what i love in may
a monthly collection of places, practices, stories and small things that bring joy.
hot yoga x ocean dip – this ritual is magic for the mind, body, and soul. both sweating and icy plunges have significant health benefits and can be excellent complementary practices when utilized together. sweating improves circulation and can correlate to heat-induced stress relief, and cold swims help regulate the nervous system and aid muscle recovery. i’ve been swearing by yogabox’s heated sculpt classes for years, and their ocean beach and pacific beach locations are right by the ocean – close enough so you can jump into the surf right after a class and before the heat and endorphins burn off. i’m left feeling centered and grounded, with both a strengthened sense of community from yoga practice and a deepened bond with nature that always comes from bathing in the ocean.
a little life ~ hanya yanagihara – if there’s a niche literary genre for realistic fiction novels about people who live in manhattan and have devastating events occur in their lives, i must be among its most devoted fans (see also: the goldfinch, extremely loud & incredibly close). i’ve been tempted to include this book in my monthly favorites since late last year when i first picked it up at a bookstore in seattle. while i was enamored immediately, i’m glad i patiently waited to share until i fully absorbed its 800 page entirety; as the story unfolds, it continuously twists into shocking new dimensions of grief, beauty, pain, and the depth of human experience. as i read, it shifted and transformed in my hands, and again, and again. brace yourself for a heavy case study into the psyche of man and the lingering nature of trauma – but like everything, it’s not all darkness. yanagihara weaves the purest golden strings of friendship and unconditional love into her story, a constant push and pull and balance between the most painful sorrows and greatest joys that can be experienced in the ongoing act of being alive, all captured in her vivid, biting prose. it’s a weighty undertaking, but one that’s well worth it and will remain a part of you long after you put it down.
//apperception// podcast by abraham diop – in recent years, podcasts have bloomed in popularity as a medium for self expression and sharing musings with an audience. as the major digital media channels become flooded with content from more and more creators, it takes a special, magnetic voice and message to capture and actually maintain attention. abraham diop’s episodes are delivered in refreshingly brief, less-is-more style, most of them under 20 minutes each, and each one rich and dense with insight into motivation, identity, habit development, and personal growth. in a digital world that’s hypersaturated with content, apperception cuts straight to the chase and delivers powerful concepts that can benefit everyone’s life. if you’re feeling stuck or need some inspiration, go for a quick walk and listen to what to do when you feel lost in life.
trilogy sanctuary ~ la jolla – my family is mostly vegan, and each time they come to visit i’m spoiled with a few days of exploring the best plant-based restuarants that san diego has to offer. trilogy is a consistent hit with its extensive, fully vegan menu and open-air rooftop dining overlooking la jolla. they excel as a breakfast & brunch spot (their pancakes have a warm and special and peanut buttery place in my heart), but they also have ample lunch and dinner options as well and makes for a sweet date night spot if you’re with the hippie granola vibes. in addition to the cafe, trilogy doubles as a rooftop aerial yoga studio where you can swing around in upside-downward dog while unfazed regulars eat acai bowls a few feet away. once you release fear of being perceived and relax into the mild oddity of the situation, it’s a serene and peaceful experience. if you have the time, stop by for a morning class and a smoothie afterwards.
los angeles apparel hf09 hoodie – i’ve been on the hunt for the sweet comfort and familiarity of the perfect hoodie for the past few years. up until now, the best candidates i could find were from cactus plant flea market and drew house, and while i love their designs, i was still searching for something a little more neutral and less pricey. after some digging i found that, to the best of my knowledge, cpfm sources their blanks from los angeles apparel, so i chose one of their heavyweight hoodies and i couldn’t be more satisfied. first and foremost, she is thick. like, so thick that the hood stands up on it’s own. not only that, the proportions make for a perfect oversized fit: not too long and narrow, but not overly boxy either. the sleeves are lengthier than my arms (just how i like them) without getting in the way, and it’s loose without being shapeless or baggy thanks to the quality of the material. my only stipulation is a tiny hole that developed along a seam after the first wash or two, but i stitched it up quite easily and have found no other flaws since. if you’re looking to invest in a staple basic, this one is a great choice.
sending love until next month,
sophie estelle