💌 wellness destinations to visit, clean makeup picks, & a recipe for grilled chicken parm

TODAY IS MONDAY, JAN 06

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: why can’t you deal with it?, back in office, wellness destinations to visit
• this week’s read: conversations with friends
• recent articles: our picks - top clean makeup brands & products
• quote: on self investment
• add to cart
• recipes to try: grilled chicken parm
• ICYMI

LIFESTYLE: WHY CAN’T YOU JUST DEAL WITH IT?
You ever put something off and wonder why you aren’t just dealing with it? Although a lot of people would call that procrastination, there’s quite the difference between simple procrastination and the more complex phenomenon of "not dealing with it". The feeling is characterized by an inability to rise to important occasions despite genuine attempts to handle them, making it distinct from mere task avoidance. For example, in situations involving imperative, burdening tasks that feel overwhelming — despite your many attempts to tackle them. Some of these situations include transforming yourself for major life changes, completing overdue work, or managing complicated financial obligations. Unlike regular procrastination where you simply delay manageable tasks, "not dealing with it" represents a state of defeat in the face of challenging situations that demand significant effort and responsibility.

WORK: MAJOR COMPANIES WANT EMPLOYEES BACK IN OFFICE
Since the pandemic, there's been this ongoing tug-of-war between companies and employees about where work should happen - in the office, at home, or some mix of both. This is how different companies are handling it: about a third of U.S. firms are now requiring full-time office work, and more companies are jumping on the three-days-a-week bandwagon. Big names across tech, finance, and media are making some bold moves - Amazon's going for five days in the office starting 2025, Disney's asking for four days, and even Zoom (ironically) wants people back in person. Miami and New York are almost back to pre-pandemic office levels, while San Francisco's still pretty quiet at just 50% of what it used to be. Looking ahead to 2025, most CEOs seem pretty set on getting people back in person - they're even talking about rewards for showing up.

TRAVEL: WELLNESS DESTINATIONS TO VISIT THIS YEAR
Luxury wellness destinations seem to be the tone that’s being set for 2025, with a growing trend in wellness tourism. People are preferring and recommending spots that reflect a shift in luxury travel toward more comprehensive wellness experiences, that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. A few popular options are the AMANDIRA luxury yacht cruise (around Indonesia's Komodo National Park), the Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons, the Euphoria Retreat in Greece, Switzerland's La Réserve Genève, and Morocco's Royal Mansour. Each of these destinations offers a varying wellness experience: from bespoke cruising with private chefs and onboard massages, to holistic healing programs combining ancient wisdom with modern techniques. These specific few provide not just standard spa services but rather immersive, transformative experiences that allow you to disconnect + rejuvenate.

"Conversations with Friends" follows Frances, a 21-year-old college student and aspiring poet in Dublin, and her best friend/former girlfriend Bobbi. Their lives become intertwined with an older married couple, Nick and Melissa, after they meet at a poetry performance. While Bobbi is drawn to Melissa, Frances begins a complex affair with Nick, an actor who's struggling in his own right.

The story ultimately examines how relationships of all kinds - romantic, platonic, and familial - shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The novel doesn't offer neat resolutions but rather presents a realistic portrayal of how messy and complicated modern relationships can be, especially in one's early twenties when still figuring out identity and desire.

ON SELF INVESTMENT: The most important investment you can make is in yourself. - Warren Buffet

Investing in yourself comes in many forms such as learning a new skill, reading, spending time checking in, and etc. This year, make yourself a priority.

👜 a chic purse in a mocha shade? Run, don’t walk

🥱 everyone needs super soft, clean quality, investment PJs

🧥 if you’re a robe lover…you’ll definitely love this one

(IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)