Emily’s Reading: working on goal setting/new years resolutions

I haven’t picked up a book this winter yet. However, I get very inspired by New Years season. I’m someone who is motivated by goal setting and intention setting.

Here’s a couple resources I’ve used to help me during this time 🙂 

• Yoga & meditation

• Journaling

• “Isn’t It Great That…?” guide (can’t remember who I saw this from on LinkedIn)

• How to Make Next Year the Best Year: Ask Yourself These 7 Questions by Mel Robbins

• Habit Tracker calendar (Keith has been using this - great for visual people)

Maria’s Reading: Sum It Up by Pat Summitt

If you read Soapbox, you know I love women's sports! This winter, I’ve been reading “Sum It Up” by legendary Tennessee Women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. I love Coach Summitt’s stories of recruiting players before social media, traveling into rural Appalachian communities to find the tallest forwards, winning 8 National Championships, and laying the early foundations for the spotlight that shines on women’s basketball today! 🏀

Emily’s Eating: Razava Bread Co.

A new bakery and cafe opened in my neighborhood and I am obsessed. The founders and their recipes have Eastern European roots, and they focus on wholesome, hearty, and nutritious breads. Also their branding is just too perfect.

Their sourdough loafs are actually the best sourdough I’ve ever had in my life.

Maria’s Eating: Crispy Salmon Bowls

Whipping out summer recipes in the winter is my specialty, and this salmon bowl has been my go-to.

I add a little rice, make a pineapple salsa, and bake off some salmon marinated in soy and lightly tossed in panko.

Emily’s Playing: Harmonica

I got a harmonica for Christmas and I am trying to master the Piano Man harmonica riff. Updates to come…

This instrument is simple, but tricky to get the hang of. Catch me buying a peaky blinders cap and playing soothing blues real soon.

Maria’s Playing: Sudoku

The TikTok ban for like 14 hours had me lowkey down bad. I ended up breaking out one of my favorite childhood activities, Sudoku! I forgot how much fun it is to solve a little puzzle and be immersed in something that’s not a screen. I’m obsessed and already looking at YouTube tutorials

Emily’s Obsessing: The Woobles

I think I accidentally found a new hobby for 2025.

I got a Woobles kit for Christmas. After finishing “Alice the Strawberry” in two days, I ordered 3 more kits.

They’re a little spendy, but such a great and easy way to learn the basics of crochet! This style of crochet is called Amigurumi.

I also love the founder story with this company. A husband and wife duo quit their corporate jobs in Wall Street and Tech to launch this company. They’ve also been on Shark Tank.

Maria’s Obsessing: Hatch Alarm Clock

I got a Hatch alarm clock for Christmas and it’s fantastic. Look, it’s bougie - an expensive alarm clock with an app, lights, and sounds. Regardless, I am obsessed.

I’ve always been a multiple alarm girlie, and the Hatch has put that habit “to bed” (pun intended) in literally one night.

I love having a nighttime routine and a peaceful wakeup, thanks to my Hatch! 🐣

Emily’s Recommending: KetelOne Espresso Martini

This pre-made cocktail from the KetelOne Cocktail Collection is fantastic! I know it’ll never be as good as a homemade, fresh espresso martini, BUT for being pre-made it’s pretty fantastic. Highly highly recommend giving it a try!

Maria’s Recommending: Fina Money

New year = new money !!

I’m using Fina to help me get insights into all of my financial accounts. Fina allows you to integrate all of your accounts into a free comprehensive dashboard. Spending is tagged automatically with AI.

Emily’s Treating: Oura Ring

I got a new fitness tracker - thank you Best Buy discount and employee wellness benefits for sponsoring this purchase, haha.

I was a Fitbit Luxe user for the last two years. After having the Oura Ring for a week, my honest review is that the health data is pretty similar to all the other fitness trackers. Except you have to open the app to see any of your data. And I don’t think the design of the app is super great either.

The ONLY advantage this ring has over the others is the aesthetics. Its stylish, luxurious, and minimal. If you don’t care about that, I highly recommend Fitbit!

Maria’s Treating: Nestle Cookie Dough

I’m a little treat girl, and I just love a freshly baked cookie. I’ve been buying Nestle pre-made dough and baking off two cookies every night after dinner.

I love keeping my little treat tradition alive and having a small nightly ritual to go along with it.