#4: The Weekly Rundown

Random acts of kindness and Nike shorts

May 30, 2024

In continuation with my goal to be outside just for the sake of being outside, I’ve recently begun walking for 20-30 minutes before work a few days per week. I am never excited when it’s time to get out of bed, but everytime I make it outside, I’m happy that I did. I don’t push my pace past what feels good, and I go Airpods-free. The cicadas are also more sparse in the mornings which is an added bonus. It’s a soothing way to start the day, letting my mind wander and not having background music, a podcast or a phone call to make. Hopefully I’ll be up to 100% of weekdays soon.

Other than that, it’s been a quieter week with little to share on the Eudaemonic front. We had a really fun date night at Iberian Pig, and we brainstormed what it might look like to add in a monthly Nashville article here, highlighting places that we love, old and new. More to come. Slow and steady.

The Weekly Rundown

EYEING

I went to Sephora this weekend because I was out of everything all at once. While there, I tested out a few of the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks on the back of my hand. I didn’t end up buying one but was incredibly impressed that they stayed on through the entire day — including a workout and shower. If you’re looking for creamy and long-lasting, this could be the right fit! I may go back for one in caramel or cobblestone.
At Dick’s, I spotted this new-to-me style of Nike shorts. I keep thinking about the wide waistband that is similar to my favorite Lululemon shorts, but at a better price point and in more fun colors.

READING

While I’m still reading Funny Story by Emily Henry (finally into it as of this week and should finish by the weekend!), I’m planning to read Stolen Focus by Johann Hari next after hearing Leslie Stephens rave about it on the Bad on Paper podcast last week. I’m in a constant state of evaluating my relationship with social media, and I like that this focuses on the big picture: “Why You Can't Pay Attention — And How to Think Deeply Again.”

TRYING

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my mom when I went off to college. “When you’re having a bad day, do something nice for someone else.” The times when I’ve taken this to heart (not nearly as often as I should), it has really turned things around — brightening both my day and someone else’s. I’ve rounded up some ways to do this for friends and family near and far, including things friends have thoughtfully done for us. For the next two months, I hope to do this once a week as a little summer happiness project.

Near …

Take a friend out to drinks or coffee to celebrate something you wouldn’t “traditionally” celebrate — work anniversary, big move, new puppy, first date, etc.
Pick up treats from your favorite local bakery (Spread and Dozen, for me) and drop off with coffee on a Saturday morning.
Offer a ride to/from the airport.
Make a homemade dinner and drop off (maybe to someone who wouldn’t necessarily expect the offer).

Far …

Treat a friend to a subscription to your favorite newsletter (I love morning person and Grace Atwood’s substack)
Send NY bagels! (This is a go-to because they’re the ultimate comfort food IMO.)
Mail a birthday card or handwritten letter.
Venmo for a coffee or cocktail on you.
Send TV series or movie recommendations! One of my closest friends does this for us frequently, and it makes me feel so thought of.

Would love to hear ideas of things you’ve done or things friends have done for you (in hard or in happy seasons) in the comments, so I can add them to the list :)