my current favorites

Feb 10, 2025

I know there is a collective feeling among us all that January was never-ending. Truly, it felt like an entire year in itself. I spent my time reflecting and resetting, figuring out a routine with my new 9-5, learning how to incorporate habits that work towards my 2025 goals, trying new restaurants, and having lazy weekends on the couch with Michael. I feel like I did nothing but so much all at the same time.

Here’s a list of things I’ve been liking:

꩜ Restarting, as needed. With the way my brain works, I have a hard time focusing at times. There’s too much going on in my brain for me to focus on the task at hand. When this happens, after about an hour of anxious spiraling and saying “okay, let’s focus now,” I accept that I simply just can’t do that. First, I do a brain dump in my notes app. I write down everything that is spinning in circles in my mind. Then, I restart. Sometimes, that looks like getting back into bed, re-making it, and pretending like my day is just now beginning. Other times, it’s taking a walk in the crisp Chicago cold that gives my nervous system an instant reset. If I don’t have much time, I will go somewhere where I have some privacy, and move my body in some way - stretching, pacing, shaking - for a few minutes before heading back and diving right in to work.

꩜ CHOMPS JALAPEÑO BEEF STICKS. This is nothing new for me, but needed to be said. Also cottage cheese, green grapes, and Stok cold brew.

꩜ Sitting on the couch and watching The Sopranos. Most, if not all of my weekends in January were spent sitting on the couch with Michael and watching The Sopranos. That activity is just what I need to be doing every single cold winter weekend. We are almost done with The Sopranos, and it really is such a good show. I am the late one on this, but I highly recommend that you watch if you haven’t yet.

꩜ Admitting when you’re wrong (and growing from it). Why keep arguing when you know you’re in the wrong? Even if it’s embarrassing, admit when you are wrong. It can stop prolonged tension and resolve conflicts quickly. Admit you’re wrong, apologize, learn, and grow from it. Everyone makes mistakes.

꩜ Making a playlist of my favorite songs of all time. I’ve had this playlist for years but just this last week, I have updated and fine-tuned it. It is CRAZY how good of a mood listening to it puts me in. It’s all of the songs in my life that have ever made me feel pure joy in my body while listening to it. Please make a playlist like this for yourself, you will not regret it.

꩜ Cardigans and sweaters. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t wearing a sweater or a cardigan. They are just perfect, and having an outfit formula is very helpful for getting ready in the morning when you have someplace to be. It’s also just too cold in Chicago for me to care about my outfit.

꩜ Being a kitchen princess. I’ve mentioned this before, but Michael is the chef in our relationship and I have never been more grateful for something. I don’t HATE cooking, but it’s not something I want to do every single day. Luckily for me, my boyfriend loves to cook for me and he makes the best food ever. I am a kitchen princess.

꩜ Putting myself first. Knowing when to say no, asking myself what feels right, and listening to my body. All of these things contribute to my mental, physical, and emotional well-being every day. If I am not putting myself first, I cannot show up for anyone else in a way that is helpful.

꩜ Drinking iced coffee out of mugs. Plain and simple. It’s fun. And I sip it from the rim - no straw.

꩜ Life upgrades. I got a new job, and I can finally afford to upgrade certain parts of my life. I replaced my walking shoes that were ripped to shreds and smelled terrible with new walking shoes that I am so excited about. I bought a Super Puff to keep me warm this winter. Testing out new skincare/haircare/makeup products to see which ones I actually like. I upgraded my yoga mat that I’ve had for the past 5 years. Going to workout classes once in a while instead of ALWAYS working out at home. It feels nice to treat myself to things that I will actually use, and that drastically improve my life.

꩜ Spiral earrings. Michael got me these earrings for Christmas (in silver). I love them so much - they make me feel 10x more confident when I wear them. A toned down statement piece.

꩜ Lunchtime walks. I am noticing a trend about my favorites having to do with productivity. To avoid an afternoon slump, or restart my day in a way, I like to get outside on my lunch break and go for a walk. I truly do not care how cold it is, getting outside into the daylight and reminding myself there is a whole world outside of work feels amazing. After a walk, I feel rejuvenated and ready to keep working for a few more hours.

꩜ Work with me videos. Playing a “work with me” or “study with me” video on YouTube, both Airpods in, while I work is life changing. It’s usually just people clicking their mouse and typing on their keyboard - essentially, body-doubling on a screen. It works so well for me and my productivity levels.