Manhattan Beach, 2/13/26
Happy February and belated lunar new year! 🧧 I can’t believe the month is already over… I’m just barely sending this newsletter in time.
For the first time in a while, this month felt still… We didn’t have big travel plans or packed weekends. Instead we stayed home. I hosted a cozy Galentine’s dinner with my girlfriends. We curled up on the couch and watched movies on rainy days. I also had two minor ankle injuries which forced to slow down and rest.
And honestly, the slower pace felt nice. After the rush of the holidays and the pressure of a new year, I’m realizing I don’t need to constantly be moving. Instead I can just enjoy what’s already here… in my home and the quiet everyday moments. 🏡
Hope you’re able to carry that same appreciation for the small joys into this next month. 💛
✨ 5 THINGS INSPIRING ME
1. ARTIST: Spencer Gabor
Spencer is a Brooklyn-based illustrator who draws colorful, dynamic characters that radiate pure joy. I love the playful energy he’s able to bring with his bright color palettes and expressive movements. I also love how he brings his characters to life as animations overlayed on real photos.
Check out his work here.
2. ATHLETE: Alysa Liu
My favorite athlete to watch from this year’s Winter Olympics was Alysa Liu. After experiencing burnout and stepping away from the sport, she returned unexpectedly with a whole new level of confidence and joy that transformed her skating. Watching her reminded me that sometimes stepping back isn’t quitting, and I’m sure her story resonates with a lot of creatives out there.
Check out her performance here.
3. FILM: Eternity
I’ve been trying to watch more A24 films this year, and Eternity is one of my favorites now. It features Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller, and has a perfect blend of romance and wit. It’s one of those movies that make you think back to your past and reflect on the different versions of yourself.
Check out the trailer here.
4. PODCAST: Samir Chaundry on How to Dominate on YouTube in 2026
Now that I’m back on Youtube, this interview with Samir Chaundry on the Open Residency podcast came at the perfect time. Tbh I’m not really trying to dominate in this space, but his breakdown of what makes content valuable and engaging, and his strategies for packaging videos was so insightful.
Check out the episode here.
5. VIDEO: Fire Horse Red Envelopes by Alice Lee
Every Lunar Near Year, my friend Alice Lee designs a beautiful, gold-embellished red envelope, and this year she created one to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. She shared a BTS video of her process and it’s so cool to see her sketches come to life. I love how she started this annual ritual and it’s inspiring me to start a new passion project of my own.
Check out her video here.
📺 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Polished Videos Were Holding Me Back | Notes From This Season Ep. 1
In this video I introduce a new video series Notes From This Season, where I yap in my cozy corner and share what’s on my mind as a creator.
This month we’re talking about how I’m rethinking how to tell stories, leaning into my love for hosting dinner parties, and waking up early to go surf (even when I don’t feel like it). → Watch here
