Was it just me, or did 2019 put many of us through the ringer? I got a peek at who I actually might be which is exciting, but I'm leaving this year feeling like I "survived" it. While family and friends were the #1 reasons I pulled through, I wanted to share a few things that helped me not only maintain my sanity, but also break through mental barriers. I'm regaining optimism and compassion for myself and others by surrendering to the natural waves of life. Thank you all for joining me via my blog this year--sending you lots of love going into 2020!

xo,
Div

I haven't been able to bring myself to listen to much music for the last two years--so after commuting in silence for a while, I turned back to podcasts. I couldn't listen to the deluge of technology or innovation podcasts I once devoured--it was too much noise. I needed something that had more meaning. Here are my two favorite podcasts of 2019!
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​My mother introduced me to this tea a few years ago but I hadn't yet developed the palate to really appreciate the flavors. This is an Ayurvedic tea that is loaded with some incredibly nutrient rich spices. You can make a big batch of the mix and steep it one cup at a time just like any other loose leaf tea. All the following ingredients can be found at your local indian store or on Amazon. 
Makes 1 serving.

1. Heat a pot of water
2. Using a mortar & pestle or a blender, gently pulse these spices until they are coarsely ground (don't totally powder them).

• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder or root

3. When the water is hot, add the spices in.
4. After it's boiled together and the aroma is strong, lower the heat and add the following:

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder or whole pods
• generous pinch of saffron
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp edible camphor (this is my favorite ingredient)

5. Let everything sit for a few mins, then strain the tea into a cup and enjoy!

​Yoga does a great deal of good for the body. This year I learned that I needed to be kinder to myself in more ways than one, and having a regular yoga practice became a huge part of that. Here are all the ways it's helped me (just this year!):
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• Massages joints and stiff muscles
• Prevents injury
• Releases emotional pain stored deep in the tissues
• Empowers you in your body
• Builds endurance
• Helps you connect with others
• Stills the mind in preparation to meditate

This one is simple. I learned to slow down and take myself on a walk any time I felt perturbed, lonely, bored, restless, uninspired--you name it. Often times we just need to get some emotions out of our system. I would pay attention to the feeling on the sun beating down on my face, the smell of the air, the sounds around me, the different people I shared the space with. It's all magic if you look closely enough. I found so much comfort in the simple fact that no matter what I was feeling in the tiny universe of my mind, the sun would always, always rise again the next day and keep me safe and warm. Being in nature is extremely therapeutic and healthy for the body as well. When taking walks in my mom's garden, I'd catch myself thanking a tree after plucking a fruit, or smiling at a flower. Nature is one of the most beautiful expressions of life, and I plan to spend a lot more time appreciating it in 2020. 

I think it's vital that people 1) travel and 2) travel alone. This year I took my first solo trip to Portland, Oregon in the midst of a low point and at the time, it felt like the stupidest decision. But the moment I got to my destination, I allowed myself to get lost in experience, in observation, and in awe. I didn't even travel far - it wasn't about where I went. It was about having a stretch of time to exercise a pretty basal instinct - exploration. It expanded my mind and I was bolder and more open when talking to strangers. Highly recommend this to anyone who doesn't think they can survive a weekend with themselves. Have a meal by yourself in a nice restaurant go see some live music, get lost in nature. Get to know yourself closely and follow your curiosities without inhibition.

This spring I'm kicking off a new series called Currently Coveting, to celebrate the two-year anniversary of my blog! Here, I'll share some of my favorites at the moment - ranging from recipes, ideas, art, fashion, technology, and more. 

Can't decide between a skirt or pants? Neither could I. Enter: the palazzo pant. I stumbled upon this chic little number while searching for casual trousers to wear to work--something more comfortable and breathable than jeans, but still professional. I was intrigued by the sleek form and striking color combination, and loved the risqué slits along the sides. The bow tie at the waist is a cute detail that streamlines the silhouette and counter balances the wide legs. I must admit, I felt a bit cheeky wearing these to work, and I recommend checking the wind speed when you plan to wear these--but they were a huge hit! Plus, these transition very well as day-to-night wear. Helloooo happy hour!

I moved to a small studio (like, really small) at the beginning of this year and challenged myself to find creative ways to make my tiny home feel like ME. I work for an interior design/tech company that evaluates your style and gives you product recommendations. Over the course of two years, I've learned that I prefer for my style to reveal itself, organically. I purchased a few things (like this marble tray from Target, Malm dresser from IKEA, elephant stand from a thrift store), as minimal 'bases' but am accessorizing with bits and bobs I've collected through my life. Here's a few vignettes of my trials! 

I remember drinking this delicious, earthy, satisfying drink as a kid--except we didn't call it golden milk! Like countless other products of Indian culture, this beverage was co-opted by the West and turned into a money-making commodity that's now served in cafes across the country as well as sold by various online wellness companies. Indignation aside, Golden milk, a.k.a 'Turmeric Latte', is a milk prepared with cooked spices (the main one being turmeric) that is incredibly nutritious, has super-healing properties, and tastes amazing. All my aunts and grandmothers used to make a cold variation of this Ayurvedic drink called 'badam kheer' (made with ground almonds, milk, and the spices), as well as a hot version called 'payasam' (kind of a sweet soup made with milk, the spices, nuts, and tapioca). This drink helps boost immunity and is anti-inflammatory as well. In college, I would drink this twice a day to ward off the winter sickness. Here's an easy recipe!

Ingredients
2-3 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp saffron
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
coconut oil 
honey
milk of choice (My favorite is coconut or almond. Note: if you have a cold or sinus congestion, I don't recommend making this with dairy milk, that can actually make the congestion & mucus production worse!)

Step 1: Golden Paste
In a saucepan, heat the water until it starts bubbling. Add in the turmeric, ginger, cardamom, saffron, cayenne, pepper, and cinnamon and stir together. Let everything cook for 10-12 minutes or until it reduces to a paste-like consistency. Let it cool and transfer the mixture into a small jar (it will stay fresh up to two weeks, when stored in the fridge).

Step 2: Golden Milk
Add a cup of milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add about a teaspoon (more if you're sick!) into the milk and stir until it's evenly mixed. Then turn off the heat and add about a tablespoon each of coconut oil and honey. If you have a milk frother and are feeling bougie, go for it!

Creative Mornings is a lecture series that I've been attending for two years. It's a fabulous organization that hosts a breakfast lecture every month, in cities around the world! Each month, they choose a theme and bring in a speaker (an industry professional with relevant work to the theme) to talk. The lectures are hosted at really cool companies that volunteer their space for the event, and breakfast is usually donated by some of their partners. The event starts with a 30 minute mingling/networking session at 8:30am, followed by a 45 minute talk on the theme. They end with a 15 minute Q&A to encourage audience participation. I've met some really neat people at these events and it's always a lovely way to get some inspiration before heading into work on a Friday! Highly, highly recommend you check this out. 

Hope you enjoyed reading about some things that have inspired me lately!