MONTH AHEAD // JANUARY 2025
MONTH AHEAD // JANUARY 2025
A TASTE OF THE MONTH AHEAD
EDITOR’S NOTE //
While I was planning a gentle, soft launch into 2025, it seems like LA had other plans. As I was penning this month’s (already very belated) “Month Ahead” note, the tragic fires broke out, first in nearby Pacific Palisades, then Altadena and eventually other spots around the city. What seemed to start as a small wildfire quickly erupted into a blaze of unimaginable magnitudes burning everything (and then some) in its path. And now here I am just a mere week later, in a city that’s heartbroken and in mourning, picking up the proverbial pen to finish what I started while many around our city our picking up the literal pieces of what little, if anything, is left of their homes and lives.
I am unbelievably grateful that, so far, we have been safe and unharmed, at least physically (mentally and emotionally might be another story). But my heart is heavy and it’s been a long and devastating week here. I think it’s safe to say that if you live in Los Angeles, whether you were directly impacted by the fires or not, we’ve all been affected in one way or another. I (and I’m sure many others) find myself teetering between feelings of helplessness and survivors guilt, between trying to focus on something normal, like work, and not being able to pull myself away from the news, and being anxious and on edge for what’s to come and holding my breath to see which way the fires and winds will go next, hoping and praying that the only place the actually go is away.
The week has been one riddled with anxiety, poor air quality and sleepless nights, pacing, tossing and turning, jumping up at any given moment because you think you “smell smoke” or might have somehow missed an evacuation notice (Or, in the case, of one evening last week, getting what thankfully turned out to be a false evacuation notice at 4am. Talk about getting your heart pumping. Oof.) It’s hard to focus, it’s hard to work, it’s hard to be creative, it’s hard to go about day to day tasks. All that I can think about and focus on is the fires. Everything else just feels like unimportant noise at the moment. And yet, as always, the world turns on.
For those of us attempting to get back to “business as usual” let us not forget those who can’t do the same right now. Channel the feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and fear into helping others. Share your blessings with those who weren’t so fortunate. Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone. And not just today, or this week, but in the days, weeks, months and years that it will take to for people to recover and rebuild.
I know there’s a lot going around with ways to help and places to donate and that in itself can be overwhelming. So many people, brands, restaurants, chefs and places have already stepped up and have dived head first into helping this community, which is truly incredible, beautiful and so heartwarming to see (File it under “reasons to still believe in humanity”). And don’t worry and feel pressured if you haven’t done much just yet. Trust me when I say that the volunteer efforts will quickly drop but the need for assistance will not. So it’s totally ok to take your time to find an opportunity that feels right for you, with whatever means you are comfortable with and give back in whatever ways you are called to, whenever you are called to do so. It doesn’t matter if it’s right away or weeks from now, if it’s in time or treasure, if it’s a little or a lot, people who have lost everything and the first responder heros who are fighting for everything will be grateful for anything.
While I don’t want to add to the noise, I do want to share a few ways to get involved that I’ve vetted and are being run by people I personally know, or where I know that the aid is going to directly and immediately to those who need it most, or that I myself am donating to and volunteering with. However you choose to show up and help, know that no amount is too small and every little act of generosity and kindness is meaningful, impactful and appreciated and matters.
When I was a little girl, my family spent two months road tripping around the country and I’ll never forget how I fell in love with California on that trip. After visiting, I always remember my 10 year old self saying that one day I would live here. Seven years ago that dream became a reality. While I grieve for those who have lost so, so much more, I am still sad over the places in the photos below, the spots that made me fall in love with California, places that we would frequent, that meant so much to us, that made us feel at home here in Los Angeles. The seafood shack that reminded me of New England, where we’d go to get clam chowder anytime it would rain and would always make me feel just a bit less homesick, the road we drove when we made the decision to move out here, it’s landscape now forever changed, the hikes that brought me peace and healing, the nature, the views, the hidden little spots tucked in along the coast that left me in awe of God’s creation and made me feel unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to live here.
While LA has certainly given me plenty of challenges during our time here, it also healed me and healed us after a few very difficult years in New York, and for that I’ll forever be grateful. Now my hope is that I can help LA heal the way that it helped me.
Love you, LA!
P.S. On side note, can we all just collectively agree that January was not actually the start to the new year and aim for February instead??! Ok, cool, good chat.
HAPPENINGS //
WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE LA FIRES //
HANDS TO HEARTS: A match program that connects donors with families in need; sign up here to adopt a family or request a care package if you’ve been impacted
SANCTUARY FOR DISPLACED CATS: A local vet, who also happens to be a former firefighter and emergency medical tech, is rescuing cats and giving them urgent medical care and temporary shelter that is quiet, warm and safe.
STRAY CAT ALLIANCE: These is the rescue organization where we adopted Bomba from; they have a whole page with resources on helping with cats affected and/or displaced by the fires
LA COMMUNITY MEALS: Donate a meal to front line workers, evacuees, and relief organizations while simultaneously supporting local business. A win-win.
MEALS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: Just $10 to send a meal to the first responders on the front lines
GOFUNDME LINKS: There’s a comprehensive list of direct links to the GoFundMe’s for those impacted as well as one specifically for people that are disabled, displaced Black Families and displaced Latine Families.
BSTRONG: Yes as in Bethenny Frankel’s organization. While I’m not normally one for celebrity-backed organizations, she actually outs her money where her mouth is and I appreciate that she’s big on handing on gift cards versus just things so that people can maintain their dignity and get things they actually need and want versus just some used clothes and things someone else picked out for them.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: A full list of volunteer and donation opportunities broken down with neighborhood information, times, what’s needed, etc.
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone.
WHAT I’M PINNING //
Check out my JANUARY BOARD to see what’s inspiring me this holiday season
WHAT I’M COOKING //
I don’t do diets or believe in resets. But I do believe in cozy dishes and nourishing meals and opting for more nutrient dense foods to balance out the holiday indulgences. And during times like these who doesn’t need some comfort food?! Here are a few of my favorites that I’m turning to this month-
ONE PAN CHICKEN MEATBALL, BURRATA + PASTA BAKE- An easy, cozy weeknight approved dinner
SPICY FUSILLI- Because is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of creamy vodka sauce pasta??!
HEARTY CHICKEN SOUP- Another comforting, classic favorite; my version includes homemade noodles which I realize sounds like a lot, but trust me when I say that this simple swap takes chicken soup from average to outstanding
CRISPY CHICKEN WITH FENNEL, ORANGE AND OLIVES- A chicken recipe so good it gives Marry me Chicken a run for it’s money
SLOW ROASTED TURMERIC SALMON WITH CRISPY COCONUT, NAPA CABBAGE + RICE- If you’re looking for something easy, unique and packed with flavor and nutrition, then this is the dish for you.
STEWED PRUNES- Stewed fruit is the epitome of warmth and comfort and is just what you need when you’re looking for a more nutritious winter dessert option. This one comes together with just a few ingredients and is as delicious for dessert after dinner as it is on yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast. Plus, it keeps for weeks in the fridge.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
Been on a big Mel Robbins podcast kick; especially loved this one and this one (a must listen as you’re planning new year goals)
WHAT I’M EYEING + BUYING //
