Emily’s Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear

This has been my New Year’s read - I’ve been listening on walks, workouts, and drives.

Super popular book, can’t believe I haven’t listened to it sooner. In my opinion, it’s an essential “must read” for anyone. Lot’s of great takeaways here :)

Maria’s Reading: Sam Altman’s Essays

Regardless of how you feel about him, Sam Altman is one of the most influential people in the world right now. I’ve been reading through all of his blog that dates back to his days at YC. It’s really interesting to see how his and OpenAI’s goals have changed over time (and how that’s played out very publically). There are some great nuggets of information and advice in his blogs, and I encourage anyone in tech to give them a read! Check out the blog here.

Emily’s Eating: Farro

I recently discovered this Trader Joe’s 10-minute farro.

If you’re not familiar, farro is an ancient, whole-grain wheat that's high in protein and fiber.

The best way I can describe it is that its similar to rice, orzo, and oats. ITS SO FREAKING GOOD.

I’ve been loving these recipes:

• Creamy Farro with Spinach, Garlic and Asiago

• Banana Nut Breakfast Farro

Maria’s Eating: GoNanas

This is literally the best banana bread mix in the world. Super clean ingredients and delicious flavors - GoNanas has become a part of my weekly Target haul! I’m obsessed with there chocolate chip and seasonal blueberry mixes. You can buy GoNanas at your local Target or online.

Emily’s Playing: Podcasts

My two most played podcasts on rotation right now are the Prof G Podcast lineup (Markets and Raging Moderates) and The Broski Report by Brittany Broski.

Any Ed fan girls in the chat???

Maria’s Playing: Cards at the Bar

You bring activities to a picnic & to hang out with your friends, why not at the bar?? I’ve been bringing a deck with me at the bar to have something different to do in the early hours of the night.

Emily’s Obsessing: Coop Crescent Pillow

I kept getting ads for this pillow and I finally caved. It definitely lives up to the hype.

Pros: 100 day return policy, squishy memory foam, and it’s completely adjustable - remove or add memory foam as you please.

The crescent shape is a game changer!! I can move from my back to my side without much adjusting at all. I am so obsessed with this pillow.

Cons: it’s pretty expensive, but worth it IMO

Maria’s Obsessing: New WFH spots

I think everywhere in the US is pretty cold right now - meaning it’s even more important to bundle up and get out of the house. I’ve been grabbing a bev at a coffee shop once per week and spending a few hours working from there. It’s been good for getting out of the house and treating myself to a warm bev!

Emily’s Recommending: coffee X crafts

Over the past two months, my friend Elise and I have been hosting a craft group at various coffee shops once a month! It feels like more people are getting into crafts like knitting, crochet, sewing, scrapbooking, needlepoint, etc.

If you are crafty, I highly recommend starting a little meetup in a public place to meet new friends and build community around a hobby!!!

Maria’s Recommending: Hosting!

Winter is a great time to have friends over and have a cozy night in. I love making normal hangouts special with some fun foods and an activity. Def in my Martha Stewart Era.

Emily’s Treating: Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

I got tickets to the MN Yacht Club Festival in July!!! And the girlies are coming too 😄 

This is the festival’s second year in St Paul. I went last year and had a blast. Now they have expanded it to 3 days and have even better artists. Can’t wait to watch this festival grow every year!!

LMK if you’ll be going!!!

Maria’s Treating: Spa Days!

The winter uglies are in full swing and I’m doing anything I can to just keep myself feeling good. That includes a weekly everything shower, getting my eyebrows waxed, and a fresh haircut. Nothing too major, but some nice little beauty treats that I don’t often invest in in the summer!