12 Things We Loved About Healthyish Homecoming
We're still riding high on good vibes from Healthyish Homecoming, and judging by our Instagram feed, we're not alone. Consider this a hit list of the day's many highs, from the seasonal grain bowl breakfast of our dreams to the golden hour happy hour that had us living our best lives. If you didn't make it this year, don't stress. Fingers crossed, we'll catch you at the next one.
Photo by Emma Fishman1/12Brassicas Bowls for Breakfast
The only thing getting us out of bed before 9 a.m.? Two Hands. The whole breakfast spread was dazzling (we'd eat a whole jar of that espresso marscapone alone), but we fell hard for this bowl with charred broccolini, kale, pickled shallots, perfectly jammy eggs and hummus swooshes for daays. We swooned, then immediately went back for seconds.
Photo by Emma Fishman2/12We Soaked Up the Sun
We crossed our fingers and refreshed the weather forecast a million times. In the end, the sun set the stage for an all-day outdoor hang. The glowy golden hour lasted all day and looked especially radiant on Self Care panelist Sara Elise.
Photo by Emma Fishman3/12Group Stretching = Group Bonding
We have a theory: The best way to get to know your neighbors and force group bonding is through a morning stretch session. Shoutout to Jess Woods and Sky Ting co-founder Chloe Kernaghan, who kept our bodies relaxed and our posture on point throughout the day.
Photo by Emma Fishman4/12We Took a Good Hard Look at Self Care
Upstairs, panelists Meredith Talusan, Sara Elise, Fariha Roísín, and Alisha Ramos dug into the challenges and implications of self care. They discussed the importance of taking care of yourself as an activism, stressed the importance of embracing vulnerability, and celebrated the beauty in setting boundaries by just saying no. Things got emotional, in the best of ways.
Photo by Emma Fishman5/12Botanica's Lunch Spread Blew Us Away
Dear Heather Sperling and Emily Fiffer: Thank you for flying across the country to stock the most beautiful lunch buffet of all time. We piled our plates high with spiced lamb meatballs, seared Japanese sweet potatoes, and a farmer's market worth of asparagus with wheatberry tabbouleh. Then we doubled back for more dips (Beet-Walnut Muhammara! Whipped tahini! Romesco!) to fuel us through the next session.
Photo by Emma Fishman6/12We Redefined Natural Beauty
At Redefining Natural Beauty, panelists Sophia Roe, Desiree Pais, Zora Casebere, Abena Boamah, and moderator Ashley Weatherford got real about the beauty industry. They discussed the power of consumers, the importance of creating a sustainable production process for the planet and for workers, and why you should never use sulphates on your hair.
Photo by Emma Fishman7/12Lauren Ash + Jenna Wortham Dropped Wisdom
For The Big Talk, Black Girl in Om founder Lauren Ash, New York Times Magazine staff writer Jenna Wortham, and Healthyish editor Amanda Shapiro sat down to ask a big question: "Has Wellness Become Bad for Us?" The answer? Yes and no. The conversation hit on wellness pet peeves and unequal access, ultimately turning to focus on the importance of collective self-care and the uplifting power of sisterhood.
Photo by Emma Fishman8/12We Asked An Herbalist All Our Burning Questions
Adaptogens: What Are They and Can They Really Change Your Life, plant-based wellness practitioner Rachelle Robinett broke down the benefits and myths surrounding adaptogenic herbs. Of course, we all left wanting to know even more! Luckily, she sat down for one-on-ones with Homecoming participants to break down herbalism, CBD, and much, much more.
Photo by Emma Fishman9/12We Had Happy Hour at Golden Hour
Of course, Lil Deb's Oasis turned up with the most epic happy hour menu. Seriously, tables overflowed with the abundance of tropical fruit, next-level crudites, and the freshest seafood. There were puffed kombu chips and scallop ceviche perched on dried bananas, followed by oysters with kombucha mignonette, and the most insane ants on a log we've ever tasted. We went back for seconds, and thirds, and...you get the picture.
Photo by Emma Fishman10/12Oh Yeah...And the Drinks
After a long day of talking, it was time for a drink. We sipped summery tonics made with botanical-infused vodka, and Karen Fu, bar manager at Studio at the Freehand, mixed up vodka cocktails with pear eau de vie, wild elderflower and pineapple juice, as well as a fiery concoction of Don Julio tequila blanco, pineapple, celery juice, and green chile vodka.
Photo by Emma Fishman11/12We Raided Our Gift Bags
At the end of a day like this, who wouldn't want to bring the good vibes home? Each Healthyish tote came stuffed with some of our favorite products, from CAP Beauty's portable matcha sticks to Areaware's striking beeswax totem candles. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for this bag at outdoor festivals and farmers' markets all summer long.
Photo by Emma Fishman12/12And We Made New Friends
The food was delicious. The talks went deep. But our favorite part of the day? Bringing the Healthyish community together IRL. It was a vibrant, beautiful, and joyous day, and we can't wait to do it again.
