It’s been a long time since I’ve actually joined you for dinner here, but I’m thrilled to finally be back! I owe my long absence in equal parts to a busier-than-usual schedule, a spot of writer’s block, and a touch of seasonal depression. Every year, I feel an undeniable sense of unease creep in during the fall, but I think I’m doing a better job keeping it at bay this year (more on that below).
Yesterday was the first snowfall in Berlin, and it made me very excited for all things winter, so without further ado, I’d like to kick off this very festive season by presenting to you my 2022 holiday wishlist/gift guide!
Sera’s Official 2022 Holiday Wishlist/Gift Guide
Hay French press: every time I drop by Markthalle Neun, I stop by the corner home goods shop and drool over this French press. I have been in love with it for months, and I think I’m at the point where I just can’t live without it.
Hay Jade mugs: can’t buy a French press without some accompanying mugs! I think this light Jade color is so pretty.
Cos leather coat: there’s probably no chance I’ll be purchasing a 650 Euro leather coat, but a girl can dream.
Mango coat: this coat, however, feels realistic. I love it in brown.
Wine rack: I recently went to South Africa, where I visited a stunning winery in Franschhoek called Babylonstoren. I loved it so much I shipped a crate back to Berlin, but now I have nowhere to put all these wine bottles. I think this is a little kitschy/not quite my style, but I also think it could be a fun addition to my kitchen…stay tuned.
Arket blanket: I think it’s long overdue to switch out my blue sofa blanket (mine is sold out, but if you’re still in love with it, this one is very similar), and I love this one.
Gérard Fromanger poster: have had this original exhibition poster in my Instagram favorites for probably a year now.
Max Bill poster: another favorite of mine.
Clinique Black Honey: I’ve been seeing this all over TikTok, and I just have to try it.
*Credenza: I’ve been on the hunt for a beautiful credenza/sideboard/buffet or whatever you call it, and I still haven’t found one that fits my budget/taste. If you’re a furniture brand reading this and you think you’ve got something for me, don’t hesitate to reach out! I love anything mid-century or unique in some way, be it in color or detailing.
Things I recently acquired:
Arket vase: I just got this, and I’m very pleased with it. Looks gorgeous in person. The blue is lovely too.
Dolce & Gabbana The Only One: smells amazing, definitely on the sweeter side and more of a nighttime scent, but I’ve only just started wearing it and have gotten a ton of compliments.
Arket off-the-shoulder top: can already tell this will be a staple going out top. Fits true to size.
Zuiver shelf: I was gifted this (love furniture as PR) and while I definitely wouldn’t pay for it, it’s a cute addition to my front hallway - I haven’t revealed it on social media yet, but I will this week.
Bala bangles: I love these as ankle weights. They’re comfortable and cute.
Merry Fitmas
I have recently become absolutely obsessed with the Tracy Anderson Method online classes. I did a 14 day free trial which just ended, but I think I’m going to have to actually pay for it now. I love that you do the same class each day of the week (and since Tracy doesn’t talk, you can play your own music over it), and I like how creative the moves are. It’s hard to describe, but it’s most like a combination of pilates and dance cardio, with an emphasis on controlled, repeated movements. I started an Alo Moves subscription today, and while I already think I won’t like it as much as Tracy, I’m hoping I will because it’s significantly cheaper. I promise I’ll report back with a proper comparison after the week-long trial next Sunday.
Song of the week
“T-Shirt” - Migos
Winter blues
I try to be extremely mindful of my happiness. As I’ve talked about in this newsletter before, I think life is very much about its ups and downs. It’s extremely comforting to me to know that I am able to pull myself out of tough times, simply because I have done it so many times before.
The one thing that seems to excel at keeping me happiest when seasonal depression does its best to drag me down is simply getting my steps in (I currently aim for 15,000 a day), and I really recommend it to anyone.
If you’re feeling down, please get up and go for a quick walk. I promise you won’t regret it.
The week ahead
Today I started my kitchen reorganization, which I also began filming. I’ll be sharing those videos on TikTok this week, and that will likely expand over into a closet reorganization as well. All of this feels long overdue, and I’m excited for this to relieve some of my general anxiety. When I have a perfectly clean home, I equate it with having a clear mind, and it actually puts me at ease. I find that I’m much more productive at work, because I’m able to concentrate more on the task at hand without thinking about how much I want to clean or organize my home.
I’ll also be starting my holiday decor filming this week, first with putting up my (fake) Christmas tree, which I need to have up and decorated by Saturday, because I’ll be hosting Thanksgiving then - which you can also expect to see videos of starting next Sunday, the 27th.
I will also share all recipes in next Sunday’s edition, along with what I’m thankful for!
To the Americans - happy Thanksgiving week! And to all others, thanks so much for reading, and I will actually, definitively, see you again next Sunday!
P.S. A huge shoutout to the incredible Colin Swords, a loyal friend and Dinner at Sera’s supporter, who ran the Golden Gate Trail Classic Half Marathon today!