Recap – What’s happened since February

It has been a weird year of blogging so far, but we’re still here! Slower, more intentional, and hopefully the most impactful. Since February, life has been…volunteering, a taco food tour, a friends’ wedding, cookbook clubs, mahjong meetups, a big trip to the Philippines, World Cup watching, reading, and a summer of hot dogs, to keep it short.

Curious – time flies, how do you keep track of your days?

Watching

You might know I watch a lot of TV. Besides World Cup matches, here’s what I’ve watched this year and recommend.

• Stranger Things (Netflix) – The 5th and final season came out. Can you believe it’s been 10 years since the first episode? They wrapped up the show nicely.
• The Pitt (HBO) – Season 2 of this award-winning show came out this spring. It’s one of my favorite shows. If you like medical dramas, this one will captivate you and give you a stressful, in-depth look at what it’s like in an ER.
• Shrinking (Apple TV) – The 3rd and final season of Shrinking was released. This is a feel-good, hits-deep kind of show that focuses on chosen family.
• People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix) – A lovely movie adaptation from one of my favorite authors, Emily Henry. This sweet romance is about friends to lovers.
• Off-Campus (Prime) – I’m obsessed with this college hockey romance show. It’s not just college kids falling in love. It’s a show that depicts healthy relationship habits and healing. But yes, there are also good-looking guys playing hockey.
• Rooster (HBO) – This drama-comedy stars Steve Carell as the lead. He takes a writer-in-residence job at a college to be near his daughter, whose marriage is ending.

Social Exhaustion

Are you introverted or extroverted? If you’re more introverted like I am, you have to recharge from too much socialization. If you’re feeling it, here’s a list for you. Pro tip: build these habits into your life. For me, I read every day, and I try to limit myself to one or two friend outings a week.

Epic Adventures in Every State

Need some travel inspiration? This list on Afar shares some epic adventures. With America’s 250th birthday, there’s been a big focus on things to see and do in the country. The World Cup is happening in multiple US cities right now, adding to the press around great sights!

Simple

On the other side of making memories, going to work, and doing all the things, are people who are feeling overwhelmed. I like this list of 6 things we can do to make things simpler. It shares ways to slow down and be present in the midst of all the things. Like this little note. 

I also feel this Substack article about being online deeply. As someone who has lived a lot of life online (this blog is 13+ years old), it’s a reminder to connect with people in real life and find inspiration outside of the screen.

Single 40s

I know a handful of people in their 30s and 40s who aren’t married. It’s a typical occurrence. This article reminds us why that is ok, even cool. I’ve thought about this, though – where are the matches for my friends?

How to Be Happy

Finland is the happiest country in the world. What is it? These four things help:

• Work-life balance
• Access to nature
• Learning new skills
• High trust

Overall, it’s a feeling of contentment and satisfaction over happiness. Maybe if we lower expectations, take responsibility for our own happiness, and acknowledge gratitude for the small things, we’ll see more satisfaction every day.

Space

Have you seen these photos the Artemis II mission took?

Are you emotionally mature?

This list of 8 habits might be something we all need. Conflict and disagreement will happen. How do you react? Can you work through the emotions in your mind and body?

The Cost of AI

Elsie Larson wrote this article about AI that echoes how I feel. We use AI too freely. I know it can speed up work and help generate ideas, but what do we lose? Is using it training our brains to think less? Will it affect how creative we are in the long run? How will these shortcuts change the way we think, do, and expect? Is it teaching us to devalue human work and creativity? Will our work start looking and sounding the same? I don’t have answers, but it’s a good conversation topic!

5 Things I Love Lately

• Summer – not the heat and mosquitoes, but the overall easy-going vibes
• Bakeries – so many new ones in Austin!
• Gardening – watching food grow from seeds
• Watermelon – find the smallest blossom end, and you’ll find the best one
• World Cup – I can bandwagon most sports, and the series has had some good games

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Recap

Hello! As I mentioned in my annual goals post, Captivations posts are moving to bi-monthly, so here’s the first one of the year. The format of these posts won’t change; they’ll still feature life recaps, things on my mind, and interesting articles.

I started this year at full steam, energetically and enthusiastically. It helped that I had plenty on my calendar, like volunteering, cookbook club, mahjong, and catching up with friends. It’s a reminder that, in between the big highlights, are the everyday things that add up to a life.

Spark Creativity

Make this year more creative! If you’re feeling dull in life, here are 5 ways to break out of it. I like the idea of micro goals. Also, check out this list of boring ways to become more creative. If you wait to be inspired, it may never come. But if you start moving and doing, it can spark ideas. Think about what creative season you are in right now – play, practice, or produce?

Personal Boundaries

I really like this Time article about weaponizing personal boundaries. Boundaries are sometimes not black and white, not one-size-fits-all. This paragraph summarizes the sentiment well: “Too often, we use boundaries to opt out of hard conversations with those we love. But if we truly love and value our relationships, we need to build our capacity for boundaries that are flexible, contextual, and that can shift and change over time—just like we do.” 

Similarly, in this post by therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, she explains that relationships require a bit of inconvenience because of preferences and imperfect human nature. Your inconvenience is necessary to be a good friend and part of a community. For example, I have people with dietary restrictions in my life, and when I cook or bake for potlucks, I take extra time and effort to find recipes that everyone can enjoy. There may be fewer recipes to choose from, the recipe may require me to procure different ingredients, and it may not turn out as well as a tried-and-true recipe without dietary restrictions. These inconveniences are things I can work around fairly easily, and the reward is being inclusive. When it comes to these kinds of boundaries, only you can decide whether you’d rather take on the inconvenience or cut ties.

We also use “boundaries” to opt out of hard things that could help us expand. A straightforward example is working out. I could argue that when I’m not working out, I’m taking an extra rest day to recover, but maybe I’m just feeling lazy and don’t want to go through a hard workout. It takes me being honest and remembering the result I want to achieve to follow through on my commitment. Many times, I’m better for it, and it’s not as bad as I made it out to be.

Bird Watching

Is it just me and my circle, or is birding very trendy right now? It does boost cognition, and we could all use some of that!

Values Bridge Test

I found an online test that measures your life values in 100 questions. The Values Bridge Test shares that there are 16 human values, and the free version of the test will give you your top three. The results describe the values in detail and share the things to look out for when you’re out of alignment. I wasn’t entirely surprised by my results, only that certain values ranked so high. What do you do with the results? Make sure your goals and actions align with your values. It can help you analyze why you might be feeling unmotivated or frustrated and lead you to feel more fulfilled.

Women’s Health

As an aging woman, I’ve been attracted to media giving guidance and tips on what others have learned. The healthcare system has not progressed to the point where women’s health issues are fully understood and even believed. As with much of the U.S. healthcare system, pills to decrease symptoms are the quick, go-to solution instead of finding and alleviating the root cause of these symptoms. Until then, we’ll lean on people and resources to help us advocate for ourselves. Here are some:

• Luminescence Podcast
• This article on Cycle Syncing
• Dr Jolene Brighten’s blog posts about perimenopause and menopause

Reading

• What are my book lovers reading lately? My recent favorites include Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell and Dear America by Jose Antonio Vargas.
• Did you know musical artist Dua Lipa has a website for articles and stories called Service95? She is also an avid reader, so books are largely featured. Check out their best books list.
• Last fall, I got a new cookbook called 108 Asian Cookies. I baked all my holiday cookies from it. This book is important because representation matters. It features an Asian baker, flavors, ingredients, and stories. Purchase your copy here.

Travel Ideas

Remember when I used to have regular travel ideas in my Fearless Wanderlust posts (71 posts!)? I’ll be adding some inspiration in Captivations posts, and you can always go back to old posts.

• Fredericksburg has long been a weekend getaway destination, and with its growth, it’s catching the national eye, like in this Food and Wine article.
• I will travel for food. This post shares memorable meals worth traveling for.
• If you’re near one of these “25 Most Spectacular Trees” be sure to stop! I visited the Angel Oak near Charleston, and it was incredible.
• What do you eat when traveling the U.S.? In Texas, they recommend fajitas. What do you think about this state food list?

5 Things I Love Lately

Some of my favorite brands! (You can find more of my favorites on this new page.)

• OMA – instant seaweed bone broth
• Pepper – bras for smaller boobs
• Ippodo – my favorite matcha
• Fishwife – really good tinned fish
• Blueland – clean and zero-waste cleaning products

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October, November, December Recap

I’ve got so much to catch you up on! October was full of football, November was nearly three weeks of pseudo-sickness (mild cold or sinus infection with a little bit of allergies?), and December has been so many cookies. Here are some posts you might have missed:

• Crafting Mosaic Art at The Mosaic Workshop in Austin
• Holiday Cookie Party: Recap of 3 Parties and 43 Cookies
• I Made This! – My Year of Crafting
• Best Things I Ate in 2025
• Linoleum Printmaking Workshop at 7th Street Candle Co

Gentle Practices

I really like this list of gentle practices to add ease. Habits like creating breaks in your schedule, relaxing into doing nothing, and giving yourself permission can help you create more ease. This will give you more peace and less burnout.

Bathe in the Forest

Did you know that forest bathing can improve your health? Activating your five senses in a forest – like listening to the birds sing and smelling the flowers – can reduce stress and blood pressure. See the study details here.

New Rollercoaster

Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas is set to open the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster next year. The ride will drop 285 feet from a height of 309 feet and reach a top speed of 87 mph along 4,199 feet of track. Wow! Learn about the roller coaster here.

A Tribute

Tatiana Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, penned this piece about her battle with a rare blood cancer. It’s a detailed piece about the struggles of illness and a statement about the destruction of medical advancements in the U.S. A mother of two young children and 35 years old makes death more heartbreaking. She passed on December 30th.

Foraging Vacation

On my bucket list – a foraging adventure! I’m envisioning a single-day adventure to get familiar with it. Here’s a list of foraging vacation options.

12 Basic Values

Research shows there are 12 basic values, and knowing your hierarchy of values will guide your actions. These develop when we’re young and stay consistent as we grow.

Ode to Gratitude

If you need some journal prompts or questions to think through, my friend Sharon has some in this post.

18 Favorite Hotels

I admit – sometimes I stay at “ok” hotels on my travels and book based on location and price. I’m typically spending the majority of my time exploring, so a luxurious stay isn’t a big priority. This list of hotels has some gorgeous options, and it’s making me ready for my next trip!

5 Things I Love Lately

• The Life of a Showgirl – Taylor Swift’s newest album
• Football season
• Matcha
• Crafts
• Holiday time off

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August and September Recap

I’ve been doing a lot, and the fall season seems to compound the busyness. So, as we move into the final 3 months of the year, I’m reminding myself to slow down and be intentional with my time. That includes a lot of hobbies – reading, playing mahjong, volunteering, and crafting – while also making time for family, friends, and football. I can’t believe we’re sliding into the end of the year, but it’s going to be a great season! Some fun things from the last 2 months:

• Completing my first OrangeTheory DriTri (2000 meter row, 300 body weight exercises, 3.1 mile treadmill)
• Hitting 450 classes at OrangeTheory (in about 4 years)
• Scuba continuing education
• Celebrating our anniversary
• Making my own perfume at 7th Street Candle Co

Stress Less

If you need some reminders about how to stress less, here is a great list. I noticed that these are things that have become regular things in my life. I give my best – whatever it looks like that day – and I accept that it is what it is. It’s a fine balance of reaching for my potential and having realistic expectations.

50 States, 50 Desserts

CNTraveler picked out a signature dessert for every state! This was a fun education about dessert types and origins. Do you agree that Texas’s dessert is tres leches?

Best Lessons from 100+ Self-Help Books

6 quick things from this list on The Everygirl, the article gives a good explanation of each.

• Pursue interests from a place of curiosity
• Make alone time productive
• Live as your best self now
• Focus more on how your life feels
• Write down your intentions and view them daily
• Agree to always do your best

One of the most satisfying parts of being in my late 30s is already knowing and recognizing these things. I don’t do them perfectly, but those tips are in my arsenal for my best life.

The 40th Birthday Trip

As my friends move toward 40, they’re planning birthday celebrations, including celebration trips. That’s why I went to Cozumel, Mexico and NYC last year. This article analyzes the 40th birthday trip, and I think this quote is a good summary: “It felt like my life’s work of building friendships — it felt worth it.” Celebrating with a trip can seem indulgent, but I always encourage getting people together, especially for a birthday. 

Reach Out To Friends

Studies show people like it when friends reach out to each other. It might sound like a “duh,” but sometimes you hesitate to reach out because too much time has passed or you don’t have any specific update to give. However, it can bring up nostalgia, and it’s nice to be thought of. Read the full article about this study.

10 Lessons from 10 Years of Marriage

In honor of celebrating my anniversary, here’s a good article from Yung Pueblo about marriage lessons. The lessons:

• The energy for your growth must come from you.
• Don’t get stuck just doing logistics and mundane things.
• Past pain gets in the way of love.
• It takes time to truly learn how to care for each other.
• Throw away the idea of perfection. 
• Arguments are for understanding not battling.
• Preventative communication.
• Finding ways to say ‘I love you’ beyond words. 
• Team mindset. 
• Sharing leadership.

When I first got married, I wondered why people said that marriage was hard. I’ve since learned that it’s not necessarily “hard,” but you do encounter challenges that don’t magically go away. You have to work on personal growth while making time for your relationship. It’s been a fun journey!

Being Bad at Something

When’s the last time you did something you were bad at? If you’re like me, you try to avoid it. It just doesn’t feel good when you fail, but that is where the growth is! You have to practice to get better at something. I’ve seen it in my kitchen. Remember when I didn’t know my way around the kitchen, but then I cooked through a cookbook several times? It built my confidence and my interest in cooking.

5 Things I Love Lately

• Figs from a friend’s tree (since my trees are not producing)
• Slow Horses – Seasons 1-5 are on Apple TV
• Photo booths
• Repotting my monstera into 4 separate pots!
• Football season

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July Recap

This July in Austin, Texas will be remembered for the devastating floods in Kerrville, Georgetown, and surrounding areas. Within several hours, the Guadalupe River rose 35 feet, causing widespread destruction to homes and camps along the river. Most notably, Camp Mystic, a girls’ camp, lost 27 campers and counselors, and many of the campers were 8 or 9 years old. Loss is always hard to comprehend, but there’s even bigger heartache when it comes to children. The hows and whys may never be answered, and I’m praying the final missing are found and the survivors and family are surrounded by love and generosity.

Aaron Parsley and his family were in their family river house when the flood came. His account of what happened will break your heart.

In my own life, July was a little brighter. Friends came to visit from out of town, we had our annual summer friend pool party, and we took a stress and rescue scuba diving class to further our skills. Overall, a memorable month.

Special Interests

• Book lovers – here’s an Instagram account for you
• Watch squirrels at the window

Life Lessons

These monthly Captivations posts have largely been my way of sharing life tips I’ve found. This is a good list of 7 life lessons from Becoming Minimalist. The most meaningful to me right now is #5: “We don’t drift into purpose—we walk there deliberately.”

Building Community

Community has been on my mind a lot. It’s been one of my goals for the last few years. This article by Nadia Meli shows the connections between community and capitalism. The article aims to broaden your perspective on community, from casual friends to people you can call on for whatever you need.

Andrea Gibson

Poet and activist Andrea Gibson passed this month after living with ovarian cancer. I hadn’t heard of her before her passing, but I’ve since listened to her speak and read her poems and feel the loss of someone who shared her immense love and insight with the world. I’m looking forward to reading her books. Here are a few links to get to know Andrea:

• NBC Interview
• I Stopped Waiting for Awe to Find Me
• This Poem

Speaking of Heroes

Here are some people doing cool things:

• This dad will teach you all the things you need to know
• Maggie Doyne moved to Nepal as a young adult and became the guardian to over 50 orphaned children
• Shark Whisperer is a new documentary on Netflix sharing marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey’s mission to save the sharks

Underrated UNESCO Sites

You’ve heard of the most popular UNESCO sites – Great Wall, Taj Mahal, and Yosemite National Park. But of the 1,248 sites, some of the most underrated are waiting for you to visit.

How to Care

Not sure what to do? Show that you care. This article describes 5 ways to advocate for change.

Asking Magical Questions

If you want to create dynamic conversations, try asking magical questions. These help you get to know someone or take the conversation deeper. Some examples from this article include:

• What’s a gift you got that you deeply loved?
• What are three gifts you would give aliens on behalf of humanity?
• When was the last time you used glitter?
• What was the first concert you went to, and who took you?

5 Things I Love Lately

• Good matcha
• The Summer I Turned Pretty – Season 3 is happening now
• Baking cookies
• Frozen drinks
• Stained glass

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June Recap

We are fully into summer now! I hope your time has been slower, more thoughtful, and relaxing. The heat tends to slow us down, but the desire to make the most of summer seems to pack the calendar. Here are some things going on with me:

• I’ve been working out at Orangetheory for about 4 years now (should hit 500 classes this year!), and this month we started the Push30 Challenge. It’s a month of stacked healthy habits like drinking more water, spending time outside, and improving sleep quality while aiming to take 12 classes. I’m taking on drinking 2.7 liters of water every day, and it’s been hard, but it’s a necessary habit I want to develop.
• Over the last two months, I’ve signed on to three major international trips in the next two years. They are dream trips, so I’m excited to see them come to fruition. However, a lot of planning is required until then.
• The girls’ trip finally made it out of the group chat! We took a much-needed trip to Round Top, about an hour and a half from Austin. We did a little shopping around downtown, enjoyed the pool at our house, and caught up.

Compassion

This month started with protests turning into riots in Los Angeles. Here’s a little primer if you missed it.

• ICE was created in 2003, following September 11th. From 2020-2024, an annual average of 352,000 people have been deported.
• This year’s ICE detainments have been inhumane, targeting people at elementary graduations, detaining in front of children, detaining without due process, and showing no compassion for people who have had legal status for decades.
• Undocumented immigrants have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) used to file taxes. Undocumented immigrants paid $97 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022. In Texas, it was $4.9 billion in 2022. There are 5.8 million active ITINs.
• Another argument is that detainees are criminals. What if the person has already served their time for the crime and has rebuilt their life?
• But really, we shouldn’t have to justify someone’s worth.
• Can the administration find solutions to provide a better (clearer, less expensive, more productive) road to citizenship or legal status?
• The systems are broken. Will our government do its job and fix them?

Everything is Political

If you feel like what you do doesn’t make a difference, remember that your impact will be biggest in your community. Build the community you want.

• Follow your local politics. Learn about your council members, representatives, and senators.
• Support your local non-profits with your time and money.
• Support your local businesses with your purchases and reviews.
• Be thoughtful about your spending and do what’s in your power to live a rich life.

Recipes To Try

• Chicken Shawarma – Love a shawarma recipe because it’s easy and tasty
• Lemon Blueberry Scone – I added lemon juice and zest to this blueberry scone recipe, and it was good. It’s dairy-free
• Shredded Kale Salad with Grapefruit – You may have seen this recipe before because it’s my all-time favorite salad recipe. We like adding salmon to it
• Strawberry Cream Pretzel Tart – I made a version of this recipe for my friend’s pie party

For White Lotus Fans

If you watched the latest (Season 3) of the show White Lotus in Thailand, you’ll like this Variety interview with Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood, who played Rick and Chelsea. It’s an insightful revelation in how actors develop and embody their characters and feel great sadness when it’s over.

Labubus

Labubus are one of the latest doll trends people can’t get enough of. If you’re not familiar, think Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards. As this article analyzes, the obsession with these “ugly” dolls is driven by limited quality and exclusivity. Last year, it was Sonny Angels, and next year it will be something else. I can appreciate the joy that people get from these toys, but in 5 years, what will become of these trends?

Summer Reading Challenge

I loved summer reading as a kid. Sticker charts at my public library were my favorite, and I read so much. Do you need a summer reading challenge? Check out this one from The Everygirl. Need book recommendations? Check out my book lists here.

Stolen Adoptees

This article from the New Yorker shares about the heartbreaking time in the ‘90s when Chinese infants were adopted, though secretly stolen and sold, by families in the U.S. under the premise that they were orphans or unwanted. DNA tests and searches by the Chinese families and adoptees have revealed the truth about over 160,000 children.

Vampire Dilemma

When you’re faced with a big decision, it’s sometimes hard to rationally understand the weight of the decision. It’s like if you’re trying to decide to become a vampire; there are pros and cons you can’t comprehend until you’re there. In short, each decision is the “right” decision because it paves the path for who we will become. This post explains this more.

Envy

What do you envy, and what does it reveal about your life? This article reminds us that comparison can become resentment, and when it comes to envying your friends, it can damage your relationships.

5 Things I Love Lately

• Sunflowers
• Eating pie
• When friends surprise me with snacks
• Using my Bookshop link to buy books
• Surprise flowers in the yard (pictured above)

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May Recap

And just like that, we’ve moved into summer! May has been a good month with dinner parties, two weekends in Dallas, going back to one of my favorite restaurants, and trying out a silversmith class. 

People keep asking what trip I’m taking this summer, which keeps reminding me that I don’t have my next trip planned! I think it’s a combination of wanting to save money, anticipating some big trips in the next few years, and not feeling strongly pulled to any certain location. If you have recommendations for a long weekend getaway in the U.S., let me know!

Wow, the universe

There’s a new photo from the James Webb Space Telescope (released 4/29/2025), and if you needed reminding, we are a micro speck in one galaxy in a universe of galaxies. This photo was taken when the universe was 6.5 billion years old, and it is currently 13.8 billion years old. What is space and time?

You need a midlife crisis

I liked this read about the midlife crisis. We know the “midlife crisis” from movies – the one that is reckless and juvenile. But what if it’s not about the crisis, but the opportunity to ask ourselves the big questions like “What do I want with the time I have left?” If you’re lucky, you can take the path you want. It’s not necessarily about fixing your life but having a lot more fun, finding meaning, and being honest about what you truly want.

Gravestone Cookbook

Have you ever seen a gravestone with a recipe? It’s a thing! And Rosie has been making these recipes (and sharing on Instagram, of course) for years. She’s taken 40 of the gravestone recipes from around the world and put them into an upcoming cookbook called To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes. Each recipe is accompanied by photos of the food, stories from the family, and a photo of the gravestone. If you were to have a recipe on your gravestone, what would it be?

Dancing with the limp

Andrew Knapp is one of my favorite writers that I follow, and his thoughts on grief (losing his dog and his mom) have been comforting. This piece is about learning to dance with the limp. The loss is the limp, and you can’t get rid of it, but you can learn how to live and find joy while having it. If you have kids (or if you’d like a quick, thoughtful read), Andrew also published a children’s book called Find Momo Everywhere about the passing of his beloved dog.

Asian Art at Really Small Museum

Really Small Museum: Point B features monthly installations, and May’s exhibit was called Rooted in Resilience: Heritage and Innovation in Agriculture. The installation featured nine Austin-based artists of Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese descent. It explores each artist’s connection between community and food. The stories about each piece are really cool! Two of my friends – Kathy and Kelly – were featured in the exhibit, and it makes me proud to see friends sharing their art.

Women’s Health

I like that conversations around women’s health are becoming more widespread and that there’s a movement toward more natural solutions. (Maybe I’m noticing it more because I’m seeking information.) These solutions look like food as medicine and supplements instead of prescriptions. From fertility to menopause to general overall health, I think there are other options than taking a prescription, especially when you aren’t aware of the long-term effects of that pill. Finding alternatives may take time, testing, and dedication, but optimal health has a lot to do with what you’re consuming.

Related to women’s health, here are three resources that could be helpful for you:

• Hormones: Dr. Jolene Brighten is a leader in women’s medicine, and I learned a lot by reading her book Beyond the Pill. Her website is a resource for learning more: https://drbrighten.com/
• Nutrition: I met my friend Sharon as a food blogger, and she has since gained abundant knowledge about food as medicine. Her drive was finding solutions for her then one-year-old son, who was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease. Contact Sharon if you’re looking for a personalized meal plan.
• Guidance: Through her personal health challenges and working in healthcare, my friend Abby has learned (and is learning) how to navigate the healthcare system and now guides others. If you’re not feeling well and need some advice on where to start, Abby can help.

Hormone-Free

Related to the above, this has been a personal journey as well. Last year, I stopped hormonal birth control (to a non-hormonal option) after more than a decade! Thankfully, I have not had serious issues before, during, and after hormonal birth control. I’ve been making moves toward optimal health for a while now (healthier diet, more exercise, less chemicals, etc), and it felt right, crucial even, to no longer have synthetic hormones. To ease the transition, I’ve been eating certain foods and taking supplements, which I assume are helping since I have no side effects. I had expected major acne, body aches, and mood swings. Overall, it’s comforting to know I’m more in control of my body.

Health solutions are a very personal decision, and I’m not saying taking hormonal birth control is wrong or bad. Doctors don’t typically share the full scope of side effects or long-term effects of prescriptions. They aim to solve the current symptoms in the fastest way possible instead of correcting the root causes. One example is prescribing hormonal birth control to teenage girls for acne. Some studies show these teens have an increased risk of depression, cervical cancer, and other issues as adults. It’s also much easier for patients to accept the quick solution of a pill than the long-term work of diet, exercise, and supplements. 

We, as patients, have to do the extensive research and advocate for ourselves.

Wicked

I recently (finally) watched the movie, and I loved it! I saw the touring musical years ago, but the movie was another level. The music was fantastic, and maybe (probably) because of the political climate, the story felt even more meaningful. I can’t wait for part 2 to come out this year.

Ottine Mineral Springs

If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip from Austin, Ottine Mineral Springs is located about an hour away in Gonzales. I recently visited for a friend’s private reservation and found out they opened a larger resort-like area with additional pools. You can get a day pass to soak ($65 or $75), enjoy the cold and hot plunges, sauna, and lounge areas.

5 Things I Love Lately

• My friend’s new pizza oven – a fun dinner party idea
• Kwok chai – individually packaged, fried pastry that we blew through
• Ice cream season
• Pickle pizza
• Luling watermelon and watermelon season!

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April 2025

First, thank goodness for spring, warmer weather, greener nature, and an overall awakening that comes with the season!

After my Guatemala trip at the end of February, I wrote four posts recapping my trip. Did you catch them?

• Guatemala Travel Guide + 1-Week Itinerary
• 9 Best Things to Do in Guatemala
• Eating and Drinking in Guatemala + Favorite Restaurants
• Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike in Guatemala

The Austin Food Bloggers Alliance published its 2025 City Guide! This annual guide shares our favorite eats and drinks around the city. Here are a few of my contributions:

• Best Cupcakes in Austin
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

March and April were about continuing the building. I say this a lot – often we see the end result, and big announcements, but we miss the day-to-day hustle that gets us there. The person who looks fit? She goes to the gym even when she doesn’t feel like it. The person who has a vibrant community? She shows up and invests time in others. That person is me. The building includes going to dinner parties with friends, hosting mahjong meet-ups, volunteering, and going to the gym.

Now Watching

There have been a lot of good shows recently, and we might watch a lot more TV than others. Here are some recommendations.

• Shrinking (AppleTV) – There are 2 seasons of this feel-good show out, and you’ll be laughing along. It reminds me of Ted Lasso but more family and less soccer. This comedy-drama is about therapists and their real lives.
• Severance (AppleTV) – Season 2 of this thriller came out recently, and it will give you a lot of questions. What would you do if you could have two lives, independently thinking of each other?
• White Lotus (Max) – Season 3 was a doozy for this satirical drama. It will simultaneously make you cringe and feel thankful. This one features people on vacation, and sometimes, they are our worst qualities exemplified.
• The Pitt (Max) – The first season debuted, and it is already one of the best shows available right now. Watch if you like medical dramas and can handle watching the stress of an ER.
• Paradise (Hulu) – This new sci-fi drama is a bit predictable but interesting.
• Hacks (Max) – Season 4 of this comedy-drama is now playing, and it’s a fun watch.
• Poker Face (Peacock) – Just started this series (2 seasons out now) and am very intrigued. It’s a mystery-of-the-week series.
• The Last of Us (Max) – Season 2 of this show is now releasing, but I haven’t started it.
• The Four Seasons (Netflix) – Binged this comedy-drama series in a weekend. Stars Tina Fey, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell.

World’s Oldest Person

She was 117 before she passed last year. Her secret to long life was her genes! They started studying them before she passed and found a very healthy microbiome. The healthy habits that probably contributed to her health: Mediterranean diet including 3 yogurts daily, no alcohol and smoking, walking, and surrounding herself with loving family and friends.

My Hero Rick

Back before travel bloggers (and even now), there was Rick Steves. We joked that he was the 5th traveler in our group when we went to Spain. Based on his thoughtful and sometimes vulnerable content and interviews like this, he seems like a kind and generous person. I’m looking forward to reading his newest book!

The Overbearing Mom

Did you have (or do you have) an overbearing mom? One who was tough and controlling? Joining the club! While the intention was love, the result is the opposite – stress and low self-esteem. This article has some solutions.

Romanticizing Your Life

Another secret to happiness: romanticize your life. This is in the same vein as finding gratitude. If we can find ways to fall in love with our life and see it differently, we’ll find happiness where we weren’t expecting it.

Making Life Tolerable

Look, romanticizing your life is whimsical, but sometimes you need tips to make your life tolerable. Especially when you turn on the news and count the times you have to say WTF. This list of 8 things gives you actionable items.

Journaling

This 100-year-old woman has been journaling every day for 90 years! It looks like many entries are a few sentences. Did you know journaling reduces stress? 

Relationship Expectations

Here’s a quick 8:30-minute TED talk by a couples therapist. She reminds us that the stresses and issues of our relationships could be because we are seeing them through the lens of others. You have the permission to do things your own way!

Where to Buy Books

Read your favorite books and support me by purchasing books through my Bookshop! While my first recommendation is borrowing from your local library, I know firsthand that waitlists can extend months, which isn’t ideal when you want a certain book. So, if you need to purchase a book, check out Bookshop, an online platform that supports independent booksellers.

Salaries to Live Comfortably

This list of 10 major U.S. cities and how much you need to make to live comfortably is eye-opening. The number calculates basic expenditures plus money for leisure, savings, and investing. At #73, Austin’s numbers look like this:

• Salary needed to live comfortably: $113,852
• Median household income: $91,461
• Average monthly cost of living: $4,744

Making Money

Personal finance is extra hot right now, thanks to information being dispersed on social media. It can be summarized in two points: spend less than you earn and invest early.

Here are some of my favorite financial learning resources. I’m linking their Instagram accounts, but they have various platforms, like books, podcasts, and websites:

• Ramit Sethi
• Girl Chasing Wealth
• Your Rich BFF
• Her First 100K

5 Things I Love Lately

• Great smelling, non-toxic candles (like the ones from Hanna House and this candle class I took)
• Reminder to go touch grass or pet a dog
• Music of Gracie Abrams (I’m in deep!)
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Specialty ice cream from Bésame

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January Recap

It’s a new year and finally time to acknowledge that it’s the beginning of a strange time. Already, political news has many fearful and natural disasters and human disasters continue sadness. I hope more and more people realize it’s all connected, from how we grow our food to how we treat others. What a privilege it is to look away and what a gift it is to stay vigilant, vocal, and compassionate.

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie, physicist and chemist

Miniatures

I’ve been long fascinated by DIY dollhouses and my friend gifted me a DIY kit for my birthday last year. I spent 7 straight hours putting together the miniature bakery in that photo at the top! It gave me a strange amount of joy and satisfaction, from creating something out of hundreds of pieces and because it’s so cute. It continues to do so as I admire it on my desk.

What is Travel?

I learned this long ago – you can’t run from yourself. You may find adventure and experiences in a new place and it may transform you, but it’s still you. Love this post for teaching this.

Awe

How do you find satisfaction and happiness in life? Measure your awe. This article is a good read on what that means and how to do that.

Free Little Art

You may know about free little libraries but do you know about free little art galleries? See this map to find ones where you live.

Sit There

What should you do next? What should you do now? Maybe the answer is not to do something but to stop and wait. This article explains it well.

Volunteering

If you’re looking for ways to give back in Austin, this list has a variety of opportunities. Also, check out this list of food-related volunteer jobs.

Japanese Cruise

I don’t love cruises, but I have a feeling this Japanese cruise would be perfect. It has 19 rooms, beautiful design, delicious dining, and more. Prices start at $3,700.

Menopause

I’ve noticed that menopause is being vocalized more in the media. It might be that leading Hollywood ladies are getting older and/or there is a great need to share these stories. As I’m getting older, I’m becoming in tune with this too. I know very little about menopause and the chaos that it creates in a woman’s body. It’s a normal, routine part of life, but almost taboo. I’m glad it’s becoming a conversation topic out in the open! Here’s a podcast episode with Gabby Bernstein and Naomi Watts that shares more.

Friendship

I love this article sharing 24 ways to supercharge your friendships. As I get older and busyness comes and goes, it’s important to make an effort and take care of my relationships.

Attention

The most precious currency: attention. This was a good, thoughtful read about priorities, connection, and meaning.

5 Things I Love Lately

• Celebrating Lunar New Year (this post is still relevant)
• The show Severance – just finished season 1
• Reading
• Trip planning
• Peek of spring weather

The post Captivations v118 – What’s Next appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

As we say goodbye to December and 2024, I hope you reflect on this year with grace. Good things are coming!

What a Privilege

There’s a social media trend around the phrase “what a privilege” right now. It’s an opportunity to look at something from another perspective to find gratitude. I’ve also seen “how lucky am I” said.

For example, I would say what a privilege to:

• Take care of Kaira every day – our dog is happy and nourished, and she brings us lots of joy
• Clean my kitchen every day – we get to cook and enjoy healthy and tasty meals
• Feel tired after a busy weekend – we got to spend time with family and friends
• Endure two weeks of not feeling 100% – I got lots of rest and focused on foods to build my immunity

Speaking of gratitude, I liked this list from a marketing email I got:

• A healthy, coherent parent who is a phone call away.
• A fridge full of yummy, fresh food.
• A neighborhood free from war and persecution.
• A private bathroom with a toilet that flushes (which 1/2 the world population does not have!)

Never Miss 2 Days

We’re getting to the time of evaluating life and making new goals. I like this mindset of never missing two days in a row. Streaks can be hard because if you miss one day, you break your whole streak and feel like a failure, possibly causing you to give up. But if you aim for not missing two days in a row, it’s more manageable as you’re trying to create a new habit or reach for a new goal.

Travel Goals

Joy Ryan didn’t get her passport until she was 91 years old, but three years later, she visited her fourth continent and all 63 National Parks. Her 43-year-old grandson is joining her on many of these adventures. What an inspiration to keep exploring!

How to Make Relationships Work

In this article in The Atlantic, the research shares the crucial point in long-lasting relationships: constant kindness and “turning toward” your partner. In other words, having waning enthusiasm, becoming indifferent, or even becoming negative can weaken your relationship. But active constructive responses can build the relationship.

Most Expensive Michelin Meal

Can you believe the most expensive Michelin meal is $2,130?!! It’s at a restaurant in Tokyo. It makes our $100 Michelin meal in Austin so affordable! See this article for the top 15 most expensive Michelin meals.

Focus on your community

We can get caught up in the big picture, but don’t forget that “small” changes you make where you live and in your community are big for others.

• What issues impact your city and how can you be a part of change?
• What local organizations do you support with your time and money?
• Do you know your city council representative and their goals?
• How can you support your neighbors who live next to you or your chosen family?

We Live in Time

I’m looking forward to watching the new movie We Live in Time. Here’s a joint interview with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield about their movie.

5 Things I Love Lately

• Holiday festivities
• Jon Batiste’s new album Beethoven Blues
• Escape rooms
• New year planning
• This food recap

P.S. The photo above is from my New York trip. See the recap here.

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