R.E.P.O.R.T.

<3 love is in the air and so is meaningful action <3

READING

Three from January below!

A Woman is No Man explores themes of gender roles and family values throughout generations in the context of a Palestinian immigrant family living in Brooklyn. It was both heavy and uplifting. I adore any book that narrates the same story from multiple perspectives, especially when in the context (and at the core) of a culture- if you liked There There, Berry Pickers, Family Lore, Salt Houses - you will like this book.

Good Material surprised me with its humor and heart. Following a devastating break up, the reader is brought along for the ride of the protagonist finding his way again. Made me laugh out loud, but also genuinely ache. It immediately brings you back to the depths of a break up. I love the quippy British wit and writing, if anyone has a rec for something similar, let me know! I asked the librarians and they told me I could Google it. I think I just caught them at a bad time.

Disappearing Earth is another multi-perspective story that takes place in Northern Russia. After two girls go missing, the reader visits community members and connected characters who may be involved in the case. You will learn about pieces of Russian culture and be immersed in a true mystery. This book was given to me by Jed’s mom, who always has great recommendations.

If you have a recommendation for something that is a couple of years old (my library is not up on the hottest and latest…) let me know! I have several holds but a library girl is a patient girl.

EATING

FIBER!!!! Lately I’ve been adding beans to my breakfasts and stewed apples to my oatmeal (pectin, prebiotics!), a chickpea at lunch, chia seed raspberry jam and peas at dinner. Protein got all the attention in the past few years, and I admit I was behind in my fiber intake. My only suggestion if you are going to explore this path is go slow…I was doing a health protocol a few months ago with my naturopath and I think I accidentally tripled my fiber intake in a few days and felt nothing short of incredibly uncomfortable. So heed my warning and consult your own provider. But yeah, beans!

PLAYING (puzzling)

Over Thanksgiving, our friends Britta and Fabian said “hey would you guys want to do a puzzle…?” and as a certified non-board-game person (sorry) I admit— I hesitated at the offer. Cut to a few days later us waking up thinking about the puzzle, spending hours in front of the fire doing said puzzle, Great British Baking Show and DIRT playing in the background.

A few weeks later I made a TikTok about this particular puzzle brand (they really are so fun) and well, we’re still at it. Our current challenge is taking up our dining area, so sometimes I chip away at it while eating my breakfast, or after a shower in the evening. It’s such a nice non-screen activity that is fun whether doing it solo or with a companion.

OBSESSING

Since being knee deep in training for a race, I’ve been sleeping a LOT. Like 8-9.5 hours a night. Please let me know what your average is. And for those who have kids, please also remember I am child free right now and have the privilege and flexibility of time!!

Sleep has been instrumental in keeping me healthy in the past few months, and there are a few things I’ve been doing to support my sleep.

01 reducing screens at night - obvious but powerful
02 acupressure mat + frequency music + ambient light
03 waking up at the same time (most days)
04 taking a shower or bath at night
05 stretching + doing a meditation
06 also loving this glycerite and this tea from loam - use code COURTNEY15 for 15% if you want to try

RECOMMENDING

Staying informed in scary times is hard on our nervous systems, but something I feel is important. If you’ve been frozen with the questions of “what can I do?” or “where do I even begin?”, here is a teeny tiny action step for you.

My wonderful friend Diana and I collaborated on these calendars (it was her idea!!) for February and 100% of the proceeds will be going to two different immigrant-specific organizations in New Mexico and Massachusetts.

One calendar is “self love” themed and the other calendar is “partnered” love. They are fun and flirty and might nudge you to spend some more time in the romance of life. The suggested donation is $5. To reiterate, 100% of the proceeds will be donated between Contigo Justice and Operation Milkweed.

I will not be talking about calendars again until next year I swear!

⭐FIND CALENDAR HERE⭐

⭐FIND CALENDAR HERE⭐

TRAINING

I actually forget what the “T” in this acronym is supposed to be, but training is what is topical for me. Going all in on training for my third 50K that is happening in just a couple of weeks. I have been documenting the process and I give the creators who do this type of content all the time a lot of credit. I will likely take a break after my race, but if you’re curious about what we’ve been up to in the gym there are a few videos I’ve shared over the past few weeks on my IG and TikTok.

That’s all for now folks, happy February <3

xox

Courtney