Welcome to my Substack.
I’m Rebecca. I’m a Digital Director who spends her time eating and collecting tchotchkes.
I’ve been trying to start one of these for awhile, but today is the day I finally decide to hit publish.
Instead of making New Year's resolutions, I decided to focus on incremental changes that could help me in the day-to-day, especially as someone who often splits her time between two (or more) places and travels extensively for both business and pleasure.
Here’s what I got.
Listen Up + Watch This
Do You F*cking Mind? (DYFM): I recently found DYFM, a podcast by Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa that “mixes neuroscience, psychology and tough love altogether.” To dive in, try her 2025 Glow Up Challenge. The name almost made me abandon the idea of listening to it at all, since every challenge I’ve taken part in, I’ve typically given up. You can start at ANY time so no more procrastinating… get to it.
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin: This documentary on Netflix follows Mats Steen, a gamer from Norway, who builds and lives a secret life within World of Warcraft as he fights a generative muscular disease. This is one of the best examples of storytelling I’ve seen in a documentary. I’m not being hyperbolic — check out some reviews on Letterboxd, give it a watch, and then tell me I’m wrong.
The Telepathy Tapes: This podcast blew my mind. It explores the idea that children with special needs or autism are able to communicate telepathically. Truthfully, I’ve never heard of anything quite like it. To Ky Dickens, you’re a stellar storyteller, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Yellowjackets: Cancel your Valentine’s Day plans because Yellowjackets is officially back on February 14th. Maybe I’m biased because the show stars some of my favorite icons from my childhood (Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, and Melanie Lynskey) or that it follows about a group of teens from New Jersey who get abandoned in the wilderness (spooky!), but this show will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Apps, Sites, and More (No ChatGPT Included)
Yuka: Yuka is an app that scans your food and cosmetic items to give you a breakdown of their ingredients. An annual membership costs as little as $10, and it’s my go-to when shopping.
Insight Timer: Start meditating. I know you hear it all the time. Start small (I like short, guided meditations) and see where it goes. I have a timer set on my phone to remind me to meditate for at least 5 minutes. It sometimes feels like agony, but I usually end up feeling better afterwards.
Seated: Cash back for participating restaurants… enough said. Hello, Sephora gift cards. I did go to one of the worst restaurants I’ve ever been to because of this app, but I’ve also found gems that are now some of my go to’s. Use referral code rebecca3515 to get $10 off your first meal.
Forest: If you have trouble putting your phone down during work, check out Forest. You grow a forest of your own in the app, and when users spend virtual coins they earn, the Forest team donates to a real-tree planing organization, Trees for the Future.
Old School Habits for New Souls
Moleskine 2025 Planner: Easily the best planner to get some quick hits down on paper. Now go write that idea down before you forget… yes, now.
Send handwritten cards: Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or a thank you card, taking the time to write out a hand written note and stick it in the mail is one way to make those you love feel appreciated. Plus, Betty White stamps drop in March.
Showers by candlelight: My boyfriend is a Cancer… and, therefore, more of a romantic than I’ll ever be. He showers by candlelight most nights, and I picked up this habit from him. Lighting a few candles (safely!) and turning off the lights for a relaxing hot shower at night has helped me unwind after long days.
I’m Just Here to Eat
Omsom Sauces: Omsom was started by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham, two daughters of Vietnamese refugees who were looking to “bring proud, loud Asian flavors to your fingertips any day of the week.” I picked one of these up when I was in a pinch, and it was a total hit. Their marinades are a game changer when I need to add some dynamic flavor without having to think about making a marinade from scratch. I try to do a veggie dump of my fridge once a week to cook up whatever’s left using one of their sauces.
Protein Mac and Cheese: To start, a reminder that not everything has to be filled with protein and it’s okay to enjoy a box of mac and cheese..including when it says that it’s for a family of four but you polish the whole box off in fifteen minutes.
If you’re looking for an alternative, though, I whipped one up when I was going through my kitchen and found some protein pasta. All you do is cook the pasta per the instructions in bone broth instead of boiling water, minus 2 minutes or so. Strain if the bone broth doesn’t fully absorb. Add your favorite cheese (I added Baybel Asiago, cottage cheese, and some sharp cheddar) and a teaspoon of nutritional yeast. Mixed together, and you have a high-protein alternative. Does it taste as good? Ha, no. But, it’s delicious in its own way.Eat Some Tiramisu: It’s delicious, grow up. Don’t ask me how to make it, though.
Once I get the hang of this Substack thing, I plan on starting one dedicated to food, home cooking, and the stories that bring our meals together. More on that to come.
Wellness, Beauty, Skincare, Haircare, etc.
Toe Separators: They just feel good — don’t ask me the science behind it — I’m not your girl for that information. I’ve been putting these every morning as part of my (very new) stretch routine.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen: I found their sunscreen stick at a local beauty outlet and have been hooked ever since. Apparently, it’s popular on TikTok, too, because since I bought my first product, they keep selling out. Grab ‘em before they’re gone if you’re looking for lightweight coverage that doesn’t feel greasy or leave a white cast.
Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter from LUSH: My nail tech — shout out to Ashley — told me a client of hers swore by this cuticle cream, and I can now confirm that it’s saving my dry cuticles during these harsh winter months. I usually opt for scent-free products, but I can’t resist the clean and summery smell of lemon.
PULIV Pill Organizer: Say it with me, hand over heart: “I will start taking my vitamins.” I love this pill organizer that organizes my vitamins and supplements by day of the week, then let’s me grab what’s needed for that day. I covered mine in stickers.
How to Give Back
Waggytail Rescue: Who doesn’t love a secret admirer? Waggytail Rescue will pair you with a puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day as part of their Petals & Paws Fundraiser. It’s a $25 donation to participate, and you’ll recieved a personalized note and some adorable photos to share. Check out their website for other ways to help support.
Well, that’s all, kids. I have no idea how to end my first Substack post, so I’ll just remind you to take a f*cking nap, eat something, and drink enough water.
x,
Rebecca