#13: The Weekly Rundown
Introducing a new section to eudaemonic ☀
Something that brings me so much joy is learning about what gets other people excited — whether it’s the best meal they’ve ever had, a tradition they grew up with, or something unique about their job. I am so fascinated by the way we can all have supremely different answers to the same simple questions. Conversation starter-style questions and games are the things I hope for heading into a dinner party, eager to hear the passion in someone’s voice when they get to talk about something they love.
Because of that, a small interview section of eudaemonic feels incredibly fitting. Today, I’m introducing the first iteration of the new weekly segment. I am highlighting some of the women and men who have inspired me in some way — bringing joy into my day-to-day life through their creativity, talent or friendship. Each week, they will share something eudaemonic in their life lately, as well as a few other finds or faves that vary from interview to interview. I hope you love reading these as much as I have!
First up, I’m so excited that Nan Philip is here to share a glimpse into her summer and recent faves. Nan is a lifestyle publicist and influencer, and we go way back to my very first days of blogging. Nan lives in NYC with her precious pup, Fitz, and we have lots of overlapping interests. She has impeccable style, and she is always recommending things I haven’t seen everywhere else. I always look forward to her Substacks (subscribe here!), and I am missing her Instagram updates during my social media break. Without further ado … Nan!
What is eudaemonic for you lately?
Nan: Walks on the beach! I’m spending most of the summer in Maine with my family and we are so spoiled to live within walking distance to the beach. There is just something about that ocean air — it’s so restorative. A walk on the beach always lifts my mood and brings a smile to my face.
What’s the best thing you’ve read in the last two months?
Nan: I love this question because one of my 2024 goals (that I have actually been sticking to) is to read more! While they aren’t necessarily prize-winning or high brow recommendations, I do love a fun “beach read.” Last month, I read all five books from The Magnolia Parks series by Jessa Hastings, and to say I loved them would be an understatement. I first learned about the books from my Instagram friend
. I’ll share Lucie's description because she hit the nail on the head: "The Magnolia Parks books are sort of like British Gossip Girl, they focus on a group of friends from boarding school - aka the “box set” - in London. The group is a mix of socialites and mob bosses (casual)." If you need some fun books to breeze through this summer, give them a try!Do you have any hobbies?
Nan: Oh my gosh yes, I have lots of hobbies (maybe too many!). I love to needlepoint, watercolor, knit (occasionally) and really any and all crafts. But in the last year, one hobby that I’ve really leaned into is playing Mahjong. It is so, so fun and a great way to get together with friends for something other than just a group dinner.
My set of tiles is from The Mahjong Line (I also love Oh My Mahjong). If you’re new to the game, I would suggest signing up for a lesson with three friends (you need four people in total to play.) Here is a great resource for finding an instructor in your area and if you’re in New York City, you should reach out to my friend @uppereasttiles for lessons! (Annie: I couldn’t agree more about Mahjong — one of my favorite hobbies I’ve picked up, for the game and the social hour!)
What’s your favorite restaurant in your city?
Nan: I technically live in New York but because I am spending the summer in Maine, I’ll share recommendations for Portland, Maine as it’s such a popular spot to visit in the summer. My favorites for dinner are TWELVE and Fore Street; in the morning, I’d suggest a biscuit and coffee from Tandem (the Congress Street location.)
If there’s someone you’d like to see featured or a question you’d like to see answered, please let me know! You can reply directly to this email or use the comments.
EATING
A few staples we’ve been loving:
TJ’s Italian Bomba Hot Pepper sauce: This is a new pantry staple for us. Made from Calabrian chilis, we like it for mixing into bowls of beans, spreading on sandwiches, stirring into pasta, etc. Anything that needs a little kick!
TJ’s mini peanut butter cups: I really love any peanut butter cup, but there’s something about how soft the mini ones are to bite into … highly recommend.
Instant Grits with Butter: This is my ultimate comfort food, and I prefer the instant and microwavable to anything else. (I think this is nostalgic as my mom always made these for us!) Sometimes I add cheese, but usually it’s just a ton of black pepper. On a night when nothing else sounds good, this is what I’m having.
Good grated parmesan: I like buying the grated parm from Whole Foods that they grate and package in the store. It has that much better flavor you get from grating it yourself … without the mess or hassle.
TJ’s Harvest Grains: I forgot how much I liked these! It’s a blend of couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. For a no-recipe recipe, cook these in veggie (or chicken) broth. When they’re done, add a heaping spoonful of pesto, a small spoonful of the Bomba (or harissa), a pan full of roasted broccoli and top with parm. If it’s dry, add a little olive oil. One of our favorites!
READING
Reading has been my mental health saving grace lately. I finally got out of my reading slump, and now it’s all I want to do. I’m gravitating more toward Gone Girl-esque thrillers because the page-turners hold my attention. I tore through The Next Mrs. Parrish, Stone Cold Fox and First Lie Wins, which all had that similar vibe (FYI the first two had a few themes that were intense at times). I just started The Unwedding, and I have One Perfect Couple and The Wedding People on my list. Now, I’m adding the Magnolia Parks series, too!
SHOPPING
I had not browsed Madewell in ages but found several cute things looking around this week. This bag and this bag are super chic (love that shape) and would easily transition into fall. My white sneakers are one of my favorite purchases this year, and I love the color options they have.
Considering this new dress from J.Crew for work (in black — I hate when you can see a short slip underneath a midi dress!)
This cardigan is really just too expensive, but I love the details so much.
I wear this oversized denim shirt from Aritzia all the time — over dresses or tanks, buttoned up over jeans for a Canadian tuxedo look, with linen shorts (wore this last night!). I’ve had good luck with the Denim Forum brand in general!
Picked up these red patent flip flops at the beach this weekend. Similar to Tkees but with arch support — I love them already.
Okay, never thought I’d see the day, but these Tevas looked so chic in Leandra’s Substack this week. On my radar!
I fell in love with a new candle this week — Boy Smells Snap, part of their “Farm to Fragrance” collection. It is so fresh and summery with notes of green bell pepper and hyacinth. It’s a great kitchen candle! I am having trouble finding options online, but Farfetch has them. Locally, you can find them at White’s Mercantile.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading and for subscribing — it means the world! If you enjoyed, feel free to forward along to a friend or hit the like button below.
See you next Wednesday! xx, Annie
