. |
Photo | Melanie Carden
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Photo | Melanie Carden
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Aruba: Seaside Sippin' & Off-Roading Adventure
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In addition to the palapa-speckled beaches, leave time to explore the island itself, which offers the otherworldly oasis of Arikok National Park—where the amalgam of desert and tropical beaches woos you to return annually. Adventure enthusiasts can spend the day UTV racing through the craggily coastal trails with De Palm Tours. Once I recovered from my adrenaline rush, I went to San Nicolas to dabble in the local art scene. The curated street murals—under the direction of Tito Bolivar.
With so many reasons to visit, it’s no wonder many guests I befriended told me they visit Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino year after year. One day, as I ate breakfast, a couple arrived to be seated. When the waiter saw them, he burst out—calling to them by name. Because of the pandemic, it had been two years since they’d seen him—and he greeted them as though they were family. I sat, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, sipping Amaretto coffee, and thought to myself, “one happy island, indeed.” Get the scoop |
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Featured on The List
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Iconic Indulgence: Cape Cod's Ocean Edge Resort
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A relaxing day strolling along the beach and watching the shenanigans of ocean crabs is best capped off with a trip to the spa. Ocean Edge Resort's Beach House Spa is on par with the elite, and you can even book a private spa soirée!
The property is also home to Brewster’s only 18-hole, Nicklaus Design golf course, Troon Privé. It was here that their golf pro, Shayne Sakson, reminded me that this game is an absolute delight. One lesson and a bucket of golf balls later, I could feel my inner PGA-diva shine. As a lifelong New Englander, I was blown away that the resort offered an ocean-centric activity I’ve never experienced—an oyster farm tour. In a private tour of the resort’s onsite oyster bed farm, I waded in ankle-deep water, learning about oysters’ habitats and ability to filter ocean water. Who knew they were tasty little environmental warriors? Lobster Roll Review? Yup! check out the full story. |
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Spandex Dreams: Drag Queens & Quarterbacks
excerpt from of Drag Queens and Quarterbacks
The Gay and Lesbian Review
"At this intersection of consumption and truth, we find some of our most timely and important platforms: catwalks and football fields alike. Entertainment is an amalgam of authenticity and invention presented by an artist’s lived experience—some majestic slurry of their joy, pain, and dedication. To consume their art and the glory of their athletic achievements without regard for their experience is like honoring Gandhi by hosting a cheeseburger festival.
It may seem unlikely that a black football star and a white drag queen’s hot pants are cut from the same cloth, but shimmy into your spandex and follow me."
Photo Credit: Justin Cimon
The Gay and Lesbian Review
"At this intersection of consumption and truth, we find some of our most timely and important platforms: catwalks and football fields alike. Entertainment is an amalgam of authenticity and invention presented by an artist’s lived experience—some majestic slurry of their joy, pain, and dedication. To consume their art and the glory of their athletic achievements without regard for their experience is like honoring Gandhi by hosting a cheeseburger festival.
It may seem unlikely that a black football star and a white drag queen’s hot pants are cut from the same cloth, but shimmy into your spandex and follow me."
Photo Credit: Justin Cimon
Devour! Fest Film Festival
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A global pandemic, streaming a film festival, and geo-blocking—oh my! Michael Howell, and Lia Rinaldo, of Devour! Fest were gracious enough to pull the curtain back and share with me the wizardry behind their extraordinary success—even through the pandemic. Wolfville, Nova Scotia is home to Devour! The Food Film Fest which serves up an annual smorgasbord of culinary-centric film, chef dinners, and experiential programming.
What began in 2009 as a volunteer event offered by Slow Food Nova Scotia to increase regional awareness of the issues surrounding food production, food security, society, health, community and the environment, Devour! has grown into a leader in mid-size destination-based film festivals. On the enduring success, Rinaldo suggests, “It’s the perfect marriage—this collision of food and film and artistic expression—who doesn’t want a thoughtfully curated plate? A heart-ripping documentary?” Check out the full story on Film Fest Magazine |
Rising | In turbulent times Indiana Lion helps his hometown keep its rhythm
Photo | Randy Titus
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Music is a form of resilience in Anderson, Indiana. Once a hub for twenty now-defunct General Motors plants, the people of Anderson have a shared legacy of tenacity. The city played a pivotal role in the country’s car manufacturing industry, the details of which are documented in The Herald Bulletin book “The Auto Industry of Madison County: A History of Innovation.”
The Herald Bulletin’s editor, Scott Underwood, is quick to underscore the city’s prominence in an industry that helped shape the nation. “From the turn of the century when the auto industry started through the GM years,” he mentioned in a 2013 interview, “some of the most important plants in the world were located in Anderson.” In fact, these plants employed 24,000 people in their heyday. But as the auto industry transitioned to more electronic components, the plants in Anderson were ultimately closed, leaving behind abandoned lots and dwindling bank accounts. But despite the tremors of economic impact brought on by the plant closures, the community persevered and was even featured on a 2009 episode of NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Through the years, however, one landmark has remained a steadfast symbol of the city’s fortitude. Read the full story here. |
Posh Picnics
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Picnic season has arrived with all its storybook bliss. Find a quiet woodland grove, or perhaps a lively park, and indulge in the elegance of outdoor dining.
Picnicking is imbued with wonder and timelessness. So, go ahead and make some snacks and take to the grass with these posh picnic provisions. Check out some of my picnic favorites in this latest New York Lifestyles story! |
Whoa & Slow Fashion
Fashion and design details—regardless of the price point—help us express our confidence, personalities, and style. Over the years, I’ve come to learn more about the areas where traditionally manufactured clothing can improve to be less damaging to the planet.
Spring is a time of renewal—let that be reflected not just in the budding spring flowers but in your mindful fashion intentions as well! photo credit: Mateo Almendares |
Connecting with Sandra Goldmark, Barnard College’s Sustainability Director, was a real treat. I'm sharing her super-actionable fashion factoids. Did you know...
View the full story, including brand and product suggestions, on New York Lifestyles Magazine. Slow fashion is serving up some serious "whoa moments" right now. Check out the full article to access a dozen new-to-me sustainable clothing brands. |
The Connoisseurship of Conserva
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Have you assembled and devoured a “sea-cuterie” board yet this week? No? Let’s remedy that with haste.
Welcome to connoisseurship of conserva—obsessively high-quality preserved foods. With a keen eye on seafood, conserva is heavily rooted in Spain and Portugal and celebrated everywhere from Italy, France, and other parts of Europe. Unlike the bland, dry tuna on most U.S. market shelves, conserva canneries are masters in the culinary art of preservation and elevated food experience. Read the full story! |
pc: Wild Fish Cannery
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Barkuterie & Baking for Your Spoiled Pup
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Special pups deserve special treats. Whether you want to bake your boxer a birthday cake or create a barkuterie board for the neighborhood dogs, we’ve got all the inspiration and supplies you’ll need. If you follow the trending dog stories on social media, you’ve likely seen barkuterie boards circulating. Charcuterie-style snack boards for our besties are a fun, creative way to treat them. New to barkuterie? No worries. My friends at Polkadog Bakery sent along some tips.
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Highlights:
SNIPPETS AND SAMPLES
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Excerpt: "When Sparrows Unite: The Flight and Fight of Mehwish Khan" Mehwish is working towards a career as a doctor or surgeon. She wrote a chapter featured in the newly released book, No Single Sparrow Makes a Summer, a powerful collection of stories from nine women exploring their immigrant narratives of the refugee experience, juvenile detention and motherhood. Nine women. Five countries. One unified voice, rising up, ripping through the white noise with its unyielding message of hope. Undaunted by the political landscape so rife with the rhetoric of unfounded fear and bias, Mehwish is decimating Muslim stereotypes in the United States —her home. The Taliban came to clip their wings— one day at school. She thought she was going to be murdered, surrounded by the chattels—the tenuous wealth—of an education they forbid. Mehwish Khan took flight regardless, one sparrow among the countless many. And now she fights—for equality." |
Excerpt: Six Figures, No Degree
"On a plane bound for Alaska, I left college in 1995, my sophomore year. An amalgam of chutzpah and immersive learning empowered me beyond cleaning bathrooms to becoming a six-figure-salary executive — without a college degree. While my friends were partying in faraway frat houses, I was clickity-clacking on the computer in my clearance-rack skirt suit. Scarcely twenty-years-old and without that “golden ticket,” I had a long way to go to prove myself. Eventually, I landed a job as an administrative assistant. I had no marketable job skills and a heap of new “big girl bills” to pay. I felt desperate. At night, I would change into my sweatpants and clean that same office — toilets and all — for extra cash. My early desperation transformed into a fiery determination. I was a tornado — tearing through the corporate landscape, pulling into my vortex every possible skills-building opportunity. Out-hustling my co-workers, I built a successful career. By my mid-thirties, I had a sweet office, a kick-ass job title, a six-figure salary, plenty of champagne in the fridge, and was quoted in national industry magazines. But at what cost?" |
Food Sovereignty:
The battle for food sovereignty is ever entwined within existing oppressive systems, and it is here that I make a conscious decision to engage and lay my privilege on the line for the greater good. Within all just endeavors, there is interconnectedness, mirroring that which we see in nature. The hue of my hands, long in the loam, has changed over time, and my voice has strengthened—but there is much work still to be done.
The battle for food sovereignty is ever entwined within existing oppressive systems, and it is here that I make a conscious decision to engage and lay my privilege on the line for the greater good. Within all just endeavors, there is interconnectedness, mirroring that which we see in nature. The hue of my hands, long in the loam, has changed over time, and my voice has strengthened—but there is much work still to be done.
