In partnership with
mornin’ merry makers 🛋️☕🧦💛📎
welcome to the most monday monday of the year.
the kind where our calendars are full but our souls are still in sweatpants.
proud of you for opening this email because i am spiritually still on the couch in 2025, staring at nothing, thinking about nothing, achieving nothing. but wanting to start this asap.
so instead of coming in hot with store lore or big proclamations about the year ahead, i’m opting for a softer landing. today’s email is intentionally low stakes, high affection. basically the first day post holidays at the office water cooler chit chat.
25 things i loved in 2025.
this is part 1 and it’s more personal, more life-y, more “things that actually made my days better.” part 2 will land thursday and will skew more retail for those of us who find joy in floor plans and conversion metrics.
this list isn’t about what was buzzy or impressive. it’s about what stuck. the ideas i returned to, the habits that quietly worked, the things that made me feel more like me.
you’ll also notice a theme: friends.
a lot of these are creations, projects, or ideas from people i love and admire.
that’s very much on purpose. i want to hype them louder because their work genuinely inspired me & because one of my favorite things is realizing the best stuff often comes from someone one degree away from you.
my hope is that at least one thing on this list is new to you & ends up being part of your 2026 in a real way. something you forward, bookmark, or casually recommend like you discovered it yourself, which i fully support.
quick psa: there’s a sprinkle of affiliate links below. i promise these didn’t bias my opinions. i’m just trying to monetize my love to subsidize my next matcha.
25 things i loved in 2025
beehiiv: the host of this email newsletter! convinced part of why i love writing this is because i love using beehiiv. clearly a major fangirl & hmu with q’s.
oura ring: celebrating 2 years with oura & fully addicted. helps me better understand my stress, steps, sleep, & recovery.
peloton: i’m obsessed with their strength classes, especially with jess sims, rebecca kennedy, & katie wang. appreciate they make me stretch too!
function health: tracking 100+ biomarkers twice per year is extremely enlightening. definitely pushes me to stay accountable to healthy habits.
heartful: i’ve loved learning more about heart healthy habits to naturally lower blood pressure from my dear friends laura & darin. big on flaxseed now.
shopmy: if you’re frequently linking items in your newsie, social media, to friends or fam, you need to be earning passive income with shopmy.
a new history of old texas: battle of media: my brother created a documentary that’s on pbs. so this is a proud sister moment!
canva: the tool that makes people think i’m a designer despite only ever working in analytical very left-brained roles.
profit first systems: first read in 2022, but really implemented last year & wow is it effective at managing spend levels & keeping me focused on profits.
novo: my free online business banking account that sends invoices, tracks my spend, & includes systems recommend in profit first like reserves. plus free!
goldies beer: my fave workout buddy, brina, created the best low abv bevvy of 2025. gives the best buzz, doesn’t taste like beer, & the can is gorgeous!
the nudge: my former roomie from my sf days, sarah, created this app that tells you the best things to irl in your city. i always find the coolest plans on here!
the canon of elizabeth gilbert: i rediscovered liz this year & re-read her old books. big magic is my fave. very inspired by her letters from love too.
the mug by east fork: i’ve had 2 of these mugs for 8 years. i swear it makes everything taste better while calming the nervous system.
juj bitters: a few drops of these before dinner help so much with digestion or i take them after dinner to kick my sugar craving. formulated by my magnificent friend meg (who specializes in helping women with gut health issues 💩 )
my first dôen dress: my sweet mother & loyal reader gifted me this heirloom piece in blue. i love wearing it for any & all occasions. excited to grow old in it.
halo wideleg by vuori: my most worn piece of clothing of the year. the fabric is so cozy. the design is flattering. they’re especially perfect on airplanes.
protein brownies: the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the junk. 11g protein. no added sugar. now at heb! run by 2 fitness instructors.
feed me newsletter: emily sundberg is building such an impressive media empire on substack. love how she keeps me in the loop on nyc happenings.
gntl skin wash: i met sydney a few months ago & love her minimalist approach to beauty. this wash is a makeup remover, facial cleanser, body wash, hand soap, bubble bath, and shaving gel. with the lightest, most delightful scent.
to be magnetic (podcast, book, & pathway) the most magical personal development program. enjoy their frameworks, meditations, & journal prompts.
magic leash: this is the queen of hands free dog leashes. can be worn as a belt, bandolier, or wrist strap. the blue matches bowser’s eyes. 4 years of wear!
the life that’s waiting by brianna wiest: i read this twice & listened to it once so i clearly loved it. a millennial who’s work captures the emotional journey of our entire generation in a way that feels like a hug.
rich souls podcast: i adore saara. every episode teaches me something, leaves me inspired, & it’s extra special knowing i’ve been listening since day 1 before it blows up. she’s a master in energetics both practical & mystical.
if you love/hate any of these or you’ve got one i missed, please hit reply! nothing makes me merrier than reading emails from y’all.
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