Feel Good Log #3

Hi, friends. This post is coming a smidge later than expected, because March was full of baby’s first cold, 4-month sleep regression, toddler pink eye, and parents catching said-baby-cold. So some things - like writing, were put on the backburner.

But I’m baaaack! I truly love writing so getting back to it feels like coming back home, settling in on a familiar, cozy couch with a warm mug in hand. So let’s dive into another feel-good log, where I share some things that help my life feel good - and not the kind of recommendations that are pressuring purchases, but are easily accessible.

Good Morning: A simple hydration rule.

A little rule I made for myself years ago that has now become habit is that I’m not allowed to take a sip of coffee until after I’ve had at least a glass of water. Your body just went several hours without a sip - it’s thirsty, even if you don’t realize! Other perks of starting your day with water: aids digestion, promotes healthy joints and muscles, flush out toxins, increase energy levels.

I like to fill up my water bottle the night before and set it right on my night stand so that it’s right there as soon as I wake up.

PS: I wrote more about the 7 specific things that make me love mornings here.

Good Night: Pajama sets.

For most of my life, my pajamas were simply ratty old t-shirts and crappy sweatpants or gym shorts. Then when I was pregnant, I started buying really cute pajamas in an attempt to feel comfortable my with growing belly, but also cute - I was sick of lookin’ frumpy!

And the habit has stuck. I like going to bed and waking up in an outfit that I feel cute in, okay? It feels like a little ‘Ya know what I deserve this’ moment. I like to be intentional with my clothing purchases. The reality is: I don’t need a ton of matching sets - 2 or 3 is just fine. No need to over purchase. The reality is also: a lot of things that fit me before pregnancy just don’t so buying some new clothes for my current body is important.

In Good Health: The 2-P Approach To Meals

There are so many different ideas out there about healthy eating and when I worked with a personal trainer a few years ago to lose weight, I realized that keeping it simpler is better.

A simple way I like to keep my meals nutritious and filling is take a look at the meal and make sure it has ‘the two p’s’: Protein & Produce. Protein ensures the meal will satiate me and produce ensures I’m getting some healthy micronutrients.

This approach is also a lovely way to avoid a restricting mindset. Instead of thinking “I can’t eat that”, you’re instead thinking about the healthy things to add to your meal.

A Good Book (Or Two)

(Psssst, you know these are good because I actually purchased both instead of checking out at the library!)

• Good Material by Dolly Alderton

  • 2025. The year I discovered I love Dolly Alderton. Good Material is the story of Andy, a standup comedian, dealing with heartbreak after his longtime girlfriend Jen dumps him. It’s heartwarming, relatable, wise, and REALLY FUNNY. This is the first fictional book of hers I read and I laughed out loud multiple times. I don’t think any other book has every made me do that.

• Let Them by Mel Robbins

  • I vowed to stop reading self-help books for awhile because I absolutely over did it, but this one’s focus on putting a stop to people-pleasing and improving relationships just spoke to me. The book isn’t asking you to change anything about yourself - it’s about how to let go of trying to control the things you can’t and just focusing on doing what you really want. It’s WORTH THE HYPE. Simple, straightforward, true, powerful.

A Good Idea

Embracing lofi music when you have to focus/work/study. It is incredibly soothing and it makes me feel like I’m in my own movie montage. Spotify has a ton of great options - my favorite go to is Taylor Swift lofi songs, of course. But there is a huge variety (even things like Christmas lofi exists!). So, so dreamy.

A Good Watch

Life List (Netflix)

When Alex’s mother dies, she leaves a set of videos for her daughter. In the first video, she shows a list Alex made when she was a teenager of the things she had dreamed of. Her mom encourages her to follow this list as a way to get back to living a life that is true to herself. As she completes each item, she gets another video from her mom and once the list is complete, she gets her inheritance. It’s a cute and sentimental and makes you reflect on your own life list.

What were the things you wanted to do as a kid that you’ve gotten away from? Can you circle back and do them now?

Other mentions:

• If you also became obsessed with Dylan Efron after his debut on Traitors, he has a YouTube channel! He films beautiful documentaries showcasing his travel experiences. His personality is just freakin’ adorable and his videos inspire me to connect more with the outside word.

• Anora (Hulu) won Best Picture at the Oscars so we also started that but haven’t finished because… Parenthood! We’re halfway through - and I’m definitely intrigued to see where the story goes.

• If you’re into rewatches, I also highly recommend the Gilmore Girls (Netflix/Hulu) episodes: A Thousand Yellow Daisies and A-Tisket A-Tasket for Springy, seasonal watches.

A Good Recipe

My Mugga’s ‘Chicken Italian’. This was my Dad’s favorite meal growing up, and then my Mugga passed the recipe onto me at my Bridal Shower. I made it for David and I shortly after - David loves it! It’s definitely heartier (and there’s a lot of butter so I wouldn’t say it’s the most healthy, in full transparency). But it’s REALLY YUMMY! Recipe below - try this and use this as inspo to try one of your family recipes :)

Chicken Italian (PS: We skip the mushrooms because my husband is a mushroom hater - but can substitute with a different veg!)

5 Good Songs:

Good Company

Body Type by

Mikala Jamison

is thought-provoking, well-researched, and just smart, well-written writing. I truly think everybody could get something from subscribing.

Good Moments

Lyla’s first day of daycare (and it was TWIN day for Spirit Week so our girls wore matching sweaters / Date night / Playground fun now that we are in full-force warmer weather / Sweet, lavender scented baby girl after a bath / Friday night pizza / Cousin fun at the aquarium / St. Patrick’s Day / Lyla’s 5 months / Bridesmaid fun!

Thanks for reading, friends!