In Good Taste 01
For the Discerning Eye and Curious Palate
October felt like a whirlwind that came swiftly and left a lasting impression.
I began this month with the best intention for discipline, love and softness, but I was met with a path I never expected when setting my goals. My discipline became devotion and my love became a spiritual extension of vulnerability and trusting. I surrendered to hard truths and evaluated what truly matters to me. My rituals kept me grounded through the uncertainty, and somewhere along the way, my curiosities led me to new discoveries that kept me optimistic for what’s to come.
In this new monthly segment, In Good Taste, I am sharing a curated edit of my favorites–books, shows, films, podcasts, recipes, products, and hobbies–inviting you to discover and further cultivate your own aesthetic and depth. May this collection of October recommendations unlock new and hidden interests and passions that spark curiosity and elevate your palate.
Some of these links are affiliate where I receive a small commission from your purchases :)
Reads Exploring the Physical and Spiritual Worlds
To start off my favorite season, I began reading two books that explore two interests of mine: nature and the esoteric spiritual world. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass is not only a call to action of how society can return to its original connection and reverence to Mother Nature, but also how recognizing the animacy of the planet and maintaining a healthy relationship with it can reflect in our everyday lives, language and how we approach our relationships with ourselves, community, work, consumerism and appreciation for life itself–both now and in the afterlife.
Merging the physical and spiritual worlds, The Reformatory by Tananarive Due is a historical fiction perfect for the spooky season that explores the horrors of being Black in 1950s rural Florida, intertwined with the spiritual world. Whether it’s exercising constitutional rights to organize labor strikes, or defending your sibling from unwanted sexual advances from one of the sons of the town’s most influential families, the consequences are exile, death, or even worse, The Reformatory–where delinquent youth, both Black and White, are sent for behavioral rehabilitation but are met with abuse and visits from vengeful and unrested haints, often resulting in death–no matter the skin color. A determined sister fights to save her younger brother from The Reformatory after an unjust “trial” sentences him to a 6-month stay. Though the sentencing may seem short in comparison to others who have endured years of beatings and hard labor, every day survived in the camp is only a promise of more torture the next day. Following the perspectives of both the sister’s journey on the outside to free her brother, and the younger brother’s experience with ghosts and the exploitative system of the state-backed school, the journey unfolds to tell a story based on trust events, that blend the realities of American politics, race relations and the mandates of the spiritual world that haunt the living.
Braiding Sweetgrass has been a profound grounding morning read that has effortlessly shared lessons from the sprouting of the tiniest of seedlings that have reshaped my perspective of what I thought was already a sustainable, earth-centric mindset. While The Reformatory has been an excellent nightly read, I must admit, it has been quite difficult for me to get through. Not because of the plot or how it is written, but because of the horror, hurt and helplessness knowing so many of my people have faced such injustices in real life. It’s a novel but the reality of racism and prejudices was and are still very real. That awareness intertwined with the elusive parameters of the malefic spirit world beats the scariest of ghost stories any day.
The Sounds of Autumn
Indie Pop is back and the soundtrack of the season is The Marías’ 2024 album Submarine (Apple Music, Spotify). Though I just discovered this album, its symphonic melodies mixed with jazz, Latin and psychedelic soul influences instantly transport me to the glory days of 2010s Tumblr, when The xx and Lana del Rey reigned and sleaze was chic. A more sophisticated older sister to the time, this album radiates cool girl energy that’s sure of herself, sexy and unapologetic. This album is perfect for dimly lit sways in your living room accompanied with a glass of your favorite wine (or kombucha) and the confidence to embrace the new season.
For the lover girls, Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving (Apple Music, Spotify) is perfect for a scenic fall drive featuring streets lined with color-drenched trees. To be quite honest, I resisted listening to this album for the longest, as Tiktok is known for hyping music that doesn’t quite meet the standards of my musical taste, but this album is worth all the hype! As someone who is leaving a season of isolation and is actively practicing opening their heart, this album is the perfect collection of songs to soften, inspire, and encourage you to love unabashedly. Cozy and in love–what a dream.
In addition to these two albums, my monthly playlist (Spotify) has also been in heavy rotation featuring songs from Doja, highlighting how “it’s [alright] to be gorgeous,” long-awaited new releases from Alina Baraz, feelings of falling in love from Frou Frou and Imogen Heap, and lyrics of love for human error by Magdalena Bay.
Embracing Failure
Out of the 50 podcast episodes I listened to this month, a must-listen is Emma Grede’s episode with Ami Colé founder, Diarrha N’diaye-Mbaye. This episode is a vulnerable and insightful journey into entrepreneurship and the freedom and lessons failure can gift you. After taking a one month break from my business in May that quickly turned into a summer sabbatical–that is truthfully still happening–I have spent the majority of the time reflecting and analyzing my own entrepreneurial journey. This episode gave me the confidence to release fear and move forward, no matter the threat of failure because in the end, I will survive and be okay. Versely, just as failure is possible, so is succeeding and this chat between these two founders reignited my passion and drive to build something I haven’t seen before. If you’re questioning your journey to create and lead, I absolutely recommend giving this episode a listen to help get your spark back.
Tour de Fit
My fitness routines have been the only thing to keep me sane this month and I have to give a major shout out to my girl Izzy Samuel for her 25-day pilates challenge that kept me consistent and motivated. Her combos quite literally had me cursing at the screen–especially when she had us pulsing it out–but left me feeling so empowered once I finished each workout. Izzy’s workouts are best suited for intermediate and advanced strength pilates lovers, but if you are a beginner, I highly recommend trying one of Arianna Elizabeth’s Yogalates Challenges to get in the flow of pilates movements and postures. Both are free on Youtube.
Once I finished Izzy’s challenge, I kept my momentum and Tour de Fit by visiting more pilates and lagree studios around Atlanta to find some new studio homes with ClassPass. I cycle sync and workout according to my hormonal cycle, so having a variety of workouts available is paramount. This month, I finally checked out BodyRok–as an alternative to dark and loud Solidcore–and it definitely has potential. I would need to take a Cardio Sculpt class to make my final decision, as my first time was a Flow Sculpt class.
In addition to several more pilates classes and gym sessions around the city, I also took a ballet class that I absolutely fell in love with. I’ve always regretted quitting ballet at an early age, and as I am currently working on realigning and straightening my posture, beginning ballet again feels like an opportunity for a new hobby and fitness activity. The company even offers winter and spring recitals for adults who want to participate so I’ll keep you posted on if I decide to join. And of course, restarting my journey has me eyeing these fabulous sneakers from Simone Rocha to embody the ballerina aesthetic beyond the barre.
To take your own Tour de Fit in your city, you can sign up with ClassPass here for a two-week free trial.
Lastly for wellness, my latest obsession has been breath work with Breathe with Sandy on Youtube. Though this may seem esoteric, not only has practicing breath work allowed me to be more present and grounded, I absolutely saw great results in my energy levels and moods during my luteal and menstrual phases, which are usually a total bummer. The endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine released during the sessions definitely had a positive affect on my cycle.
Vegan-ish
Admittedly, October wasn’t the best month for discipline with my diet. While I did stick with nourishing my body with ample fiber, protein, healthy fats and carbs, I absolutely slid in a significant amount of cookies and cake. I have no regrets.
Though the increase in sugary foods absolutely had an effect on my energy levels during my workouts, I also noticed my taste buds wandering for new flavors this month. After trying a few new meals, my top has to be my Kimchi rice bowl. For my diet, I consider myself a flexitarian: I mostly eat plant-based but sometimes when I’m craving extra protein, I’ll eat seafood, or if I’m feeling indulgent I’ll order duck confit. I’m Vegan-ish.
For this month’s bowl recipe, I’m sharing options for both roasted chickpeas and salmon for your choice of protein.
The first of many, my hope with In Good Taste is not only share my favorites from each month, but to also cultivate our tastes together and learn some of your favorites, as well. Drop some of your must-haves and obsessions in the comments below!
Until next month!
