6th Edition: Upcoming Substack Live Interview and New Jersey Bakery Bliss š°
Plus, a travel tote that took me from a flower and coffee shop to a DJ event.
ITāS FINALLY SUMMER! āļø
I always look forward to warm-weather adventures during this time of year. Whether youāre planning a local staycation or have a big trip on the horizon, Iām wishing you a safe summer of fun with friends and loved ones!
In the spirit of the season, hereās a recent summer-themed post from Fishkill Farms, an oasis I LšVE in New Yorkās Hudson Valley:
On the other hand, I canāt be the only person who starts to feel sad the further we get into summer. But even though itās just begun, thereās a way to manage your end-of-summer scaries now, according to clinical psychologist Sarah Cain Spannagel, PhD. Check out my 2024 Oprah Daily interview with her for more.
Alright! Here are three things thatāve been on my mind lately:
1.) My upcoming Substack Live interview with Aundrea Cline-Thomas š± š¤
Starting over this summer after a layoff or thinking about pivoting out of your current job? My upcoming Substack Live is for you!
Iāll be interviewing Aundrea Cline-Thomas, host of the The NEXT Best Thing Podcast! Sheās a three-time Emmy-award winning journalist, media strategist, and speaker whoās totally changed the way I think about my career. Iāve listened to her show for a while. It helps people navigate career transitions.
Check out this episode below and subscribe to her YouTube channel here to stay in the loop:
Aundrea is also the founder and CEO of media production and consulting company Mountain Court Media, and was an on-air reporter in local news for 15 years, most recently at CBS New York in 2022. Iām part of her membership program called The NEXT Best Thing Community.
Hereās how we got in touch: I DMāed Aundrea on LinkedIn in December 2024 and we connected on a video call in January of this year. I remember her asking me what kind of work I want to be known for, and Iāve used this question as a guide ever since. Hereās what Iāve realized:
I want to be known for having impactful, on-camera conversations with creative women.
Aundreaās been such a helpful sounding board for me this yearāthatās why I know sheāll be a great resource for you, too.
This Substack Live is for you ifā¦
youāre considering leaving your company and starting a new chapter of your career, but need some guidance
youāve been laid off and are figuring out your next move
you want to pursue work that feels more in alignment with who you want to become
you want to think more creatively about your potential
Weāre still scheduling a date for the interview, but youāll be able to tune in on the Substack app for free! Download it below:
Canāt make it live? Donāt worryāIāll post the recording afterward.
What do you struggle with the most when it comes to career transitions? Please drop your questions about this topic for Aundrea in the comments section for consideration!
2.) The Able Baker in Maplewood, NJ š§
This local bakery will delight your sweet tooth this summer, and all year long!
They have a very distinct, inclusive point of view, and their baked goods are delicious. They also have outdoor seating thatās perfect for the warmer months.
Over the years, my mom has thoughtfully ordered birthday cakes and more from The Able Baker. I love keeping up with this local business on Instagram, and told her earlier this year that Iād like to get some treats there in-person sometime.
So we had āMaplewood Dayā the day before Fatherās Day! We stopped into the bakery twice to get holiday goodies and coffee (which my mom recommends!). Believe it or not, it was my first time there.
It didnāt disappoint. š¤© The place was brimming with friendly staff, eager customers, and most importantly, excitement. So I couldnāt wait to feature this business here in my newsletter. I essentially wanted to shout āTeam Butterā from the rooftops.
Iām also not surprised that The Able Baker has been featured publications like The New York Times and New Jersey Monthly Magazine!
Another image also stuck with me: before leaving the second time, I caught glimpses of one of the staffers sweetly icing cookies by hand in front of a window. Iām dying to know how she did it! That must take incredible precision and patience.
This bakery truly makes everyone feel welcome.
Check out more of their recent Instagram posts below and give them a follow @theablebaker:
If youāre local, be sure to place your online orders here on their website, and stop by their physical location:
Address:
187 Maplewood Ave.
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone #: (973) 313-1133
Is there a small business that has your heart? Share it in the comments below!
3.) The Calpak Luka Mini Tote š
Picture this moment on repeat: Iām getting ready to head from New Jersey to New York City. While scrambling to pack up, I imagine how great itād be to finally have a smaller tote bag that can still hold all my essentials.
Iām happy to report that the trusty Calpak Luka Mini Tote recently came to my rescue! Problem, solved.
I have this darling bag in the color Oatmeal. Check it out below:
Last week, I essentially road-tested it in Manhattan for the first time. I brought it along to meet someone awesome who I met at an event a few months ago. We started out at a flower and coffee shop and later ended up having a total NYC moment at a jam-packed DJ event in Times Square with more of her friends! While in the crowd, I made sure the top of my tote was zipped shut, so I felt confident about the security of my valuables.
Basically, this is THE tote bag that youāll want with you when you travel, whether youāre boarding a plane or going on a cross-country trip by car.
One of my favorite features is the small zipper pouch on the top. Itās so easy to access items like AirPods or a small bottle of hand sanitizer while on the go.
I should also mention that this bag does well in inclement weather, too. I wore it to āMaplewood Dayā last weekend, which unfortunately ended up being super rainy. Luckily, the inside has water-resistant lining and the exterior stood up to the rain!
I also have to admit: Iāve become a bit obsessed with Calpakās āsoft-sidedā Luka Collection at this point. Iāve purchased other items in the same Oatmeal color as my tote bag, including the Luka Duffel š While Iāve needed to adjust the duffelās straps on my shoulder from time to time because of the smooth texture, itās still fabulous.
Lastly, I wonder if Calpak knows just how comforting it is that these pieces are soft to the touch! Theyāre nearly pillow-like, but keep all your belongings zipped securely in place.
Whatās your favorite brand to buy travel items from? Let me know below!
Notes: none of the content in this newsletter is sponsored, and my 2024 Oprah Daily interview with clinical Sarah Cain Spannagel, PhD doesnāt constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor for specific tips that work for you!
Thanks for being here! Iāll catch you in the next edition of Janeās Curious Paradise āØ.