Shit That Makes Me Feel Good
Part II!
Shitters! First things first, the Sephora sale is now open to all! In case you missed it, here are my favorite new releases, plus a peek at what’s in my cart so far:
Ok, back to business! I wrote the first installment of a letter like this last fall, and thought that the change in season could be a good time for another! The premise is simple—these are things that just make me feel good. Maybe you do some already, maybe a few are new to you, but here’s hoping you find something that makes you feel the same!
Rose-scented everything. Just lifts my mood!
My morning matcha. What a genuine JOY in my day. I use cashew milk, maple syrup, and this matcha powder, and I swear it’s the most delicious matcha latte I’ve ever had.
A spontaneous weeknight dinner out. Bonus points for a Monday or Tuesday! I’m all for starting the week strong with healthy dinners and early nights, but sometimes there’s nothing better than ditching the routine, especially on a warm spring night—that’s living!
My hot take of the day. Say whatever you want, but I know in my soul that I’m right about this one!!!
Putting my phone on a charger in the kitchen by 10pm. I held out on doing this for yeeeears, but my sleep has gotten so much better from not having a phone to reach for while I’m trying to wind down.
Similarly, having to get up to turn off my alarm because it’s in the kitchen. Makes it impossible to hit snooze and sleep in (even on my most tired days I’m already out of bed, so I’ll just roll into my morning routine), and has changed my natural wake time. Doesn’t feel amazing in the moment, but makes me feel sooo much better long term.
Crossing spots off of my restaurant list! I love the feeling of finally going somewhere that I’ve been meaning to try. A few I’ve tried recently: L’Veau D’Or (the mains were amazing, but I wasn’t crazy about the rest of the meal and it really didn’t feel worth it for the price tbh), Clemente Bar (I LOVED this one—great drinks and much easier walk-in situation than I anticipated, I’ll definitely be back!), and Ambassador’s Clubhouse (an impossible table, but if you can get one, go and order literally everything!).
Trying something you wanted on in-person and realizing it’s not for you! Feels like dodging a bullet, tbh! This happened to me recently with an Hermes bag I tried via Vivrelle, a service that lets you borrow luxury bags and jewelry. I always thought I would get so much use out of it, but once it arrived, I realized I just didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. Now imagine if I hadn’t done that and saved to buy it for real…! I’d be pissed! This is one very specific scenario, but the same applies to shopping for anything (though if you’re curious about Vivrelle, they did give us a code for a free month to try it—PRIYANKA. I plan to use it to test drive other pieces I’ve had on my eye!).
Watching the buds start to spring up on trees. My apartment is at tree level, which I love because it lets me keep an eye on how the trees change throughout the year. The leaves on the one outside my widow have just started to sprout, and seeing the green after months of bare branches makes me feel like our six month winter is finally ending!
When the 70% off final sale gamble pays off! I’m not one to play final sale roulette often—it usually feels higher risk than reward—but this dream skirt and Loretta Caponi dress were rare exceptions, and both worked perfectly!
10 minutes with my legs up on the headboard before bed. It’s supposed to help with digestion, but to me it just feels good, especially on tired legs!
Learning more about our brave new world. If you had asked me a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you much of anything about AI. But between my TIME podcast (linked to one of my favorite episodes of the season!) and a new content strategy client, I’ve learned SO much about innovation in the space and what to anticipate in the future. It’s easy to feel like things are too complicated or that you’re too far behind to catch up, but time and time again I find that turning towards those things—politics, AI, personal finance, wine, whatever it may be—feels SO much better than staying stuck. And frankly, a lot of people who are dumber than you do it, so there’s no reason that you, a smart person, can’t! That wisdom comes courtesy of my dad attempting to help me with high school math, but has been very widely applicable!
Fun workout class of the week! Exercise is mostly a solitary activity for me, but lately I’m trying to mix it up by going to a new class a few times a month. It’s a fun way to try something I’m excited or intrigued by (Tracy Anderson, anyone???!) and be around/inspired by the cool girls of NYC.
Prepping breakfast. When it comes to lunch or dinner, I usually always make enough to have leftovers, but breakfast was always made to order by me/ for me every morning. Especially on days when I have things to do on the earlier side, it’s nice to have something prepped and easy to reheat (I tend to prefer cooked things over cold foods like yogurt or overnight oats in the AM). Lately I’ve been doing simple frittatas—6 eggs, a cup of cottage cheese, s&p, and a mix of cooked veggies (this week its leeks and squash!) in the oven at 350 for 30 mins. Easy, healthy, and very yummy!
The warmth of the sun combined with the cool breeze from the Hudson that you get on warmer evenings on the West Side Highway. One of the weirdest and best combination of feelings!
“Strawberry milk.” I always forget that you can just have protein powder with water or nut milk instead of in a full blown smoothie. I’ve been loving this one over ice as a little afternoon beverage—tastes just like strawberry milk!
A few miles, push pace, club rat music. I’m not normally a club rat kind of girl, but nothing gets the endorphins going quite the same way!
Finding the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. Sifting through piles of jeans yourself is one way to do it, but I love places like Sorbara’s in Williamsburg or RLT in LA that pull pairs based on your sizing and guide you through the process (I’ve found dream pairs at both!).
Keeping a running donation bag. Getting rid of shit you don’t need, use, or love anymore is FREEING! I keep one of the countless free tote bags I always seem to acquire ready to fill with items around the house to donate. When it starts to get full, I walk it over to Housing Works. Rinse and repeat!
Similarly, giving things to people who love them! My sister was visiting this weekend and commented on a bag in my closet (this is similar). Guess whose day was made when I replied “that one?? You can have it!” Where you can/it makes sense, make someone’s day! It feels good and opens space for things that are better suited to come to you.
Sending and receiving a LONG ass voice note. I used to be anti-voice note, but I’ve done a total 180 in the past six months, especially for long distance friends who are hard to catch on the phone. I’ll listen to them instead of a podcast or music while I cook, commute, or get ready, and now there’s nothing I love more than seeing a 10+ minute voice note come in.
A 10 minute feeling dump. I wrote about this in an earlier newsletter, but when I’m feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or am ruminating on something, etc. I set a timer for 10-15 minutes, open a blank Google doc (or Notes app page), and go to town. It’s not for the purpose of documenting, it’s just to let out the feeling. I think I have a pretty good read on how I’m feeling and why most of the time, but this practice has helped me put words to some of the layers that are harder to fully access or articulate while they swirl around in my head, and then to move forward after instead of stewing.
BLASTING OLD JB. Apologies to all of my neighbors—post-Coachella there is no end in sight!
A productive morning, preferably at a window seat in 12 Matcha. Locking in for a few hours of concentrated work before noon makes me feel SO accomplished. (Once again, please be chill and do not kidnap me—no one will pay a ransom to get me back, and I will probably annoy the hell out of you. It’s a lose-lose situation!!!)
40 minutes roasting in my sauna blanket (preferably while reading, but most likely while scrolling...). Aside from being something you can plug in whenever you want, sauna blankets keep your face and hair safe from pigmentation and damage, while still giving your body the infrared sauna benefits. PRIYANKA15 also sweetens the deal!
Homemade Twix Bars. My new obsession on the nights I need a little sweet treat. Kiki’s Greek cheesecake on the nights I need a bigger one 😏