👋 Introduction
December came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. Generally speaking, I love the month of December. It’s a month of rest, relaxation and spending quality time with family and friends. The month started with some new beginnings and Christmas festivities. New York was lit up and crowded. Tourists flocked to see the tree and the Christmas markets. Going outside was a physical and mental workout, dodging people left and right. I wasn’t expecting to do so many festive things, but the city always invites fun holiday antics. I spent the rest of the month reflecting on the year and planning for next year. This was also the first year in a long time that I spent New Years Eve with friends. December was the chaotic end to the chaotic year that was 2023.
💖 Favorites
📚 Books
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity & Love by bell hooks
bell hooks has a way of writing that feels so peaceful and centered. Another great read, especially for men!
👚 Clothing, Beauty & Decor
high rise wide leg jeans — Abercrombie & Fitch KIDS
I bought high rise jeans from the kids section of Abercrombie and they are the comfiest and most worn item in my closet these days. I initially bought them because they had a dark blue color that I really wanted. Now, I recommend them to everyone because they are really stretchy and comfortable.
I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to make this purchase. These are a bit of a necessity in New York in the winter. My apartment blasts dry heat all day long and I wake up feeling like a dehydrated grape. This has genuinely helped my sleep so much.
🍱 Restaurants
Finally made it to Laut, a yummy Indonesian restauraunt in Manhattan. I really enjoyed their Laksa — a curry ramen situation with lots of noodles.
the Quesataco from Los Tacos №1 in Chelsea
I ordered a secret menu item from Los Tacos and it was greasy and oily and cheesy in all the right ways.
the hot chocolate from La Caleta in East Village
This is an ice cream shop that also serves hot chocolate with very tasty homemade marshmallows.
🫑 Food & Recipes
In my dijon era right now and I love it with salmon!
Swamp Soup by Wishbone Kitchen
A very simple, healthy and yummy soup. It’s perfect for the colder winter days.
🎹 Music
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Take Me Home, Country Roads by Lana Del Ray
Her version of this song is so good.
🛣️ Places
A beautiful performance at a beautiful theater. This was such a fun experience to get dressed up for. The live orchestra was phenomenal.
Gingerbread Village in Chelsea Market
It was lowkey SO cute. I don’t know how the man built so many gingerbread houses all by himself.
Did some beta testing at spyscape and it was a funny and chaotic experience. It’s a good way to spend an hour and get a lot of energy out. They have fun challenges that you do with groups that are spy-esque.
🎞️ Media
Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+
Enjoying this as much as I thought I would. I really love how they are just kids!!!
✨ Random Things
Reflecting
I strongly believe that December is a month that should be spent reflecting. It’s something that I make time for, no matter what.
Tennis in the winter
Played some tennis over winter break and it was kinda fuN?!?!?
💭 Final Thoughts
This is a bit of a shorter monthly favorites because I did a lot of reflecting on this year in the past few articles. I am feeling nervous but excited about the new year. I am taking things day by day and letting myself be as present as possible. Overall, I feel grateful for the past year. I have learned a lot about myself and know that I still have a lot of learning to do in the next year. This month has also proved to me that New York City is the best place to live as a twenty-something. It’ll always be New York or nowhere :)
