VARSITY READER: issue #6
fun resolutions, a stunning wear-everywhere tote, and five great reads
Happy New Year! I’m writing this edition from sunny Anguilla…in a dark, dark hotel room, as my boyfriend is currently sleeping off a bad virus. 🤒 Whether you celebrated with green tea and a movie like I did or spent the night out, I hope you had a wonderful evening!
Though New Year’s resolutions may be trite, there’s something about a fresh calendar that inspires growth. A few resolutions I made for myself this year (silly AND serious):
Create a better morning routine. Sometimes I wake up at 6AM, read my book in bed, work out, and start my day. Other days, I stay up late—and wake up at 9AM gasping for air and in a sheer panic. My brother generously gave me the Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock for Christmas, which I’m hoping will help with this goal!
Get uncomfortable when creating content. I love creating video content, but it’s so easy to put off filming because my hair isn’t right, I don’t like my outfit, the lighting isn’t perfect…excuses abound! This year, I am truly saying “eff it!” and creating way more content on Reels and TikTok. Because if I’m sharing valuable information, no one (besides me) cares that I have a pimple.
Find the best rainbow cookie, chocolate chip cookie, and almond horn in NYC. I’m always in hot pursuit of dessert—so why not indulge with a mission? Plus, I will travel for good food and I know there’s a ton of great bakeries outside of Manhattan.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? I’m always curious to hear what people prioritize (and how they’re logistically making their resolutions happen).
P.S. January 7 is the cut-off for wishing someone a Happy New Year 😉.
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:
Tired of ‘tipflation’? 5 times it’s OK not to tip, according to etiquette experts (CNBC Make It): This New Yorker article on tipping culture sparked a ton of discussion when I shared it on Instagram earlier this week. I’m always looking for vetted tipping guides, and this CNBC article delivers!
How To be Happy Growing Older (The Atlantic): A lesson for all of us.
Meditation Is Big Business. The Science Isn’t So Clear (Undark): I barely eked by in AP Bio, but I’m fascinated by all things science. I’ve experimented with meditation and always feel clear-headed afterwards, but I loved this data-backed deep dive into the practice.
United put on a special flight to let people celebrate New Year's Eve twice — but messed up the timing (Business Insider): A money-grab and marketing fail.
Striking findings from 2023 (Pew Research Center): These data roundups always teach me something new. Among the center’s 2023 findings: nearly 50% of U.S. workers who get PTO don’t take all the time off their employer offers. 😮
Career tip of the week
As we ease into 2024, I wanted to spotlight an excellent Substack that will supercharge your career.
My friend
is a tech entrepreneur, content creator, and mother of three little ones. She recently launched a Substack called , and I highly, highly recommend subscribing. Each edition is a short, 200-word reflection on a particular workplace topic (self-awareness, managing teams, interviews, and more). A shot of career insight straight to your inbox—what could be better?!One damn good buy
For years, I took the phrase “basic work bag” seriously. The bags I toted around in my early career were just that—black leather tote bags with absolutely no personality or flair. Yes…they matched with every outfit and lugged my stuff around.
But did they amp up my look? Garner compliments from strangers? Make me feel confident every time I walked out the door?
That’s a hard no. Until I found this bag. I bought it during the heart of the pandemic, where I literally had nowhere to go. Its beauty stopped my scroll—and as someone who is *not* an impulsive shopper, I bought within a minute.
Let’s start with the obvious—this art piece isn’t a bargain. It’s on major sale for 449 euros ($491.72)…way down from the $950+ I paid in 2020. You’ll have and love this bag for years. Two more reasons why I love it:
Non-branded. Italian designer Paco Rabanne makes this bag. You can immediately tell that it’s high-end, but because there aren’t any logos, it truly is timeless.
The bag IS the look. I’ve run out the door so many times in the blandest of bland outfits. Black shoes, black coat, black shirt—the typical NYC uniform. But since I’m toting the bag, I feel infinitely more confident and pulled together.
Expensive? Yes. A great investment? Also yes. If you want to talk nitty-gritty bag details, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. I’m simply that passionate.
In case you missed it
My secret hack for sneaking in a third bag on a plane (this one stirred up a lot of controversy!)
A bit about who I am, why I started creating content, and what I share every day
This $20 gadget that ensures I never forget to take my vitamins / medication
A networking mistake that so many people make (and how to fix it)
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May I suggest some great contenders for best chocolate chip cookie: seven grams caffe, culture espresso, chip city.
Thanks for the shout-out, friend!