Issue #5 My Morning Routine, Recent Purchases & Santa Fe Travel Guide
A newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations
Hello,
The latest edition of my newsletter includes my morning routine. I also share some of my recent purchases and a Santa Fe travel guide.
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TO DO LIST
READ
What Really Makes You Ill: Why Everything You Thought You Knew About Disease is Wrong by Dawn Lester & David Parker covers all things related to health and disease. The authors address the root cause questions of why people get sick.
The Maid: A Novel is a compelling and quirky mystery about the death of a prominent hotel guest and the maid who finds his body.
COOK
Vegetable Simple offers 110 plant-based recipes that are easy for any home cook to make, and the chef also shares a wealth of knowledge for each delicious dish.
Links to some of the recipes in the cookbook:
Vegetable Pistou
Zucchini Pancakes
Romaine Caesar Gratin
BAKE
Bread of Life: Savoring the All-Satisfying Goodness of Jesus through the Art of Bread Making: Author and avid baker Abigail Dodds invites you to break homemade bread and celebrate God’s provision. In this beautifully photographed book, she shares 11 delicious, easy-to-follow recipes and shows you how to find your ultimate fulfillment through Christ, the all-satisfying bread of life.
Link to Sourdough Starter
*recommended for readers that do not have celiac or follow a GF diet.
LISTEN
Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair Ep. 2: What to Eat for Longevity
DO
Wordle is the word game that's becoming an internet obsession. It's a free word game. The mission is to guess a five-letter word in six tries or less. Here’s a guide to play the game.
WATCH
“Yellowjackets” is a thriller about the aftermath of a horrific plane crash that changes the lives of its survivors, a high school soccer team, forever.
DOWNLOAD
Parcels App is the best package tracker app to manage all of your orders.
Plus, three reader recommendations:
Clark Howard Podcast will help you save money.
The Chosen is a Christian series about the life of Jesus and the disciples.
Stand to: Finding Masculine Courage in a Stand Down World makes an excellent gift for men.
HOT LIST
Philadelphia
Suraya is a market and Lebanese restaurant in the Fish Town neighborhood.
Washington D.C.
Sweet Crimes Gluten Free Bakery is located near the Potomac Ave. Metro Stop in Capitol Hill.
Bold Fork Books is a food-themed bookstore in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood.
New Orleans
Congregation Coffee is a cafe located in Algiers. The beans are sold at local Whole Foods.
Levee Baking Company offers takeout and online orders Thursday - Sunday, 9 am - 1 pm. The bakery is not gluten-free, but it’s the best bakery for pastries according to my mom. That’s all you need to know! Just go there if you want a delicious pastry.
Favorite Things
A list of products I’m currently enjoying or coveting. I hope you find some inspiration for your gift-giving and some new things to discover for yourself!
Gorjana Diamond Pavé Heart Necklace: Treat yourself, or a loved one to a 14k gold heart necklace that shines thanks to an array of pavé cut diamonds.
Veronica Beard Dickey Jacket: I have a pink Veronica Beard dickey jacket that I pair with jeans. The dickey jackets have great structure and are so well-tailored to the body. They elevate any simple tee and denim look and are a great addition to a corporate wardrobe.
Mignonne Gavin Wynnive Crystal Hoop Earrings: I have several pieces of Mignonne Gavin jewelry. I love the vintage design of the crystal hoop earrings. I also have a pair of pearl hoop earrings.
Lake Pajamas: I have a few pairs of Lake Pajamas. I purchase mine during their annual sales. Not only do they offer some of the cutest pajamas, but the pima cotton is so soft. They do shrink a bit so keep that in mind. Machine wash with like colors on the delicate cycle in cold water. Do not use bleach or OxyClean. Lay flat to dry. Your pajamas should be treated as delicate and should not be washed with heavy items such as jeans and towels.
Rolla Jeans: I constantly get asked about my Rollas East Coast flares. They are so comfortable and flattering.
Caddis Eyewear Readers: I wear the Caddis Miklos tortoise reading glasses. They fit great and include blue-light-blocking HEV-coated lenses. This protects against eye strain and potential issues like headaches, tension, and sleeplessness.
Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Protein Powder: I use this collagen protein powder in my coffee. I like the vanilla flavor.
DÔEN Wyatt Belts: I have both the conga and black designs. These are investment pieces that can be worn for a long time due to their high quality.
Bhu Foods Keto Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: These keto chips melt properly for baking and taste delicious.
Nature’s Way Supplements: I keep this brand of cold and flu supplements on hand during cold and flu season. Umcka (Pelargonium sidoides) roots, a member of the geranium family, have long been used to relieve respiratory and digestive ailments.
Nature’s Way Cold and Flu Chewables
Nature’s way Cold Chewables
Nature’s Way Cold and Flu Syrup
Nature’s Way Cold Care Soothing Hot Drink Mix
Nature’s Way Cold Care DropsAthletica Winthrop Glove: I use this running glove to keep my hands warm on my morning runs during the winter.
Coconut Milk Dark Chocolate Bar: This dairy free dark chocolate bar is delicious.
Santa Fe Travel Notes
Santa Fe is a great weekend getaway located near Albuquerque. The train makes traveling to Santa Fe super convenient for day trips. You can board the New Mexico Rail Runner for a scenic one hour train ride from downtown Albuquerque to the Santa Fe depot station.
I recommend visiting the Santa Fe Farmer's Market near the train station. Be sure to buy some spices and Hatch Chili Sauce. The market is every Saturday morning year round. Next stop is a delicious green smoothie at Modern General. The menu includes bone broth, salads, smoothies, juices and other healthy treats. After browsing the unique collection of home goods at Modern General, walk to the Plaza and check out the art galleries and boutiques. Then walk to Canyon Road. Canyon Road is one of the most beautiful roads in America. An excellent spot for taking photos and browsing the art galleries. On your way back, visit the Cross of the Martyrs. There is a great travel store nearby.
Santa Fe is known for its beautiful sunsets. After a day of exploring, head to the La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza at Sunset for the beautiful views from the rooftop patio. For dinner, I suggest the James Beard award winning organic restaurant, Cafe Pasquel's. You can enjoy an Indie film at the Violet Crown Cinema or Jean Cocteau Cinema to finish your evening. I also suggest taking a cooking class at Santa Fe School of Cooking. Atalaya Trail is a great day hike with rewarding views if you enjoy hiking. For more information on hiking in the area, go here.
September is the best time of year to visit. When traveling to Santa Fe, pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun is very intense in the desert any time of year.
Below are the best things to eat, see, explore, discover, hike, buy, and do in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
EAT
Modern General healthy *GF
Radish & Rye farm to table *GF
Cafe Pasquels New Mexican *GF
Vinaigratte salads *GF
Tune Up Cafe super cute cafe
Revolution Bakery *GF
Craft Donuts and Coffee
Henry & the Fish bakery, cafe, juices, and smoothies *GF
Santa Fe Bite green chili burgers
DRINK
Bell Tower Bar margaritas
Henry & the Fish coffee
Fire & Hops pub
SHOP
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
Georgia O’Keefe Museum
Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery
Adobe Gallery
Sign of the Pampered Maiden women's boutique
Kakawa Chocolate House
Doodlets toy store
Oohlala women's consignment boutique
DO
Hike Box Canyon Trail
Hike Atalaya Trail
Hike portions of the famous El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro route to the La Cieneguille Petroglyph Site
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs (located 1-hour north of Santa Fe)
Pottery Class at Green River Pottery or Paseo Pottery
STAY
Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe
La Fonda on the Plaza
GETTING AROUND
New Mexico Rail Runner
My Morning Routine
Salt Water Rinse: I do this first thing every morning. I make a salt water solution to keep in my bathroom. (16oz of spring water to 1oz of salt in a mason jar)
Tongue Scraping: I use Dr. Tong’s Tongue Cleaner.
Oil Pulling: This helps prevent sinus infections. Here’s a guide to get started with oil pulling.
Drink water with lemon: Before going to bed, I fill a glass pitcher with water and leave the pitcher by my Somavedic. The Somavedic is used for structured water. I pour a glass of water and add some fresh squeezed lemon juice to drink as part of my morning routine. I try to drink between 80-100 oz. of water each day. I use a Berkey Water Filter. Here’s a guide that explains the benefits of drinking water in the morning.
Supplements: I take more immune supporting supplements during cold and flu season.
Make Bed: If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. This task is from the book, Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven based on his commencement speech to the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin. McRaven believes that if you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
Gua Sha Facial Massage: A Gua Sha facial works on the face’s connective tissue, the facial fascia, which helps lift and release the facial muscles. The routine, when done right, increases circulation, plumps the skin, and removes blockages. I use the Gua Sha tool designed by Cecily Braden, creator of the Gua Sha Facial Fusion method.
Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used for clearing blockages, creating space and movement in the underlying structures so that the skin can function better. By increasing movement through Gua She massage, the skin is able to naturally clear blockages that lead to acne, Rosacea, puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall strengthening the immunity of the skin. To use, gently glide the tool across the skin and down the sides of the neck. I recommend viewing Cecily’s tutorials on Instagram. Danna Omari also designed her own Gua Sha tool. Dani has several instructional videos on Instagram.
Bulletproof Coffee: I make bulletproof coffee. I add MCT oil and butter to my coffee and blend with 1 scoop of Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Powder in my Vitamix. I also make my own nut milks. I use Panther East Coast Espresso or Temple Dharma Espresso. I have a Breville espresso machine.
Read: I read a Daily Devotional while I drink coffee.
Exercise: I like to run outdoors. I also have a Peleton bike and a Balanced Body IQ Reformer for workouts. If I’m traveling for work, I try to run outside or use the hotel gym.
Get 10 mins of outdoor light. @Hubermanlab recommends morning light.
Green Smoothie: I usually do intermittent fasting and do not eat until I’m hungry. I drink a green smoothie or green juice after my workout. Sometimes I eat gluten free oatmeal for breakfast.
Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite beauty products.
1. TANGLE TEASER DETANGLER: I use this brush in the shower. You can use it to detangle, and it can be used to help evenly distribute shampoos, conditioners, and treatments through your strands.
2. AQUIS LISSE LUXE HAIR TOWEL: It absorbs more water from your hair post-shower and therefore cuts down on drying time.
3. SILKE HAIR TIES: These ties are so pretty and protect my hair from damage.
4. OUI RAZOR: I use this razor to avoid ingrown hairs and irritation. It’s weighted and comes with thin, interchangeable blades for the closest, smoothest shave.
5. NO CREASE HAIR CLIPS: I use these clips to smooth out the short hairs. I leave the clips in my hair until I finish blow drying the rest of my hair. I use this serum after I style my hair.
6. SAIAN ACNE SPOT REMOVER: This acne spot treatment treats break-outs overnight. Kills germs and bacteria, disinfects and dries blemishes to treat even the most severe and cystic acne without leaving red spots and discoloration. No added color, fragrance, glycerin, fillers or preservatives.
7. OSMOSIS EYE MAKEUP REMOVER: I use several products from Osmosis. The Melt Away Gelee is my favorite eye makeup remover. It does not irritate my eyes and removes mascara easily. I leave it on a few minutes then remove it with a cotton pad.
8. MUJI TRAVEL CONTAINERS: I use these travel containers for my beauty products and toiletry items. Before I discovered the Muji brand, I used the Container Store travel containers. I did not like the mess with some of the containers leaking during flight due to pressurization. The Muji containers do not leak if sealed properly.
9. ETURE COTTON PUFFS: Each one is like a little pillow and the fluff never ever comes out of the sides or ends up on your lashes.
10. HEROINE MAKE MASCARA: I really love this mascara. It never clumps. You can’t really compare its effects to eyelash extensions or fake eyelashes. However, it’s one of the best drugstore mascaras that you can buy. I use Osmosis Eye Makeup Remover to take it off at the end of the day.
11. DYSON AIRWRAP: I have made an effort to protect my hair from heat damage by investing in the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and Dyson Airwrap. The Dyson Airwrap is easy to use. It’s clipless and sucks your hair onto the wand, and as you move the wand closer to your scalp, it automatically curls hair around the wand. No twirling, clipping, or wrapping. I also recommend the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Both products keep my hair smooth and healthy looking.
12. PRETTY PERFECT INSTANT BRONZE: Tracy Anderson uses this self-tanner. It’s quick drying, easy to use, all natural and gives you the perfect bronze and glow. It also does not smell bad. I use a sponge to smooth out the product after application.
Link Love
This thread on people’s favorite Trader Joe’s products is fun to read.
How to actually change someone’s mind.
The Girl Scouts made a new cookie.
Flavorful add-ons that take your bone broth to the next level.
How to download your Instagram photos.
America’s best winter hiking trails.
The best food podcasts.
The wild true story behind Lady Gaga and Adam Driver’s Gucci Assassination Movie.
Brazilian butt lift: behind the world’s most dangerous cosmetic surgery.
Great tips for organizing your email inbox.
Some great tips for moving.
Are high status people more likely to lie?
How to ripen avocados quickly.
How to organize your kitchen according to a professional organizer.
How to choose the right paint color.
Understanding Glutathione and the immune system.
How to write almost anything.
How to measure air quality where you live and where you’re going.
The secret to looking good on Zoom.
*Note: Links are not endorsements.
Recipes
This Reddit-famous banana bread recipe has been in 1 family for 4 generations. Turns out it came from a church cookbook.
Michael Solomonov, the chef behind Philadelphia’s acclaimed Zahav, also runs a vegan falafel shop in the city. Here’s the recipe for the Goldie falafel.
Nancy Silverton’s famous pizza dough recipe.
Claire’s oatmeal and pecan brittle cookie recipe is a popular recipe in her new cookbook.
How to make stunning croissants at home.
Go Get Em Tiger’s famous almond macadamia nut milk.
A primer on gluten-free baking and alternative flours from the owner of LA’s Breadblok.
How good does this creamy chicken noodle soup look?
This meal prep for tacos is very helpful.
A popular chef in New Orleans shares her sweet potato biscuit recipe.
P.S. Share what you read, watched, heard, or did that made you think twice in the comments.
*recently updated Philadelphia, Santa Fe, and Washington D.C.