the list: volume I
the holidays + gifting, books, skin care + essential oils, continuing education, cooking, etc.
THE HOLIDAYS + GIFTING
My brother called me a few days ago and we had a long conversation about the holidays, family dynamics, the act of gifting, and what constitutes the spirit of giving. He requested, rather than anything material, a handwritten recollection of a memorable time we spent together. His request has been percolating with me since, a quiet reminder of the weight of time and sentiment in a season often shrouded with excess.
It’s easy to give a gift, but to give something infused with care, thought, and presence? An entirely different beast. While the flash of sales and the convenience of discounts clamor for our attention, there’s an undeniable emptiness to the patterns of consumerism we’ve built around gifting. This year, I’m envisioning a softer, more creative season, one grounded in intention. Gifts that are soulful, unique, and personal—handmade treasures, gestures of love and care, thoughtfully chosen or created, all the way down to the details of their wrapping. Something that feels alive with meaning and personality.
The irony of this notoriously frantic time of year is that it’s also meant to be a season of contemplation, rest, of gestation. Gifting thoughtfully isn’t just a question of what to give or how to find the time—it’s a deeper inquiry: Why don’t we have the time? How could this season hold more nourishment, more stillness, more meaning?
Maybe the spirit of giving is less about the gift itself and more about the space we make to reflect, to create, to connect. What if, instead of striving to give more, we chose instead to give better?
BOOKS
I recently stumbled into the rabbit hole of a genre lovingly (and somewhat embarrassingly) dubbed "romantasy." In my mind, it’s the modern-day equivalent of those smutty romance novels that graced the gas station racks of the '90s—except now with fae, warrior princesses, and a generous dose of angst. To be fair, I’ve always loved fantasy books. There’s something profound about the interplay between the analytical mind and the unbridled imagination—creative visualization and abstract ideas that stretch beyond the confines of what’s definable. For me, fantasy occupies a sacred corner of life, and escaping into different realms feels especially satisfying during the darkest, coldest months of the year. And while I’ve largely put down more books than I’ve finished, there are a few that nearly paralleled with my longstanding Harry Potter obsession. The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Mass is by far the crowning jewel, the character development, world-building, and woven storyline are enthralling. Followed by A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and her Crescent City series. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker is mysterious, holds intricate world-building, and is a heartbreakingly beautiful read. The Shepard King series by Rachel Gillig delivers something dark and atmospheric, with a storyline that feels refreshingly unique. And finally, the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent—think broody vampires, savage betrayals, and a plot twist in the first book that left my jaw on the floor.
Lately, I’ve found myself wandering into the labyrinth of Greek mythology—where, spoiler alert, tragedy reigns supreme. Every tale feels like a symphony of glory and ruin, where even the most noble intentions are doomed to unravel. A reminder that tragedy, for all its grief, often carries a certain splendor. I’m still picking my way through a few reads, deciding whether they’re worth mentioning, but two that were enjoyable despite the anguish were The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and Queens of Themiscyra by Hannah Lynn.
COOKING
One of the things I’ve truly mourned since being diagnosed with celiac is the loss of a real loaf of bread. Not just any bread—a beautiful loaf. You know, the kind with a crusty exterior that crackles when you touch it, and a soft, airy interior perfect for tearing into chunks and dunking in olive oil or a thick soup. I’ve mostly avoided the emotional rollercoaster of gluten-free baking. Let’s be honest: many gluten-free breads could double as doorstops. But recently, I stumbled across Cannelle et Vanille by Aran Goyoaga, and I’m feeling cautiously inspired. Her cookbook makes baking gluten-free sourdough sound almost...doable. She meticulously explains how to create a gluten-free sourdough starter and craft an alluring loaf of bread—words I never thought I’d associate with gluten-free baking.
We eat Spicy Pork Noodle Soup by Alison Roman at least once a week in our household from October until March and I’m consistently overly enthusiastic about it every single time.
Chicken Soup by Ottolenghi — This is a slightly more labor-intensive soup than I’d normally reach for, but it’s truly delicious and worth the extra time. I modified this recipe slightly (personally, I think it’s worth the adjustments):
Salt + pepper the chicken thighs and sear them in a drizzle of olive oil (3-4 minutes on each side). Remove the chicken thighs and use the oil/rending of chicken fat to lightly brown the onion and garlic before adding broth (not water) and chicken thighs to simmer for 25-30 minutes.
Substituted fresh thyme (in lieu of dill)
Made a pot of brown rice and served the soup with a scoop of rice instead of pasta (I am sure it would be good with pasta, too).
SKIN + HAIR CARE / ESSENTIAL OILS
As the light fades and the wind begins to howl, the world outside dries and withers—a natural reminder of the need for deeper nourishment and care. In this season of contraction, there is something grounding and calming about intentionally tending to the body. Take time to oil your skin after a shower, gently massage oil into your feet before slipping on warm socks, or anoint the inner lines of your nostrils with ghee when your nasal passageways feel dried and dehydrated.
I’ve been using a blend of vetiver and frankincense, diluted with jojoba oil, and rubbing it into my abdomen and hands before meditation or breathwork. Known as the “oil of tranquility,” vetiver carries a deep, earthy aroma, its roots draw nourishment from the soil, making it a potent ally for grounding, calming the mind, and stabilizing emotions. Vetiver’s soothing properties can help ease anxiety and promote restful sleep, offering a sense of steadiness amidst the shifting energies of the season. Frankincense, revered for thousands of years as a sacred scent, has long been used in rituals, prayer, and meditation. Its warm, resinous fragrance invites stillness and introspection, helping to create space for reflection and contemplation.
Once a week, I massage a dropper of LUSTER Hair Oil from Shiva Rose into my roots and let it sit for a few hours before shampooing. This blend is rich in traditional Indian oils like Bhringraj, Amla, and Brahmi are known for promoting strong, healthy hair. Jojoba deeply hydrates, while pomegranate and moringa oils stimulate the scalp and nourish the strands. The addition of jasmine and champa flower brings an uplifting, sensual aroma, making this ritual as soothing for the senses as it is nourishing for the hair.
MOVIES
Alright, I feel like these movie (and TV show) recommendations span in completely unrelated directions and the fact that I’m suggesting them in one paragraph insinuates that I might be a little unhinged. Alas, I’m doing it anyway. The Gentleman series on Netflix directed by Guy Ritchie where upper aristocratic society meets the underbelly of drug trafficking. It’s classic Guy Ritchie, a penchant for stylish visuals with a gritty aesthetic.
The Empress on Netflix—there’s something irresistible about a period piece with its gowns, castles, and a protagonist defying societal norms. While it might seem dull to some, for me, it’s an escape into a romantic, complicated era. This German historical drama follows the rebellious, wild-haired Elisabeth as she falls in love with the Emperor and becomes his bride, only to face political turmoil and heartbreak at the Viennese court. (And yes, it’s entirely in German so either you’re into subtitles or not!)
In the true spirit of the holidays, my favorite Christmas movie is The Man Who Invented Christmas. It tells the story of Charles Dickens’ journey to write A Christmas Carol, a tale that redefined Christmas. Through the struggles of its creation, Dickens reminds us that the season is about generosity, redemption, and the enduring power of kindness—a truly timeless message.
EDUCATION
I’ve been diving deeper into continuing education with Bonnie Crotzer of The Floss and have begun weaving these techniques into my classes and personal practices. The practice acts as an inner exfoliation, realigning tissue fibers to enhance communication and energy flow throughout the entire body-mind complex. For areas that have grown dense from inactivity, injury, or stagnation, it works to hydrate and lubricate the tissues, allowing them to glide, twist, and move freely—optimizing overall mobility and vitality.
The process has been both fascinating and humbling. I’ve experienced moments of profound detoxification—intense heat flushes, swollen lymph nodes, even a day of feeling sick and lethargic as the body clears old stagnation. The study has deepened my understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using the meridians as a roadmap to healing and balance. And continually serves as a reminder of the body's magnificent, highly intelligent interconnectedness, and the power of gentle, intentional movement.
UPCOMING OFFERINGS
If you are in the Livingston/Bozeman area, I’ll be hosting a few of these pop-ups at Wheatgrass Books a few times throughout winter. The classes offer a gentle fusion of yin yoga, deep fascia release, and breathwork techniques designed to ease tension, create space in your body, and leave you feeling more open, grounded, and restored.