In January 2015 Liv started Liv’s Recovery Kitchen (neé Liv’s Locomotion) in search of the elusive freedom from self. Her intent at the time was to explore the next chapter in her continuing journey of recovery from addiction: towards a destination of health, fitness, and well-being. Over a year-and-a-half later Liv’s Recovery Kitchen has become a robust destination for like-minded, full-body and mind health-conscious people in recovery.
The principal motivation for my creativity. Bringing awareness about health and wellness in recovery, and how they can enhance your life. Oh, and that it’s not all kale and quinoa.
The principal motivation for my sobriety. Not dying.
My favorite qualities in a person. I respond really well to honesty, integrity, openness and connection.
What I appreciate most about my friends. That they are honest and love me enough to not co-sign my bullshit, but to also lift me up and celebrate my qualities and talents. They believe in me when I struggle.
My main fault. Perfectionism and incessant need to be self-sufficient. Oops, there’s two.
My favorite occupation. Cooking.
All dishes and photos by Olivia
My dream of happiness. To live by the sea, with a family, grow my own food, build my own house and do work that I love.
My idea of misery. Working in an office and monotony.
My greatest regret. Not coming into recovery earlier.
My proudest moment. Recovery and losing 50 pounds. I’m not very good at choosing one, am?!
Other than myself, who would I like to be? You, Chris. You’re well cool. [No money exchanged hands. And this is very sweet, if undeserved. Chris]
Where I would like to live. Portland. Oh, wait…
My favorite color. Indigo.
My favorite authors. Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, Jeanette Winterson, Silvia Plath, Rilke, Donna Tartt and any cookbook by Ottolenghi.
My favorite poets. Rilke, Plath.
My favorite composers/musicians. Composers, Ludovico Einaudi and Max Richter. Musicians, Saint Germain, Alt-J, Air, Massive Attack, Bocelli, Sigur Ros, Amber Run, Bon Iver
My favorite creative people. Whoa, how long have you got?! Art wise, I love Mrs. Ciccoricco’s and Aaron Lee Perry’s work. I am inspired by the creative genius of Food52 and Symmetry Breakfast. I adore the writing of Mark Goodson, Claire Foster, Dan Maurer and Two Bitches & Jules. Catherine Caton is a great photographer and designer. Regina Walker’s not only writes amazingly but I love her eye for photography. And I love the style of the online shop Oklahoma. Not to mention the progressive genius of all of us in the online recovery community, particularly The Recovery Revolution [d'aww! Chris] who inspire me.
My hero(es). Me. I’m also pretty fond of Ellen and anyone who rescues dogs, or overcomes something that troubles them.
My favorite food and drink.
Oh, Jeez. I have so many. If I had to pick one, it would be a meal of grilled fish and seafood, samphire in garlic and olive oil, some kind of herby potatoes and steamed broccoli with chili. For dessert, I’d like homemade black bean fudgy brownies with banana ice cream. To drink, just something fresh and lemony, like water, and lemon. Inventive.
My drug of (lack of) choice when I was using. My favourite combination was wine, cocaine and codeine.
What I hate most of all. Morons.
The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with. World domination.
How I want to die. Peacefully and without pain.
My present state of mind. I don’t want to kill anyone today. Winning.
Faults for which I have the most indulgence. Irritation, intolerance, impatience, feeling threatened, and the avoidance of fear and feelings.
My favorite motto.