Hey there, happy 2025. Welcome to my first weekly roundup!
I’m writing this from a cozy café in Makawao, HI, with a chocolate donut (RSF and GF, of course) in one hand and a Yerba mate in the other. I just finished a morning of pickleball, though, to be honest, it took everything in me to get there today. How do you play a game when so many people you care about are experiencing deep loss?
The fires in both LA and Maui—two places so close to my heart—have left me feeling heavy. As I was leaving the court, I struck up a conversation with a new friend, Joe. We talked about how much joy pickleball brings to our lives, even during hard times. With a gentle smile, he said, “It’s important to keep high spirits with what’s going on in the world.”
That stuck with me. All morning, I’ve been grappling with the question of how to support those I love when there’s so little I can do to fix what they’re facing. Joe’s words made me realize that perhaps the best way to help, beyond tangible support, is to hold onto joy—for myself and for them—as they navigate their pain. Sometimes, offering light and prayer is one of the most meaningful things we can do. As you read this, if you have a spare moment, please take it to send a prayer or hold a kind thought for those who have been affected. Every bit of love and intention matters.
What is the Sunday Paper Series? (Weekly Roundup)
I’ve been reading a blog called The First Mess for the past year, and one of my favorite features is her weekly post, Saturday Sun. It’s inspired me to create my own version: The Sunday Paper. This weekly series will be a roundup of my week and a fun way to hold myself accountable to explore more, try new things, and share them with you all.
Each week, The Sunday Paper will include:
- 5 things I’m reading
- 5 things I’m using
- 5 things that brought me joy
- 5 recipes I’m loving
I’m excited to dive into this journey and hope it sparks inspiration for you too.
5 things i’m reading:
- The Tao of Pooh: It simplifies Taoism, using Winnie the Pooh as a guide. My dear friend Bryant recommended it to me years ago, and it’s been such a joy to revisit
- ‘I Want Your Attention. I Need Your Attention. Here Is How I Mastered My Own.’ – Chris Hayes for New York Times
- ‘Strength Training Can Help You Feel Less Stiff & More Limber, According To A Physical Therapist‘ By Molly Knudsen for MBG
- ‘Waking up to Los Angeles On Fire’ Caroline Nyce for The New Yorker
- Healing Your Lungs Naturally: 14 Tips for Asthma and Respiratory Irritation Due to Smoke Exposure
5 Things I’m Using:
- Maui Tonics: Match shots, turmeric shots and elderberry shots
- BodyBio PC (Phosphatidylcholine): Great for brain health, detox and mental clarity!
- Ninja food processor: this has been a game changer for batch cooking!
- Osea (everything): I love these products. Clean ingredients and they leave your skin feeling smooth and clean.
- Noni Juice: the ultimate immune support during this winter season. At 16, I read a book by Miranda Kerr that opened my eyes to the power of affirmations and the impact of words. Her approach to healing modalities fascinated me, and through her, I discovered Noni. Now, living in Maui where Noni is abundant, I’ve come to appreciate its incredible healing properties—even if its smell isn’t much to be desired!
5 Things That Brought Me Joy:
- Babysitting Gus, my friend Sunny’s french bulldog. Sunny is an incredible wild food forager. I highly recommend checking her out to learn about edible wild foods!
- Playing pickleball with a new friend and his 5 year old son. Pickleball is my newfound love.
- Cooking with Ryan and creating the most incredible potato recipe!! (coming soon)
- Finishing a website for my mom’s company Hideaway Villa Properties. I admire her hard work and love for inspiring others to travel.
- Double rainbow and Tzar visiting from Los Angeles!
- Bonus: Jamming to Makeba by Jain
Recipes I’m Loving:
- Banana Split: all day everyday. The best quick snack.
- Banana Spring Rolls: a newfound love affair
- Enchilada Skillet: a lazy hack for enchiladas… and damn tasty!
