#1 A Day at Home: Midwest Must-Haves
Bringing Big-City Excitement to Small-Town Living
For most of my life, I was the ultimate "out-and-about" person, always on the go and living life to the fullest outside of my home. But as I've grown older, I've experienced a profound shift in perspective. I've come to realize the beauty and importance of embracing life at home – of building a space that feels like a sanctuary and finding joy in the simple moments spent within its walls.
In this new series, I'll be sharing stories, tips, and tricks for making the most of your time at home. From recommendations that make life easier and more enjoyable, to pop culture picks that keep you entertained, I'll dive into all things related to embracing the comfort and tranquility of home. Whether you're a fellow convert like me or have always been a homebody at heart, I hope you'll join me on this journey of discovering the magic of sometimes staying in.
Midwest Must-Haves
Finding the right balance between small-town comfort and big-city excitement is essential for me in creating a fulfilling lifestyle that offers both the close-knit community feel of rural living and the cultural richness of urban environments. Here are some of my favorite things that have helped me achieve this balance.
HELLO FRESH: What I miss most from city life is the variety of ethnic food options available, but Hello Fresh has become my culinary savior, allowing us to still enjoy all the Asian flavors we love from the comfort of our own home—with recipes that give us the confidence to cook dishes we might otherwise avoid. Not to mention, it's actually become an affordable budgeting option that helps us enjoy restaurant-quality meals without the big-city prices.
ESPRESSO: Starting each morning with a café-quality espresso has become my non-negotiable luxury—the rich froth from my Nespresso machine transforms an ordinary Tuesday into something special, all while saving me from both the drive-thru line and the $6 coffee shop price tag.
YOGA: Those moments on the mat ground me in mindfulness whether I'm surrounded by palm trees or cornfields, creating a sanctuary of calm that travels wherever I go—though I've struggled to prioritize this practice lately, I'm reminded of its profound impact on my well-being every time I return to it.
LOCAL BAKERY: LA loves its doughnuts and NYC loves its bagels—cities have a special relationship with carbs, and I can't help but share that love. When I was working my corporate job remotely, Thursday treat announcements for the office team left me at home with just my yogurt feeling a bit left out. One day, inspiration struck to rediscover my local bakery, and I was blown away by how incredible their $3 bagel and spread was—now I treat myself occasionally, proving small-town bakeries can deliver big-city satisfaction.
BOOK CLUB: Originally outside my comfort zone, my friends inspired me to give reading a real chance, unlocking a whole new world I'm incredibly grateful for. Finding and creating a book club was high on my priority list after moving back—it's become not just a way to discover great books, but also to connect with like-minded people in my community while maintaining that intellectual stimulation I cherished in the city.
Must Read, Watch, Listen
📚 READ: The House Maid by Fredia McFadden. McFadden has quickly risen to the top of "my favorite author list" after reading her 3-book series The Housemaid. Her thrillers always deliver an unexpected twist that never disappoints.
📺 WATCH: Leave the World Behind on Netflix. Although it came out in 2023, we just watched it and it's one of the better movies I've seen in a long time with an all-star cast. The plot hits a little too close to home that literally had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It's not scary in terms of a horror movie, but it is terrifying. You know it's good when you have to take a moment to pause.
🎧 LISTEN: Funny Story by Emily Henry. This is my favorite audio book I've ever listened to, it's narrated by Julia Whelan who was so incredible that now I'm basing my next audio book off of whatever she's reading.
What about you? Drop a comment below or send me a message with your favorite home indulgences, local gems, or entertainment picks. Your recommendation might just be featured in next month's "A Day at Home"!
Until next time, here's to finding joy in the simple pleasures of home, wherever that may be.
Enjoyed the read
Thanks Jae