(the ones I actually use and love in my NYC life)

If you’ve been here for a while — on YouTube, on the blog, or over on Instagram — you already know that content creation is a huge part of my everyday life. It’s how I document my NYC days, tell my stories, and connect with you guys & dolls in a way that feels real.

And over time, I’ve learned something important: it’s not about having everything — it’s about having the right tools that make creating feel easy, fun, and aligned with your life.

There’s something about living in New York City that can make you feel like you’re always a few steps behind.

The trains are rushing. The sidewalks are packed. Everyone seems to be on their way to something.

And for a long time, I thought I had to match that energy.

But lately, I’ve been leaning into something different—something slower, quieter, softer.

Soft living in a busy city isn’t about escaping it all. It’s about choosing how you move through it.

Here are a few ways I’ve been practicing that lately.

There’s this version of creative life that looks really good from the outside.

It’s quiet mornings with coffee, working on your laptop, editing something you love, building something that feels like you. And don’t get me wrong—I love that part. I’ve built a life around those moments. But what people don’t always talk about is how easy it is for that version of creativity to become… a little lonely.

Because creating—especially consistently—can feel like you’re living in your own head.

And that’s where community comes in.

There’s a quiet pressure in creative life to constantly be on — to always be making, posting, editing, planning, dreaming. And while I love what I do, I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t actually thrive in burnout… it gently softens and regains clarity in small, intentional moments of care. Not full-day resets. Not elaborate routines.

Just little, meaningful things that bring you back to yourself. Here are a few mini self-care ideas I’ve been leaning into lately — especially on the days when I still want to create but need to feel like myself again first.

Spring in New York always feels like a quiet reset. The days get a little longer, the air softens, and suddenly I’m inspired again — to plan trips, try new beauty finds, wander different neighborhoods, and lean back into creative routines.

Lately I’ve been collecting little moments and things that are bringing me joy. Some are big (hello, travel plans), others are small (like a perfect red lipstick moment before heading out the door). Here are five things I’m currently loving this spring.

Let’s talk about something no one really prepares you for: staying motivated when you’re building something that only you can see the full vision of.

Creating — whether it’s YouTube videos, blog posts, newsletters, or even just documenting your life — sounds romantic. And sometimes it is. But more often? It’s quiet. It’s disciplined. It’s showing up when the views are low, the ideas feel repetitive, and your energy is somewhere between “inspired” and “I would rather be horizontal.”