The Sleeper Edition: Exploring Antarctica, Tasting Marin’s Best, WIN our latest drop: The Hair Wax Stick.
Unfiltered rawness. Shot candidly while I was on a Zodiac off the Peninsula of King George Island.
BUCKET LIST: Antarctica, Via Silverseas Silver Endeavor
As we get ready to fall into winter, I find myself reflecting on my trip last year to Antarctica, which has stayed with me deeply. If you’ve followed any of these newsletters, you can tell I’m kind of a warm-weather, Mediterranean or tropical lover. Antarctica was the furthest thing possible from those. So, when my friend asked me two years ago if I wanted to go freeze my ass off at the southernmost point of the planet, I said, "Hell yeah." I love an adventure.
We found ourselves flying deep at the bottom of the globe and landing on the dark black tarmac of King George Island, in a very specialized airplane fittingly painted as a penguin. Moments later, fitted out head to toe in specialized gear that was mostly provided for us, we were swept into vans, driven to a beach, hopped on Zodiac’s and whisked aboard the most luxurious ship I’ve ever been on. The Silver Endeavor, by ultra-luxury expedition outfitters Silverseas, was unreal. From the design of the icebreaker-grade ship, fitted with bedrooms and restrooms nicer than most 5-star luxury hotels - this was not what I’d expected.
Once aboard, I settled in quickly to 24 hours of daylight, incredible food, people, but most importantly—the views that you’re immersed in. I have traveled a lot and seen many things. This was different. It was a world that’s been unspoiled for millions of years. Some of the steps I took were surely the first that some grounds had ever felt. The terrain was absolutely perfect. There wasn’t a buzz of sound when idle. You could see farther than you’ve ever seen in your entire life. The scale is something I still haven’t grasped with my mind. My favorite time was 4 a.m., when everyone was sleeping and it was still light out, and I’d just sit at the top and stare and stare for miles, thinking about how the world probably would be better without us—but I sure did appreciate being there. I didn’t realize it would have this effect on me, but whether you have or have not considered it, I would say this is truly the only bucket list thing I’ve done, and I pretty much did it by accident. I’ll answer any emails to give you more information if interested, so long as you promise me you’ll take the true polar ice plunge after you book your trip!
Eat: Insalatas, San Anselmo, Ca
Insalata’s in Marin County is an institution that somehow still feels like a hidden gem even after more than 25 years at the top of its game. Well-known by locals, yet inexplicably underappreciated on a broader scale, it remains a beacon of quality and warmth amid Marin’s restaurant scene. The atmosphere is always welcoming, centered around the kindness of staff led by longtime manager Todd Hauserman and the ever-attentive Ben Colton behind the bar—two faces who make every visit feel personal and memorable. In the kitchen, head chef Taylor has seamlessly taken over from founder Heidi Krahling, elevating the menu while honoring the Mediterranean roots that built Insalata’s reputation.
The mezze platter is always the table starter—a vibrant parade of Mediterranean flavors, generous and perfect for sharing. For mains, the chicken dish stands out as surprisingly transcendent and perhaps the best anywhere, while the Bavette steak is rich and ideal for splitting, especially when paired with whatever seasonal pasta the kitchen dreams up. There’s also a secret off-menu favorite: the Tidefall, a masterful cocktail crafted with chili-infused local vodka, landing in that sweet spot between spicy and refreshing.
Whether sitting solo or with a friend at the lively bar, or tucked into a booth with a group, Insalata’s never disappoints on service or ambiance. Perhaps the biggest surprise—especially for Bay Area diners—is the pricing, which remains far below what one would expect for this caliber of hospitality and cuisine. In a region brimming with restaurant options, Insalata’s stands apart as both an unsung culinary classic and a personal go-to for unforgettable meals.
Pro Tip: Skip the cooking and dishes for Thanksgiving at Insalata’s!
Ben Colton making the infamous off-menu Tidefall, a sweet and spicy vodka- infused drink of perfection.
Now Listening: Scribbled Paper by Little Dragon
Scribbled Paper is one of my favorite songs, period. It’s a song to listen to by yourself in a moody nighttime setting when the lighting is dim or ambient. Nobody is around but yourself and your thoughts. It has everything you could want for this type of song. Little Dragon as a group can blend genre’s so well, and this shows just how deep the range can be from some of the other high energy, heavy hitting tracks. Go listen and enjoy.
Stylist Spotlight: Stassi, San Francisco + Marin
Stassi is the epitome of swag. She’s a chameleon with her own style, and she is always down to make a chameleon of you. She has an incredible artistic to find what suits you best, while having the charisma, humor, and wit to leave you constantly entertained. Book an appointment with her in either San Francisco or Marin and see how she can elevate your look.
Introducing the DAVID JAMES. Hair Wax Stick
The DAVID JAMES. Hair Wax Stick offers a strong, non-greasy hold for all hair types, perfect for sleek, long-haired styles like buns or ponytails, and textured, spiky short-haired looks. Apply to dry or damp hair to tame flyaways or define spikes with a glossy, residue-free finish using its mess-free stick. Infused with castor oil and beeswax.
The package design is an ode to David’s longtime loyal clients who’ve helped make the salons possible over the past 25 years in the industry. See if you can spot your name amongst it!
Get yours today and see what you can create with this stylist fav!
Create lift and smoother finishes for an editorial look.
Create perfect polished ponytails.
