Hello Friends,
This edition of the newsletter includes my favorite resources for running. For me, running 👟 is the best way to check out a new city. Although I do not run any 5K or half marathons anymore, it is my favorite form of cardio since I only need running shoes. Being outside and absorbing vitamin D is also fantastic for a mental health break. So whether you are considering your first pair of Hoka Ones or are logging double-digit weekly mileage, I think these resources will make your heart—and your feet—go pitter-patter.
Even f you are not a runner, be sure to check out the self-care products I recommend for your feet.
I’ve also included a travel guide for 🏄♀️ Venice Beach, California.
Please feel free to comment if you have questions, responses, or brilliant ideas or if you feel like sharing a favorite recipe, restaurant, or anything else.
You can also email me 💌 marlayoung@mac.com.
If you are a ✨ new subscriber, check out the archives here, including travel guides.
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Thanks for reading!
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📺 WATCH
The Patient (Hulu): The Patient, featuring Steve Carell, is a psychological thriller about a therapist who is held prisoner by a patient who reveals himself to be a serial killer.
Don’t Worry Darling (Theaters): The movie we’ve all been waiting for! Olivia Wilde directs this mystery about Alice Chambers (Florence Pugh), a 1950s housewife living with her husband, Jack (Harry Styles), in a utopian experimental community.
Peaky Blinders (Netflix): The final season of Peaky Blinders on Netflix is here, and with it, one last hurrah for Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The final season addresses the untimely passing of star Helen McCrory while setting the stage for a fitting climax to this epic saga.
Searching for Italy Season Two: (Discovery+ and CNNgo): Follow along as Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines.
From Scratch (Netflix): The romantic drama is based on Tembi Locke's memoir entitled From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, and it follows an American student on a trip to Italy, who dives into the arts and accidentally meets the love of her life.
The White Lotus (HBO): The White Lotus is back for a brand new chapter. Meet new vacationers and returning fan favorites at The White Lotus resort in Sicily.
The Vow (HBO): This documentary follows members who joined the self-improvement group NXIVM, whose leader was convicted of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and other crimes, to reveal the emotional toll of unfolding events on these individuals.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (Amazon Prime): An ordinary woman's (Lesley Manville) dream of owning a Christian Dior gown leads her on a Parisian adventure where her unwavering spirit charms the elite people she meets.
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis: (HBO): Elvis explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.
Ina Garten’s 60 Minutes Interview: Sharyn Alfonsi interviews the “Barefoot Contessa” about her journey to becoming one of the country's most beloved cooks. My favorite segment was near the end, where Jeffrey talks about how much he loves her. Ina is working on her memoirs.
📚 READ
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect with the Present, and Expand the Future by Yung Pueblo: There are chapters on letting go, emotional maturity, self-love, finding your practice, human habit vs. human nature, how healing changes your life, an extensive chapter on relationships, and much more. It is possible to heal the heaviness of old hurt and trauma. It is possible to feel lighter.
Stop the Thyroid Madness by Janie A. Bowthorpe: A must-read for anyone with hypothyroidism. Be sure to check out the blog and forum Stop the Thyroid Madness.
In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner: Life in a small Appalachian town is not easy. Cash lost his mother to opioid addiction, and his Papaw is dying slowly from emphysema. Dodging drug dealers and watching out for his best friend, Delaney, is second nature. He's been spending his summer mowing lawns while she works at Dairy Queen. But when Delaney manages to secure both of them full rides to an elite prep school in Connecticut, Cash will have to grapple with his need to protect and love Delaney and his love for the grandparents who saved him and the town he has to leave behind.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: The tale of a highly-trained bodyguard posing as a rock star’s girlfriend so that his family doesn’t know he’s being stalked.
LISTEN 🎧
Your Own Backyard (Podcast): A documentary podcast series investigating the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart.
The Morbid JonBenet Ramsey Part 1 (Podcast): This retelling of the JonBenet Ramsey story is chilling. Her death remains a mystery, with various theories and suspects floating around but never caught.
WORKOUT 💪
Apple’s Fitness Plus (App): With iOS 16.1, you no longer need an Apple Watch to access Apple Fitness Plus. With an iPhone 8 or newer, you can track your fitness progress and goals from your phone.
SURF 🌐
A Good Movie to Watch is a free service that rates and recommends movies and shows.
RTINGS.com Product Reviews are the only online reviews worth trusting. They cover TVs, headphones, monitors, mice, keyboards, printers, vacuums, blenders, speakers, cameras, and laptops.
FOLLOW 📱
Nails by Zola (Instagram and Tik Tok): Hailey Beiber’s nail tech shares how to recreate Hailey’s glazed donut nails.
RUNNING RESOURCES 👟
Haruki Murakami writes, “When I’m running, I don’t have to talk to anybody, and I don’t have to listen to anybody. I keep running in my cozy, homemade void, my nostalgic silence. And this is a pretty wonderful thing.”
FOLLOW 📱
@coachbennett: He’s like everyone’s motivational running dad.
@firstrun: The guy making running culture look very cool.
RUNNING CLUBS 👟
The Clubs: Run crews are a great way to meet people if you move to a new city. Even if you’re not a joiner, they’re fun to follow. Check out Run Dem Crew / Midnight Runners / Paris Running Club
Stroller Strides: This group is a stroller-based fitness program for parents of little ones.
RRCA: RRCA is a national organization of local running clubs.
Meetup: The site features a running specific page to find local groups.
WEBSITES 🌐
Doctors of Running: Physical Therapists review running shoes.
BOOKS 📚
Born to Run: The book that started the barefoot-running craze and, perhaps more importantly, inspired legions of readers to start hitting the pavement.
Everything You Need for Cold-Weather Running, According to a Year-Round Runner: A practical guide from the experts at The Strategist that includes the invaluable tip to dress the way you would if it were 20 degrees warmer and you weren’t planning on working up a sweat.
Run Faster From the 5K to the Marathon by Brad Hudson: A great book to understand why certain training works.
NEWSLETTERS 💌
The NY Times Running Newsletter: Running news from athletes on the track, road, and trails. Plus, tips to help you run your best, too.
APPS 📱
C25K 5K Trainer: A tried-and-true training method for turning you into a runner in eight weeks.
Strava: Track, share, compare. This is the one that serious runners use.
Nike Run Club: Come for Coach Bennett’s legendary guided runs; stay for all the bells and whistles you’d expect from the swoosh. If you've been looking for a running partner that allows you to go at your own pace, tracks your progress, and offers personalized coaching, this one is for you. The app is famous for a reason and is a great place to log your jog or train for a more intensive run this year.
Peloton: A standalone app that does not require you to invest in a fancy machine. Start with speed runs from Matty Maggiacomo. The Peloton app includes full-body workouts, stretching, yoga, running, and more classes you can stream. You do not need a bike or treadmill to use the app.
CLASSES 💪
Mile High Run Club, a Soul Cycle-style treadmill-based fitness studio in New York.
PRODUCTS 🎧
ELAGO AIRPODS EAR HOOKS: Elago AirPods Ear Hooks prevent Airpods from falling out.
RUNNING BELT: It’s not stylish, but it’s great for travel. I use mine to hold my hotel key, cash for an emergency, credit car, etc.
OURA RING: Oura’s smart ring is a fitness tracker you wear on a finger. The third-generation Oura ring adds SpO2 blood oxygenation readings. These are taken through the night, not during the day. If you are looking to improve your sleep habits, this is a great tool. It also is an activity tracker.
APPLE WATCH: I bought an Apple watch and added cellular to it, so I can run without my phone but still have access to music and the ability to make calls if needed.
BEATS FIT PRO: These are designed for running and working out and feature remarkable listening performance, an innovative wingtip design, and, most importantly, a comfortable fit. I like the pink design.
PHONE ARM BAND: A must-have item for cardio if you do not have an Apple or Garmin watch.
TOWELMATE TOWEL: I love this gym towel. It features a zippered pocket to store my keys, iPhone, and earphones.
RUNNING SHOES: I’ve always worn Asics Gel Sneakers. I like Asics' extra support and comfort. A good running store can recommend sneakers that work for you, which is the first step to avoiding injury.
HOKA RUNNING SHOES: Hoka is the new king of comfort. I plan to try a pair the next time I buy running shoes.
GARMIN RUNNING WATCH: Garmin is better for serious running. It’s easier to use, more accurate, and holds a charge longer.
WORKOUT ATTIRE 🎽
LULULEMON LIKE NEW: The program allows customers to exchange their gently-worn Lululemon apparel for gift cards. The preowned apparel is then resold, at a discounted price, on the Like New site.
LULULEMON SPEED-UP HIGH RISE 4” LINED RUNNING SHORTS: My favorite running shorts.
RUNNING SHORTS: $20 running shorts with great reviews.
LULULEMON FLEECE RUNNING TIGHTS: This pair from Lululemon is warm and comfortable.
LULULEMON ALIGN PANTS 25″: These lightweight, high-rise pants are the most comfortable workout pants I have ever worn. They are soft and stretch when you move. Lululemon products are expensive, but the fabric holds up for a long time.
ANITA SPORTS BRA: The Anita Light and Firm Sports Bra is the best sports bra EVER! It is a super-light wireless bra that offers excellent support and total comfort. The smooth, seamless cups provide firm support, even in larger sizes.
REI HEADBAND EAR WARMER: This headband keeps my ears warm on cold-weather runs and hikes and holds my Airpods in snug.
THE LAUNDRESS SPORTS WASH: I use this detergent to wash my workout clothes.
SMART WOOL SOCKS: Smart wool socks are worth the extra money. The comfy feeling in my socks makes every pair of shoes feel even better and warmer during cold weather.
BALEGA SOCKS: These socks feel so good on my feet. Even if you are not a runner, you will love wearing them.
SPLIT 59 ASHBY RIBBED TANKS: My favorite workout top is the super comfy Ashby Ribbed tank in several colors. I prefer long tanks to cover my leggings; wearing a long top with workout pants looks more fashionable.
URSA MAJOR DEODORANT: I tried several natural deodorants, and Ursa Major was the most effective. It eliminates underarm odor while absorbing excess moisture and does not irritate my skin.
VUORI: The Halo Performance Crop is a best-seller.
SKATIE: I like the Skatie bike shorts in a floral print
TRACKSMITH: Clothes and accessories with a vintage vibe celebrate the amateur runner and often call back to the company’s Boston (Marathon) roots.
DISTRICT VISION: The brand is known for its sunglasses.
SATSIFY RUNNING: A British brand with enough hardcore edge, it qualifies as streetwear, too.
DOXA: Exactly what you imagine a running label from Denmark would be.
FEETURES: Makers of heels-down the best running sock on the block.
ATHLETICA WINTHROP GLOVE: I use this running glove to warm my hands during winter.
SATISFY: Partouche’s Parisian running brand meshes his distinctly non-track aesthetic with premium performance.
SOAR: The men’s running shorts are popular with marathon runners.
TRACKSMITH: Premium running equipment for racing, training, and all conditions
NORDA: The ultimate high-performance trail running shoe.
CIELE: Cielle sells breathable run caps and winter beanies specific for running.
SAYSKY: Makers of high-performance running gear.
RECOVERY ❤️🩹
BULLETPROOF CHOCOLATE DIPPED COLLAGEN BARS: These bars taste so good. They are also keto friendly.
ICE ROLLER: I keep my ice roller in the freezer.
THERAGUN MINI: TheraGun is a unique handheld device applied to the skin's surface to boost healing and recovery. I use it after exercising and at night before I go to sleep.
TRIGGER POINT GRID FOAM ROLLER: The Trigger Point Travel GRID foam roller makes a massive difference after a workout. Use the GRID for a self-massage and roll through the tight muscles, knots, and kinks that prevent you from feeling good and moving well.
SAUNA SPACE: My favorite sauna for gentle, effective detoxification.
EQUILIFE DAILY NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT: This is my favorite nutrition shake that tastes great. Dr. Stephen Cabral developed this daily nutrition shake. It is a vegan protein powder fortified with a wide range of activated vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, detox co-factors, and electrolytes. Travel-size packets are also sold. I use a small Nutrabullet to blend my shakes on the road.
SELF-CARE 🌞
Everybody Loves the Sunshine Zinc Beach Balm Sun Protection: This is my favorite sun protection. Zinc oxide is an excellent option as a sunblock. It is a white, inorganic compound created from metallic zinc. Everybody Loves the Sunshine Zinc Beach Balm is ideal for travel. It’s a roll-on balm, so you don’t have to worry about the contents leaking out in your luggage or beach bag. Living Libations uses a non-nano particle, uncoated, pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide. Unlike nano-particle minerals and chemical sunblocks, zinc doesn’t interfere with the health or respiration of the skin. The molecular size of zinc particles is too large to be absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and absorbs sun rays, protecting the skin.
MEDICAL PEDICURE: Medical nail technicians performing the service have been trained under a podiatrist and can detect things like nail fungus, athlete's foot, calluses, and corns, as well as educate you on treating and preventing them at home.
LCN MYKOSEPT FOOT FOAM: Bring dry and stressed feet back to life.
MYKOSEPT PLUS: Mykosept Plus is a clear polish to help nails get back on track and on to good health.
FUNGAL FIX UV STERILIZER: Clinically proven to kill and eliminate germs, bacteria, fungi, and an odor that affects your feet.
GEHWOL NAIL OIL: Protects brittle and cracked nails.
PICKLES OINTMENT: This ointment effectively removes painful corns and calluses.
BABY FOOT: BABY FOOT is the most amazing foot treatment. Baby Foot is an innovative foot care product that will make your feet as smooth and soft as a baby’s foot. The unique formula of 17 types of natural extracts allows your feet to exfoliate naturally leaving them highly moisturized. The treatment removes unwanted dead skin cells that have built up layer after layer. So say goodbye to rough, dry, cracked soles, by using a product that really works!
DR.’s REMEDY THERAPEUTIC CARESS CUTICLE OIL: I use this formula to help with dry, cracked cuticles. It can be used to prevent fungal infections from developing on the toenails.
THE HOT LIST / The latest places to add to your radar.
Washington D.C.
La Tejana is the best Tex-Mex breakfast tacos in the district. Order “The 956” or “Super Migas” and thank me later. The owner lived all over Texas and knows a thing or two about authentic Tex-Mex.
Chicago
Wheat’s End Cafe This 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant in downtown Chicago offers a fantastic menu.
Angora Coffee is a hidden gem in Lincoln park.
Ft. Lauderdale
Coffee Papi is my favorite coffee shop in Ft. Lauderdale’s Sistrunk Market.
Foot Skin and Body Wellness for medical pedicures.
There are loads of apps out there that are explicitly made for saving links to read later. Two of the most popular are called Instapaper and Pocket. Both let you create an account and save links while browsing on the desktop web (via an easy bookmarklet browser button) or your mobile device through their respective apps.
You can also use the “Send to Kindle” button to read links on your Kindle app.
How to save money shopping at Lululemon.
Privatize TSA for better security, faster lines, and avoiding hassles during government shutdowns.
What are epigenetic clocks, and how can they determine your actual age?
The secret world of Amazon's power reviewers.
Spice organization tips and tricks.
The joy of being a woman in her 70s.
How The Price is Right became America's longest-running game show and TV's ultimate comfort food.
How to get blurry backgrounds in your photos.
All the best tips from Marie Kondo's Netflix show.
The top 12 tips for emailing like a CEO.
What it's like to rent your home out for movies and TV shows and how you can do it too.
How air traffic control works.
Inside the secret world of hostage negotiation.
The uphill fight against fake prescription drugs.
36 hours in Scottsdale.
What you need to know before buying a weighted blanket.
Deals
Copilot: The Smart Money App is the best investment and financial tracking app. You can use my code MARLA to double your free trial.
Bilt Rewards Mastercard: Pay rent and earn points at any apartment without the transaction fee with the Bilt rewards card (even if your landlord only accepts checks). No other card in the market offers this, so if you pay rent, I think this is a must-have card.
On top of that, it earns 3x on Dining, 2x on Travel, and 1x on everything else, which makes it competitive with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, except maybe it’s better because it has no annual fee and comes with a $25 deductible cell phone protection. You can also transfer Bilt Rewards points to 9 airlines and Hyatt and IHG for hotels.
Recipes
Make this chicken and avocado soup for lunch.
This sweet potato vegan nacho cheese is great for nachos.
Bestia is a famous Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. Here's the recipe for their ricotta and beef meatballs.
Alison Roman's spiced chickpea stew with greens and coconut milk is one of her most popular recipes.
37 Butternut Squash recipes.
These paleo chocolate chunk tahini cookies are delicious.
How to make the best bone broth.
Carla’s spaghetti with cauliflower sauce.
This collection of gifts for the hostess includes thoughtful gifts to show your gratitude.
1. SHORT STACK EDITIONS: Short Stack Editions is a collectible and gift-worthy series of small-format cookbooks focusing on inspiring ingredients.
2. CANYON COFFEE: This is crazy good organic coffee and undoubtedly the coolest packaging.
3. COMPAGNIE DE PROVENCE LIQUID MARSEILLE SOAP WILD ROSE: Give the gift of luxury with this amazing hand soap.
4. LE SAUNIER DE CAMARGUE FLEUR DE SEL SEA SALT: It’s a delicate salty salt. Just a pinch will do.
5. PINEAPPLE MATCHES: A perfect accompaniment to a candle.
6. KEY TAGS BY VARIOUS PROJECTS: Various Project key chains make a statement while sending a message. From “I NEED MORE COFFEE” and “CRAZY CAT LADY” to “DREAM HOUSE” and “GIRL BOSS,” these key chains are a fun gift idea. You can also order custom designs.
7. JONATHAN ADLER CHAMPAGNE CANDLE: This candle is classy and chic from the packaging to the fragrance.
8. MARBLED FRAME: This frame is so pretty and a great way to cherish a sweet memory.
9. TCHO MOKOKACCINE CHOCOLATE BAR: A perfect gift for the chocoholic and coffee lover. This chocolate bar tastes like a cappuccino but maybe even better if you ask me.
10. GOLD COFFEE SCOOP: A gorgeous addition to any coffee bar.
11. KIRKLAND SIGNATURE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: The best olive oil, according to chefs.
12. DEW DROP DESIGNS TRAVEL TOTE: The hostess will love carrying this tote to the farmer’s market.
13. L’APPARTT: THE DELIGHTS AND DISASTER OF MAKING MY PARIS HOME: David is a hysterical writer and famous food blogger. The book also includes some fabulous recipes, including buckwheat chocolate chip cookies.
14. MCCONNELL’S TURKISH COFFEE ICE CREAM: A true coffee fanatic’s ice cream. I also love Jeni’s Cold Brew with Coconut Cream.
15. LEON BRIDGES COMING HOME CD: The perfect soundtrack for a dinner party.
What are your favorite hostess gift ideas?
Venice Beach City Guide
Venice Beach is my favorite district in Los Angeles. If you are visiting for the day, download the TAP app and ride the Big Blue Bus from the LAX Bus Terminal to Venice. Start your day with an authentic bulletproof coffee at Dave Asprey’s Upgrade Cafe, then go for a walk or run along the beach. For breakfast, I love the juices and smoothies at Moon Juice. Venice has excellent shopping along Abbott Kenney Boulevard. My favorite shops are Cuyana and Christy Dawn. Stop in Gjusta for an afternoon snack and caffeine fix. For dinner, I recommend Gjelina. The lamb burger is outstanding, and the veggies are cooked to perfection. Before returning to your hotel, pick up some snacks at Erehwon Market. The hot food bar is fantastic!
EAT
Rose Cafe: A popular spot for indoor or outdoor dining.
GTA (Gjelina Take Away): The sister restaurant to Gjusta, perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. Pack a fantastic beach picnic lunch with many delicious mains and sides.
Gjusta: A bakery and lunch cafe serving excellent coffee. I recommend the olive oil cake. It’s part of the Gjelina family of restaurants.
Plant Food and Wine: Locally sourced fare in a seasonally crafted menu enriched by an extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic varietals.
Fabio’s Pasta: The best pasta in Los Angeles.
GLUTEN-FREE:
401K Food and Wine: The entire menu is gluten-free.
Upgrade Cafe: Everything on the menu is gluten-free.
Moon Juice: Nutrient-rich cold-pressed organic juices.
Erewhon Market: The grocery stocks Sweet Laurel’s delicious cakes and baking mixes.
Plant Food and Wine: Locally sourced fare in a seasonally crafted menu enriched by an extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic varietals.
Saints and Sinners Desserts: Gluten-free cupcakes.
DRINK
Upgrade Cafe: Home of the original Bulletproof Coffee.
Gnarwhal: The cardamom latte is my favorite.
Moon Juice: Nutrient-rich cold-pressed organic juices.
Wallflower: A modern Indonesian spot serving signature cocktails.
Salt Air: Enjoy eating oysters and drinking rosé by the beach.
Sunny Spot: A popular spot for brunch.
Zinque: Terrific French-inspired food for sharing small plates and a bottle of wine.
The Tasting Kitchen: Getting a table here usually requires a reservation a couple of weeks in advance, so locals opt to saddle up in the bar area instead.
Venice Beach Wines: A great selection of natural and organic wines.
Wurstküche: Belgian beer and fries.
MARKETS:
Erewhon Market: I never miss an opportunity to stop in Erewhon. The takeaway food bar is so good. They also serve the best smoothies and juices.
SHOP
Christy Dawn: One of my favorite designers. I love this sweater.
Living Libations: One of my favorite beauty brands.
Parachute: Luxury bedding and linens
Heist: This carefully curated women’s clothing boutique is brimming with gorgeous, splurge-worthy clothing.
General Store: The LA outpost of this San Francisco store has a world-class mix of clothing, jewelry, and home goods. You’re sure to find something for everybody.
IRO: This place has the best leather, hands down.
Cuyana: My favorite bag and wallet.
Tortoise General Store: Chic homeware made by Japanese artists, plus books & cards.
A+R: This eclectic store carries objects from around the world.
Mona Moore: This place has the best shoes and bags for the days when you feel like shopping without a budget.
DO
Love Yoga: A boutique yoga studio
The Studio (MDR): The Lagree Fitness workout is a total-body program that combines Pilates, cardio training, and weights to create a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind exercise program.
Bike: Pick up a bike at Jay’s Rentals. Cruise the 22-mile oceanfront Bime Path.
Paddleboarding at the beach: There are tons of spots along Venice where you can rent a board and head to the beach.
Free Yoga at the Beach: Daily at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM; Sunset 6:00 PM Monday-Thursday.
Studio Surya Yoga: Venice's bright and airy studio is a local favorite.
Santa Monica Surf School: A fun way for people of all ages to learn how to catch a wave. They offer hourly lessons or packages.
Walk: Venice is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in LA. Stroll the Canals, walk down Abbot Kinney and Rose Avenue
Venice Canals: They’re only a 10-minute walk from my home, and meandering through the bridges and walking streets feels like you’ve escaped to another world.
STAY
Hotel Erwin: The rooftop at Hotel Erwin is worth a visit for the view.
GETTING AROUND:
From the LAX bus terminal, take the Big Blue Bus Santa Monica. Download the TAP app to pay with your mobile device. Cash is not accepted on the bus.
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