I just completed my thirty-fourth circle around the sun! Nothing says “Happy Birthday to Me” like sharing a little love with you all. Here are 34 things I love right now. Consider it a love letter from me to the wonderful world we live in.
Life is awesome. These are a few of my favorite things.
- Being a plant mom! I have successfully raised a snake plant and pothos plant for the first time. They keep budding new leaves and it’s so cute to watch. I named the original snake plant “Draco” and its spawn is “Severus.” My pothos is named “Hermoine.” No theme at all here.
- Local honey. With the weather changes, my sinuses are often very confused. Honey usually helps. I’ve been using Local Hive Northeast Honey, but usually buy Boston Honey Company’s Raw Honey.
- Sunflowers. But that isn’t new to you if you’ve been here a while, hehe.
- Chesapeake Bay’s “Nourish and Renew” soy wax candle. I bought mine from Target.
- Going out for meals by myself. In the last seven days, I went to dinner and brunch solo.
- Shakshuka. I love it. I ate it at Tatte for brunch this week.
- Açaí and pitaya (dragonfruit) bowls! I have been playing with making my own in the Ninja Foodi blender. Thank you, Costco.
- The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I went to the “Art in Bloom” and “Hokusai” exhibits this spring, and I am looking forward to exploring more galleries soon!
- Zebra pen journaling set. I love it so much I have TWO sets — one for at home and one in my bag with me at all times in case I need to journal or write in my planner or just doodle. To deepen my love for these pens, I then purchased the Zebra neutrals set because the colors match the stickers I use in my planner. You can never have enough pens or art supplies, that’s what I say!
- Crafternoons with friends. Recently, one of my girlfriends hosted an afternoon of crafts! A bunch of us gathered and created together while snacking and talking about life. 10/10 recommend.
- Committing to my Morning Pages practice. This comes from Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’ and involves writing three pages in my journal every morning.
- Swim lessons! I love learning how to swim and perfecting my freestyle stroke. I am super grateful for my swim instructor, Alyx, at Harvard Aquatics.
- Peloton rides! I recently took my first FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test on the Peloton and this has greatly impacted my power training. In other words, training is harder now. Which is good. Because that means I’m getting stronger. Learn more about FTP testing here.
- Dock days. I’ve been getting lots of quality time at the edge of the Charles River this summer… sometimes even IN THE CHARLES (not recommended if you have an open cut though…)! Sailing on the Charles under the moon was pure magic. I hope to recreate some of that this week.
- Writing hand-written letters, postcards, and notes. Because snail mail still deserves a place in our modern society.
- Reading “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series. I read the first two books relatively quickly and am on a little pause before book three, but I can’t wait to read it! Imagine Outlander + Game of Thrones vibes. Maybe a sprinkle of Harry Potter. I love fantasy.
- Using a menstrual cup! I started using the Diva Cup and love how much less wasteful I feel. Plus, no toxic shock syndrome or yucky chemicals in my intimate area. Win, win! Learn more about menstrual cups here.
- My new journal. She’s so pretty.
- Videos of dogs getting spa treatments. I mean, come on. Look at this Shiba.
- Cards kiddos make for me. Like my nephew or little patients. I love the random placement of stickers and scribbles.
- The Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Box from Siena Farms delivers the freshest veggies. This is my favorite time of year for a farm share — all the squashes and winter veggies!
- Yoga classes at Central Rock Gym. I am grateful for membership access to yoga classes. FUN FACT: I haven’t taken in-person yoga since 2020! Not because of germs, but because I really started liking my home practice. Now that I have roommates, it’s a little easier to feel inspired to go in person. There are tons of locations in the Boston area, but I’ve been to most classes at Harvard Square, Watertown, and Stoneham.
- Aquaphor. Because it’s the time of year where humidity is not longer the primary moisture provider for my skin.
- Speaking to my Echo Dot (Alexa) in a whispering voice. She whispers back. It’s kinda funny.
- The rainbow window in my bathroom!!! THERE IS A RAINBOW EVERY MORNING (when it’s sunny).
- Rockport, Massachusetts. Legit prob one of my new fav towns. Cute, beachy, and artsy. I cycled, rock climbed, paddle boarded, and walked all around. I can’t wait to explore more of the town!
- Salmon dill burgers from Whole Foods in Cambridge on River Street (made fresh/in-house). YUM.
- Body glide. Been using this shit for all my cycling, swimming, and running. It’s prevented a lot of chafing.
- Sending memes to friends in one conversation and having serious talks in others. Someone on Hinge said their love language is “GIF giving” and I appreciated it. Life is so silly.
- When the clock strikes 11:11… like it just did. 11:11, make a wish.
- SOUPS. It’s soup season. Can I get an AMEN?! I just made this vegan carrot ginger soup and really LOVED this creamy Tuscan white bean & kale soup. What’s your favorite soup?!
- Rüfüs du Sol’s song “Always.” It’s been my cry-in-the-car song since I saw them in August.
- Asking hard questions. Like when was the last time you cried? What would you change about your job? It’s so wonderful to be learning so much about other people – friends, loved ones, family members.
- This quote by Pema Chödron: “…feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we’d rather collapse and back away. They’re like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck. This very moment is the perfect teacher, and, lucky for us, it’s with us wherever we are.”
I’ll be honest. I thought this list was going to be harder to write. I could have kept going. But this will suffice for today. I’m so deeply grateful for life and all its lessons. Thank you for being here with me.
What’s something you’re loving right now? Tell me in the comments below!
All my love,
Kristen
