Obvi, the last thing the internet needs is another gift guide, yet I can’t stop consuming them and that’s basically what this column is every month— so, without further ado…
Gifts
I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by to shamelessly plug my virtual pilates studio (a Women’s Health Fit Tech award recipient!), but I do truly believe it’s the best gift you could give someone. I had a Small Business Saturday sale last week but I’ve re-launched it here for Substack readers until 12/6 with this specific link and code HPSMALLBIZSAT.
On that note, while the Good Sh*t column will always be free on Well Hell, you can gift a subscription to my paid posts by clicking the button below!
We’ve been using dull hand me down knives since we moved in together 6 years ago and let me tell you I’ve never lunged at a package so quickly as when these puppies came in the mail
If you’re looking for a design forward soap that’s not Aesop, which I love as any card carrying 30-something Brooklyn coffee shop frequenter, but sometimes ya gotta switch it up
A coffee warmer is essential for anyone who struggles with ADHD (moi) and is constantly leaving half drank mugs around the apartment— this one looks vaguely Apple-esque and blends right in with my work set up while being exponentially cheaper than the also beautiful Ember coffee mug situation
I read
by religiously and was psyched to finally get my hands on her biography of Anna Wintour and it was every bit as binge-able, thoughtful, informative as her SubstackCan’t remembered how I stumbled upon this brand but I can’t resist anything reversible and I want to wear this to all the holiday parties— and ofc IT HAS POCKETS
I’m realistically never gonna quit coffee but this slaps and they recently redesigned their branding and it’s *chef’s kiss*
I aspire to be the type of woman who owns a amber glass spice collection like this—alas, in the meantime, if you are soothed by matching glass bottles, a more budget friendly DIY (I own thsse) for those of us who don’t have Evermill budget is this set
I bought this dreamy Alex Mill turtleneck for my husband who never shops and yes it is expensive but cable knit sweaters are apparently my kink (I mean, did you SEE Knive’s Out???) and we are the same size, so I will wear it too. Basically I’m selfless, it was basically half off if we both wear it, and I’m investing in our relationship’s well-being???
Does anyone truly need a handmade ceramic plate specifically for oysters? No. Are gifts supposed to be necessities? Also no!
Reading
I’ve been at my computer a lot more the last few months during my design program at Flatiron School and experiencing carpal tunnel for the first time—this article helped me figure out a set up that works best to keep my wrist neutral (you can check out the wrist pain tutorial on HPS if you’re a member as well!)
As a former dancer turned small business owner, I’ve been incredibly lucky to pursue my passion as a job, but more and more, and it appears I’m not alone according to the WeTransfer Ideas Report I get the feeling that “dream job” is a capitalist scam. This topic needs it’s own entire newsletter as it’s been a major theme for me over the past few years but this article should wet your whistle for now.
I used to think creativity meant being a professional artist and that if you’re weren’t you couldn’t dare call yourself a creative… love this approach to bringing more creativity into your life regardless of what you do for work.
This was a fun quiz from the NYT testing my knowledge on how to serve vegetables in their healthiest state (not that you have to always choose the healthiest option but good info to have!)
I don’t currently have the bandwidth for 1000 words a day with school and the biz as a writing exercise but I love this approach that it’s repetition and practice that cultivates skill, not innate talent.
I can’t get through a newsletter without mentioning Taylor Alison Swift— one could argue that AI takes the humanity out of creating art but if it requires so much human oversight isn’t it just sort of structured improv?
I’m adding Paulina Porizkova‘s book to my to-read list—she gives major Em Rata/My Body vibes, from an older perspective in that it’s fascinating to hear a feminist fashion/beauty insider scoop but it sometimes feels like it’s missing the point?
Podcasts
Digital Things
Arc: a new web browser (will only work for first 5 to snag, but message me if you’re interested and I can send you the code as soon as I get refreshed)
Coffee Time Tracking: a time management tool
Opal: another time management tool
Glasp: a note taking extension for people with 10000 tabs open
Magnet: a desktop organizer for those with 1000 windows open
Good Buy: an extension that shows you if there’s a more sustainable place to purchase your item for the Amazon detoxers
Cal: a beautiful Calendly alternative