What’s got me thinking this week:
Create highly effective habits - but being effective doesn’t automatically mean you’re grounded morally.
What are your habits built on? Are they just helping you win…or are they shaping you into someone you’re proud to be?
Real alignment isn’t just about results — it’s about having a core set of values (or faith, or principles) that guide how you move through everything.
THIS WEEK’S EDIT:
The Art of Jorts
Okay…hear me out.
Jorts are officially having their moment this summer — and not in a “trying too hard” way, but in a relaxed, cool, slightly undone way that just works.
I’m not saying I’ve fully retired my short shorts (they’re definitely still somewhere in my closet lol), but they’re no longer the main character. The vibe right now is a little longer, a little looser, and a lot more wearable. Which I’m not mad at!
What I like about this trend is that it actually works for different body types — it’s less about squeezing into something and more about finding a cut that fits you. And HELLOOO I actually was able to wear them to work.
Think:
mid-length
slightly baggy
worn-in denim
I linked a few of my favorites in my ShopMy — options for tall, curvy, petite, all of it.
WHAT I WORE
Bonus: GNO Energy
Statement jackets are the energy and simple silhouettes. Never understated.
Swimming In Fun
I’m collecting all of my favorite swimwear for this summer and it has been getting me so excited!
And now I’m ready to sit by a pool -thank you very much! Below are some of my favorite affordable swimsuits.
Birthday Behavior
Last weekend was all about celebrating Mae baeeee and leaning into fun, elevated, slightly extra outfits. Think: statement pieces, good fabrics, and looks that were comfy!
SOURDOUGH PANCAKES THAT HIT
Lisa’s Pancakes
Okay…these might be the best pancakes I’ve ever had.
My mom (Lisa 🫶) came up with this recipe because she makes sourdough all the time and had so much discard — and somehow that turned into the fluffiest, crispiest pancakes ever.
They puff up, get slightly crispy on the outside, and stay super soft inside. They’ve officially replaced every other pancake recipe.
Also…they’re somehow just as good days later. I pop them in the toaster at 350 for a few minutes and they come back to life.
We did:
chocolate chip
blueberry + banana (also elite)
I’m a powdered sugar girl, but maple syrup works too
THE RECIPE (EASY VERSION)
What you need
2 cups flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
¼ cup melted butter
1½ cups milk
½ cup sourdough discard
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips or banana + blueberry (my fave!)
How to make them
In one bowl, mix all your wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, milk, sourdough discard, vanilla.
In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients.
Add dry into wet and mix just until combined (lumps are totally fine — don’t overmix).
Fold in chocolate chips or fruit.
Heat a pan to medium heat and lightly butter or spray.
Scoop about ¼ cup batter per pancake.
Wait until bubbles form + edges set, then flip once.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until golden.
TIPS (THIS IS WHAT MAKES THEM SO GOOD)
Medium heat only → this is key for that fluffy inside
Flip once → no messing with them or they deflate
Let them get bubbly before flipping
OPTIONAL (BUT FUN)
You can mix everything except baking powder + soda and let it sit overnight in the fridge for a slight sourdough ferment moment → then add the rest before cooking.
🥖 NO SOURDOUGH DISCARD? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
If you don’t already have sourdough discard on hand, don’t let that stop you — it’s actually pretty easy to find:
Ask a friend → anyone who bakes sourdough probably has extra and will happily give you some (it adds up fast lol)
Local bakeries → some will sell or give discard if you ask (especially smaller, neighborhood spots)
Farmers markets → sourdough vendors sometimes offer starter or discard
Start your own → if you’ve ever wanted to get into sourdough, this is your sign (and then you’ll always have discard)
👉 In a pinch: you can make these without discard, but it’s what gives them that extra fluff + slight tang that makes them so good…best alternative is of course buttermilk, but yogurt or sour cream can work too!
WHERE WE ATE
Kokkari
Kokarri
I know…how have I lived in the Bay this long and never gone??
I got taken here for a work dinner (shoutout to being very blessed lol) and it fully lived up to the hype. This is one of those places that feels like a true San Francisco staple — warm, buzzy, and the kind of meal you remember after.
What to order:
Lamb rack → unreal
Octopus → not rubbery at all, super tender
Dessert → fried cannoli cream situation…you need it
Kokkari
A Few More Spots To Add To Your List
SF / Bay Area
Tokyo Central (Emeryville)
Gone are the days of trying to find a Japanese market in the Bay — fun to wander, grab snacks or premade lunch/dinner, and pick up things you wouldn’t normally find.Alpine Inn (Portola Valley)
Historic beer garden (like founded in 1852??) — super casual, outdoor, great for a sunny day.Loveski Deli (SF)
Get the chopped reuben. No notes.
NYC
Cafe Mulberry
Garden brunch vibes — cute, easy, good food. Probs better for summer/fall…Agi’s Counter
Brooklyn spot, get the tuna melt (trust me).Mommy Pai’s
Fried chicken sandwich with Thai flavors?? Different but works so well.
LA
Salted Butter Company (Pasadena)
Bakery moment. Everything looks insane, tastes even better.Dune
Mediterranean lunch spot that’s simple but so good — easy go-to.Quarter Sheets
Pizza + cake combo?? Yes. Princess cake is the order.
HIS EDIT
PAAK’S PICKS
We were heading home from my sister in law’s baby naming / Christening and he put together one of those outfits that just feels polished.
He’s been really into neutrals lately — and this is exactly why it works. Everything is in the same warm tone family, but still has enough contrast to feel styled and intentional.
WHAT HE WORE
Beige knit polo
Soft, fitted, and an easy upgrade from a basic teeChocolate brown trousers
Tailored but relaxed — gives the whole look structureBrown leather shoes
Clean, classic, and ties everything togetherWatch
Simple, understated, finishes the look
THE VIBE
Warm, neutral, and put together without overthinking it.
Perfect for family events, dinners, or anything where you want to look polished but still comfortable.
WHY IT WORKS
Sticking within the same color palette makes everything feel cohesive.
It’s simple, but the fit and tones do all the work.
What I’m Loving
CLOSING VIBES
A few things I’ve been loving lately:
The Silent Patient (Audiobook for meee but also a good read)
I’ve been trying to use my time better — during walking, driving, cooking — and audiobooks have been perfect for that. This one keeps you thinking the whole time…in a good way.
Project Hail Mary (Movie)
I don’t even like sci-fi…and I loved this. I laughed, I cried, and somehow stayed awake for a 3-hour movie at 9:45pm?? That says everything.
Your Friends & Neighbors (Season 2)
Funny, a little chaotic, a little serious — easy to watch but still interesting. And we love John Hamm.