Notes from the Week, 1.25

My week in Santa Barbara, what I'm working on, my first Substack live, links, and trying to get by.

Happy weekend, friends. These are heavy times for anyone who cares deeply about others. As impossible as it feels, we’re in it together, so hang in there.

I am back in arctic Chicago after spending the week in beautiful Santa Barbara. It was so nice to spend the week with one of my best friends. We talk almost weekly, but haven’t had this kind of time together where it’s been just us since she became a mom 17 years ago. We mostly just sat and talked—lots of patio time, coffee dates, and dinner together. Jess just graduated and is officially a therapist, and I’m just so proud of her.

My First Substack Live!

My podcast episode with Minna goes live on Tuesday, and we’re going to do a Substack live the same day at noon CST!

Back to Jess. She is incredibly mindful and intentional, and gave me some great ideas to unplug. Here’s what’s on my list.

18+ Legos. My friend had this one at her house—it is beautiful!
Crochet
Watercolor books
Puzzles
And she has insisted that I watch The Great British Bake Off

I took one photo on my trip, but wanted to share a few things I packed:

This dress is so light and easy to wear
Belt
Sneakers
Cashmere sweater
Jacket
My favorite jeans (they’re 50% off. Size up a full size.)

I thought these trips might feel too much. Everything feels so heavy right now, and it almost feels wrong to plan a vacation with all that’s going on and at the same time, I need this 1:1 time with each of my girls, and escaping the freezing cold feels good.

We were supposed to go to Disney on ice last night but one of the kids has a low fever, and it’s freezing so I’d rather keep everyone safe at home. I have a list of fever essentials here.

In much lighter news, this year’s Oscar nominations are out, and I’ve only seen one Come See Me in the Good Light, which was equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful. What else (besides Hamnet, which is on my list) do I need to watch?

Santa Barbara Favorites

Caje is the most beautiful outdoor coffee shop
Alessia has the best pastries
Field and Fort in Summerville for coffee and breakfast
Godmothers bookstore in Summerville
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina has the most beautiful patio
Flor de Maiz for dinner and margaritas
Panino has the best sandwiches (it’s an old favorite from college and probably not that special but I love it)
Los Arroyos (another favorite in my 20s)
SB Public Market for a quick and easy lunch
Honor Bar in Montecito for dinner
Jeannines in Montecito for breakfast or lunch
Handlebar Coffee

Work and Home

I am so proud of myself for keeping up with Substack while traveling. Having a schedule and committing to it has helped a lot. I’ve been updating old posts and am working on some SEO content for my blog, and hope to get one new post published this week.

I love a nice low bar.

There aren’t a lot of “have to’s” right now, and I could (or should?) link more, but that isn’t a priority right now. Fortunately, I have some $$ coming in from November and December partnerships, which gives me a little room to focus on other things.

I need to edit my podcast ep with Scarlett (which goes live in 2 weeks) and I’m recording with Claudia before my trip, too. I’ll say it again, but shifting to biweekly feels so damn good.

Links

Baublebar came out with a really cute Valentine’s kit that’s perfect for school.

I updated my Shopbop hearts and bought a new pair of pants and a favorite beanie in tan.

I got the new iPhone before Christmas and finally ordered a phone case that will be great for travel and walks.

Sending you all a hug this week. We’re in this together. 🩵