8 Chic Things to Do This Week Instead of Doomscrolling
(I promise it's good)
I want my life to feel intentionally classy.
I want to be making rosé poached peaches on a random weekend morning while listening to jazz pieces like I’ll Close My Eyes, and starting a good conversation w/ my husband or a good friend (and of course a coffee in hand).
But I’m not doing this alone.
You’re coming with me.
You and I are going to methodically and deliberately find ways to elevate our lives and make the ordinary not feel so ordinary.
And if you wanna start this week, then here are some things I’ve done in the last few months (or items that are on my list of things to try) that I legit thing you’ll like.
1. Try Recipes from Other Countries (Made by Grandmas)
I recently tried a pasta recipe from an Italian grandma on Youtube (had to use subtitles), and while it didn’t turn out perfect (she didn’t give exact measurements), it was so much fun and I got to try an easy duck pasta recipe for lunch. 👌
2. Explore (Really Good) Music from Other Countries
Nothing feels better than sitting down to read or work and you’re listening to some Ethiopian jazz or 1970s bossa nova with an espresso in hand. You feel classy, you’re enjoying something chic + new, and it really does set the mood.
Other good recommendations:
3. Create Your Own Signature Coffee Drink
It’s an easy way to feel classy + have a predictably good coffee.
Did this over the holidays and was genuinely happy with the results of a brown sugar and nutmeg espresso drink.
4. Write a Thank You Letter to Someone Who Did Something Meaningful in Your Life
I recently read a book called 365 Thank Yous and was inspired by how it completely changed the author’s life (not an exaggeration, highly recommend this read).
And it’s inspired me to do the same. Also, here are a few examples of the kinds of people you could write a thank you letter to:
A family member who saw you in a way your parents never did.
A doctor who figured out what was wrong after years of being told by other doctors that there was “nothing wrong with you.”
A good friend who stayed with you during a very hard season.
An amazing teacher who poured into you.
5. Classic Foreign Film Paired With a Dish from That Country
Watch a classic film from a country you’ve never visited (or have, up to you), and pair it with a dish from that country.
So for instance, you could make some really good tonkatsu while watching Seven Samurai (a super famous Japanese classic).
Side Note: Here’s the tonkatsu recipe I tried & recommend (it’s the one in the photo above, it’s so good).
6. Find One Local Artisan in Your Area & Buy Just One Thing
So this could be a pottery shop or a really nice bakery that’s not a chain.
The point is to find someone who’s good at their craft, support them, and enjoy + appreciate what they’ve made.
Side Note: And if you really like their work, then you can recommend them to friends and support their small business.
7. Solo Journal + Coffee Date at a Cafe That’s Not from This Century
Doing a solo journal coffee date is great, but it’s even better when it’s in an old pharmacy (like in my photo above). Or when it’s a 100+ year old cafe and the atmosphere is absolutely perfect. I just know it’s good for your mental health.
8. Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been That’s Within Walking Distance of Your Home
Sometimes there are places near us that are actually pretty, but we’ve just never had the time to explore or enjoy.
This could be a pretty street with historic homes, a nice park with pretty trees, a bench with a view you’ve ignored for years, or even a small hole in the wall Italian eatery with insane reviews.
This is your time to explore and make your world just a bit bigger and more lovely.