Like I’ve mentioned before, this year, for the first time in forever, I decided to set some personal goals and actually commit to them. And while this may be the January energy speaking for me, I feel strangely hopeful about actually achieving them. I’m trying to find the right balance between discipline because motivation is not all that and forgiveness because expecting perfection is unrealistic, as we all know.
There is one goal in particular that’s specifically relevant to this newsletter. I set my mind to it when I realized I needed to actually live the creative life I speak so much about. In the past almost four years of being a full-time creative, it feels like I’ve slowly cornered myself into one medium. In fact, I’m almost positive I could solve any problem you throw my way if I’m allowed to use any Adobe CC program. After all, it’s what people hire me for.
However, the only version of me that wishes to exist is not the one people hire. There are many sides to creativity, and right now, only one of them is used to getting my attention. For instance, I missed using my hands to make things as I did before being a “designer” became my title. That’s when I became obsessed with flower arrangements and decided to try it for myself. I learned so much about flowers just from my first visit to the flower market, and it sparked something in me to learn something from scratch again.
I realized the feeling of exploring something completely new, navigating the process of learning the basics again, and understanding rules different from the ones I’ve become too used to, mixed with the satisfaction of achieving small milestones, is something I should consistently prioritize. So, I've committed to trying at least one new hobby each month in 2024.
Life felt so plentiful growing up because there were so many activities to choose from. Having a good time didn't require us to cling to the version of ourselves that felt the most familiar and comfortable. For as long as we chose, we could be anyone. In that same way, we don’t need to hold on so tight to the title people associate us with, as if we’re banned from stepping outside of that box forever.
Anyway, I’ve got a list of hobbies already lined up that I will share throughout the year, but if you want to share your own hobbies with me, they will be very well received. I’m excited to share this process with you, and if you’re in the same place as I am and want to join me, you’re more than welcome to <3
This Week’s Digest
I think we’ve all been living in a state of social media fatigue since 2020. In fact, most of the articles that dive into social media fatigue date back to 2020. Back then, we were all trying to find a balance between avoiding all the bad news and also playing an active role in all of it. We thought it would somehow end after we got through the pandemic, but it never really did. It just kept getting worse — just as exhausting, but only growingly urgent. I wonder what the true balance is and if anyone has found it yet.
This week’s fun website is everything.can.be.scanned (e.c.b.s). I’ve always thought scanners make everything cooler, and this website exists as proof.
I always look forward to Obama’s favorite songs of the year despite knowing an intern probably curated the list. I’m specifically always looking for his favorite Latin American song of the year — it turns out TQG by Karol G & Shakira, a song where both of them are dissing their exes (a very iconic moment in Latin American culture, I should clarify), is his number one this time. Just amusing, that’s all.
What do you do for self-care when you're too tired to do self-care? Personally, I take a nap. There are pros and cons to everything, but no one can convince taking a mid-day nap will do me any harm. Is starting an adult napping club weird? Be honest.
If there’s anything you should know about me, it’s that I love weddings. The flowers, the tablescapes, the cake, the signage — everything about them really. So you won't be surprised that I also love wedding dresses. I discovered Loho Bride last year, and ever since then, I cannot stop thinking about their pieces — specifically this top. Ethereal is the only way to describe it.
I find the way new trends emerge quite interesting. My first question is always, “How is it so easy to make collective decisions about what’s the next trend but so hard to make collective decisions about anything else at all?” — I mean, the current genocide happening in Gaza would be a good place to start. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve heard the latest: mob wife aesthetic. I’m interested to see how this one plays out.
From My Bookmarks
Ravioli Spoon Rests
I love all objects, but I especially love objects that are functional and beautiful yet completely unnecessary. That’s exactly how I felt when I came across these ravioli spoon rests on Instagram. They’re currently available for pre-order, and if I had a good enough excuse to get them, I would.
The Coolest Movie Theater in Every State
By now, you know I love a good list, but when I saw the coolest movie theater in Florida is just a 40-minute drive from my house, I knew I had to share. Though if you ask me, Brewvies in Utah, Alamo Drafthouse in Texas, and Fleur Cinema & Cafe in Iowa, are a must-visit purely for the signage.
Tattoo Forever Eye Mask
Eye masks are my favorite form of skincare — what’s not my favorite is having to replace them after only one use. And it looks like Dieux knew that, so they made a reusable sheet mask that lasts up to one year, allegedly. They’re also probably the prettiest eye masks I’ve ever seen. I will try this myself and report back in January 2025. Stay tuned!
Extra Notes
Not the newsletter format you were expecting? You might have missed the update. Read last week’s newsletter to find out all about it.
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flower arranging has been on my list of hobbies for quite some time!! your first arrangement is beautiful & i can't wait to see you share more in the upcoming year.
a few hobbies on my list for this year are fiber arts related, as i also love working with my hands -- so crochet, sewing and macrame are just a few on my radar :)