March

This episode of our monthly wrapped letters is coming to you (extremely late) from my couch while I spend my 3rd horizontal day in a row. I attended a tech conference last week and unfortunately caught a nasty chest bug that’s left me gasping for air and coughing my lungs out since the weekend.

The silver lining? Finally taking the time to catch up projects outside of work (like this Substack!)

Every once in a while, something happens in life that feels a little bit…suspicious. It feels a little too easy, too frictionless, and almost too good to be true. And of course me, being the hyper-introspective (slightly neurotic) person that I am, starts to question everything.

Does this feel extra good because last year was so bad?

Am I over-romanticizing this experience?

Is this experience authentic?

When will the other shoe drop?

That’s kind of what March felt like. A bit of a fever dream, but one that’s some how lasted into April and doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere…

Definitely still processing these feelings but thankfully my favorite way to process is by writing so stay tuned for my unfiltered thoughts in the form of an essay.

I spent half of March away on the most spontaneous trip ever. At the end of February I decided to book a ticket to Singapore to visit some friends. Singapore is one of those cities that’s been on my list for ages but it’s taken me years to prioritize. The city definitely surprised me—it’s such a melting pot of expats and cultures and while it largely still feels like an Asian city, it also felt very international. I can see why young professionals move there—life feels comfortable and safe there.

I also visited Kuala Lumpur during my Singapore stint and then tagged on San Francisco on my way home as well. It was so nice to get some travel out of the way before I hand my passport over to the French Embassy to process my France Visa (eek! more on this soon). A lot of this month’s loves were things that have become a holy grail when traveling.

Loving

Romi lip treat oil

I first tried this back in December when a friend of my gifted me one for Christmas. Picked up another one while I was in Singapore and I love this colour even more. I got it in Rosewood this time and it’s the perfect nude pink.

Saie powder foundation

I started using Saie products last year when Janice introduced me to them but of everything I’ve tried from them so far, the Slip Tint Baked Setting Powder was the one that stuck. I still use my Merit Complexion stick as my concealer/foundation but now I use this powder on top for a little more blur and coverage. If your skin is clearer than mine, you could honestly use this as your base coverage as well, it’s light and buildable.

Mnesis scent

I love bringing a single scent on a trip to tie that scent to a specific place or memory. I brought Mnesis to Singapore which was the perfect tea-inspired addition to the trip. Although I will say, I had to respray quite a few times throughout the day being in the Singapore heat. But to be fair, I don’t think any perfume would’ve lasted me long in those temperatures.

Poppy AI

I’ve been testing out Poppy AI as an AI tool for creativity and have fallen in love with the unique structure of the tool. Rather than just being a chat-based tool, Poppy AI allows you to have an infinite art board where you can paste links, videos, documents, voice notes, images, and other elements for it read and analyze.

You can then link elements to a chat and get AI to use the information taken from those elements as context for your instructions and questions.

It’s honestly been a blessing when it comes to understanding my own content better and I cannot recommend it enough.

Consuming

Not quite sure what’s gotten into me this year but I’ve been on a major reading slump and still haven’t been able to make it out. I have however been watching more films (which was one of my goals anyways) so here’s what March entailed:

Her

When I heard that Her was supposed to be Spike Jonze’ response to Sophia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, I immediately added it to my Letterboxd. Not sure how I’m only learning about this movie now because as I was watching it, I realized I’ve seen so many stills on tumblr from WAY back in the day.

Her follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) as he develops a relationship with his AI operating system. (This doesn’t seem like a stretch in today’s day and age except that Her was released January 10, 2014!!) Of all the movies I’ve seen on people having relationships with AI, this some how felt the most realistic and the most touching as well.

For me, it prompted a greater question around love and companionship as well. It felt layered in an uncomplicated way and is one I would definitely rewatch time and time again.

I, Tonya

I’m a little sad that I watched Christy before I, Tonya because I think I would’ve enjoyed this one more had I seen it first. I, Tonya was actually released back in 2017 and again, I’m shocked I’m only learning about it now.

I love that these incredible women’s stories are being highlighted but it also breaks my heart that the common thread between them are abusive and manipulative relationships. I, Tonya tells the story of Tonya Harding, the first American woman to land a triple axel in Skating, and her career downfall when her ex-husband gets involved.

Absolutely adored Margot Robbie’s acting in this one but whether it’s because Christy was too similar (and fresh on my mind) OR the story just didn’t hit as hard, I didn’t love this one.

Nomadland

Man, this one really hit. There’s a melancholic tension held throughout the film that poked at a deep ache I’ve yet to explore. Our MC Fern restarts her life at 60 as a van-dwelling nomad after losing everything during the Great Recession. Her journey stirs up a range of feelings as you watch her struggle with money, finding work, and her van breaking down, while also catching glimpses of the joy and freedom of nomadic life. It doesn’t feel like you’re meant to pity her. If anything, there’s something deeply relatable here for anyone who’s experienced a loss so great that it isolated them from the world.

Repeating

I’ve had Theo Katzman on repeat since January and this was definitely March’s anthem. Oh the yearning.

Snapping

I can feel my eyes glazing over ever so slightly as I watch the rain hit the already wet sidewalk to the beat of MGMT. Every time the door opens, an icy breeze creeps in, reminding everyone that it’s not quite spring. Thankfully, the inside of Finch’s café feels like a warm haven from the soggy weather. I’m all cozied up in a wool peacoat (yes, I’m still wearing it indoors), I’ve eaten my favorite sandwich (pepper salami from said café), and feeling more ready than ever to tackle my digital reset.

The next chapter to our spring reset series is coming a month later, partially because I’ve been mentally avoiding having to do this tedious portion, but truthfully also because I went traveling spontaneously in March and forgot all about it.

Now that I’m settled in my home city again, it feels like the right time to build back my spring reset momentum.

If you missed part 1, we tackled our physical space first (because as my ex’s dragon lady aunt used to say, “cluttered space = cluttered mind”) so if your space needs a reset, check it out here.

What makes up your digital environment

Before we dive into the decluttering and organizing, it’s important to map out what your digital environment actually looks like. I typically sort mine by device and then by Internal and External files systems and files.

I personally have 3 devices

• Macbook

• iPhone

• iPad

Each of which have their own apps and photos and files to sort through.

Then “externally” I have hard drives, iCloud storage, Google storage (which includes Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Drive), as well as apps like Notion and Akiflow which hold files and entries as well. I also use Obsidian as a knowledge database but I cleaned that out recently so it’s been excluded here.

How to tackle the decluttering

While yes, you can just dive right in and start mass-deleting stuff to clear out memory, I do like to try to be a little strategic about how I declutter. I want to cull with organization in mind. It’s easy to go in and just hit ctrl + alt + dlt but if I can create a system to hold on to some memories digitally, why wouldn’t I?

Personally I like to start externally and then move internally. This is because when I get to the files and photos that live locally on my devices, there are going to be things I want to archive into either a cloud storage system or my external hard drive. Before I start moving things over, I want to make sure that those systems are well categorized so that I know exactly where things should go.

Part of the perks of being a paid subscriber is that you get expanded versions of certain articles! Below the paywall, you’ll find:

• My digital file naming and organization system

• Tools I use to maintain my digital environment

• How to keep your digital environment organized throughout the year + a checklist

• One bonus category we should all go through

Read more

Although February is our shortest month, it always feels like the slowest. Maybe it has to do with Chinese New Years and how friends and family are all preoccupied with their own new years traditions. Since my parents have moved away, I have far less events around this time which is a nice change after the rush of January.

February brought a lot of “feel good” moments. Deeper conversations, slower nights after work, and discovering that my body is capable of so much more than I thought. There were also (too) many moments of self doubt, frustration, and over-intellectualizing spaced out in between. It’s easy to just talk about positive moments but in reality there were just as many moments that felt shaky and uncertain. But here we are in March, still standing strong. That’ll always be something worth celebrating to me.

At the end of each month, I always do a month-in-review / next month’s planning in my journal. I use the review portion to think about what went well, what could’ve gone better, and the things I was the most grateful for. Then I always do a wheel of life evaluation before I dive into setting intentions for the next month. (Let me know if you want me to share my monthly journaling reflection in detail and I can do that in a separate post!)

I did share some reflective prompts for journaling more intentionally earlier in the month which is how I’ve been trying to shape and guide my thoughts. I loved this interview response from Eileen Gu where she talks about how she sometimes feels like a scientist inside her own brain, just tinkering away at her thoughts so that she can become who she wants to be.

In a way I’m always trying to do the same (with varying levels of success). The frame work really is this: think, observe, label, reframe, move on. Similar to the RULER framework, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, by understanding and expressing how we’re feeling, or in this case what we’re (over)thinking, it creates the space we need to actually process the thing and move past it. Definitely a WIP but a mindset that I’m hoping to carry into March and the rest of the year.

March will be all about simplicity, but that’s a whole other article on it’s own.

Loving

Doson by Diptyque

I bought a 10mL of this last year and never really got around to wearing it. As far as light, bright white florals go, Ilha do Mel by Memo Paris is still one of my holy grails. I’ve finally decided to branch out and have added quite a few new white floral masterpieces to my collection and Doson is definitely one of them.

It wears as an airy, almost fluffy white floral with a hint of the tea note that you get with jasmine sometimes but still maintaining quite a bright feeling. It’s a great one for spring but honestly I love it so much I’d wear it all year round.

Midori A5 MD Notebook

To be truthful, the Itoya A5 dotted notebook still has my heart but I stupidly didn’t restock the last time I was in Japan so the Midori has been my stand in for now. The paper quality is great but doesn’t write quite as smooth as the Itoya. But it is widely available which is a huge plus.

Physical planners

I can’t pinpoint exactly why I decided to go back to having a physical planner but I’ve been loving having it back in my work ecosystem. While I still do all of my time-blocking within Akiflow and project organization within Notion, my day-to-day / week-to-week todos are now living within my Filofax. More on this soon!

Consuming

Wuthering Heights

After watching “Wuthering Heights” with , I knew I needed to read the book so that I can make a proper comparison for myself. I enjoyed the movie for what it was—a campy, fun, sexy take on a classic adaptation. There were parts that I loved and parts that I didn’t but overall I left the the theatre feeling like I had a good time (minus the BAWLING I did in the last 10 minutes).

I’ve been reading and listening to Wuthering Heights on Bookwise, a new reading app that I’ve been invited to test. I’ll definitely give a more in-depth review once I’m done but so far I am enjoying how accurately ridiculous movie Cathy was compared to book Cathy.

The Lobster

I stumbled across this movie on Letterboxd and found out it was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the same Director that did Bugonia recently. This was an absurdist, dystopian story that pokes fun at our societal needs of being in a relationship. In this world, single people are sent to stay at a hotel where they have 45 days to find a mate and be coupled up. If you aren’t able to meet that deadline, you’re turned into an animal permanently and sent back into the world. The only other option is escaping into the woods and living as a “single” where you’re an outcast from society, constantly being hunted, and banned from having any forms of a relationship with another person.

This film starkly contrasts that deep yearning love that I usually crave from movies about relationships which made it quite a thoughtful watch for me. Without spoiling too much, the ending scene really prompts you think about whether we’re chasing love for the right reasons.

Eternity

The premise of this movie still lives in my head rent free (so much so that I’m working on a separate post on it altogether). In the afterlife, Joan is faced with the insane choice of spending eternity with the husband she spent with life with or her first love, who died in the war, shortly after they were married. It’s SO interesting hearing different people’s perspectives on the choice they would’ve made and why. I love how the movie explores that big question of do you go with what you know or explore the “what if” because it’s one that shows up over and over in our lives in so many different ways. Anyways, I have SO many thoughts so I’ll be sharing that soon.

Repeating

My running journey

To everyone who enjoyed my article on how I (unintentionally) became a runner, here’s my update: I am completely and utterly obsessed. At the time of writing that article (January), I set the goal to running a 5k without stopping and running a 10k for the year. We’re in March now and 5kms have become my easy runs and I run at least 10k every weekend. My longest run so far has been 14km!!

I could honestly go on and on about why it’s grown on me so much but here’s the quick summary:

• I feel incredibly powerful being able to tackle distances I never thought I would do in my entire life. I’m currently aiming to run 31km on my 31st birthday in May.

• Having a running training plan builds self-trust and discipline. I absolutely LOVE the Runna app* and how practical and realistic it makes running feel. No matter what goal you’re working towards, they’ll create a progressive plan that meets you at whatever your fitness level is.

• I physically feel so much fitter. In the same way progressive overloading at the gym shows you that you’re getting stronger, when distances that felt impossible start feeling easy, it’s such a clear sign of your fitness improving. And boy does that feel good.

I’ve definitely learned a lot in the last two months (and I’m still learning more about running every day) so if you’d like an updated article about my running journey, please let me know!

*I actually love Runna so much I outreached them to see if I could land an affiliate code. So if you want two weeks free of their paid plan which allows you to set a custom goal, use code ANGEL when you sign up!

Blueberry yogurt bowl

Increasing my monthly workouts by 900% (LITERALLY) has meant that I’ve had to change how I nourish my body as well. Especially when it comes to running, I’ve had to learn how to fuel my body before and after so make sure I have the energy to tackle 10+ km of running and give my body what it needs to recover.

I’m definitely a hyper-fixation eater (it’s SO hard for me to get sick of a dish) and this month I’ve been eating this blueberry granola yogurt bowl for breakfast or for a mid day snack (sometimes both). All you need is:

• Yogurt (I use Siggi’s vanilla high-protein or plain Skyr yogurt for a protein boost)

• Frozen blueberries (the frozen ones turn the mixture into an ice cream consistency)

• Granola of your choice (I love any of the ones from Terra)

• Chia seeds

• Honey (optional but I like a small small drizzle when I use plain yogurt)

Delicious AND good for you. You really can’t go wrong.

Snapping

Last year was heavy in so many different ways that I can still feel the phantom weight aching my shoulders. It’s probably why my soul is craving order, simplicity, and security in a way it never has before. While the slowness of February surfaced some old anxieties, it was also a reminder that there’s still a lot of 2025 cobwebs to sweep up in corners of my mind I haven’t visited in a while.

It’s easy to reduce simplicity to a single image: a cleared surface, an empty shelf, less stuff. And yes, that’s part of it. But when I actually sat down and mapped out where I wanted more simplicity in my life, the picture got more interesting. Clear values and priorities. Cleaner goals. More authenticity in how I express what I’m actually feeling. Delegating more. Less noise in every sense of the word.

Which brings me to March and what I’m actually doing with all this. With both western new years and lunar new years out of the way, March feels like the right moment to step into a new chapter. The shift in season always feels like a welcome change as well. As I’m finally shaking off the last of that sleepy winter feeling, here’s how I’m breaking down my spring cleaning:

Physical space - Aka decluttering and reorganizing so that I feel more set up for the year

Digital space - Making sure my files are organized, I’m culling any unused apps and subscriptions, and moving everything to external storage options so that my devices aren’t bogged down

Mental space - This is where we get to those cobwebs. Are there any unclosed loops still hanging around? How do we wrap them up?

The plan is to break this out into 3 articles where we tackle each of those spaces individually. I’m going to be sharing how exactly I’m planning on resetting, tips that I’ve learned over the years, and the feeling we want coming out of it. Starting with…

Physical space

Since last year, I’ve been living with a bit of an ambiguous mindset when it comes to my physical space. Keeping it cozy and visually inspiring still matters to me but I’m also planning for an international move, which means that at some point, everything has to go. That transitional feeling has left me feeling like I’m one foot in and one foot out of my current apartment.

What this means in practice is that I’m being more intentional than ever about what I bring into my home. Everything now passes through an additional filter: will I actually take this with me? And when it comes to culling, I’m doing it with a lot more intensity than I might have in previous years.

Decluttering

When it comes to the actual process of decluttering, I personally find it more effective to go category by category rather than room by room. This small distinction gives me a more functional look at the things I own rather than just looking at where they’re stored. For example, I’ll go through all of my filming gear as one category. That way I can easily see where I may have excess to trim or gaps to fill.

From there, the question for each item is simple: do I actually need this? Not “might I need this someday” or “I should probably keep this just in case”—but genuinely need it, use it, want it in my life.

If the answer isn’t a clear yes, it goes.

Part of the perks of being a paid subscriber is that you get expanded versions of certain articles! Below the paywall, you’ll find:

• A decluttering game I’ve tried and loved

• How I make decisions around what to keep and what to cull

• My thought process around reorganizing after the cull

• The feeling I chase with any reset

Read more

Writing is therapy. It always has been for me and most likely always will be.

I started journaling when I was 10 years old in a pink and white journal with a lock that my dad picked up for me at a garage sale. I instantly romanticized the idea of it. Writing about my life in a space that was wholly my own? Magic.

The problem? I was 10! I had no life to write about.

So instead I made up stories, friends, situations that my child brain thought was cool and interesting. (Thinking back, this was probably the earliest memory I have of developing an idea of what “cool” meant to me). This silly start to my writing journey is probably why I still use my journal today to dump thoughts and recount my day. When something feels off, when something good happens, when feelings get too much, or when my thoughts get too messy—I’m writing about it.

I love my journaling practice with a passion and I still believe it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. But this year I want to build on that habit and turn it into something that supports my growth and not just my pain.

@angelzzhengSome journaling prompts that I’ll be using this week 🫶🏼 hope this gives you some ideas of what to write about #journalwithme#journalingprompts #journaling #journal #journaltok #writingtok #journalideas

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I started sharing journaling prompts on Instagram and TikTok a year ago but fell off because I stopped using them myself. Recently I’ve found myself wanting to dig deeper in some of the key areas of my life and nurturing this deep desire to grow. I hit rock bottom in so many ways last year so now that it feels like I can finally breathe again, I’m itching to ride the momentum. So if you’ve also been in an era where you feel like you’re on the cusp of figuring out a new layer of yourself to love and work on, here are the journaling prompts that I’m currently using to push deeper.

What are the key areas?

A practice that I started a couple years ago (that I still do every month) is the Wheel of Life exercise. I use this every time I’m looking to reflect on how I’m really doing. I’m a firm believer that you can’t get to where you want to go if you don’t know where you are right now and the Wheel of Life really is a tool to help you do just that.

To put it in the simplest way, think of your life as 9 categories.

I usually write out the categories in 3 columns. Body, mind, soul in the first one. Career, finance, purpose in the second one. And then friendships, family, love in the last.

The three columns to me separate out my health, my work, and my relationships.

Under each category, start by giving yourself a satisfaction score out of 10. Taking the ‘body’ category for example, if I’m feeling good about my fitness routine, my body, and my diet, I’d give it a 9/10.

Sometimes I’ll take it a step further and write 1-2 sentences on why I gave that rating. Then underneath that I’ll write out what I want to do about it.

So if my ‘body’ category is a 9/10, I can also write ‘I’ve finally built working out into my daily routine and it feels like a no brainer to do every day. I would like to continue this momentum and focus on training my body to be stronger’.

I typically like to do a Wheel of Life review at the start of each month but you can also conduct them weekly, quarterly, or annually.

Journaling prompts for the month

When do I feel the most like myself?

What do I keep tolerating that I’ve outgrown?

What does “a good life” mean to me today (not in theory)?

What does “strong” mean to me—physically and mentally?

What feels like “home” to my nervous system?

What am I overcomplicating?

What would I attempt if failure had no social consequence?

In love (or future love), what do I need most: steadiness, play, honesty, tenderness, growth, or freedom? (Or something else?)

When I imagine a truly healthy relationship, what scares me about it?

What’s working in my life that I’m not giving enough credit to?

What would I do if I trusted myself 10% more?

What makes me feel alive in a quiet way?

How do you make your journaling practice more intentional? I’d love to know.

You can also support my work by buying me a coffee! (The caffeine is highly appreciated <3)

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January

I mentioned in my December Wrapped that the end of the year felt oddly like an ending, a middle, and a beginning all wrapped into one. While I’m not typically a supporter of New Year resolutions, I do feel like the start of the year signifies a reset.

This is the first year (maybe ever) that’s felt like a proud continuation of what I had started the year before. I’ve finally embedded fitness into my lifestyle, I let go of a relationship that was LONG overdue, and everything I’ve been building towards is slowly rolling into motion.

January for me started at the largest tech conference in the world, CES. I did not think it was going to be on my 2026 bingo card but after finding out I can get a all-access media pass to the conference, I decided fuck it I’m going to self-sponsor a trip and see what the conference has to offer.

Tech has been a huge part of my life and content for as long as I can remember and being able to take myself to Vegas to attend this conference felt like a milestone I didn’t realize even realize I could accomplish. I’m not great at stopping to smell the flowers so here’s me publicly celebrating this moment for a second 🎉

While I was still at CES, a friend of mine invited me to Japan to ski. 24 hours later flights and accommodations were booked and I had 4 days between going home from CES to unpack, reset, get some work done, and pack for Japan.

2026 started as a whirlwind and while motivationally I’m planning on maintaining the momentum, these two trips posed as two very distinct reminders of what I need from this year. CES was fast-paced, intense, and inspirational. It taught me that there’s still a world of opportunities I have yet to tap into and that there is no ceiling to what I can achieve. Japan taught me that there’s beauty and joy to be found in the simplest moments. And was a lovely reminder of how fun it is to get to know a new human deeply.

Needless to say, January was an absolute blast and I have a feeling this year will continue to surprise me with core memories in all areas of my life. I hope the start of the year has served you in the way you need as well. I can’t wait to share more on here soon x.

Loving

Running

I can’t believe how well-received my article on learning how to run was! I was honestly a little embarrassed to write it as being a beginner runner can feel intimidating and isolating at times. It makes me so happy that so many of you are also just starting this journey (or are considering it). I’ve absolutely fallen in love with running and plan on continuing my Runna training plan to see where I can take it. If you’d like me to keep writing about it, comment and let me know!

Davinci Resolve

I’ve been a lifelong Premiere Pro girl but made the switch last year and have a hard time going back. Probably not a tool everyone would need but if you’re ever wanting to dive into the art of video editing more, I’d highly recommend giving Davinci a try!

Garmin Forerunner 570

It’s probably a little early to say that I love this since I finally switched over to the Garmin just under 2 weeks ago. I promised myself that once I ran my first comfortable 5K, that I’d upgrade my fitness watch. I had the Apple Watch series 6 before and found that it was constantly giving me tracking issues due to the darker tattoo I have on my wrist. The battery life also absolutely sucked so I was considering the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and a Garmin.

So far the Garmin has had NO issues with tracking even with my tattoo and the week long battery life really is a game changer. I can’t wait to see how else I can use it to enhance my fitness journey.

Consuming

Singles Inferno

Yes I’ve been back on my Singles Inferno game and man it’s just so entertaining. Is anyone else here an absolute simp for Min-gee? She’s so cool.

Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun

I DNF-ed Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater this month, not because it was a bad book but it just wasn’t what I felt like reading. I started Lemon by Kwon Yeo-Sun in it’s stead and am really enjoying it so far. It’s a short one so I think it’s the perfect book to kick start my reading for this year.

Starting

I’ve got not one, but TWO really exciting projects that I’m working on for 2026. One is something special for —something that allows and I to continue to foster inspiring and fun spaces for our community even while we’re in separate cities. I’m also working on my first big event for a corporate brand which is not something I ever thought I’d be doing but here we are!

While being a creator was never my end goal, it has opened up so many doors for me and allowed me to meet the most incredible people. Definitely taking a different approach to my business this year and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Repeating

Tender Defender by Theo Katzman

This song had me in an absolute chokehold this month. First off, the name is hilarious—so quirky yet sweet. Theo Katzman is still an artist that I’m discovering slowly but all the songs I’ve listened to so far have been addictive.

Snapping

December

The last month of the year felt like an ending, a middle, and a beginning all at once. I've been quiet on Substack this month, wrapping up too many projects, but also prioritizing offline time with friends. This is (hopefully) the last winter I'll spend as a Vancouver resident, so I've been making the most of my remaining time with friends and the proximity to nature I've taken for granted over the past few years. It's also the first month my breakup has felt complete—like all the personal work I've been doing since June has finally culminated in real clarity, healing, and growth. There are still pieces I'm picking up and putting back together, which I'm ready to work at and be patient with. But I'm really happy with where I'm at, and I haven't felt like this in a long time.

I keep seeing—and loving—posts on Instagram that say, “This is how life sounds when you’re not starting over for the new year, you’re just continuing the process you’ve already been living.” This is also the first year in many where winter hasn’t felt hard. It hasn’t felt depressing, exhausting, or dark. Three years ago, I decided to try to beat SAD, and maybe I’m finally getting somewhere. Or maybe I’ve finally removed myself from the circumstances that were keeping me anchored in unhappiness. Either way this December feels like a middle, like I’m already on my way to an amazing 2026.

Loving

MOFT leather phone case

I did upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro Max this year and can confidently say the photo quality was well worth the jump. The protect this unnecessarily expensive piece of tech, I’ve really been enjoying the MOFT vegan leather case in Navy Blue. The quality is amazing and it looks great paired with any of the new iPhone colours.

Saie slip tint baked setting powder

I finally finished the Laneige Neo Blurring powder which has been my favorite over the last 3 years so I thought I’d try something new. Janice swears by this Saie baked powder and I totally understand the hype now. It wears beautifully over make up and adds a little extra coverage to anything you’re wearing. It also looks great on it’s own for those “no make up” make up days. Definitely a new fave.

Logitech MX Master 4

I’m a die hard fan of the Logitech MX Master mouse series so as soon as I found out they released a new one, I ordered it immediately. The MX Master 3s was by far my favorite mouse I’ve ever used and I will say it was slightly more comfortable for my hand size. The MX Master 4 feels a little larger which took a day to get used to but the multi-use button that gives you an action ring (like their creative console does) is definitely a bonus for us shortcut warriors. The haptic feedback is also fun change but I haven’t found it particularly useful yet.

Consuming

The Housemaid

Watched The Housemaid with since she’s back in town and it definitely fuelled my “smash the patriarchy” mindset some more. It was a fun watch if you’re looking for some woman-power energy.

Thirst Trap by Gráinne O’Hare

I’m such a believer that the universe brings you the exact books you need when you need them. I had a week in December where grief was feeling extra hard so I picked this book up as a “light read”. Little did I know, it would tackle some of the feelings that I’ve been trying to understand in myself in a lighthearted, funny way and ended up being the perfect comedic relief to my tough week.

Repeating

Running

If you told me at the start of 2025 that I’d end up loving running I would’ve laughed in your face. I’ve always hated cardio so I’m still not entirely sure what made me want to start running this year. I have a suspicion that it’s because life felt so out of control and crazy this year that I needed to prove that I could take on hard things. Even if I hated it. Even if I thought I’d never get through it.

Either way, it’s gone from challenging, the therapeutic, to something I look forward to weekly. This just proves that we really can be anyone we want to be if we really want it.

If you’ve also been curious about running (or maybe am just inundated with running content on social media like I’ve been), I shared some of the things that got me into it in last week’s post.

Olivia Dean

Much like the rest of the world, I’ve had Ms. Olivia Dean on repeat since November. I keep finding songs of hers that describe how I’m feeling to the T but The Hardest Part and Be My Own Boyfriend have been the two that I listen to the most. Is it that obvious that I’m in my healing era?

Starting

I know we don’t love social media on here but I am trying to look at my relationship with content and social media differently. In December, I started a new Reel series that I actually feel quite proud of. The series was inspired by Jonas Luskey’s journaling videos and how vulnerable he gets with his writing.

I’ve been sharing more personal stories and feelings here and on my journaling Substack, Of Late, so I finally decided to bring some of those glimpses into my life to Instagram.

I’m honestly blown away at the feedback I’ve gotten so far and it feels motivating (but also a little heartbreaking??) to know so many people can relate with how I feel. This series feels near and dear to my heart and is something I want to continue working on this year as I continue to figure out what content feels the most authentic to me.

Snapping

If you told me at the start of 2025 that I’d start running, I would have laughed in your face. In fact, my friends asked me to walk the Sun Run, a 10k race in Vancouver and I did laugh in their face. I’ve always hated running. We were required to run 1.2 kms at the start of every PE class in high school and I’d take the short cut every time or take the entire 13 minutes they gave us to do them. I could count the number of times I used the treadmill at my gym on one hand.

And yet, here I am. First week of January, running 3-4 times a week. Voluntarily. In the COLD (I think I hate the cold even more than running tbh). And the craziest part? I actually look forward to it.

I actually did my first run in March of 2025. I was going through a a period where I felt a strong itch to change something. Looking back, what I needed was to leave my relationship at the time but alas, my avoidant tendencies kicked in and I went with running instead.

That first run felt like hell. I tried to follow a Nike Running Club Couch to 5K program and man, they do not mess around. I’m honestly still learning that runs aren’t meant to be hard—that if it feels hard, you’re pushing yourself too much. The aftermath was even worse. My hips, knees, calves, and feet felt like I’d been hit by a tornado and I could barely walk for the rest of the week.

I’m honestly surprised I didn’t give up at that point.

But looking back, I think I know why I didn’t. Life felt completely out of control at the time. Work was chaotic, my personal life was a mess, and I was carrying this low-grade anxiety that I couldn’t shake. Everything felt hard in a way I couldn’t do anything about. But running? Running was hard in a way I could control. It was something I could choose to do, choose to push through, choose to show up for.

I needed to prove to myself that I could do a hard thing without giving up. That I could push through discomfort when it actually mattered. I needed to feel like if I could do this, I could go back to being the person I wanted to be in other areas of my life too.

So I went to The Running Room, brought proper sneakers and ran again. Slower this time. With a plan and a little more grace for myself.

While I still can’t confidently call myself “a runner”, I don’t think you have to be to start running. I’m not training for a marathon, I’m not trying to hit a certain pace. I just want to be fitter, stronger, and more disciplined. I want to continue the journey I started last year and remind myself that I am the version of me I always knew I could be.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far—and what I wish someone had told me before I started.

It sounds cheesy but starting is truly the hardest part. Not because running itself is that difficult (though it will feel awful at first), but because we overthink it. We think we need to be in better shape before we start. We think we need expensive gear. We think we need to know what we’re doing.

But really? You just need to show up. Everything else, you figure out along the way.

So if you’re thinking about starting—if you’re curious but skeptical, or if you’ve tried before and it didn’t stick—here’s what actually helped me get invested into running.

Do a running program

Starting anything new can feel incredibly intimidating. There’s so much running content out there but they’re usually people who are training for a marathon or clearly have already been running for years. While it’s super motivating seeing humans do these incredible feats, it does not always spark confidence in a beginner.

I started with the Nike Run Club app but then actually switched over to using Runna. The first NRC run felt pretty difficult but I did like that their coaching includes someone talking into your ear and actually explaining how the run should be feeling and what you should be paying attention to. I honestly don’t really have a preference between the two but I personally stuck with Runna after starting it.

The NRC app is completely free I believe while Runna offers you two running plans for free (New to Running and Return to Running) which are both 8 week programs that help you run a 5K.

The short walk-runs in Runna might feel boring at first but I am learning that by building my aerobic fitness slowly, it’ll help make the longer runs feel easier. I’m really am still just building my endurance and stamina muscle and that’s perfectly okay to me. Runna also gives you the option to add strength training days to your plan as well so if you’re wanting both weight training and running guidance, it’s a great option.

Buy the gear (you actually need)

I’m absolutely guilty of looking up every piece of cute running gear I see online only to be shocked at how much a thin windbreaker can cost and then closing all my browser windows so I don’t accidentally bankrupt myself. While I’m a firm believer that having cute gear does actually act as a motivator for any sport, I do also understand that I’m a woman of many hobbies and cannot actually afford to buy everything that’s on my wish list.

However, it is true that having the right gear can sometimes make or break your experience with an athletic endeavor. I don’t have perfect feet and have bad knees to start so running in my gym shoes quite literally felt like the worst decision I’ve ever made.

Non-negotiables

Running shoes

When buying running shoes I’d HIGHLY recommend going to a running store and asking the staff to explain everything to you. I tried on all the shoes that I see on everyone’s feeds and ended up getting a New Balance pair that I’ve never heard of before. What works for one person’s feet, stance, posture, and running style isn’t necessarily going to work for you. Some running stores will actually have promotions where you can buy the shoe, run in them, and if they suck, return them so PLEASE do yourself a favor and shop in-person if you can.

Running socks

Honestly thought this was a gimick until I ran in a random pair of socks one day and it gave me blisters on both feet. While not all of my socks do that, having any cushioning in the wrong place will rub the wrong way as you run. So while I still do wear some of my crew socks for running, I do think running socks are well worth the investment.

Arm band or running belt

I get SO overstimulated with my keys and phone bouncing up and down inside of my pocket so I got a running belt pretty early on. I actually did end up buying a running vest as well while I was in Japan at Montbell which I also love but for all intents and purposes, the running belt does just as well.

A lot of people talk about the SPI belt on runningtok but places like Lululemon make them as well.

Nice-to-haves

Fitness watch

I already owned an Apple Watch so I used it to track my runs. Both Strava (running tracking app) and Runna allow you to track your runs just with your phone by using the GPS in your phone to calculate distance. Having a fitness watch does give you some extra stats on your heart rate and how you’re doing but it’s definitely not essential when you’re starting.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

As someone who mainly runs around a park or on sidewalks, these are by-far my favorite ear buds. If you haven’t heard of them before, instead of sitting in your ear, these actually act as ear cuffs meaning it gives you great sound quality while still allowing you to completely hear what’s going on around you. They also stay on quite well so you don’t have to be worried about losing one during your run.

What’s the deal with Strava?

If you’ve spent any time around runners (or runner Instagram), you’ve probably heard of Strava. It’s basically a social media app for tracking workouts—mostly running and cycling. You log your runs, it shows you stats like pace and distance, and you can follow friends and see what they’re up to.

When I first started running, I avoided Strava because it felt intimidating. Everyone seemed to be running faster and farther than me, and I didn’t want to broadcast my slow, short runs to the world. But eventually, I caved and downloaded it, and honestly? It’s been one of the most motivating parts of my running journey.

Here’s what I actually like about it:

It tracks your progress automatically. If you have your phone or watch with you, Strava uses GPS to map your route and calculate your distance, pace, and elevation. It’s satisfying to look back and see how far you’ve come—literally.

The community aspect is surprisingly motivating. When people “kudos” (like) your runs, it feels good. It’s a little hit of encouragement that makes you want to show up again. I’ve also found it helpful to follow other beginner runners—it normalizes the fact that not everyone is running 10-minute miles.

You can keep it private. If you’re not ready to share your runs publicly, you can set your activities to “only me” or “followers only.” I kept mine private for the first month until I felt more confident.

It gamifies running in a way that works for me. Strava has challenges (like “run 50km this month”) and achievements (like “fastest 5k” or “longest run”). They’re completely optional, but they give me something to work toward without the pressure of an actual race.

My take: If you’re curious, download it. Track a few runs privately and see how it feels. If it motivates you, great. If it stresses you out, delete it. There’s no rule that says you have to use it to be a “real runner.”

Practical tips that actually helped

Okay, now for the stuff I wish someone had told me before I started. These aren’t revolutionary, but they made a huge difference in whether I showed up or gave up.

Mindset shifts

You don’t have to run fast (or far). Seriously. My first “runs” were 2 minutes of jogging followed by 3 minutes of walking, repeated for 20 minutes total. That counts. Slow running is still running.

Walking breaks are not cheating. Run/walk intervals are a legitimate training method. Some of my best runs include walking breaks. Your body doesn’t care if you’re fast or long—it just knows you’re moving.

Consistency beats intensity every time. Three easy 20-minute runs per week will do more for you than one brutal 5k that leaves you too sore to move. Show up regularly, even when it’s not perfect.

It’s okay to hate it at first. I hated running for the first month. It felt hard and awkward and boring. But I kept showing up, and eventually, something clicked. Give it time.

You’re not “bad at running”—you’re just new. Everyone starts somewhere. The people running marathons now were once gasping for air after 60 seconds of jogging. You’re building something. Be patient with yourself.

Actual running tips

Start slower than you think you need to. This is the advice I’m not really starting to understand. Your first runs should feel almost embarrassingly easy. If you can’t hold a conversation while running, you’re going too fast.

The “conversational pace” rule is real. You should be able to talk in full sentences while running. If you can’t, slow down. This is how you build endurance without destroying your body.

Run 3-4 times a week, max. As a beginner, your body needs time to adapt. More isn’t always better. I run 3-4 times a week and that’s it.

Rest days are not optional. They’re when your body actually gets stronger. I learned this the hard way after my first run left me unable to walk for a week. Rest is part of training.

Listen to your body (actually listen). There’s a difference between “this is uncomfortable” and “this is injury.” Uncomfortable is normal. Sharp pain, pain that doesn’t go away, pain that changes how you move? Stop. Don’t push through it.

Making it enjoyable

Find routes you actually like. I run around a park near my house because it’s flat, scenic, and I don’t have to think about where I’m going. Some people love trail running. Some prefer city streets. Experiment until you find what feels good.

Music, podcasts, or silence—whatever works. I’ve tried all three and honestly, it depends on the day. Sometimes I want music to pump me up. Sometimes I want a podcast to distract me. Sometimes I just want to hear my own thoughts (or lack thereof).

Run at the time of day that feels best. I love early morning runs before the city wakes up. My friend loves evening runs to decompress from work. There’s no “right” time—just what works for you.

Give yourself permission to stop. Some days, running just doesn’t feel good. Maybe you’re tired, maybe you’re stressed, maybe your body needs rest. It’s okay to cut a run short or skip it entirely. One missed run won’t ruin your progress.

Celebrate small wins. Ran 2 minutes longer than last time? Went an extra block? Didn’t walk as much? That’s progress. Acknowledge it. I keep a running journal where I write down little victories, and it’s incredibly motivating to look back on.

I’m still very much a beginner. I’m not fast. I’m not training for anything specific. But I’m consistent, and that’s what matters.

My goals for 2026 are simple: keep showing up 3-4 times a week, build up to running 5k without stopping, and maybe—just maybe—actually make my way up to running 10K (without feeling like I’m dying).

Running has become one of those rare things that’s just for me. Not for content, not for productivity, not to prove anything to anyone else. Just because it makes me feel capable and calm and like myself again.

If you’re thinking about starting, use this as your sign! Because I swear if I can do it, anyone can. You don’t have to love it right away. You don’t have to be good at it. You just have to try.

And who knows? Maybe in a few months, you’ll be the person you never thought you’d be too.

November

This month has felt like an exhale. With the sharp winter air, things that needed to die in my life finally wrapped up with more finality than it has all year. It’s been an emotional month to say the least but I’m glad to have felt deeply, for it makes me more open and resilient for what’s to come. I couldn’t have asked for a more symbolic and meaningful month to end off the year and I’m hoping December is chill so that I can bathe in the aftermath and just process everything that transpired this year.

Along with work being the busiest it’s ever been, I’ve also been surrounded by love from friends, family, my pup, and most importantly—myself. I never talk about my dating life on social media but oddly enough Substack feels like a safe place so my update is that I’m finally feeling more open to explore new connections and restart my process of figuring out what I want in my next relationship. It’s a great feeling to be in the place finally (:

Loving

Biodance Cera-Nol Masks

When my skin is in serious need of a refresh, I always reach for these masks. They take 2-3 hours to fully soak in but are so worth it and always leave my skin looking and feeling plump.

ZO Wrinkle + Texture 0.5% retinol

This was a recommendation from The Vanity Lab which I recently started going to again for facials. I was already using A313 as a retinol for a while so it wasn’t that hard to switch to this one. I use this 2 times a week and then A313 most other days.

L’eau Papier by Dyptique

I actually got a travel size of this nearly a year ago but only just started to wear it more consistently. Over the summer I was wearing Valaya and Another 13 (two CLASSIC skin scents) throughout the summer but this has replaced both as my winter skin scent.

MorrocanOil Curl Defining Cream

This was a recommendation from my hair stylist and I’ve been loving it. I apply it to my wet hair after washing before I scrunch and style it with my hair dryer + diffuser and it helps my perm stay more bouncy. If I ever feel like my curls need a refresh, I’ll re-wet my hair with a water spray and then just apply more curl cream to it. It also smells heavenly.

Consuming

Perfect Days

This film is going to live in my head rent free for a while. It was a beautiful representation of the peace we can choose if we don’t subscribe to what the world has chosen for us. How happy we could be if we realize how little we need. It was the perfect reminder that everything starts within. And even when the external world brings challenges, finding beauty in the mundane is the anchor that keeps us afloat and well.

Frankenstein

The way we all collectively fell for or identified with this classical monster (or what and I call “frankenlordi”) needs to be studied. And it has, over and over, as the work itself isn’t new. I loved this article by Addie Tsai as she examined how we all monsters in our lives but also within ourselves. I’m still on the hunt for a soft cover copy of Frankenstein but until then I may even rewatch this film in December.

Repeating

I’ve seen it by Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean has single-handedly carried most of my healing this month. This month reminded me of how much love surrounds me which was exactly what I needed as the gloomy days started rolling in. I also needed to be reminded that one relationship shouldn’t define how I see all future relationships and that it’s okay (and encouraged) to start over with a fresh heart.

I wrote about all the things I felt like I lost in the last 4 years but am slowly regaining in this article on my journal Substack, Of Late. Each article there is tied to one specific song that I think embodies the feeling that I’m trying to relay. I’ve seen it explains how I’ve been feeling perfectly.

Making

Something I’m really looking forward to in December is more time to knit. I started the Weekend Hat by Petite Knit in the most beautiful cobalt blue color so expect more film reviews next month along with a finished beanie.

Kinship community

On the Kinship front, Terri and I recently launched our Kinship discord community—a place for overwhelmed creatives to come connect, learn, and grow. We wanted to make sure that while we are pausing on IRL events for the holiday season that we still have some place to go for support during this crazy season. If you resonate with any of that, we’d love to see you in the community <3

Join the discord community

Snapping

I started my day normally—made coffee, walked Mika, journaled, but instead of sitting at my computer, I headed to Gastown to film. As I walked around composing snapshots and video frames in my head, I was struck by how beautiful everything was despite being overcast and gloomy. My job has taught me to really open my eyes and search for beauty wherever I go and for that I’m thankful.

I recently wrote about welcoming more boredom into my life and actually taking the time to be present enough to appreciate it. A big part of that looks like paying more attention to the mundane moments. Walking from one place to another. Driving through an ever-changing city. Taking a pause and looking up to look at treetops and roof tops. I learned to walk fast, talk fast, move fast but I realized that nothing I’m chasing requires me to live faster. In fact, I think my goals all have to do with being able to live slower and I’m afraid by the time I get there, I wont remember how to live at all.

To counter that, here are some moments that held my attention or just made me disproportionately happy this week:

• The leaves that have fallen are still crisp and yellow so the entire city is filled with color.

• The combination of warm brick against black paint and grey stone.

• Being able to just wear a sweater and a wool coat.

• The quiet hum of conversation and the steaming of milk at a cafe.

• Hitting your macros for the day nearly perfectly.

• Pushing yourself to hit the gym the day after a night out and realizing that you’re stronger and more resilient than you thought.

• Having someone prove to you that “if he wanted to, he would.”

• Watching your friends get ready in the bathroom mirror.

• Hot yoga before a night out.

I’m also starting to see that leaving my last relationship has also allowed me to feel a greater range of emotions which has in turn led to more joy and gratitude. I didn’t realize how small being in that relationship made my world until months later realizing I can breathe again. I’ll be writing more about this soon.

In other news, I permed my hair for the first time!! I love having waves but am usually too lazy to fuss with my pin-straight hair so this was the best investment. I chose a digital perm so that I can have natural waves with a lovely soft texture and volume that can be styled curlier if I wanted to. The whole process, including my hair cut, took about 4 hours. I think it may stay as one of the “high maintenance things to keep me low maintenance.” When it’s time to re-do the perm, I may try a combination of cold perm and digital perm for an even curlier finish.

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As someone who wears more menswear silhouettes than women’s, I do actually love a feminine outfit. I acquired this top while in Mexico City because I fell in love with the cinched waist and bow detailing. I also got to connect with the owner and designer of the brand (Estudio 1999) which made all the pieces I took home even more special. Most of their pieces are upcycled and one-of-a-kind but they do typically create the same styles, just with different colours and patterns. Mark my words, I will be outfit repeating this one in spring.

I ran errands during the day and then switched out the ballerinas for my vintage heeled Gucci boots for dinner mostly because it was POURING that night. I visited Locanda Dell’Orso with my sister for dinner for a cute girls night. As much as I wanted to skip on a jacket, the weather was not on my side so I opted for this structural SHUSHU/TONG piece I thrifted earlier this year. It’s a full denim a-line coat. I definitely didn’t do it justice with the photo so I’ll have to capture it again in a different outfit.

02

It’s been a busy season for campaigns meaning I’m running around a lot filming for different brands which honestly has been a great mood-booster for me this season. I’m spending more time in cafés because I’m forced to but it showed me how badly I needed to start getting out of the house more. Think I’ll try to work from a café at least 3 times a week for the rest of the season.

The leather jacket + sweater + jeans uniform is fail proof for this time of year but I love how my old Celine tote and the ballerinas gave this look a more fem touch. I’m also feeling proud of myself because I said I wanted to wear this jacket more this season and it’s been on rotation for a few weeks now.

03

I had a mid week errands day just dropping off packages and picking up groceries so this was the perfect, brainless uniform to throw on. I’ll be a plaid shirt girl for life because it really is just the perfect layering piece for transitional weather. I also love that the shirt is longer than my jacket because it brings more flow to an otherwise rigid piece.

04

Hair cut day! I honestly had no idea how long a perm would take since it was my first one but I’m so glad I opted for comfortable clothes. I don’t reach for these barrel leg pants much but they do make for the perfect piece when you need maximum comfort. I recently bought a few of LESET’s Margo tees so this was my first day taking the long-sleeve Margo for a spin.

I really do understand why it’s so well-loved—the cut is phenomenal.

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On slower days, I love heading to café but with no laptop and just my journals and a book. I wanted to go coat-less so I actually dug up my Uniqlo heat tech for the first time this season to layer under my sweater and tee.

I’ve been eyeing the Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans for a few seasons now and fell in love with it even further when I tried it on at The Hills last month. I love the relaxed fit and versatile length that looks great rolled up. While I decide whether it’s worth the hefty price tag, I’m making do with these Stüssy jeans.

06

Had a girls dinner with planned so I opted for an easy and comfortable outfit. It has a similar formula to the 04 outfit (black top, plaid shirt, black pants, loafers) but I think the relaxed trousers and alpaca sweater really softens the look.

I also tried to break up the chunks of black with a soft brown suede bag and some brown loafers. I’ll always love the black and brown combo no matter who says it doesn’t work.

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My Gastown filming/shopping/cafe day outfit. I got these penny loafers from Rothys as a gift and oh my gosh they are SO comfortable. I’m usually not a fan of textile shoe but these are so breathable and still have such a beautiful structure. Happy I discovered them, I throw them on now whenever I need to run out the door and they make it seem like I put effort into my outfit.

Excited to share more in the coming weeks. My work load is finally starting to slow down a tad which means more time for the work that really fulfills me. Thanks for sticking around and reading these week by week. Excited to share what I’m working on next soon!

Angel x

What do you think about when you wash the dishes? What runs through your mind when you’re folding laundry? When’s the last time you drove in silence?

I often catch my mind racing through these mundane moments. While I’m washing dishes, my brain is already three tasks ahead—planning dinner, drafting an email, remembering something I forgot to do yesterday. And while dishes, laundry, and commuting were never meant to be the highlight of our lives, they are—well, life.

So what does it say about us when we can no longer find peace—or even just presence—in these already rare moments our schedule finally allows us to slow down?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when stillness started causing discomfort, but I can bet our hyper-connectivity and obsession with productivity have made it much worse. We’ve been conditioned to equate productivity with worth and we measure our value by our output. No wonder moments without “doing” feel wasteful and unnatural. We’ve turned rest into something we have to earn; something to schedule and optimize.

Our brains have learned that life only counts when we’re checking something off a list, whether that’s finishing a work project or finally reading that book we’ve been meaning to get to.

Boredom is no longer even an option we allow.

There’s a deeper theory on the topic around how people will avoid gaps in their time because they’re afraid of being alone with their thoughts. When we’re bored, our minds naturally drift towards the future—planning, visualizing, imagining, and sometimes worrying. For some, that can be uncomfortable territory.

In a 2014 study published in Science, psychologist Timothy Wilson and his colleagues at the University of Virginia gave participants a choice between sitting alone with their thoughts for 15 minutes or pressing a button that would administer an unpleasant electric shock to themselves. 67% of men and 25% of women chose to shock themselves at least once during the 15 minute period. One participant shocked himself 190 times during the session.1

So how did we get here?

How did we become so uncomfortable with stillness that we’d choose discomfort over it?

On dopamine and reward systems

Having worked in tech, I’ve seen first hand how much time and effort gets put into figuring out how we can encourage users to use an app more often and stay in it for longer. Digital platforms optimize for dopamine-driven reinforcement through likes, notifications, gamifications, constant data, and endless scrolling.

And it works! Every ping, like, and new piece of content triggers a small dopamine hit in our brains—the same neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure. Research shows that adolescents with internet addiction disorder have plasma dopamine levels twice as high as those in healthy controls. In other words, we’re not imagining it: our devices are literally changing our brain chemistry.

And here’s the kicker: dopamine isn’t just about pleasure but about the anticipation of it. It’s the potential that keeps us going2. Maybe the next post will be interesting. Maybe someone will comment on my photo. The lack of predictability keeps our brains in a loop, constantly seeking the next reward, the next hit.

As we scroll and scroll and scroll, we’re training our brains to expect constant stimulation with an occasional dose of dopamine. On the flip side, when things are quiet something feels a little off. We’ve unintentionally created a missing feeling.

There are also studies showing that the mere presence of a smartphone can actually reduce our cognitive performance. When we’re trying to avoid usage and suppress our attention to the device, our brains are expending precious resources leaving less mental capacity for everything else. It’s gotten to the point where even when we’re not using our phones, it’s still taking up too much headspace.

Redefining boredom

Choosing boredom sounds counterintuitive because we’ve spent the last decade treating boredom like a disease. The clinical definition describes it as an attention or meaning deficit—a lack of interest, stimulation, or challenge that brings feelings of sadness, loneliness, and distorted time perception. That kind of boredom drains us.

Read more

I’ve had good and bad experiences with medical grade skincare in the past and now understanding my skin a little better, I’m going through the painfully slow and tedious process of introducing new products one by one and making sure I’m tracking the results as I go. Throughout this year, the french pharmacy fave (A313—said retinol pomade) has been a been the only active I’ve been using. It always leaves my skin supple and plump the next morning although when my acne flares up, it doesn’t seem to help much. I got gifted the ZO Retinol Skin Brightener 1% from TVL so I’ll keep you posted on the results. I’ve used it twice so far and my skin does look pretty plump the next day. It also helped flatten an extracted pimple overnight so that was

pretty impressive.

Other than skincare, this week I’d also like to take some time to build a puzzle. After rediscovering them last year, I’ve had it on my list of “rest” activities to get back into so I purchased a Christmas themed one from Homesense. One day I’d love a New York Times one but I won’t splurge on that until I’m ready to set and frame it in my home.

This is your reminder to take rest and self-care in whatever form you see fit this week.

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01

I think this is the last week I’ll be wearing the culottes + flats combo because it’s getting a bit too nippy for my ankles. I’ve been saving this The Line by K top for the fall but haven’t been reaching for it as much as I’d like but I think it’s because at some point I mentally categorized it as a “dressy top”. Think I needed a good reminder that, while yes it may dress up a pair of jeans, it doesn’t mean it’s too dressy for every day. So this was my errands outfit which I think started the week off pretty strong.

02

I mentioned in my last WIWTW that I felt like I wasn’t getting enough wear from my Acne leather jacket so of course I now try to reach for it more often than not. I love how it looks on Jessica (who I follow religiously for her effortless yet elevated style) so that’s been motivating as well.

The leather + sweater + trousers outfit formula will forever be the foundation of my fall style. I also love these relaxed trousers because they’re incredibly comfortable yet still makes it look like I put effort into my look.

03

On the rainiest of days my first instinct is to stay in my pajamas and hide in my apartment. However I did have a dinner planned this day at a friend’s house so I put on my comfiest rainy day outfit.

The Almina Concepts v-neck has been killing it for me in cost-per-wear and I find myself reaching for it every time I’m unsure what to wear. These jeans are also by far my most worn jeans, purely because I bought them 2 sizes up so that they could be low-waisted and essentially feel like sweatpants. Best decision I ever made.

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04

Another night spent at a friend’s (it’s been my favorite weeknight activity is just going to other people’s homes) so I wanted to be as comfortable as possible. Recently got these satin pants from Peppermayo in. I have a few silk options saved on my wish list so this was my foray into elasticated silky pants. I’m a little unsure if they’re for me tbh but I did enjoy it contrasted with my stiffer denim shirt. Will have to sleep on them a little more.

05

Blazers and I have a love/hate relationship. Sometimes they’re the perfect addition to an outfit and other times they make me feel stuffy and boring. I do love the tee + jeans + blazer formula on others so I wanted to emulate that same effortless feeling with this Dies Van Noten number. The great thing about this formula is you can switch out the tee for a dressier top and suddenly you’ve got a fool proof night out outfit.

06

Color!! And one that I feel really good in. Although my eyes are naturally drawn to warmer tones, blue always seems to be a color that works with my complexion. Specifically this bright cobalt blue. I love how it pops on my warmer skintone and against my black hair.

While having a girlie day with , we discovered a new sweater brand based in Montreal. If you’ve also been hunting for natural fibre sweaters this year, you’ll know that good quality sweaters cost a pretty penny. Both this cardigan and the one in my last outfit of the week are 90% wool and 10% cashmere and I think are very fairly priced. I got them from The Hills of Kerrisdale but Naïf has their own website as well.

07

I’ve been hunting for a knit zip-up for a few years now and love this one from Almina Concepts but couldn’t justify the price. So finding this one from Naïf for nearly half the price felt like a sign. I personally love a double zipper because it gives you the option to make a piece from unique. I think this will be a piece I wear a lot during my Paris stint as chic alternative to wearing sweat fleece out in public.

See you next week x

October

I started October in Mexico City which really set the tone for how this month felt. Solo-trips always end up being a catalyst for change and the learning I returned with was actually one I’ve been trying to integrate for a while. Sometimes you do just need to take yourself out of your regular environment (and comfort zone) to gain a new perspective on your progress.

This year has been one of the most mentally challenging years of my life. I’ve experienced the lowest of lows and not enough highs but am slowly trying to see the beauty in all the small moments that make a beautiful and fulfilling life. I’m also learning how to not over-intellectualize my emotions and “fixing myself”. We’re jumping ahead a little but I just restarted EMDR in therapy this week and I’m looking forward to rewiring my brain a little.

As the weather gets cooler, rather than looking at winter as a period of doom and gloom, I’m choosing to see it as season of rest and recovery instead. Without knowing, I started seeing rest as something I have to work towards or earn which doesn’t make sense at all. We shouldn’t have to fight for rest so I’m aiming to make it a priority in November.

This month’s wrapped includes some new holy grail items, pieces that I find myself re-wearing, and things I’ve consumed that have stayed with me all month. I hope you find something new to love.

Loving

Keeping a reading journal

I’ve never been an avid GoodReads review writer or reader (though I do use it to track my reading challenge). When I want to share something about my reading life, it usually goes in a reading round up here or on TikTok but to keep track of my thoughts I have a reading journal. In this journal I jot down notes from my reading, moments I want to remember, questions that come up, and a general review once I’m done. In her new vlog, Malissa talks about writing a 1–2 sentence summary of what a piece is about as a fun challenge, and I totally agree. I’m super excited to continue this practice (I’ve started adding reviews about films and shows) and would highly recommend adding it to your journaling practice!

Aestura AtoBarrier365 Cream

I didn’t love this moisturizer the first time I used it but after falling in love with the Prequel AM/PM Daily Moisturizer and being unable to repurchase it in Canada, I tried to hunt down as close of a product as possible and rediscovered the AtoBarrier 365 cream. Now it’s my go-to moisturizer for AM and PM and acts a great base when I use a more intense retinol.

A313

I’ve been using this French pharmacy favorite quite consistently this year and have noticed an overall smoothing and clearness to my skin. I mix a small amount with the AtoBarrier 365 cream because it can cause a lot of itchiness/stinging and the cream eliminates that completely. They do carry it at Sephora now but it’s significantly marked up!! Yay for convenience but if you are going to France (or someone you know is) definitely buy it there instead.

Powerself by Initio Parfums Prive

A surprising new perfume love. When I read the notes I was intrigued by how this would smell because it contains quite a few of my favorites. It was not what I expected it to smell like at all and was far more fem and sweet than my usual scents but somehow I got absolutely hooked.

On me, I get the white rose and magnolia first but the two actually creates this sweet, juicy, berry floral note. It’s also an absolute powerhouse of a scent so although the musk does start to come out more as you wear it, those floral mid notes stick around all day as well.

Consuming

Christy

I got invited to an advance screening of Christy with Sydney Sweeney and WOW. I love going into a movie blind because it makes for a far more exciting viewing and I’d highly recommend doing that with this one. Do check the trigger warnings but this movie truly triggered so much feminine rage in me (in the best way possible?). I also want to start taking boxing now.

Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud

I discovered Fashion Neurosis shortly before I went through a podcast listening slump this year. Now that I’m slowly trying to reintroduce different media formats and looking for inspiring people and media to consume, I’ve rediscovered (and completely fallen in love with) this series. Bella Freud invites different guests to come lay on her couch and talk about the psychological connection between fashion, culture, and identity. The audio version is available everywhere but I’d recommend checking her YouTube for the video podcast. It’s BEAUTIFUL.

Re-wearing

V-neck sweaters

I purchased the brown Nothing Written v-neck sweater last winter and it became a closet staple. This year I invested in a Almina Concepts one in grey and these two sweaters are pretty much all I wear.

StillHere New York Everyday Jean

The name is honestly so apropo because after investing in these last year they’ve really been worn to death all throughout the year. I wear this one the most (classic blue). It’s just incredibly versatile. I have the dark wash versions on my to-buy list.

UGG micro mini*

I got gifted the UGG Micro Minis this year for campaign and was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I thought I’d still be reaching for my platform UGGs (bought it myself last year) the most but some how have worn this one way more. The low cut style makes it easy to slip on like a slipper and pair great with slouchy pants.

Snapping

Book no. 19 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

I listened to Tom Lake on audible and although I will probably purchase a physical copy, I adored the spoken version. First off, the audible edition is narrated by Meryl Streep and I honestly can’t think of a better voice for it. Secondly, because the format included story-telling within the story, it worked perfectly in audio form.

The book starts of feeling a little confusing but also intriguing. I love that Patchett gets you invested in Lara’s story immediately and when you find out there’s that extra layer, it becomes all the more interesting. I loved the way she weaved the characters in slowly, not giving them names or identities until their roles became important. It made the story feel like it was unraveling in front of my eyes—almost like you’re watching a movie.

There wasn’t a character I didn’t fall in love with, even with their faults and flaws shown so clearly. It’s one of those books that lives in my head rent free, more as a lingering feeling (which usually are the types that stay in my memory much longer)

Favorite quotes:

We clump together in our sorrow. In joy we may wander off in our separate directions, but in sorrow we prefer to hold hands.

The rage dissipates along with the love, and all we’re left with is a story.

Turned out to be the thing that saved me: the knowledge that I could get back by myself.

Book no. 20 - The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei*

After a heist gone wrong, one of the world’s best thieves has gone into retirement. Maya Hoshimoto settles into a quiet scholarly life back on Earth, believing she was ready for peace. That is until she receives a heist offer that hits her with an impossible choice. Save an entire species or space-travel as she knows it. Either way, it looks like she’s got a new job…

I’ve never been disappointed by a sci-fi novel but I’m not sure this one hit the mark. Some of my past favorites include Project Hail Mary and This is How You Lose The Time war, both of which were 5-star reads. There’s always an ethical-questioning in this genre, as if we’re trying to paint these hypothetical scenarios to test whether humanity could survive knowing we’re not the only intelligent ones.

Yume Kitasei’s descriptions of friendship, sacrifice, and honour is poignant and relatable. Yet something in the story fell flat. Near the 85-90% mark, I already sensed that maybe the ending wouldn’t wrap up as neatly as I had hoped. I was almost questioning whether this was the first book of a series, that there would be more to come. It felt like we were taken for a ride only to be left hanging as soon as we crossed the finish line.

Favorite quotes:

We fail, and we keep trying anyway. What I've seen is, life seeks other life. Humanity spent so many years looking skyward hoping we weren't alone.

You can’t live in the universe without leaving footprints. You leave an impact wherever you go.

You think you're own thoughts and that is beautiful. Haman nature is so delightfully chaotic. You fight with each other, you even fight with yourself in your own mind.

Book no. 21 - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

Lucrezia de Medici was born wild. Despite being the daughter of a grand duke, she prefers the company of trees and animals to her siblings and family in the palazzo. When her older sister dies on the night of her wedding, Lucrezia’s freedom is threatened. All eyes are on her as the ruler of Ferrara has chosen her to be his replacement wife. Having barely left girlhood behind, she’s now faced with a troubled court, a reputation to uphold, and a husband that may not be all that he seems. Will she survive the fate of her own life? Or will chains of her duty finally break her.

This was my first Maggie O’Farrell book, and I adored her writing in this. You felt everything that Lucre felt as she jumps back and forth in a dual timeline story, leading us up to the moment of her potential demise. The imagery in this book is a perfect reflection of O’Farrell’s attention to the craft. Her way with metaphors leaves you chasing for a deeper meaning that feels just out of reach. Her words make you want to pause and absorb what you have read which is a rare skill in today’s writing.

This is a story about duty, intuition, and the powerlessness of a woman in a patriarchal society. It was a sordid reminder to never take for granted the independence and voice that women have fought so hard to earn.

Favorite quotes:

Wedding gown waits; You can sense it behind her, biding its time, its empty shape poised to encase her body.

She is, Lucrezia thinks, like a shattered windowpane, her whole being splintered into crazed fractures.

Thank you for reading this far! If you enjoyed this article, please consider becoming a paid or free subscriber. Your support costs the same as 2 cups of coffee per month, and really helps me continue to send you inspiration weekly!

*Gifted from Aardvark

I’ve been in a reading slump for 3 months, so I decided to pause Crime and Punishment and slip into Evocation (love a good fantasy novel!) to hopefully kick my reading back into gear. After about 20 pages, I felt my attention slipping from me. A restlessness gripped me as my eyes scanned the room looking for something—anything—that needed my attention. I reached for my phone, hovering my thumb over Instagram, and then retracted my hand just as quick.

Trying to dive back into the novel, I see all the elements that should be keeping me there. Dark magical occult, a strong witch named Moira with psychic abilities, a love triangle that’s impossible to ignore—the make up of a fun story. My eyes skittered across the page and then off it.

Did I look through my planner this morning before I decided to take the day off?

I shook my head, shifted the blankets, and continued on the next page following Moira into the depths of a haunted house. At the end of the chapter I flipped to the back to do a page count. Guilt seeped in as I flipped back to my page to see where Moira goes next. Her relationship is feeling a little on edge but will she choose to keep growing her magic or fall back to connect with her husband? Time would tell but would I give it the time it required?

As I moved through a few more cycles of fighting my attention deficit I started tapping my feet.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.

I catch the nervous tick and stop. Being (somewhat) self aware is a funny thing—sometimes I’m just sitting there watching myself fail, getting frustrated that I’m not doing anything about it yet not having the will power to change anything. I keep fighting the urge to move to my desk and pull up Notion to see if I had missed anything.

When was that one deadline again?

Did I tell my manager to move that Monday meeting?

Do I have enough buffer time to finish both those projects this month?

The resistance buzzes in my veins like the feeling of trying to push opposing magnets together. Except the magnets are my butt and this couch. It’s the weekend, I remind myself. Let it be the weekend.

I keep pushing because that’s what I’m good at. I forced myself through one more page. Then another. Then a chapter. 100 pages in and my brain finally quieted. Moira is teaming up with her husband’s ex and I’m there with them. A few hours later I looked up and the book was finished.

I’d won. I took a weekend day off and finished a book.

But why did it have to be a fight?

Somewhere in my twenties weekends became rare for me. Without knowing, I stopped seeing weekends as “time off” and started thinking of them “extra time”—to be productive, work on projects, and tackle my to-do list. Even now, as I try to enter a new era of life, one where I don’t overwork and do set more boundaries, my weekend schedule is dictated by how much anxiety my to-do list is currently bringing me.

In therapy last week I realized that my 20-minute ramble was telling both my therapist and me that I’ve become stressed about being stressed. When I quit my tech job last year to pursue a creative business full-time, I quickly learned that my idea of “stability” was heavily tied to my job and my salary. When the title was stripped away I was left scrambling trying to figure out where I fit in the world. It created a feeling of scarcity both financially and in my self-worth. In an effort to regain my footing in those two areas, I threw myself into work even harder than before. The result was heavy burnout, severe acne, isolation from friends and family, and an expansion of distance in my relationship1.

A year later, my relationship ended and I started to heal. During that period I finally started to untangle the web of emotions that calcified and had been sitting, taking up space. When I was reflecting on the shit show of the past year, I saw a singular red-handed culprit—stress. In that moment I was filled with anger, shame, guilt, and most of all fear. If this was the reason for all the turmoil, then I better start running in the opposite direction.

So I tried to be someone different. Someone who called her mom regularly. Who said yes to friend hangs. Who had hobbies. Who was interesting. Who did things outside of work. I’d neglected all of that in my scramble for stability, and I was convinced that neglect was why my relationship ended.

So my calendar filled: coffee dates, workout classes, dinner with friends. I was determined to be the kind of person who had a life outside of work.

What I didn’t realize was that I’d just replaced one kind of busy with another. I wasn’t resting—I was performing a different version of productivity. And in trying to avoid becoming the person who only worked, I’d left no room to just…be. Empty time started to feel dangerous. If I didn’t fill it with something “good”, I’d default to work. So I filled it.

I developed an adverse reaction to boredom.

Boredom can be defined as an aversive state of being that results from a lack of interest, stimulation, meaning, or challenge which then translates to feelings of emptiness, restlessness, and weariness. We enter a state of boredom if something fails to capture our attention. Or when we feel like whatever we’re doing is meaningless2. It explains why picking up our phones doesn’t actually solve for boredom: it may grab our attention (and keep it) but the meaningless act doesn’t fulfill us otherwise. On the contrary, it triggers a feeling of guilt which keeps us in that avoidant loop that started when we reached for our phone in the first place.

This left me wondering why things I used to fight to do—reading, writing, knitting—now trigger a sense of boredom. Is it really the activity that feels boring? Or have I trained myself to see anything that doesn’t feel productive as a waste of time? Do I now see doing things for myself as meaningless?

Here’s the irony: I quit my job to have more freedom. To build a life that felt like mine. Instead I made a life so full there’s no room left for me in it. I’m not sure when rest became something I have to earn. Or when doing nothing became something I have to fight for.

What I do know is that I don’t want to be stressed about being stressed anymore.

Maybe a bit of boredom would do me good.

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I’ve been inhaling The Creative Pragmatist’s posts specifically these draft pages of Amy Smilovic’s book. Think I’ll have to purchase the book at some point this season but there’s actually so much you can learn just from reading the Substack as well. While my style words remain as Undone, Refined, and Contrast, having the “Chill, Modern, Classic” guidelines of The Creative Pragmatist has been the perfect added layer to planning my outfits this season.

01

Vancouver has fully transitioned into that pre-winter fall weather where mornings are crispy but afternoons could still be sunny and somewhat warm. You’ll notice the layers start to pile up as we go through this week’s post but we’re starting off strong with my last warm weather outfit.

This Free People top has been an absolute anchor in my wardrobe this summer. Slouchy off shoulder top + jeans + shoes that show some skin has been the easiest summer uniform I’ve tried.

02

As I’ve been going through my seasonal wardrobe purge, it’s also helped me pin point which items I love but don’t wear enough. I bought this The Frankie Shop blazer 5 or 6 years ago but it’s barely seen the light of day so I’ve been making it a point to style it more. The Blazer + Jeans + Simple Top + Loafers uniform is one of my favorites on others and I have no idea why I don’t wear it more. Especially when you have a great oversized fit in the blazer, it really creates an effortlessly chic feel even if everything is is basic.

03

I’ve been doing a bit of a sweater overhaul this year and have finally sold every single one of my sweaters that contain synthetic materials. While I do understand why brands use small percentages of poly or elastane for specific cuts or fits, I didn’t love the way my sweaters fit me anymore so it was time for a change.

This Almina Concepts sweater is a new addition to my wardrobe this year and it really is the perfect slouchy v-neck. It’s that perfect in-between where it’s thin enough to wear under a blazer yet thick enough to keep you warm.

This outfit really is just a +1 layer version of the day before’s except I swapped out the cami for a t-shirt and the loafers for boots. This formula is definitely getting added to my fall uniform formulas.

04

The sun came out on this day which to me always means “Tabi weather”, especially in autumn. Another staple from summer that I’m taking into autumn this year are these poplin culottes from Aritzia. I wore these quite a bit in Mexico City and didn’t think I’d be reaching for them in the fall but the elastic waist band and relaxed fabric makes them hard to let go of. I won’t be able to wear these into the winter but they’ve inspired me to look for a slightly longer pair that I can reach for all year long.

Culottes have definitely made a bit of a come back this year and while I can’t imagine myself purchasing more pairs, I do think they’re a “fun pant” that works well both in the “chill” and “classic” categories depending on the fabric and structure of the pant. I felt extremely comfortable in this outfit but I think adding the collared wool coat on top is what really pulls the outfit out of the comfy category and into something a little more refined.

05

I never used to be much of a v-neck sweater girl but this Nothing Written sweater that I purchased last fall really changed that. This sweater is a little shorter and thicker than the Almina Concept one but still works well layered under a jacket and I do love the relaxed slouch.

I spent the day with my sister just enjoying the sunny weather and letting her practice driving in my car. I love these vintage Tom Ford era Gucci boots to death but they’re definitely not a 10,000 steps kind of boot so I try to wear them whenever I know I’ll be driving from one place to the next. I love how they took a chill sweater and very chill Stüssy denim to a more classic and refined place.

06

Somewhere in my early 20s, I set a rule that “sweats don’t leave the house” and actually purged nearly my entire loungewear collection. Covid excused that rule for a while but I’m back to being fully committed to styling something even if I’m just running out for groceries or errands.

This was an errands day—I had to do some shopping for my mom, so I reached for an outfit formula I wore a couple of times this summer. The Line by K Zhade top fits the “fundamentals” creative pragmatist category to me by being one that pairs well with most of my bottoms while having a unique cut that doesn’t feel overly basic.

“Your basics should never be, well…basic. When they are, you feel basic too. Think about it this way: if your basics play it safe and look average, and the very point of a basic is to be worn a lot, then that means you’ll spend a lot of your life feeling pretty average.

A part of me sometimes regrets sizing up in my acne leather jacket but I do remember not loving the length of my usual size. So instead of ruminating over that choice, I’m aiming to style the oversized fit more this season.

07

I wear this outfit formula so much that I’m seriously considering expanding my denim shirt collection. I saw this James Street one on Chloe Mihailovich a while back and have it saved in my wishlist. I actually cleared out my entire denim jacket collection earlier this year because I realized I didn’t love the fit of any of the jackets so I might have to hunt for a new one soon.

I spent some time with Mika on a patio this day after a long park walk. This is another easy formula that I reach for whenever I need to run out and don’t want to be in athleisure.

Some items I’m pining for

This week I’m adding a small section for paid subscribers of some items that I’ve been eyeing or are currently in my cart. Hope this adds a little inspiration for your autumn shopping.

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Since last year, I started setting intentions for every trip I take, a small ritual to make sure I’m not just moving but experiencing. This time, I wanted to give myself space to rest from work while still soaking in the creative buzz that the city offers. I wanted to get re-energized and creatively inspired so my itinerary definitely reflects that. So here’s every I did and wore on this trip.

Whenever I visit a place for the first time, I definitely think about the places that everyone recommends whether that’s restaurants, activities, or attractions. My algorithm tells me that CDMX is a great place to shop vintage and designer and while I love doing that I wanted more out of this trip. I was determined to find my own spots on this trip that catered to the type of trip I wanted to have.

Monday

I arrived on a Monday afternoon and checked into my first Airbnb in Hipódromo Condesa. The neighbourhood was beautiful and very quiet which was the perfect start to this trip. After dropping up my bags and freshening up, I wandered out to Molina El Pujol for dinner. This is the sister restaurant to the 2-star Pujol also in CDMX and focuses on corn-forward dishes (think tamales, tacos, chilaquiles, etc.) I definitely enjoyed my meal but it wasn’t anything to write home about.

I spent the rest of the evening walking around and creating a mental map of the neighbourhood. I also walked over to Parque Mexico to get a gist of Av Mexico and Av Amsterdam. Loved browsing Metta Running House for some niche running gear.

Tuesday

A friend of mine was also traveling CDMX and we only had one overlap day so we decided to grab some food and have a museum day today. Our first stop was Expendio De Maiz, a restaurant I’ve had saved for a while. They offer a unique food experience where you just let the servers know your food restrictions and the chefs will cook for you until you tap out. There’s no menu, you just eat until you’re full.

I only found out that they have a star days before the trip but that’s one of the joys of CDMX—it’s full of surprises. The food was phenomenal, one of my favorites of the trip. Definitely somewhere I would love to come again.

After brunch, we uber-ed over to Anahuacalli, a museum and arts center in the Coyoacán neighbourhood. The space itself is designed by Mexican Muralist Diego Rivera and contains an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic art. The space was incredible—definitely a must-visit.

We also checked out the Chapultepec Castle which houses the National History Museum. From the garden you get an incredible view of the city.

For dinner, we went to Mi Compa Chava, a popular seafood restaurant that has two locations in the city. They serve traditional seafood dishes with generous sizing. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious but if I can recommend one thing, definitely get the grilled prawns.

Wednesday

One of my favorite finds of the trip was Another Café near my Airbnb. It’s a great brunch spot that serves food, coffee, juices, and drinks all day. I visited 3 times during this trip either to start my day there or to end. It seems like a go-to spot for laptop work. After breakfast, I headed to Biblioteca Vasconcelos to check off a bucket list visit. I love exploring libraries in different cities and Vasconcelos is definitely one for the books.

Fundación Casa Wabi was nearby so I headed there after. This was actually not one of main galleries I had saved by ended up being my favorite one. The foundation itself fosters interaction between contemporary artists and local communities in Puerto Escondido, Mexico City, and Tokyo. I could’ve spent all day in that space just watching the light change.

I decided to spend my evening wandering around Juarez because I had a few shops and restaurants saved there. I checked out the Estudio 1999 store and ended up picking up a few pieces after spending over an hour trying things on and just having fun styling outfits with Ileana, the owner and designer. I talk about the experience in another post but it just made me love the brand that much more. She recommended I try Tacos La Chula for al pastor tacos so that’s where I ended my night.

Thursday

Up to this point I pretty much didn’t touch my laptop at all but I knew I wanted to spend some time writing on this trip so I started my day with pastries at Saint (it was just okay) and then headed to La Laguna, a former textile factory that has been reworked into a space for creative businesses whether it be architects, gastronomes, or artists. There are shops, cafes, offices, and a restaurant here. I sat at BUNA cafe for a few hours writing and editing.

I was meeting a work friend for a late lunch so I decided to walk from La Laguna towards Parque Mexico where we were meeting. On the way I checked out Proyecto Rufina, Casa Ananda Vintage, Feria Americana, and a few other stores that looked interesting. I also grabbed an iced guava matcha latte from Rumor which ended up being the best matcha I had on the trip. Rumor is also a boutique that carries Mexican designers and had a lot of unique pieces you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

I met up my friend at Mendl Delicatessen—beautiful space and delicious sandwiches and then ended my night back at the Airbnb. Ordered some pasta from Cancino for a late night meal which was actually quite delicious.

Friday

Friday I checked into my second Airbnb of this trip which is in Roma Norte. I started my day at Another Cafe again, knowing that I wouldn’t be coming back to this neighbourhood. After I settled into my new spot, I just spent the day wandering around Roma Norte. Finally got to try Jenni’s Quesadillas which are completely worth the hype. Cardon had an amazing collection of both men’s and women’s clothing by Mexican designers. Colima 112 truly has the most unique sunglasses I’ve ever seen—also all by latin designers. I went into Golden Goose wanting to check out the store design and the employees there were SO snobby. Definitely the worse service experience I had during this trip. Just something to note if you’re visiting.

There are a TON of boutiques and vintage stores along Colima and the surrounding streets so Roma Norte is definitely the place to stay if you’re looking for that experience. My favorite find was probably Vintage HOE which had incredible curation. I found out that the store owner actually opened the very first vintage store in CDMX around 20 years ago and have been loving keeping his shop ever since. I picked up some low waisted trousers here as well as a rich brown vintage Armani suit.

After browsing around, I headed to Cafebreria El Péndulo to see if I can find some latin specific book covers. Ended up sitting here reading for a bit before grabbing dinner at Birria Estilo Jalisco. Another absolute must in my opinion. I loved the traditional birria over any of the Americanized versions I’ve had before. It’s also served with an herby, hearty broth.

Saturday

I got up at 6:45 am on Saturday so that I can get to Panaderia Rosetta for 7 to avoid lines. The guava tart was definitely the star of the show with the other pastries being just okay. I wouldn’t like up 45 minutes for it (which apparently is the average line time) but I’d wait 20 for it. I checked out El Bazaar Sabado, an artisan market in San Angel that only happens on saturdays and picked up quite a few silver jewelry pieces. I decided to continue with my street food journey and head over to the Caoyacan market to hunt down a sandwich recommendation. I love a good chorizo sandwich and Sr. Choripan makes a great Argentinian variation.

Sunday

Sunday was my last day and I started it strong at Cafe Trucha for brunch. Everything they serve is made with local produce and it was my favorite brunch meal of the trip. I got an open face sandwich with egg and butternut squash as well as a caprese salad. I’ve always heard amazing things about La Lagunilla market which happens exclusively on Sundays so that’s where I headed next. The market is sprawling and sells everything and anything. You can find antique furniture and decor, vintage clothes, records, jewelry, food, drinks, knock offs—you name it, you’ll probably find it here.

I’m glad I checked it out but it did feel a little overwhelming purely because of the size of the market. If you’re uber-ing to the market, keep in mind that it’s pretty hard to leave via uber because the surrounding streets are so busy.

For my last dinner, I checked out Madonna Pizzeria which had a standout Tiramisu. The pastas were also delicious.

Below the paywall you’ll find my full list of CDMX recommendations which includes spots I didn’t get to visit (but will come back for), my organized Google Maps, and everything I wore and packed for this trip.

Other Recommendations

My favorites are bolded.

Restaurants

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I’m a little behind on my WIWTW series so this one is catching up with some end-of-summer outfits I never shared. Now that it’s fall, I’ve been really enjoying curating transitional outfits so stay tuned for the next WIWTW for some of my favorite fall pieces.

01

I love a summer wedding, mostly because it means I get to pick out fun-colored dresses that I’d otherwise have no reason to wear. My wardrobe remains mostly neutral despite my efforts otherwise so I always try to experiment with colors for weddings.

One of my family friends that I grew up with got married this month so I wore this gorgeous red number from Peppermayo. While I mostly avoid shopping trendier stores now, I don’t typically invest too much money in event wear just because I’ll likely only have a handful of opportunities to wear these pieces.

Loved the flower applique on this dress and I think it fit the garden wedding theme quite well.

Here was my second option for the wedding if red ended up being a taboo color. The fit of this dress is immaculate. I’ve never had a bodice fit my body better. The ruched detailing really flatters my waist and is quite forgiving.

02

I got these vintage Diesel cargos in Berlin last year and I’m already regretting not wearing them more this summer. I have a hard time not dropping food on myself so white is always risky business. I love the so much that I’m a little too precious with them so here’s my promise that I’m going to try to style them at least 3 more times before the summer ends.

This top on the other hand has gotten so much love since I purchased it at the beginning of summer. I have my eye on Free People now because they’ve been making some really special pieces lately. The quality on both tops I own from Free People are also pleasantly great so it’s got me a little more interested in the brand.

03

While I don’t purchase as many colors as I’d like for my wardrobe, I do love using gifting as an opportunity to push my style boundaries more. This top is the perfect example of that. I’m starting to realize I love blue on myself and the style of the top is actually quite flattering on my smaller chest.

I want to write a separate post on purses but this Aest Studio one has been my most-used bag of the summer by far. It’s the size, thoughtful organization, and easy-to-wear style that keeps me reaching for it time and time again and it honestly makes for the perfect “creative girl” bag.

04

Ever since I learned about ’s wrong shoe theory, it’s been fueling my summer affair with the Havaiana flip flop. I haven’t had many opportunties to wear this Geel skirt I got on sale a while back so I was stoked to wear it out for dinner with the girls.

Black and brown is one of those pairings that will always feel chic to me and is something I’ll be bringing into my fall uniforms as well. Not shown in the photo is the cropped tan trench I wore over this but a long trench would’ve paired well as well.

05

A common complaint summer outfits is the inability to layer. I wanted to put together an outfit that had light layering pieces, while still feeling quite summery. I love that the base of this outfit is just a white t-shirt and a simple beige skirt, but the dark green cardigan tied around the waist with a mid-length trench really brings a lot of movement and texture to the outfit. I wore this out to our first culinary event and felt comfortable yet chic (which honestly is always the goal)

This outfit would also pair well with heels if you wanted to dress it up a bit. But again, wrong shoe theory works so well with my desire to always add contrast to an outfit so of course it was another Havaiana look for me.

06

I talked about the prominence of the silk slip in my fall trends article and I’m still trying to decide whether or not to keep this old one from Aritzia. The length isn’t something I typically go for as I like my slips and dresses either mini length or maxi length. It is 100% silk which I love and the lace detailing is dainty and timeless.

Wore it over a dark wash denim which I think pairs quite well but I’d love it so much more if the hemline was different. I love testing out pieces when I run errands because it gives me a reason to experiment while knowing I won’t be out for too long. Let me know if I should sell or keep in the comments!

07

I’ve reworn this denim on denim look so many times but it just never fails to look chic. Depending on what shoes and top you style it with it can look casual, elevated, or even streetwear inspired.

On another note, I’m quite taken with the Songmont Gather bag. I was deciding between the small and medium but I’m glad I went with the medium in the end because it actually fits my 14” Macbook Pro!! I don’t typically reach for this when I carry my laptop but I love knowing that I can. And of course it fits my Paper Republic journals + books perfectly which is nearly a requirement for me when it comes to bags.

I’m writing this on a Sunday evening and I’m desperately hungry for dinner but I wanted to finish this so I’m off to eat! Hope you enjoyed this week’s outfits. See you in transitional fall fits soon.

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As the leaves fall and air turns crisp, fall fashion beckons us with its promise of cozy layers and rich, warm tones. Seasonal changes always feel like a temptress, especially with aptly-timed sales and releases. This is your reminder that you don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to embrace what the new style season brings.

I love reading a fall trends article as much as the next woman but what I love more is being able to breathe new life in my wardrobe without making a serious dent in my wallet. This year, I’m focusing rediscovering forgotten gems in your closet and getting creative with sustainable shopping. Whether it’s that oversized blazer you tucked away last spring or vintage accessories waiting to be discovered at your local thrift store or shopping platform, seasonal trends can be surprisingly accessible. These are some fall 2025 trends I’m loving that feel easy to recreate.

I defined my 3 style words at the start of the year and it’s been incredibly helpful when it comes to styling and deciding what pieces deserve space in my wardrobe. She has a great video around how to define your 3 style words and I landed on Undone, Refined, and Contrast. I’m thinking of writing about my personal process of picking those 3 words soon but as a refresher, the first word is your base—aka your ‘realistic’ word. The second word is your aspirational word and what you want your style to look like. The third is how you want to feel.

The trends I’ve collected below feed into my 3 words really well so if any of those words resonate with you too, then we’re on the same page.

The plaid shirt

The plaid flannel has been a thrift shop staple of mine since high school before I could actually afford to shop for myself. The problem I always had was that flannels were always a little too warm and a little too thick to layer with. I’ve been seeing the thinner sister of the plaid flannel all over social media and it makes me incredibly happy that they’re making a comeback. The best part? You can definitely thrift a perfectly oversized plaid shirt from the mens section of any thrift—they’re everywhere.

I love the ease and “undone” feeling it brings to a timeless column skirt or a pair of trousers. It has that effortless, “I just threw this on” feeling that we all love and can really dress down some of your more high-end pieces to make them more everyday appropriate. I also love that seeing it worn tied around the waist. Same visual effect but also extremely functional incase it gets cold and you need to throw on an extra layer.

Reimagining the lace slip

Last year I decided to stop sleeping in ratty XXL t-shirts and actually invest in sleepwear. While I love a good pajama set, my favorite is still my Intimissimi silk slip. The silk slip has been the epitome of sexy and chic since way before the 90s but celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Kate Moss solidified the appeal of the “rolled-out-of-bed” look

While wearing it with a barely there sandal will always feel timeless, I’m loving the layering usage over pants or a longer skirt for colder weather. Why should we stop exuding sex-appeal once the temperature drops?

My favorite look is the mini slip paired with a sweater and a relaxed trouser but using a longer slip with an oversized sweater looks great as well. If you have silky slip tops they also contrast perfectly with a casual t-shirt or some baggier pants.

Ebay has a massive range of both affordable and vintage options if you’re looking for silk and lace. Thrift stores always carry a small section of sleepwear as well. Or if you want to shop brand new, I’d recommend going to a lingerie store first rather than hitting your fast-fashion options. Better to get real silk that you want to actually sleep in rather than a synthetic fabric that isn’t breathable.

The pre-loved silk scarf

Silk scarves have always been a wardrobe staple—elegantly draped around our necks, artfully tied in our hair, or adding a pop of personality to our favorite handbags. But this season, I’m seeing them used in ways that feel fresh and unexpected. Instead of relegating them to traditional accessory status, the new trend of incorporating silk scarves as layering pieces or cinching them around your waist feels like such a smart styling move.

What I love most about this approach is how effortlessly a vintage scarf can transform an otherwise basic outfit. That simple black turtleneck and jeans? Instantly elevated with a colorful silk scarf tied at the waist. Your go-to monochrome look? Add texture and pattern without committing to an entirely new piece. It’s the kind of styling trick that feels both intentional and undone—exactly the vibe I’m always chasing.

Silk scarves are incredibly easy to find secondhand at vintage shops, thrift stores, and online resale platforms. You’ll also be able to find unique patterns you simply won’t find in stores today. You’re adding character to your wardrobe while keeping things sustainable and budget-friendly. It’s a win all around.

The fun pant

The “fun pant” is having a serious moment this fall, and I’m here for it. We’re talking cropped trousers, culottes, long baggy shorts, and even bubble pants—basically any pant silhouette that feels like the star of the show rather than a supporting player in your outfit. These aren’t your basic straight-leg jeans; they’re pieces that bring personality and shape to even the simplest top-and-shoe combination.

What’s particularly exciting is how designers and stylists are branching out into pants of varying lengths and styles, pushing us to reconsider what “appropriate” proportions look like. I’ll admit, I was shocked when culottes started making their comeback—they felt like such a specific mid-2010s trend that I thought we’d left behind. But I’ve been seeing some genuinely great looks lately, especially when paired with a long-heeled boot. That combination takes what could feel dated and transforms it into something modern and surprisingly chic.

The denim culotte-length shorts (let’s call them elevated jorts) are another standout. They bring that casual, effortless summer vibe into fall while still feeling polished enough for more than just weekend errands. It definitely feels like a natural progression from how much people have been loving pedal pushers and capris over the summer—we’re just not ready to give up those interesting hemlines yet.

The beauty of the fun pant is that it does most of the styling work for you. Pair them with a simple fitted top or tucked-in tee, add your favorite boots or loafers, and you’ve got an outfit that feels considered without trying too hard. It’s exactly the kind of piece that aligns with that “undone but refined” aesthetic I’m obsessed with.

Get creative

Fall fashion doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or chasing every trend that crosses your feed. What I love most about this season’s standout pieces—the plaid shirt, the reimagined slip, the silk scarf, and the fun pant—is how accessible they are. They’re items you can thrift, repurpose from your own closet, or invest in thoughtfully because they’ll work hard for you season after season.

The key is finding what resonates with your personal style and making it your own. Whether that’s tying a vintage scarf around your waist, layering a slip over your favorite trousers, or finally giving those oversized plaid shirts the styling attention they deserve—it’s all about creativity and intention. These trends work because they’re flexible, sustainable, and most importantly, they feel like you.

What’s next

Besides the trendier styling methods and pieces, I personally love fall because some of my favorite timeless investment pieces all belong to this season. I’ll be sharing my favorite fall staples in an upcoming post so make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!

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While I can’t recite the periodic table or explain how trigonometry works anymore, fall will always feel like the start of something new and it always reignites that deep, almost childlike desire to learn again.

For me, curiosity often starts as a feeling—like the itch to look something up mid-conversation, the pull toward a book spine I recognize on a friend’s shelf, or the urge to pause a film just to research its color palette. Those tiny moments are what I want to give structure to this season. Not just the formal kind of learning, but the playful, accidental kind too.

I’ve been seeing a lot of content around crafting a monthly personal learning curriculum lately and while I absolutely love the idea, I know that creating such a structured game plan could be the straw that breaks me. I spent the start of the season doing too much again, and while I am trying to facilitate a healthier work schedule this quarter, I know that a monthly syllabus will add stress rather than feel like relief.

Most of us stopped learning for ourselves once school ended. We learn for performance, for jobs, for credibility—rarely just for wonder. I want to use my personal curriculum as a way to remember that feeding my curiosity can be a fun and rewarding experience outside of the output it brings. Instead of treating learning like a full-time job, I want to integrate it into my life in a sustainable and whimsical way.

So if you’re also someone who has a lot on their plate but want to add some sort of structured learning to their life, here’s how I’m creating a semester-based curriculum instead:

Decide on your fields of study

While I’d love to study architecture, art history, fashion, and philosophy, it’s completely unrealistic for me to try and do everything at once. Our schedules are no longer as free now that it has work, health, and bills to contend with so choose your fields intentionally, not ambitiously.

For me personally, I want my fields to be related to either work or my personal goals and values. Health is something I’m trying to pay more attention to right now so Health Science is where I’d like to start (because I want to understand why my energy rises with the sun and dips at 3 p.m).

I’ll be spending some time in France next year, so French is my next field. I’ve been flip flopping between continuing my Italian studies and starting French but I want to be able to at least conversate and order a croissant in French (or whatever else I’m craving at the time).

Humanities is the last field of study I want to focus on which would include literature, writing, and theory. For this “semester”, I specifically want to focus on Critical Reading and Creative Writing.

I started with Nutrition 101 last week. My first “lecture” was a 7-minute YouTube video about metabolism that I watched over breakfast, notebook beside me. While it wasn’t a resource that I originally had on my list, I added it after spotting it on my explore page. It felt good to move further towards intentional consumption and know that I can include small tidbits of learning into my daily routine.

Designing your dream programs

Once you have your field of studies chosen, you can then start building out your programs. The programs are where you get a little more specific about what you’re hoping to learn. Under Health Sciences, I want to learn more about nutrition and fitness so my programs would be Nutrition 101 and Fitness 101. In the future I want to add in Mind-Body Health 101 so I’ll also save that as an elective.

To get really clear about your programs, define your purpose and core topics here too. For Nutrition 101, my purpose is to learn how food affects your energy, mood, and longevity. Core topics would include:

• macro and micronutrients

• metabolism and energy balance

• gut health and digestion

• balanced meals

• myths and evidence-based eating

Foraging for learning materials

Think of gathering learning materials like collecting little portals—each one opens a world you didn’t know you were missing. Some you’ll step through and never want to leave; others you’ll peek into once and realize they’re not for you. That’s part of the fun. Curating resources isn’t about hoarding information but about following the tiny sparks of interest that make you feel alive again.

Define your learning style

Before you start collecting resources, it helps to get clear on what kind of learner you are. Do you absorb best through reading, watching, or doing? Do you crave structure or prefer to follow your curiosity? Knowing your learning style will save you from collecting beautiful PDFs you’ll never open.

While there are tons of amazing cheap or free courses online, I want my personal curriculum to be fulfilled mainly through articles, videos, and books mainly because I want it to be as “self-paced” as possible.

AI is sometimes a controversial topic here on Substack, but when used thoughtfully, it can be an incredible tool for discovery.

Here’s a prompt template you can use with AI to gather learning materials:

I’m creating a self-paced learning curriculum on [specific topic]. Can you help me find quality learning materials in the following formats:
Videos: Educational YouTube videos, documentaries, or online lectures (prefer sources that are beginner/intermediate-friendly)
Articles: Well-researched articles from reputable sources (academic journals, educational websites, trusted publications)
Essays: Thought-provoking essays that provide deeper perspectives on the subject
Books: Both foundational texts and accessible reads for someone learning this topic
For context, my purpose in studying this topic is: [explain your why]
The core subtopics I want to cover include: [list your specific areas of interest]
Please organize the recommendations by format and indicate the difficulty level (beginner/intermediate/advanced) for each resource. If possible, include a brief description of what makes each resource valuable.

While I’d love to read 10 books on each topic, again we have to be realistic with our time so I’ve set a goal to read 1 book per topic (with the exception of French which will be mainly homework-based)

Test for resonance

Once I’ve gathered a mix of materials, I do a quick “curiosity test.” I’ll open each one for five minutes and notice how my brain reacts: do I feel energized, bored, confused, or inspired? If it feels like pulling teeth, I move on. If it feels like a conversation I want to keep having, it earns a spot in my curriculum. I store everything in a Notion database organized by field and format — books, essays, videos — so I can easily rotate through mediums depending on my mood or energy level.

It’s easy to want to hoard every resource you find but here’s my checklist to evaluate whether a learning material is worth my time:

• Is it from a credible source? Look for materials from recognized experts, reputable institutions, or well-established educators in the field.

• Does it match my current level? The resource should challenge you without overwhelming you. If you’re a beginner, skip the advanced academic papers for now.

• Is it practical? Does it connect to real life rather than just theory?

• Is it engaging? Learning shouldn’t feel like torture. If the format, writing style, or presentation doesn’t resonate with you, it’s okay to move on.

• Does it cover my core topics? Make sure the resource actually addresses the subtopics/subjects you want to learn about, not just tangentially related content.

• Can I actually commit to it? Be honest about whether you’ll realistically finish that 500-page textbook or 12-hour course series given your current schedule.

• Is it inspiring? Does it make me want to learn more after finishing?

Remember: your curriculum is a living document, not a contract. As you progress through your program, you’ll naturally discover new materials that pique your interest or realize that certain resources aren’t working for you—and that’s completely fine.

Feel free to add materials whenever something catches your eye or comes recommended. Similarly, don’t force yourself to finish resources that aren’t serving you. If a book isn’t clicking or a video series feels too dry, give yourself permission to swap it out for something better. The goal is learning and growth, not checking boxes or proving you can stick to a rigid plan.

Your semester is meant to be flexible enough to accommodate discovery while structured enough to keep you moving forward. Trust your instincts and adjust as you go.

Building your semester

With all your learning materials laid out, it’s time to set deadlines. Semesters are typically 15-17 weeks long, making it a bit more relaxed whereas quarters would give you about 10-12 weeks. For me personally, I think quarters are a realistic enough timeline so all my deadlines will happen between now and Dec 31.

You can also create a study flow for your programs so that you know you’re covering all of the subjects that you want to focus on as well as a variety of different materials. I organize my schedule and deadlines based on the subjects I mentioned earlier as well as the resource format.

Within a week I might have 1 reading and 1 video. Or maybe 1 video and 1 assignment. The variety keeps things interesting so your program never feels dry. For now, I’m also aiming to go through one subject at a time. So my curriculum will look like:

Week 1: Balanced Eating

Week 2: Metabolism & Energy

Week 3: Gut Health & Digestion

Week 4: Micro and Macronutrients

My curriculum Notion template

Anyone that knows me knows that I do everything in Notion. My life, my goals, my health, and my work are all tracked there—so naturally, my personal curriculum lives there too. The screenshots above give a pretty good idea of how I set it up, but paid subscribers get the Notion template for free, plus access to the full archive of past essays and every future member-only post. Think of it as your all-access pass to the café’s back room where we talk, reflect, and learn a little slower.

My goal for this experiment is to make learning feel less like a spring towards mastery and more like a gentle meander through what fascinates me. Whether it’s a 7-minute video, a page of notes, or a conversation in another language, I’m aiming for those extra moments of curiosity added to my week. Hope this was helpful for your own curriculum exploration!

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