VARSITY READER: issue #3

five standout stocking stuffers, a luggage fiasco, and making the most of 2023

Dec 10, 2023

It’s the middle of December, and I’m in the heart of my holiday cozy era ☃️. Give me all the cheesy Christmas movies, the homemade cookies, and the pages-long holiday updates from relatives that make me wince (yet I secretly look forward to all year).

But there’s 22 days until 2024, so my feed is full of ads hawking a New Year…and a new you. Get stronger, get focused, get confident—promises all linked to buying so-called miracle products or services.

As someone who has tried and failed numerous New Year’s resolutions (going for a run every day? Come on, I came last in the mile every single year of middle school gym class…that was never happening), I’ve taken a different approach to goal-setting. When I feel the fire to try something new or do something different, I act on it. In the past, I’ve buried this feeling and waited for the right time. Excuses I’ve had in the past:

“I’ll post more content when I get back from this trip, I’m too busy now.”
“I’ll reach out to this person to pitch an idea on XYZ date.”
“I’ll launch my Substack next month.”

When the clock strikes midnight and it’s 2024…are you a fundamentally different person? No. So don’t wait. Make a list of what you want to accomplish in 2024 and lay the groundwork now.

Soon enough, ideas will be flowing like lava. Trust me.

Without further ado…

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:

Overcoming American Masculinity to Build a Deep Male Friendship (The Atlantic: This article is absolutely worth your time, but parse through every single article in the Friendship Files column. Each article features a conversation with two friends and unpacks how they grew into such a strong bond. Thank you
Sahaj Kaur Kohli, MA, LGPC
for surfacing this column!)
Salesforce Signals the Golden Age of Cushy Tech Jobs Is Over (Bloomberg Businessweek: Across the tech industry, perks are down—and companies are demanding a** in seat more than ever).
Dolly Parton Salutes Rock & Roll (New Yorker: Dolly is 77 and continually reinventing herself—she released her first rock album in November. I love this recent profile…and how she plans to never stop performing).
The Reality of Being in a YouTube Prank Relationship (Vice: Whenever a couple’s prank video comes across my feed, I cringe. I would *hate* to be in a relationship where I’m constantly on guard. Creating pranked content pays…but IMO, not worth it!)
25-year-old Londoner with 8 weeks of PTO: I 'love my job but I wouldn't sacrifice anything for it' (CNBC Make It: Always interesting to read about PTO norms outside the U.S.)
- And P.S.—some of these articles are paywalled. You can head to RemovePaywall.com to thwart the paywall. A PSA that I believe in paying for quality content (and am a paid subscriber to 10+ publications). But I understand that not everyone has the means to do this—so paywall jumping tools are a nice information equalizer. 😊

Five standout stocking stuffers

Acing the stocking stuffer game is tough. While they’re not the main event, they still need to pack a punch. These five items are also great picks for white elephants! If you missed my original gift guide roundup (five gifts that impress *anyone*), you can find it here.

Eucalyptus shower spray. I can’t shut up about this shower spray (for good reason). Spray some at the base of your shower…and your oh-sh*-I’m-running-late rinse-off is immediately transformed into a spa oasis. I’ve tried other, cheaper brands, but the scent dissipates within two minutes. Trust me—it’s worth shelling out the $30 for this fantastic Black-owned brand.
Perfume atomizer. The perfect accompaniment to a full-size fragrance. These sticks enable you to make a perfume travel-friendly—no more shelling out for pricey samples. Three for $5.79!
Silk hair ties. I got these silk hair ties for my sister’s stocking last year, and she wears them *all the time.* Perfect for preserving a blowout! $14.99 for six.
Glass match cloche. This glass match cloche is the perfect addition to a coffee table or nightstand. I have the blue cloche in my bedroom, and love how it adds design *and* function to my space. Pair with a mini candle for the ultimate gift! $29.95.
Mini travel jewelry case. This plush case feels way pricier than $16—and is something your friend / co-worker / relative will use and love. I bought this for myself, and am super impressed by the quality. The perfect gift for someone who just got engaged or married!

My luggage fiasco and a savior jumpsuit

I’m currently in Dallas visiting a friend from business school—and typically for a weekend trip, my trusty Away carry-on is bursting with options. But the night before I left, I realized I had left my luggage at my mom’s in NJ…and I only had my Beis tote bag. For an overpacker like me, this is code red.

But it’s day four in Dallas, and I’m happily rewearing outfits. This is a *fancy* city—women get gussied up in full glam to run errands at CVS. The one item that’s been my saving grace is this black zip-up jumpsuit. It’s ultra-soft yet structured—I wore it on the plane with white sneakers and a scarf, and out to dinner with flats. I wear it to work from home and coffee with friends. I will also 10000% be wearing it on Christmas morning (comfy and photographs way better than my high school pajamas).

Truly the ultimate one-and-done piece. At $218, it’s pricey—but I know it will become a beloved item in your closet. The sizing runs large (I am typically a small / medium, but the extra-small fits me perfectly).

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