As college counselors, we’re often asked about our favorite books, schools, and strategies. We undoubtedly have a passion for college admissions and education, but our interests don’t end there. Since love is in the air this week, we want to share the things we’re loving lately, from podcasts to food to binge worthy shows.
Anything from Cookie & Kate! Kate's site is my favorite for vegetarian recipes, and I love her cookbook as well.
Yoga with Adriene. Adriene's classes really blew up during the pandemic - I've been doing yoga with her daily for almost five years! I really recommend it for beginner classes or people who want to get started with yoga.
Gastropod. I recently discovered this podcast, and I'm loving binging the back catalog! If you are interested in the science and history of food, it's a must-listen.
Wheel of Time on Amazon. I enjoyed this fantasy show so much that I've also started reading the (14-book) series it is based on!
Daily Harvest. I cook at home most of the time, so I wasn't sure about trying these frozen meals, but they have been a life saver in a pinch or with no time to cook. I like to keep one or two of their bowls in the office freezer too.
Bloom Planners. I particularly love their daily to-do books to keep track of everything in my day, and I love that they're undated so I can only use them when I need to. (P.S. they have some great winter sales right now).
Kate McLeod's "Daily Stone.” It's a no-mess way to keep your skin hydrated during the winter. I read about it online and added it to my Christmas list, and it ended up being my favorite gift of the season!
One Medical. With inflation skyrocketing, everything seems to cost more than it should - except for One Medical! This is a subscription-based primary care model that provides members with many aspects of what one would expect from a concierge medical practice. They have an office in Tysons as well as 24/7 immediate care available through their app. These people have come to my rescue a million times and I honestly have no idea how it costs $200/year - it's worth multiples of that!
The Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO Max. You will find me staring in horror at the screen during at least half of each episode - while entertaining, this is not an easy watch for a parent of a girl! But in all seriousness, I do think it could spark some important (albeit awkward) conversations for parents and their college-bound seniors.
Jeni's ice cream. My son and I love going to their Boro location in Tysons and recently tried the Maple Soaked Pancakes flavor on National Ice Cream for Breakfast day. He was a big fan; I love their new Pineapple Upside Down Cake flavor. Fun fact, Jeni's is originally from Ohio and I first tried it while visiting Ohio State back in 2017!
Flowkey. I played the piano from age 3 through college, and then never played once for about fifteen years. I am sad to report that it is not like riding a bike, at least for me, because I can't even read music anymore. But after my daughter got a piano for her birthday (thanks, grandma!), I started teaching myself how to play again on Flowkey and am really enjoying it!
Rains Tote Bag. This is the perfect bag for college students and commuters! It keeps all of your belongings safe and dry with its unique raincoat material. I first bought the small tote when I was living overseas and had to walk to work everyday. It’s become my go-to, especially for travel, because I can easily wipe off and disinfect the bag. If you’re not a tote person, there are plenty of other designs. I like the new backpacks and gym bag!
Everywhere Oil –the name says it all. This clean beauty product is meant for all ages and skin types and can help with everything from eczema to split ends. But what I love most is the story behind this product. It was formulated by a stay-at-home mom who couldn’t find anything gentle enough for her skin during cancer treatments. Now she has an online shop, Paris Laundry, where she sells all- things clean and organic. To me, there’s nothing better than supporting a small business and one woman’s dream.
Young Space. Despite being an English major in college, I ended up interning at an architecture museum in England. My work inspired me to write a book on British Georgian architecture (geeky, I know!), and I’ve loved following art ever since. One of my favorite ways to keep up with the latest artists is by following Young Space. This online community promotes emerging contemporary artists and their work while creating a space for art-enthusiasts to connect.
Desktop wallpaper organizer. I was always one of those people with a messy desktop full of stray files and pictures. Not anymore, though! This desktop wallpaper organizer streamlines your files AND makes your desktop look impressively clean and stylist. And it’s only $5!
Making sweet potato waffles for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I’ve conjured up my own paleo-friendly recipe based on some of my favorite Instagram health accounts. Blend two cooked sweet potatoes and about 6-7 eggs in a food processor or blender. Then sir in 2 cups of almond flour, ⅔ cup of tapioca flour, ⅓ cup of water, and teaspoon of baking soda baking powder. Sprinkle the batter with as much cinnamon as you’d like. Each batch makes about 12 waffles, which you can easily freeze. Add bacon and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich or top with chicken and spinach for a quick dinner.