In an effort to slowly create more content here (and to add more to my plate for fun) I am bringing back my monthly recaps of everything ELSE I’ve been into this month. The images are linked so you can purchase/watch/read whatever tickles your fancy.
READING
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck By Mark Manson
I know I was a little late to the game on this one but I’m so glad I finally gave it a chance. In general I like self-improvement books and I am fascinated by how other people choose to optimize and clarify their lives. Manson’s approach on narrowing in on what you actually give a fuck about vs. giving a fuck about everything was just what I need to hear at a stage in my life when I am getting tired more easily and stretched thinner. I have always dabbled in a million different things and now I’d really like to focus on the few things that bring me the most joy and sense of fulfillment. (Easier said than done, but I’m going to try.)
WATCHING
Love is Blind, Season 5
I could pretend that I’m better than this but I’m really not. I realize this may be in direct contradiction to what I just wrote above but I’m a work in progress! Plus, this really does bring me joy. I spend a lot of time using my brain all day between writing every morning and working long hours. At the end of it all I just want to be able to flip that switch off for an hour. I also find this show so fascinating from a psychological and sociological perspective. Really!
EATING
I started watching Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix (again my obsession with optimizing one’s life) and quickly became enamored with the way people in Blue Zones eat. I was thrilled to find they have recipes on the Blue Zone website and went to find my favorite recipe so far - Sardinia Minestrone. I made it this past weekend and it does not disappoint, especially in the cold rainy weather we’ve been having in New York. It’s hearty, zesty, and nourishing.
DOING
During the pandemic I got really into paint by numbers as a way to kill time and destress. I tried knitting after that and I couldn’t quite get passionate about it and gave up. Since then I had sort of given up on hobbies that were just that -- hobbies. I was starting to find that everything I did had a purpose behind it, a reason, a why. I needed a break from that. I needed something to do that had no other reason behind it than to just enjoy. Enter Paint Gems. They’re like Paint by Number or using a coloring book but less labor intensive and messy. I can sit and do a whole canvas or dabble when I have 10-15 minutes. A great stress reliever and something better to do than just scroll on my phone.
LISTENING
Scarlet by Doja Cat
I listened to Doja Cat’s new album while I made my minestrone. I’ll need to give it a couple more listens to really form a proper opinion but for now I’ll just say, it was a great album to make a stew too.
STATS
Some facts about what’s going on around here.