MONTH AHEAD // FEBRUARY ’23

A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH

EDITOR’S NOTE //

Unlike last month’s note where I bore my soul (and then some), this note will be much like the month of February, short and sweet.

While I wish I had more exciting things to report on, after a trip to the ER (more on that below), exciting seems to be the last thing I need right now (so much for all my thriving, not just surviving talk last month. Ha!). My life has suddenly become a mundane mash-up of making doctor’s appointments and, the real thrilling highlight, researching decaf coffees (because decaf coffee normally tastes like dirt water, at least to me, but I need to make the switch for health reasons so, alas, here we are). An island beach vacay (where I may or may not ever come home from) is sounding better by the day!

HAPPENINGS //

WHAT I’M PINNING //

Cozy simple moments, cable knit sweaters, comforting foods and cabin escapes in my FEBRUARY INSPO BOARD

WHAT I’M COOKING //

California citrus season is in full swing, and honestly, there’s nothing better. Suffice it to say, just about everything I’m cooking up right now has some form of citrus in it, be sweet to savory to salads to snacks. Stay tuned for said citrus dishes to make an appearance here on the site soon.

WHAT I’M WEARING //

When I say that I basically haven’t stopped wearing this half-zip and sweatpants set since it arrived, I truly mean that I’ve only taken it off to wash it. Embarrassing? Maybe. But trust me, get yourself one (my code ALYSSA15 will get you 15% off *hint, hint ;)) and I guarantee you won’t want to take it off, either. It’s truly the coziest, comfiest thing. Plus, something about a set just makes me still manage to feel chic and put together (or at least tricks my brain into thinking I am). BTW, for sizing reference, I always like to size up a size or two in my sweats as I prefer them to be especially cozy and oversized, so I did a medium in the top and a large in the pants.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //

Ok, so this is going to be controversial, but I am not a podcast person. I just have never been able to get into them (I know, I’m like the only human on the planet, besides Dave, who doesn’t get podcasts. Sue me.). But I guess I’m finally entering my podcast era because I’ve been on quite the roll listening to them lately. This one is a fascinating peek into the business of Liquid Death and I’ve been listening to (and loving) several with Rick Rubin. This one is long but worth it.

WHAT I’M READING //

I know I swore off self-help-ish books last month, but I couldn’t help to pick up and start re-reading an old favorite, The Big Leap. Highly recommend if you struggle with fears, doubts, anxiety, anything holding you back, whether it’s in life, business or both.

WHAT I’M WATCHING //

Gilmore Girl re-runs and nothing but Gilmore Girl re-runs, although I’m looking looking forward to the new Reese Witherspoon movie coming out later this month (because is it just me or has there not been a good rom-com lately?!) and I want to start watching The Lost Kitchen.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON //

This is not going to be an exciting answer but you know how we do around here, we keep it real, however exciting, or in this case, un-exciting, it may be. So right now, the biggest project I’m working on is my health and well-being. The trauma of the break-in has taken a major toll on my body and I really didn’t realize how bad it truly was until I ended up at both urgent care and the ER last week. So while I have lots I’m itching to do and work on and projects I’d love to make progress on, everything is mostly getting put on the back burner until I’m feeling better. Because without our health, we have nothing. So, what does this mean for me? It means a lot of time doing things that aren’t work- reading, drawing, cooking just for the fun of it. Spending as much time as possible in fresh air and sunshine and nature and by the ocean. Long, but slow, walks. Restorative yoga. Breathing techniques. Doctor’s appointments, acupuncture, fruits and veggies (but also comfort food). More water, cutting out caffeine and alcohol (at least for now). Getting back into a proper bedtime routine, going to bed earlier, getting more sleep. Listening to relaxing and calming music. Cutting back on commitments and plans. Staying in instead of going out. Keeping things easy, relaxed, focused on the present moment, not making ay elaborate plans or anything that can add stress.

WHERE I’M HEADED //

While I love to travel it can also add a lot of stress (packing, airports, flying, etc.), so we’ve been focused on day trips and weekend trips to places that are quieter, more serene and by the water. We just recently went to Cayucos and absolutely loved it! Definitely think more time in the central coast region of California (my favorite area of the state) is in the cards soon…