VARSITY READER: issue #14
a crowd-pleasing watch, five juicy reads, and travel tips to stay sane
Hi from NYC! I’ve been bouncing around a ton lately (Greece, London, and a weekend trip to Palm Beach), so I’m happy to be writing this from my desk chair vs. a hotel bed. As someone constantly on the go, three travel tips & hacks that always keep me sane:
Walking. I’m an eldest daughter, which means I usually arrive obsessively early to the airport. Instead of plopping myself at the gate, I usually walk a few laps around the airport before boarding begins. Not only does it give me the ego boost of increasing my daily step count, but also makes me feel significantly less blah.
Jumping in my sauna blanket as soon as I get home. My sauna blanket is a godsend. I’ve had for over two years, and use it a few times a week—but especially lean on it after travel. I come home, take a post-flight shower, chug water, and then hop in my sauna blanket. This ritual keeps me feeling refreshed and ensures I sleep very, very well that night! If you don’t already have a sauna blanket, I highly recommend.
Bringing your own snacks to the airport. I’m fully aware that the refrain “We have food at home!” makes me sound like my mom. But airport snacks are $$$…and never healthy. My curated list of healthy-ish snacks will scratch the itch for that candy bar—but provide you with way more nutrition.
The chocolate-covered almonds I always have with me. They taste like the lemon powdered sugar cookies you get at Greek restaurants. $28 for 25 packs. I personally can’t control myself around chocolate-covered *anything,* so these single-serve packs are a must.
P.S. If you’re new around here, welcome! I’m Julia, a brand strategist and content creator based in NYC. I partner with clients to tell standout stories—whether they’re an executive changing careers or a CPG brand looking to reach a new audience across platforms. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @smarterinasec, learn more about me / my services on my website, and of course, right here on Substack.
P.P.S. I’m going to be in Atlanta next week for two nights. Does anyone have any stellar shopping / restaurant recommendations?!
A crowd-pleasing TV recommendation
If you haven’t already seen GHOSTS on CBS, you’re in for a treat. An NYC couple inherits a Hudson Valley estate from a distant relative—and think they have a solid path to riches by opening a B&B. They later discover the estate is full of ghosts who have been there for centuries, foiling their plan. The ghosts range from a Wharton frat bro to a Viking, making for a fun ensemble cast.
A super witty show that’s great for couples or families. With three seasons, there’s lots to binge! We watched the third season last night and forgot how much we loved it.
You can watch on Amazon Prime or Paramount+.
My favorite articles of the week (not shared anywhere else!)
As a varsity reader, I run through articles like athletes run marathons. There’s no way I’d be able to share every article I read (and adore!) on social media each day. Here’s five more, just for you:
They came for Florida's sun and sand. They got soaring costs and a culture war. (NBC News): A juicy read about those who moved to Florida—and regretted it. I know so many New Yorkers who have made the move recently.
The soft life: why millennials are quitting the rat race (The Guardian): A profile of those who are decidedly leaning out…and choosing work-life balance over the pursuit of more, more, more.
The last days of Boston Market (Washington Post): I loved Boston Market! I used to go all the time with my grandparents. The biscuits, cinnamon apples, mac & cheese, and chicken were all delicious.
The Kim Mulkey Way (Washington Post): A disclaimer…I’m the furthest thing from a sports fan. I first learned about Kim Mulkey (head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team) through her glittery, straight-out-of-Vegas outfits. Then I learned more about Kim and her coaching style (which has made her lots of enemies). Highly recommend, even if you’re like me and scored four points *per season* in basketball growing up.
The income everyday Americans earn in every U.S. state—see how your salary measures up (CNBC Make It): I’m always interested in roundups like these.
Career tip of the week
In sessions with career coaching clients and my career AMAs on Instagram, I’m often asked about how to set yourself up for success in a new role.
No matter your career stage, I’d recommend sitting down with your boss during your first week of work to discuss the following:
1. Preferred communication cadence (Would they respond better to a written update about what you're working on each week? Or a quick 15-min touchbase)?
2. Timeline for materials review (If you're having a meeting to discuss a project, do they want to see something in advance so they can absorb? Or do they prefer to see it for the first time at the meeting?)
3. Expectations (How do they define success in the first 90 days? Will you be measured by KPIs? What projects / workstreams will consume most of your time? Any challenges to watch out for, especially in regards to people management?)
My onboarding POV could fill an entire newsletter, but those are my top three tips! Any that you’d add to the list?!
Three damn good buys
An easy white summer dress. I’ve been perpetually searching for a great white dress for summer…and also for upcoming life events 😉. Did I request a month’s notice so that I had enough time to source a wardrobe I loved? Of course. I have been heads-down in the white dress search, and have ordered 10+ dresses so far. Most have been wildly expensive, not flattering, and not versatile (if I’m spending $$$, I want to wear it multiple times—not just at a party or shower!)
And then like a mirage, this embroidered white dress entered the fray. Wow. If you told me it was $360, I would believe you…but it’s $36.99. Looks and feels very luxe. I originally found via Sabrina Chazen on Instagram!
The elevated sweatpants. I work from home, and I wear casual or activewear 90% of the time (on the bottom, at least!)
But I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good. So I’ve been moving away from baggy sweatpants to more sophisticated pieces I’m not embarrassed to walk outside in. And these ribbed, wide-leg pants perfectly fit the bill. I have them in this heather gray shade, and am also eyeing them in navy.
Toss on a T-shirt and a sweater over your shoulders, and you instantly feel pulled together! $46 and an excellent buy.
In case you missed it
How I snagged an internship at HarperCollins at 16 (and the career lesson for all of us)
The professional no-no I hear every day (and an easy reframe)
A personal plug
If you need one-to-one support with your career or content strategy, reach out. Book a free, fifteen-minute discovery call here.
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***The fine print: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I use, love, and can’t live without.
I LOVE Atlanta. I constantly crave a Snackboxe Bistro, a literal hole in the wall in a strip mall in Doraville. That's the first thing I go to when I land no matter the time of day. Get the crispy rice salad and prepare to be wowed. Other than that Jenni's ice cream in Midtown is always a good idea.
Hey Julia - check out my buddy's ATL recommendations. I trust him for providing some hip/hidden gems: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Up6slTUZMb_DPyCQK4c_XwVbGCIrfL-xDO9myfroBFk/edit?usp=sharing