👋 Introduction
This month has been kinda confusing. It started off in New Orleans which was really fun, but I came back and felt the new year funk settling in. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing with my life and didn’t really want to do much about it. This month has felt like a lot of highs and lows. I have had a decent amount of time to spend by myself and reflect which has felt good. To be quite honest, I’ve been feeling very very introverted lately. Even more introverted than my usual self. Overall, I am pretty excited about this year and have found a lot of cool finds in January so far.
💖 Favorites
📚 Books
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn
This book is a series of interviews and reflections on different parts and types of love. It is a wonderful book and filled with morsels of wisdom and knowledge from so many different types of people on friendship love, romantic love, parental love, etc.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
A short and philosophical read that follows a conversation between a professor who has been diagnosed with ALS and his ex student. Each chapter is a different lesson and the only way I can describe this book is wholesome.
👚 Clothing, Beauty & Decor
I love this glossy balm. It has a nice flavor and leaves my lips feeling smooth.
These are perfect for workouts and running errands. They are actually such good quality and so comfy.
🍱 Restaurants
This was my favorite restaurant that we went to in New Orleans. A French inspired dinner joint with tasty everything. I couldn’t get over their desserts. I still dream about their chocolate pot de creme.
Jacobs Pickles in Upper West Side
If you want a large quantity of friend southern food, this is the spot for you. I really loved their pickles and honestly anything on their menu is good.
A small breakfast spot next to Tompkins Square Park. I’ve been meaning to go here and they have interesting sandwiches, pastries and coffee. It seems like a neighborhood favorite and I can see why!
Another place I’ve been wanting to go for a while. It is more on the expensive side but totally worth it. Getting a reservation here is tough but the food is so good. I recommend their ricotta toast and any of their fresh pastas. We also got to see the owner Missy Robins working in the kitchen which was so neat.
I literally went here today and it opened maybe a week ago. A cute little French dessert shop with the tastiest and prettiest cakes. They do sell out quick!
🫑 Food & Recipes
Frozen Jasmine Rice by Trader Joe’s
This may anger my ancestors but this frozen rice is such a hack in a time crunch. You just throw it in the microwave for 4 minutes and the rice is perfectly cooked.
Chicken Orzo Soup
I threw together a chicken orzo soup a couple of weeks ago and it was tasty every time I ate it. I loaded it up with cilantro, scallions and parmesan cheese. I don’t have a recipe but it was essentially chicken broth, boiled and shredded chicken, carrots, onions, garlic, lots of seasonings & parmesan.
🎹 Music
Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
I heard this song in New Orleans and fell in love.
This is the song of the moment and I’m here for it. It was also fun when it came on at the bar the other night.
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa by Finneas
I love Finneas and this song has been on repeat for me recently.
🛣️ Places
Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA
A fun little street to walk down with lots of little shops and restaurants. It is located in the Garden District of New Orleans which has so many beautiful houses that were fun to observe from the outside.
This is a museum that documents lots of Southeast Asian religious artifacts. It is small but has so much good information inside. The entire museum has a very peaceful energy. They do free Fridays after 6pm!
Jackson Heights in Queens
I finally made it to Jackson Heights and it is exactly what I expected it to be and more. There were so many Indian restaurants and shops and everything I ate was really good.
🎞️ Media
LOL I’m obsessed with this dumb show. I think it captures the awkward moments of dating so much better than the Bachelor and the commentators are so funny.
✨ Random Things
Beaches in the Winter
I love the ocean and something about the ocean in the winter has such a cool and different vibe.
Going Out
OK I’ve only gone out once in the past few months but it was so fun. I love dancing and having a fun time with friendos.
💭 Final Thoughts
I always feel so good after compiling together my list of favorites. It makes me realize how many things I have done and seen and enjoyed in the past few weeks! Something I’ve realized about myself is that I do need a weekend every month just to myself, but for me, that weekend looks like exploring a new place by myself. I really enjoy walking around a new area without the restraints of other people’s schedules or interests. It sounds kinda selfish when I write it out but I feel like it is so freeing and allows me to run an internal dialogue without being trapped in my bedroom. It allows me to form my own thoughts and feelings on the world happening around me. Anyways, excited for February ❤
