- Water filters – We installed this one in the shower and this one on my bathroom sink. My skin has been noticeably less dry. Maybe it’s the chlorine filter? Whatever it is, I’m loving it. The pressure in the shower head is also excellent.
- All things ski related – I wasn’t planning on buying a one-piece ski suit, but then they went on sale…and I bought 2. This one is loud and colorful. It’s so much fun (though not my typical style). This blush number is totally my color, and I can’t wait to twin with my BFF, who has a red one from Goldbergh. Both suits are definitely lacking in one or more technical features (e.g., storm hood, boot gaiters, pass pocket, etc.) – they are more for looks than function. I would not recommend either as a first (or only) ski outfit for people who ski more than a couple of days on a holiday. Montec is the best wallet friendly option, in my opinion, that combines style and functionality. Early season (fall) is probably the best time to shop as many of their styles will sell out of sizes quickly. I’m also excited to try out new helmet and goggles this weekend. Will report back with details.
- European sunscreen – Because they are better (and sometimes cheaper) than American ones. I have been wearing this one daily, and bringing this one with while skiing.
- Face oils – I have been using one from Biossance in the AM, and one from Drunk Elephant in the PM. The extra glow is amazing especially for the dry winter months.
- Children’s books – Some recent favorites include “The Rabbit Listened“, “Hug Me“, “My Heart“, “Trying“, “Tofu Takes Time“, and “What feelings do when no one is looking“
Category / Happiness / Wellbeing
2018 Remembered
2018 was easily the best year of my life to date. The year started with Vincent turning 28 and I turning 30(!). Leaving my 20s I remembered friends who reached 30 a couple of years ago saying that 30 was a turning point for them, that it was the age when everything fell into place. Now that I have spent most of the year in this new decade, I heartily agree with my wiser friends. 2018 brought along a slew of changes, some small and others more monumental, but all were undeniably positive.
In May, Vincent and I celebrated our marriage with our closest friends and family in Newport, Rhode Island. It was everything I had ever wanted, from the fairy tale backdrop to being surrounded by the people dearest to our hearts.
In July, we spent two weeks in Hawaii for our honeymoon. We divided our time between visiting beaches of all colors (white, black, red!), driving through rain forests in Hana, flying over the active volcanoes on the Big Island, and waking up to the most beautiful sunrises. We also had the best Thai food out of a food truck 🙂
In August, Vincent started his new job and we spent a few glorious weeks in SF / Bay Area, where we discovered our love for Burmese food (and all other Asian food in the Bay Area).
In November, we moved to Pittsburgh and began the next chapter of our lives. I applied, and got accepted, to a psychology graduate program and found research opportunities at two psychology labs at CMU. I ultimately chose to focus on the research projects at the labs for now and postpone school until the fall.
In December, Vincent and I went back to New Orleans on Christmas and spent a few days stuffing our faces with various Cajun delights and strolling in the French Quarters.
For 2019, I don’t have any resolutions, except to continue striving to be the most authentic and thoughtful version of myself and to keep building a life that is full of joy and meaning. To all my readers, I wish you the very best in love and life in the brand new year.
The secret to a happy and fulfilling life
Last night, or very early this morning, I came up with the secret to living a happy and fulling life. It’s really simple. Are you ready? Here it is… Continue reading →
Three pillars of happiness
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
It occurred to me over lunch today that happiness can be summed up to the following: doing what you find meaningful, being around people you love, and having good mental and physical health. Following this, every decision should be evaluated by these three criteria – does it help you do what you find meaningful? does it bring closer to further from the people you love? how does it affect your physical and mental well being?
I like this framework because a) it’s easy enough to remember and apply, b) it’s broad enough to capture virtually all aspects of life, and c) it’s general and flexible enough to fit different individuals.
This is not a “solution” to happiness, though. This model won’t help you figure out what is “meaning” work, find love, or figure out how to achieve the optimal level of physical and mental well being. What I hope this achieves is providing an effective and straight-forward standard against which we measure our decisions: does the decision move us closer to happiness?
Chiaroscuro 