November 2024
What I’ve been thinking about
How many followers Ilona Maher has amassed since the Olmpics this summer. When Ronnie and I were leaving for Paris, Ilona had something like 700k followers, as of this writing she has 4.7M followers. That’s some insane growth. As someone who’s been one of those on social media / off social media kind of people for the last 10 years or so, it’s been really cool to see Ilona’s explosive growth, and watch as she stays true to herself, and manages to keep integrity throughout the journey. It’s also been really cool to see what opportunities she’s gone after with her newfound influence — Dancing with the Stars, a collab with Maybeline, the cover of Sports Illustrated. It’s been cool to see, I am eager to see where she is a year from now. She’s such a badass!
This amazing Goal Setting Template that I adapted last year. Note: this is not originally mine, I copied it from someone on the web, but now I can’t find the original, she, whoever she is, is brilliant!
Where I’ve been
Work brought me to Austin, TX for the first time in over a decade! Most memorably, we did a team outing to Joe Rogan’s club, The Comedy Mothership and as fate would have it, Joe himself decided to get on stage and do a 20 minute set for us. That was freaking awesome! I also enjoyed a few hot yoga sessions at YTX, followed by a cold plunge and protein smoothie at Juiced Up, which was amazing. I’m excited to try my hand at this smoothie at home.
Play brought us to New Buffalo for two consecutive weekends, one for a fun weekend with friends, we got to check out the market at Journeyman distillery, and eat at PostBoy during opening week! During the holiday week, I managed to get a horseback riding experience for my niece and nephew, Charlie even got to jump on one of the horses. It was adorable!
What I’ve been listening to / consuming
Sahil Bloom’s newsletter is quickly becoming one of my favorites
Smart Brevity (thanks to Maggie Sellers of HSR for the rec!)
Martha Beck’s episode on the TBM podcast inspired me to get her book, The Way of Integrity — Where are you lying to yourself?
After listening to this episode, I immediately downloaded her book, The Way of Integrity, and it is completely game-changing. The big idea is that we are all born with our own true nature, but when that true nature clashes with culture, we sell ourselves out to culture. The way of integrity is about finding your way back to your true nature, and allowing yourself to live in culture in this way. It’s really good stuff.
This episode of the PW Podcast — Signs you’re ready for your next expansion
What I’ve been making
I cooked my tukus off in November, here’s just a few of the things I whipped up in the kitchen: Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing, Homemade pasta and vodka sauce, Cousin Shay’s Mac n Cheese, Currito Bangkok Bowl Dupe, Goop Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Dupe, and Tessa, one of my besties, made this delish crockpot meal for us, so much more.
Delightful discoveries of the last month
Candle Babes — I ordered a ton of these as gifts for my team.
This blanket — the perfect gift for someone who used to live in Chicago.
This silly santas mug — I got it at this cute little shoppe near me, and I can’t stop loving having my peppermint tea out of it.
What I am most looking forward to in December
A date with my besties to go Christmas shopping.
Keeping a long-standing tradition of going to a live comedy show with Ronnie and my family alive for another year!
Sending out the Caldwell Family Christmas Card for the third year in a row! How has it been three years already??!!
Going to Hibachi and “Switzerland” (aka wearing fur coats in my parents backyard) on Christmas eve!
Hosting Ronnie’s family and watching my nieces and nephews open their presents on Christmas day!
Closing out the sales year at work — what a year it’s been!!!
What are you most excited about for December?
