January R.E.P.O.R.T.

First monthly R.E.P.O.R.T of 2024, here we go.

Reading

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. In case you haven’t read in previous blogs… I love Savannah. This non-fiction book tells the tales of local Savannah legends in a way that makes it dang near impossible to put down. 

One of my old colleagues recommended I grab it to read the next time I was in Savannah. Upon scheduling my most recent visit, I made a mental note to grab it from the library on my way out of town. No such luck, both copies had been rented. As you can imagine, I was super disappointed by the realization that I had no choice other than to explore the book stores of Savannah (lol – yeah right). I was able to find a gently used version at the Book Lady Bookstore, which was a win/win.

I highly recommend, especially when you can read it in one of Savannah’s many scenic squares.

Eating

Soup. So much soup. We don’t get many chilly days in South Carolina so I try to take advantage of the low temperatures by making soup season a lifestyle. My favorites have been gnocchi soup and the always classic chili.

Playing

Getting out of town. I’ve been trying to say yes more to day trips, night trips, and even weekend adventures as often as I can, just because I can. One of the things I was most excited about moving to the east coast was how accessible travel was. Being a direct flight from major destinations is something I want to continue taking advantage of.

As mentioned in my 30 before 30, I really want to visit all 50 states and I really need to get cooking because I’ve been sitting at 38 for quite some time.

If you have any recommendations where I should visit next, please let me know below!

Obsession

Infrared saunas. I have always felt indifferent about saunas, I remember reading that they were a great way to quit smoking because you sweat all the nicotine out of your system, but that was really the extent of it.

I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of saunas in recent months and figured I’d give it a try. Infrared saunas work by heating up your body internally, as opposed to externally which works in my favor because I do not think I’d enjoy being that hot in a tiny box. This works to purge toxins as well as pathogens out of your body through sweat. Aside from the detox benefits, they also expand your blood vessels, creating a similar response to working out which gives you a very pleasant serotonin boost. All this to say… I am obsessed and highly recommend, especially during the grey winter months.

Recommendation

Adrenal cocktails. Well – mocktails. A brand I really like is Curious Elixirs, specifically the blood orange flavor. It’s the relaxing effect of a buzz, without the negative effects you get from alcohol. They gained a lot of popularity during Dry January and they’re something I’d really like to keep on hand as an adaptogen enthusiast.

Treating

Quality time in the morning. I have a friend who is training for her second, yes second half marathon who allows me to piggyback on her workout routines. We’ve been going to the gym at 5:30 every morning, which allows a grace period before rushing to work. A few of my friends and I get together before coffee a few times a month which I’ve always enjoyed, but having an extra hour before that, is incredible. I have always wanted to be a morning person and this is hands down the closest I’ve ever been. I love having the time to myself before jumping into the stress of the day.