I Took Unsolicited Advice

Tiny tweaks that have changed my life, courtesy of my past guests

I’ve said this to every person I talked to, but this week has truly been the summer equivalent of the in-between-Christmas-and-New-Year’s-week, which means that I’m writing another special edition newsletter. Don’t worry (I know, you were panicked), I’ll be returning to my usual brand / product reviews next week. Plus, I’ve been using this time to *innovate* on the format for enhanced readability, so that’s exciting.

In the meantime, I’ve got another round up-style newsletter for you. I, like many of you, read and watch a lot of “What’s in my Bag” / “5 Things ___ Can’t Live Without” / “___’s PM Skincare Routine”-type content as comfort viewing. However, it’s very rare that one of those celebrity wellness hacks actually finds a spot in my daily routine. Not the case with my Into the Fridge features!

Each time someone comes on Into the Fridge, at least one thing they say leaves a profound impact on my life. Today I’m reminiscing on some past features by sharing some small bits of wisdom that are here to stay (in my brain, that is). Some of these will be philosophical, some will be tangible, and all have been helpful to me personally. I’ll link the full feature below if you want to adopt a different habit of theirs.

Without further a due, an Into the Fridge highlight reel:

Ochuko’s Daily Ritual: Reading a Good Book

voracious

Ochuko Akpovbovbo

’s mind is endlessly inspiring to me, so when she told me that reading fiction is key to shaping her perspective, I said, I’ll have what she’s having.

Mostly, I love the way reading brings her pure, unadulterated joy. I’ve always been a reader myself, but I’ve definitely been more excited to crack open a good book (that’s not a celebrity memoir… guilty) since being friends with Ochuko. I’m currently reading “If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English” by Noor Naga so I can get involved in the two person book club she’s currently hosting.

Into the Fridge 🥹

Using a Silk Pillowcase like Mitzi

Mitzi told me that this made such an improvement in her sleep and her hair. Because she’s probably one of the most well-read people on the latter (ICYMI: she’s the brains behind quite a few of Crown Affair’s best hits) that I know, I took this one as a mandatory instruction.

Can confirm: softer hair upon waking. Plus, my bed now has a luxury hotel feel, but for a fraction of the cost. Awesome.

Into the Fridge 🏄‍♀️

Erika’s mantra: View everything as a test to your ability to relax and be nice.

erikaveurink

A post shared by @erikaveurink

Erika Veurink

has been an incredibly positive force in my life since meeting her, and this quote may have changed my life the most. I think about her mantra once a week (not exaggerating); it’s such a good reminder that nothing matters that much. Any bad thing that happens, moment of uncertainty, or—my least favorite—general and unidentifiable discomfort, can be solved when I remember that all I have to do is be nice and chill. It’s made my life 10X more pleasurable.

Into The Fridge 💌

Doing Classical Pilates like Whitney

Pilates isn’t necessarily a new practice for me (ok, flex) but it is something I forgot how much I loved. I was too distracted by the Netflix-induced treadmill walk and random SoulCycle classes that I fell off my typical twice-weekly reformer pilates grind.

Whitney’s ode to the intelligence of this workout reminded me how much I love trying new studios in the city, and how necessary it is for my mental health, having to enter a meditative space and solely focus on the mind-to-muscle connection that Pilates requires. I’m partial to Natural Pilates these days, but always open to new recs.

Into The Fridge 🌵

[If you’re related to me, just scroll past this next one.]

Sleeping Naked like Alivia

Alivia told me that the most underrated part of wellness to her was sleeping naked. When I first read that, my initial reaction was that special kind of head-cocked “huhh” that happens when your perspective is subtly, yet seismically shifted.

I’m floored by the difference this makes, and I have the Oura ring stats to prove it. On nights that I don’t wear pajamas, I’m sleeping much deeper than otherwise. I’d pretty much believe anything that came out of Alivia’s mouth, but I realized I’d be a bad journalist if I didn’t at least give this a cursory google. Turns out Healthline and WebMD are already onto us.

Into the Fridge 🙇‍♀️

Making Sweetgreen Salads at Home like Emma

My take on the Hummus Crunch, but instead of regular chickpeas and toasted breadcrumbs, I did a 2-for-1 with CRISPY CHICKPEAS, creating what I consider a crunchy with efficiency.

One of the cardinal rules of salad-making is that it’ll always taste better when you follow a specific recipe. And what is Sweetgreen if not a recipe book with an option to eat at the end?

I could benefit from less impulse purchases, and takeout is a big factor in that department. So when

Emma Apple Chozick

said that she makes Sweetgreen salads at home, I thought, well DUH. Of course I could make that at home, too! Plus, I’m obviously going to make substitutions, so I might as well make it at home and not irritate the nice woman who’s on her 105th Harvest Bowl of the day.

As I’m typing this out, I realize how incredibly dumb this sounds, but when you think about your kitchen as a “at-home Sweetgreen” making a salad becomes a lot more enjoyable. Emma makes a version of the Chopped Salad (RIP), and I’ve been trying my hand at a version of the Hummus Crunch.

Into the Fridge 🤝

Grace’s Mantra: Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.

I’ve written extensively about my issues with earnestness and how embarrassing it is to exist as a person on the internet, so I can’t emphasize enough how much this mindset has changed my life. Sometimes you know something logically (it’s okay to try) but you need someone you admire to give you permission to believe it.

That’s what happened here. Grace told me it’s okay to be seen trying, and therefore, I am now constantly seen trying (read: posting videos on social media).

Into the Fridge 😊

Isa’s Follow Recommendation: Annabel Davidson

annabel_davidson_yeah

A post shared by @annabel_davidson_yeah

I made a New Year’s Resolution this past January that I wanted to “get more into jewelry,” whatever the F that means. I’m still working on fulfilling my accessorizing potential, but for the time being, following Annabel Davidson, per Isa’s suggestion, has been a step in the right direction.

I love how her taste is, like Isa said, “playful,” but it doesn’t make me feel like a child. Sophisticated whimsy, you could say. (Note: Isa was patient zero for Into the Fridge, so her full feature is hidden below the intro below.)

A New Vertical from Plant Based 🌞

Tenlie’s Daily Ritual: Words of Affirmation

“Words of affirmation mean a lot to me, so I try to reach out to one person a day and tell them how much I love them and how grateful I am to have them in my life.” - Tenlie

I am someone who loves to give gifts, and, like I said, I’m also someone who could benefit from spending less money. Words of affirmation is the solution. COMPLIMENTS ARE FREE!! There are few things better than receiving a text that says “I’m grateful to have you in my life” or “I am so inspired by you.” Which reminds me, I should text Tenlie this right now.

Below are some thought starters if you’re looking to get into a words of affirmation practice yourself. I don’t provide these as generic platitudes to throw around willy-nilly, but rather as foundational compliments for personalizing that’ll automatically go a lot farther than “you’re the best!”

• I’m so inspired by your ___

• I’m grateful to have ____ in my life!

• I love the way you ___.

• Just a random note to tell you how lucky I feel to have you as a friend!

Into the Fridge 💫

Drinking Watermelon Kombucha like Chris

a new beverage has entered the chat

Chris Gayomali

said he stans this kombucha flavor (specifically from Synergy, NOT Health-Ade), and it’s been lodged in my brain ever since. I used to be a strictly Gingerade girl, but I was due for a step outside of my comfort zone.

I want to officially co-sign this recommendation. It tastes like a fizzy, liquid watermelon jolly rancher in the best way possible. Incredible pick for a fun summer drink treat. Chris knows what he’s talking about, once again.

Into The Fridge ☯️

Gua Sha Everyday like Stella

I was gifted a gua sha during a Secret Santa-esque activity, and I immediately shoved it in my medicine cabinet without much thought. Every once in a while, I’d get a glimpse of it while brushing my teeth, thinking about how easy it would be to just pick it up and massage my cheek bones if only I could spare two minutes to take care of myself.

I started to get fed up with that dumb narrative I was telling myself, and Stella’s love for her gua sha pushed me over the edge. I finally started to include it as a last step in my PM skincare routine, post face oil.

It’s been a couple months now, and I’ve determined that it’s less about the act itself (I have no idea if it’s doing anything, honestly) and more about letting go of the “I’m too busy to spend an extra moment with myself” story. It forces me to look at myself in the mirror, physically care for my well-being, and stay present without the distraction of a phone or TV. Just call me Gandhi, I guess.

Into the Fridge 😎

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That’s all for now. If there’s a product you want reviewed or just want to chat, reply to this email. :)