While I’m not in corporate America, I do appreciate quarterly check-ins. As we stretch and grow as humans, it can be tricky to pinpoint when those shifts and changes take place. I’m also a fan of crowd-sourcing and getting personal recommendations for new things instead of trusting strangers on the internet. In this Substack, I’m taking a light-hearted approach to a quarterly check-in with a list of things I’ve been loving lately.
Embracing
Nature and new trails
As the temps grow a bit warmer and the sun shines later and longer, I’ve been more motivated to switch up my usual walks and get out in nature instead. There’s a short trail about a 15-minute drive from my house that is a hidden gem. The trail itself is a gravel path with the deep blue Sandy Hook Bay on one side and a narrow strip of woods on the other. On a very clear day, you can see Manhattan in the distance. It’s a funny juxtaposition to be in such a serene space while knowing the hustle and bustle of the city is a mere twenty-something miles away.
Eating
Quinn Maple Almond Butter Grain-Free Pretzel Nuggets
If you’re looking for a snack that pairs salty, sweet, and crunch, you’ve gotta check these out. I brought these on a road trip a few months ago and quickly converted a friend when we finished the bag before reaching the interstate highway. My fave way to enjoy these is as an afternoon snack with thin Cosmic Crisp apple slices. I buy them online at Thrive Market, but you can also find them at Whole Foods and similar stores. I’m not a peanut butter fan (one of my red flags), but I’ve heard their PB ones, and PB chocolate flavors are both 10/10 as well.
Reading
The Adventure Tarot: A Road-Trip Inspired Deck for Self-Discovery & Belonging by Elizabeth Su
This is my very first tarot deck! The author/creator, Elizabeth, and I attended graduate school together at Columbia and were in the same cohort for our Spirituality, Mind-Body studies program. She infused so much love, good vibes, and “big sis energy” into this thoughtful spiritual deck. The illustrations are stunning and feature elements of Elizabeth’s Asian-American background with her love of nature and adventures. I’m so excited to take a deeper dive and incorporate this fun and playful practice into my life.
Listening
Kacey Musgrave’s song Deeper Well
Do you know the feeling when you listen to a song for the first time, and it hits you in a way that forces you to play it on repeat until further notice? That’s what this song does for me. It’s the namesake of her latest album, which is a blend of country, folk, and soft rock. You’ve got to give it a listen.
Wearing
Freja NYC Paloma Tote in Cappuccino
I received this as a Christmas present, and last week, I finally had the chance to use it. It truly is a quintessential work tote! It fits my MacBook perfectly, and there are three different sections for various needs. I brought it to a speaking engagement to promote Courageous Well-Being for Nurses, and it fit everything I needed with room to spare– my laptop, a copy of my book, a folder, a notebook, pens, and, of course, my Owala bottle. It’s sustainably made with vegan leather and is designed and created in small batches in New York City.
Adoring
Les Fleurs Rosa Dog Collar - Periwinkle from Sandy Paws
Etsy finds are a special kind of joy. A few weeks ago, I found this collar (a Foggy Dog dupe) and had to order it for my pup. It’s the perfect print for spring and sparks conversation and compliments from fellow dog parents. One downside is that the gold metal buckle gets scratched from wear, but this is pretty common with similar collars, so I’m willing to live with it.