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Sunday Memos · May 11, 2025

Sunday Memo #2

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Nicole Hildenbiddle · Sunday Memos

Summer's pull is getting stronger every day, isn't it? I'm daydreaming about all the possibilities – family trips, summer reading, delicious recipes, and warm-weather outfits. This Sunday memo dives into some of these thoughts. I'll share my go-to olive oil for light and flavorful summer cooking, a destination I can't wait to explore, a summer fashion trend I love, and more.

I have a deep appreciation for olive oil, much like my love for chocolate, and I’m always excited to try a new bottle. Among the many I've tasted, Oracle, an organic, small-batch Greek olive oil, stands out as a favorite. This oil sourced from the Laconia region of Greece, is made entirely from Koroneiki olives grown on sustainable farms.

I discovered this gem a few years ago through CAP Beauty’s website, and it has since become a staple in my kitchen. It has a wonderful peppery flavor with a hint of fruitiness, and just a drizzle elevates even the simplest meal.

While I enjoy olive oil year-round, I especially love using it during the warmer months, unheated, so its flavor can shine through on fresh fruits and salads. This Stone Fruit Caprese recipe (NYTimes gift link) from NYTimes Cooking, with its mix of sweet and savory, is delicious with Oracle olive oil.

Lucy McCall is an artist based in England who creates beautiful, dreamy scenes featuring cowgirls, mermaids, and nautical designs on ceramics. She also makes adorable, Cupie-style figurines that are very tempting to collect. Lucy drops new batches on her website every so often and gives sneak peeks on social media. You have to be ready the second her sales go live though, because her stuff sells out super fast! I'm working on building up my own little collection of her cowgirl ceramics for my place here in Austin, TX. They have such a fun and unique vibe!

Images of Lucy McCall's ceramics Images of Lucy McCall's ceramics Images of Lucy McCall's ceramics

I'm currently reading Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, and one of the interesting things I've learned so far is that terrestrial creatures, particularly mammals, have the capacity for dreaming. However, aquatic animals do not experience REM sleep the same way, suggesting they do not dream at all.

One theory scientists have regarding why only land animals dream is that during REM sleep, our bodies are actually paralyzed. This paralysis is a safety mechanism, preventing us from physically acting out our dreams. In contrast, aquatic animals need to be able to move at all times for survival. Creatures that can live on land and in water demonstrate that they only dream when they are on land.

This information makes a lot of sense, but I hadn't considered it before. I find the connection between living on land and a creature's ability to dream to be fascinating.

If you’re interested in reading this book, I encourage you to purchase it from bookshop.org or your local bookstore. To receive a discount on your first order at bookshop.org, use this referral link.

Tucked away between the crowded Hamptons and the North Fork, lies Shelter Island, a unique escape where time slows down. For me, growing up in nearby Amagansett, the vibrant energy of the South Fork often overshadowed this nearby haven, which I thought of as a ferry hop on my way to design school in Rhode Island.

Last summer, my family and I drove across the island on our way to lunch in Greenport, and I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. Shelter Island is a serene oasis—there are no traffic lights, just winding roads that lead you past charming historic homes, unspoiled beaches, and expansive nature preserves. The echoes of the past resonate in the beautifully restored hotels dating back to the 19th century, while a new wave of restaurants bring fresh energy to the area.

John and I very excited about spending time here this summer and exploring all that Shelter Island has to offer. I can't wait to share our favorite spots when we return. Have you ever been to Shelter Island? If so, what are your recommendations? Share in the comments below!

Engraving of Shelter Island 1872
Engraving of Shelter Island 1872
Image of Catherine Zeta-Jones in Les 1001 Nuits (1990)
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Les 1001 Nuits (1990)

I'm really enjoying the comeback of shell-themed accessories and how they perfectly capture the carefree spirit of summer. Paired with simple, lightweight clothing, these accessories effortlessly elevate an outfit when you want to dress it up without a lot of effort. Here are some of the accessories I'm currently eyeing:

Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories
Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories
Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories Images of shell accessories
  1. Cult Gaia Camilla Hair Clip

  2. Alemais Reverie Mismatched Shell Studs

  3. Simkhai Bridget Pearl Oyster Clutch

  4. Simon Miller Shelly Mercado Tote

  5. Lelet NY Glossy Shell Claw Clip

  6. Maison Irem Anemone Necklace

  7. Veronica Beard Nantucket Shell Necklace

  8. OhSun Ella Turbo Shell Clutch

  9. Marlow White Studio Pearl and Shell Necklace

This week, I went down a deep yacht rock rabbit hole and curated a playlist of my favorites. John is going to laugh when he sees this. Enjoy, and I hope these songs transport you to a sunnier place!

Wishing you a beautiful week!

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