Emily’s Reading: Refinery29 Money Diaries

I’m loving this series by Refinery29. People anonymously submit their “money diaries” including info about their jobs, income, assets, debts, and what they spend in a week.

This type of transparency is so helpful to read about. They feature people making $28k to people with millions. Makes me feel less in the dark 😅 

It’s also super great to check out if you’re thinking about moving to a new city! See if you can benchmark some stories of how other folks are living in that city and what it might cost.

Maria’s Reading: Wrapping up a bunch of stuff!
No fresh reads this month - currently still wrapping up the 1st Harry Potter and Ghost Wars!

Emily’s Eating: Christmas cookies

I went to a few cookie decorating parties and I think it’s my fav Christmas activity!! So much fun :)

Maria’s Eating: Spiced Chickpea Stew With Coconut and Turmeric

This bad boy has been on my recipe lineup over the past 3 winters! She’s the perfect hardy stew for those cold winter days. I always half this recipe for 3 good size portions!

NYT recipe ➡️ Here 
Non-paywalled recipe ➡️ Here 

Emily’s Playing: Pickleball Champs!!

Y’all… Keith and I won our first ever pickleball tournament in our social league. We started pickleball over a year ago and it feels so good to finally WIN 😁 

Maria’s Playing: Nebraska Volleyball!

Another year another Final Four for Nebraska Volleyball. Many of you know I am a diehard women's sports watcher, and ofc I love the Huskers 🙂 

I’ve been watching the NCAA D1 Women Volleyball Tourney over the past 2 weeks, and I couldn’t be more excited for the Final Four Games this Thursday!

Emily’s Obsessing: United Goods Mini Art

Need a last minute Christmas gift idea? Or just a good gift idea overall?

I found this brand that does mini landmark art and it’s SOOO CUTE 😭 

They make “State Icons” in small batches from their studio in Minneapolis, MN. The prints come in handmade frames and feature your favorite buildings, signs, statues, and more from the cities and states you adore.

Maria’s Obsessing: Just Christmas Season

I’m soaking in every piece of the holiday season and all the fun festivities! Pictured about is the Field Museum’s Christmas Tree’s around the world exhibit.

Emily’s Recommending: Origin Financial

I used to use Mint and then Marcus by Goldman Sachs as a personal finance app - but BOTH are no longer available.

In search of a new option, I recently downloaded Origin. It’s $12.99/month (not super ideal) but I really like the UX so far! It was easy to set up and I’m looking forward to using the budget and AI features.

Use my referral link for 25% off!!

*the image is not my actual account lol

Maria’s Recommending: Nourish

I am, unfortunately, a victim of tummy aches ☹️. One thing that has helped more than any doctor’s visit is Nourish! Nourish allows you to have access to a dietitian that is covered by your insurance! I love meeting with my girl Laurie bi-weekly to walk through my meals and symptoms. You can check with Nourish to see if you're covered before you jump in and start!

Emily’s Treating: Cabo

My family will be in Cabo over Christmas and I’m so excited! We’re going whale watching, and I’ll be having my fair share of mojitos.

I’ve never been to Cabo, so if you have any recommendations on what to do or what to eat, HMU!

Maria’s Treating: Holiday Happy Hours

One thing I love about winter is all the cozy vibes and what could be better than a little holiday happy hour? A few of my favorite spots in Chicago this winter have been Bisous in West Loop, Dorians in Wicker Park, and Common Decency in Logan Square.