We are in the final month of 2025. How did we get here? Honestly, a lot of hard moments, tears, and spiral thoughts…or is that just me? There have been moments of joy, laughter, and excitement (that’s what this newsletter is all about!), but I’m not going to sugarcoat it; it’s been a tough year for lots of people, including myself.

As I reflect on this year, I tend to think about what I wasn’t able to do successfully or accomplish. Sadly, that’s often my default mode.

But what if I concentrated on what I grew into? Like hitting my reading goal. Or going on a solo trip to Mexico and reconnecting with myself. Or the dinner parties I planned with friends. Or restarting therapy. Or even keeping up with this newsletter and actually sharing it with friends and family! The list is magically much longer than I originally imagined.

I realize how often I focus on what’s missing in my life rather than what is abundant and flourishing. Sometimes there’s space needed for the sadness or grief that comes with life—the things and people we miss or what we haven’t accomplished yet. But in the hard times, I’m learning the importance of celebrating yourself: for showing up for yourself and loved ones in more ways than one. It’s not easy, but it’s important.

I hope you all can take a moment and reflect on what you grew into this year and the peace and/or acceptance you found along the way. Please share it with me.

As always, wishing you a magical end to 2025. Thank you all for being along the journey with me. See you in the new year!

xoxo,

Melissa

listen + read

I’m sharing my favorite books I either read or listened to on audiobook this year. I read a quite a mix of genres this year, so it’s hard to narrow it down to only a few. These are the list of standouts that I’d recommend to anyone:

For those who enjoy themes of love across cultural divides, familial devotion, and the concept of honor in different cultural and familial contexts, I’d recommend Honor by Thrity Umrigar.

For those who enjoy themes about chance encounters and rerouting their life’s path, I’d recommend The Wedding People by Alison Espach.

For those who enjoy themes about the meaning of life, contemplating the impacts of our life choices, and being “normal” in today’s society, I’d recommend Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho (this book is based on the author’s own experiences).

For those who enjoy themes of friendship, work, love, sex, and struggles of early adulthood, I’d recommend the memoir Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (I highly recommend the audiobook, read by Dolly herself!).

For those who enjoy themes of psychology, reflections on what it means to accept yourself and your traumas, and confronting your truth, I’d recommend the memoir Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb.

drink

This year, one thing that has consistently brought me joy: coffee + tea! I thought it’d be fun to share my favorite cups or cafes I loved this year in some of my favorite cities. I’m not a coffee connoisseur by any means, but I’m sharing my recent favorites based on cafe vibes, menu, coffee/tea taste, and service. Save these for your next trip!

• Cardinal Casa de Café in Mexico City (delicious coffee and pastries, affordable coffee beans, visited more than once on my trip)

• Cara de Taza Café in Mexico City (fun cafe with creative mugs, enjoyed a hot cup of tea while reading my book)

• Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe in San Francisco (half cafe, half bookstore…need I say more! They are known for their matchas)

• Q Specialty Coffee in San Francisco (lots of seating, delicious and foamy matcha lattes, favorite item: velvet matcha cream cloud!)

• Blue Willow Teaspot in Berkeley, CA (beautiful teahouse with 100+ teas to choose from)

• Paper Sons Cafe in Chinatown, NYC (great menu, cozy seating, perfect foam on your latte or cappuccino, see photo of amazing latte art at the bottom)

• PARK at KIMS in Chinatown, NYC (my sister’s local haunt, very cute and friendly owners, delicious coffee)

• *Bonus: I visited Bellocq Tea Atelier in Brooklyn with my sister and absolutely loved The Queens Guard blend, which you can purchase online. I’m enjoying a cup as we speak!

events

It’s the year of the holiday markets! You have your pick of some great events. I tried my best to find ones that I would love to visit myself. Stay cozy!

virtual

• Confident by Design: Storytelling That Moves You Forward | December 11 (free, registration required, I’ll be there virtually!)

• Mindful Morning: Journaling Session | December 24 (free; I did one of her free journaling events in the park while in NYC and really enjoyed the guided experience)

san francisco

• SF City Hall Small Business Holiday Pop-up | December 9

• Ghirardelli Square x Creative Communal Holiday Market | December 12

• York Collective Holiday Market | December 13

• Holidays on Taraval | December 13

• Winter on Waverly Holiday Shopping Party | December 13

• West Coast Craft Night Market | December 19

• SF Made Holiday Pop-Up Store | December 2-20

• Union Square Winter Walk | December 13-24

sonoma county

• 19th Annual Posada Navideña by Calidanza Dance Company | December 12 (Santa Rosa; tix required)

• Lighted Boat Parade | December 13 (Petaluma)

• 4th Annual Holiday Maker’s Fair | December 14 (Petaluma)

• Holiday Potter’s Market | December 14 (Petaluma)

• Christmas in the Redwoods | Throughout December (Occidental)