November 2025 Top 3
I made a potato recipe from The Potato Book the other night, mostly because I needed something comforting and partly because potatoes have never let me down (unlike, say, every houseplant I’ve ever owned). The instructions were blissfully straightforward—slice, season, roast—like the recipe equivalent of a friend who tells you exactly what to wear to the party.
The flavors were simple in that “I definitely meant to be this effortlessly chic” kind of way. You can dress this recipe up or down. Want a fancy side? Add herbs. Want comfort food? Add butter. Want to feel like a Food Network star? Add a dramatic sprinkle of flaky salt with a flourish.
It’s the kind of recipe you immediately save because you know you’ll crave it again—like, “I’ll just make this one more time,” and suddenly it’s Wednesday and you’ve eaten potatoes three nights in a row. No regrets. If you love (or the people you love, love) potatoes—and let’s be honest, you do—this one’s a guaranteed win. This is a fun one to check out as we enter the cozy season.
I don’t say this lightly, but this timer has become one of my most reliable tools—especially in the winter months, when everything feels slower and our minds start turning toward growth: how to improve the business, how to refine our service, how to make meaningful progress. The Time Timer MOD Home Edition is more than a clock for me; it’s a daily reminder to stay present and intentional.
What I love most is its visual simplicity. The 60-minute dial (with the colored disk) makes the passage of time feel tangible. Instead of guessing whether I’ve been “working for a while” or “just started,” I can glance over and instantly know how much time remains. That kind of clarity helps me plan my day with intention.
It’s also remarkably quiet — no loud ticking to distract me when I’m deep in thought or sketching out strategy. You can even turn the alert on or off, so it’s just right for whatever you’re doing: a brainstorming session, a daily check-in, or a focused work block
One thing that really resonates: this is not a flashy productivity gimmick. It feels genuine and thoughtful.
When I first picked up Wintering, I expected a kind of self-help or “get-through-your-struggles” book — but what I found was something much more gentle, wise, and transformative. Katherine May doesn’t promise quick fixes. Instead, she offers a philosophy: that the “winters” of our lives — the hard, disorienting seasons — are not just obstacles, but opportunities for rest, retreat, and growth.”
One of the book’s core ideas — which hit me hard — is May’s “active acceptance of sadness.” She writes that wintering is not just a slump to survive; it’s a practice: to allow yourself to feel, to rest, to retreat, and to heal.
Reading Wintering felt like sitting with a wise friend who doesn’t rush you, but gently encourages you to slow down. I found myself pausing on many pages, underlining lines, and thinking about my own “winters”: the career frustrations, the times I’ve felt emotionally frozen or lost. May's writing gave me permission to treat those times not as failures, but as essential seasons — as part of a larger cycle that holds space for growth and renewal. It’s not a manual for bouncing back immediately; it’s an invitation to lean into the winter, to let it do its work, even when it’s uncomfortable.
With gratitude,
Dana
Ready to Make A Move?
Our team is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Connect with us to receive a free consultation to learn about your options in today’s market and see how our executive package is the only way to maximize your ROI. With my background as a Marketing Executive, you’ll get custom market analysis and ongoing tracking, video story-telling with A/B tested marketing messaging, catered open houses, staging and design, and so much more.
With over $100M of real estate sold, ranked in the top 1% of realtors nationally, and voted #1 Best Realtor on Bainbridge Island in 2021 and 2022, I know what it takes to craft the perfect offer and land your forever home. I’ve had the honor of serving over 100 families in Bainbridge Island, Greater Seattle Area, the Eastside and beyond. Properties include single and multi-family homes, condos in both the busy city and calm suburbs, waterfront homes with exceptional views, estate listings, and investment homes anywhere from a couple hundred thousand to a million dollars–each property receives the same concierge experience.
Let us help you buy or sell your home. Reach out to our team today to get started.
