The Sunday R.E.S.E.T #2

a podcast recommendation, the condiment I'm putting on EVERYTHING, & my daunting hunt for the perfect winter boot

Hey, hey, pal—

Welcome to the 2nd ever Sunday R.E.S.E.T.!

Sending a sincere thank you all for the kind words, positive feedback, & hype after the inaugural edition last week. I’m genuinely very excited for this recurring series ◡̈

As I’m sure you’ve caught on, The Sunday R.E.S.E.T. will serve as a more casual, personal, and off-the-cuff summary of “lifestyle” content ◡̈ Which then frees up the weekday post to be more concrete— health tips, nourishing recipes, topic-specific essays, “podcast” recordings, etc.

As always with me— you’re gonna get a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

Some depth, some lightness. Some APA citations, some typos. Some evidence-backed health tips, annnnd some fluffy skincare recommendations (keep reading for the $18 product I’m OBSESSED with, ha!).

Because that is the blend of content that feels “right” and authentic and inspiring to me— the professional, the personal, and the in-between. Thanks for being here for all of it.

Now, let’s get into it!

Something to know about me— I am a huge podcast fan (I typically listen to 3 per day…😅), and one of my go-to shows is Freakonomics.

I’ve been a listener for years, and I’m convinced I’ll never become bored of it.  

If you’re someone who also loves to go down rabbit holes on RANDOM topics (🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️), this is for you. Each episode explains the economics & data behind everyday topics (some deep; some inconsequential), but in an entertaining, easy-to-understand way. 

Here’s an example— A Deep-Dive on Trader Joe’s (And Why It’s So Successful)

I am often drawn to more lighthearted podcasts as a bit of a reprieve— but Freakonomics tend to strike the “sweet spot” of easy listening, but still thought-provoking. It’s entertaining, yet makes you think about the hidden side of everyday things. Highly recommend!

Mike’s hot honey— get some. That’s all.

From drizzling on top of pizza and avocado toast all the way to topping your salmon or addding a unique kick to your cocktails— this stuff takes anything you’re consuming to the next level with its spicy-sweetness.

After 4 years, my beloved Sorel winter boots officially kicked the bucket. But, as a Northern Minnesotan who absolutely abuses her boots, I was VERY impressed by the longevity.

Now, as the winter chill quickly approaches, I am researching which pair of boots I am going to get as replacement.

With footwear, I used to always go the cheap route, but have learned invest in quality—especially for something as functional as winter boots.

^^While I am prepping for the upcoming winter, I am obviously enjoying all of the fall goodness I can! Northern Minnesota in autumn is magic.

In preparation for the cold & snow & slush— I wantto find the blend of something that’s not too bulky/outdoorsy, but also can handle the Minnesota elements. Practical, yet cute. Easy to put on, yet durable. Great traction is a must.

AKA, I’m looking for a boot that functions like a winter boot, but doesn’t necessarily look like a winter boot.

Here’s what I’m considering—

1. SOREL. This is the brand I’ll likely go with. As I mentioned, Sorels are built. to. last. (I’ve only had 2, but both held up for years). Some of their designs are more classic while others lean more trendy and unique. I am debating between multiple options, and I like them all in different ways!

   1. Option one (A classic. Could be hard to “dress up”, but a fantastic casual-but-still-cute option.)

   2. Option two (This is hands down the most cute & “more dressy” option… but something I probably couldn’t wear for a true outdoorsy snowday. Logic aside, I remain very tempted, haha.),

   3. Option three (My frontrunner. While not my favorite in either looks or function— I think this is the best “blend” of outdoor function but still decently cute. Trying to figure out if it has “warmth” material on the inside. If not, it’s a no.)

   4. Option four (Cute! Easy to throw on! I love the color options! Warm! But, once again, more difficult to “dress up”.)

   5. Option five (Okay, I probably won’t get these, but I think they’re fun and would look so cute with an athleisure outfit. Maybe this is just my millennial self trying to stay ~on trend~ with Gen Z. Send help.)
      

2. BLUNDSTONES: I’ve never tried this brand, but have heard great things. This option is more of a “cute” winter boot, but still quite sturdy & practical with great traction. I’m concerned it won’t be warm enough though? This may be a better option for someone who doesn’t live in the tundra, ha!
   

3. SOMETHING ELSE: While I am happy with the above options, I am open to any other winter boot recommendations you have in the comments! This is a big purchase that will [hopefully] last me years so I’m being extra picky.

Embracing— my skin.

As mentioned above, it’s starting to get chilly here in Minnesota. In a state where the seasonal shifts are so drastic, my skin often reacts with cyclical shifts of its own based on ebbs in air, temp, moisture, etc.

Annnnnd, like clockwork, my seasonal dry skin returned.

But thankfully, I have gotten quite good at managing it over the years. So, instead of being annoyed or fighting it— I’m allowing it. I can’t change it so I might as well work with it.

And really, this “embracing” mindset just means making a few strategic shifts with my skincare routine ◡̈ It’s crazy how just 1 or 2 changes can bring my skin back to balance. Here’s what I do in the winter—

One of the best things I’ve ever done for my face is learning to tweak my skincare routine seasonally. It’s typically just 1-2 small changes in my regimen each season, but it does wonders!

• FOR MY BODY: I make sure I dry brush daily to naturally exfoliate (not to mention, it’s amazing for lymphatic health. Win-win!). Then, I apply this INCREDIBLE body oil (it’s spendy so I use it only about 1-2x per week as a “treat”, haha. Then, I’ll use a more affordable organic jojoba oil the rest of the time). For extra dry areas (hands, elbows, etc.), I apply this body butter (it’s so luxurious).
  

• FOR MY FACE: In the winter, my whole skincare routine generally stays the same, except for 2 small changes— I will switch from my go-to “clarifying serum” to the “plumping serum” (plumps & brightens dull, dry, wrinkle-prone skin). Then, each night, I apply a thin layer of “the baby balm” as the final step of my skincare routine to seal in allllll the goodness.

^^PSA: This baby balm is only $18 and is one of my FAVORITE skincare products of all time— provides rich (but not greasy) moisture & is made with nourishing, organic ingredients.

Ya know how on the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” the grandpa is OBSESSED with Windex and thinks it’s the cure-all for everything? That’s how I am with this baby balm, hahahah. Eye wrinkles? Baby balm. Chapped lips? Baby balm. Dull complexion? Baby balm. Dry winter skin? BABY BALM

(And, PSA, you can always save 10% on those skincare items^^ with my code, KATE10. Not sponsored at all, but just a genuine recommendation & affiliate link for my favorite clean skincare brand. Nontoxic ingredients that *work*. Enjoy!)

…About YOU. For real.

Just a note that if life feels overwhelming for you right now— you are TRULY not alone 🫶🏼

At our virtual book club the other night, many said life has just felt a bit draining lately— for a multitude of [valid] reasons. The world is heavy right now.

And I’ve been right there with ya! As I’ve mentioned, I felt in a “funk” recently (remember when a literal fish fell from the sky?) 🫠😮‍💨 Thankfully, I am feeling more like myself again— but honestly just ACCEPTING that I felt off & giving myself grace & *allowing* the funk to happen helped in a weird way?

Funks happen. Draining times happen. LIFE happens.

We aren’t meant to operate on 100% every moment of every day. Surrendering to this truth can be so freeing.

So, my friend, let this be a reminder to soften. To give yourself a break. To ask for help. To be okay with giving 70% on some days. To say no (to certain things). And say yes (to other things). To adjust your expectations—for yourself and others. To be informed & aware— but also to take care of yourself in the process. To give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling. And, ultimately, to flow and work with the season of life you’re currently in (not where you wish you were).

Sending love your way!

And, for real— do you have any thoughts on which pair of boots I should get? (I am so torn!) Are you also obsessed with Mike’s Hot Honey? Do you have any podcast recs for me?! If so, let me know in the comments below! I genuinely read every single one.