Hobbies – Derby Public Library's Blog

The Blog Wants to Know: May 2026

I find that people often go through weird “phases” where they’ll be obsessed with certain topics, shows, or even celebrities. Something grips your curiosity and sends you to the Google searches and late-night video scrolls, desperate for more information about that topic. Or perhaps it’s a movie, song, or TV show that you can’t help but repeat over and over again, feeling that surge of dopamine with every viewing. For this month’s question, we’re diving into hyperfixations, obsessions, and topics that have gripped our staff’s curiosity.

What’s your current phase/hyperfixation/obsession? What’s something that you’re constantly curious about and that you find yourself researching, watching, or reading about? This could be a show, series, period in history, celebrity, musician, author, artist, or even just an overall vibe.

Trinity, Library Page: For a while, I was fixated on the art and life of J.C. Leyendecker, a commercial artist whose works were extremely popular from the 1920s-1930s. He’s most well-known for his Saturday Evening Post covers (of which I’ve collected ~15) and clothing advertisements for Arrow Collars and Kuppenheimer Clothes. J.C. and his brother, Frank (or FX) painted together for much of their early careers. Norman Rockwell is known to have been inspired by him, and some people suspect that F. Scott Fitzgerald based many of the motifs from The Great Gatsby on the grand parties that were held at his estate. I was drawn to him because I’ve always loved history and art, but more importantly, I relate to his experiences as a queer artist. Leyendecker’s relationship with his model, Charles Beach, was an open secret, but he still had to hide parts of his identity from the public eye. Beyond this, J.C. Leyendecker’s work is beautiful, characterized by bright color, movement, and his signature hatching technique that added visual interest to every part of his work.

J.C. Leyendecker (1874-1951), *Couple in a Boat — Arrow Collar Advertisement*, 1912, oil on canvas,

More recently, I’ve been diving into astronomy. I think it was a mix of the Introduction to Astronomy course I’m finishing up and watching Project Hail Mary. I’m fascinated by the cosmic waltz of our planet and beyond. I always struggled in math, and science could be hit or miss no matter how much I loved it, but astronomy is such a beautiful blend of physics, science, chemistry, and art. In a few weeks, my summer reading might be out of this world!

Annalise, Public Support Service: I’ve always been the type of person who switches fixations at the drop of a hat. Every week, it’s something new! Lately, it’s been vintage and antique jewelry. I’ve always liked wearing jewelry, but suddenly after seeing reels and shorts by Maejean Vintage on social media, I’ve fallen into the rabbit hole of researching different eras of jewelry, their meanings, what materials were common in these different eras, etc. Victorian forget-me-not pieces enthrall me currently. With their overall theme of remembrance and deep connection, these pieces had a wide variety of meanings, giving a unique and sentimental backstory to each one. I own a few antique jewelry pieces that I’ve been lucky enough to pick up at estate sales, antique malls, and yard sales, and I’m looking forward to expanding my collection as I learn more!

Kathy, Public Support Services: Jackie, Shadow and their two eaglets from the Friends of Big Bear Livestream.

Shane, Public Support Services: My current hyper-fixation is tiny living and tiny houses. And while I go back and forth on if I could actually live tiny, it has pivoted me into self-sustainability and homesteading which both feel more obtainable realistically.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: My latest obsession has been with watching baseball. I used to play as a kid on rec teams during the summer. I loved going to games on school trips to see the Wichita Wranglers.

Photo from my Seattle trip in 2016. My family went to see the Mariners play.

My team was and still is the Seattle Mariners. I really got interested in them when Ichiro Suzuki played back in the early 2000s. I have been to several Mariners games in Kansas City and one in Seattle. Recently, with a free subscription to MLB.TV I have been able to catch several games and rediscovered my love of the sport. I wear my Mariners gear, grab some snacks and watch my team play whenever I can. Maybe one day soon I will get to go to another game in Seattle and see the new Ichiro statue by the stadium. I would love to enjoy some sushi and beer while I cheer them on! #TridentsUp

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: I’ve been obsessed with game shows lately like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. My kids and I will watch for about an hour after dinner and before homework. The show I’ve been constantly watching is The Rookie. Love me some Nathan Fillion.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: My latest hyperfixation is all things Wizard of Oz/Wicked. I dove headfirst into the Wizard of Oz book series by L. Frank Baum in preparation for my Oz-themed Murder Mystery Night at the library, and the infatuation has yet to lift. I’ve read all fourteen of the main Oz books, and now I’m diving deeper into the “Famous Forty” titles as well as the vintage Reilly and Lee and Del Rey editions. I’m also a huge fan of the Wicked films and have been a bit obsessed with finding Wicked merch. I created a Wicked/Ozian corner in my home with all of my books and cute finds. The obsession is so bad that I even joined the International Wizard of Oz club!

Now it’s your turn? What is your current obsession and what do you love about it? Let us know in the comments below!

The Blog Wants to Know: Jan. 2026

We’re starting up another year of “The Blog Wants to Know” where we ask staff members questions about their everyday lives. Stay tuned all year for some great recommendations, shared memories, and heartfelt words of advice from our amazing library staff!

For this month’s question, we’re looking into 2026 with hope, promise, and accomplishment.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? It can be big or small. It can be a trip you hope to take, a project you hope to finish, or a professional or personal goal that you hope to achieve.

Kathy, Public Support Services: “To go on a trip with my sister now that she has retired. Hoping to convince my husband that we should go to Michigan and see the grand baby.”

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: “I hope to take better care of myself this year.”

Shane, Public Support Services: This year, my goal is to practice tarot more often and pull and interpret at least one card per day. To facilitate this goal, my partner got me a Writual Journal for this year. It’s a helpful addition that combines astrology with tarot. It has card spreads for moon phases, monthly pages, and you can also use it for daily to-do lists and other journaling. So far, I haven’t missed a day!”

Hannah, Assistant Director: “I set the goal to journal every day. Nothing fancy, just dumping a random stream of consciousness onto a piece of paper. I love stationary, and I recently branched out into the fountain pen world and splurged on a Midori Codex 1 day 1 page journal.”

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: “In February 2026 I will turn 40! This always seems like such a big number but I am going to try to make it fun rather scary. I have dubbed 2026 ‘My Fortieth Year Extravaganza!’. I want to do something fun each month to celebrate the year.

Ashley with her parents at Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle overlooking downtown.

In February I am actually going to Seattle for five days. The big reason for this is I was born up in Tacoma (just south of Seattle at the Air Force base there) and thought it would be a great way to celebrate. I will be there on my actual 40th birthday! On a side note, the Seahawks are playing well and may make it to the Super Bowl which is also that weekend and would be fun to experience the game with other 12s. Go Hawks!

In May my parents and I may go see Styx at the Park City Arena. Then my hope for the fall is to take a trip to Wisconsin and try to go to a Green Bay Packers football game at Lambeau Field with my dad. Go Pack Go!

The other months are currently open for ideas. I hope to make this year one to remember!”

Now it’s your turn. Let us know what are some of your hopes and goals for the new year, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!

The Blog Wants to Know: Dec. 2025

In this holiday season, you might be working through your shopping list of gifts for loved ones, but it’s okay to share what you might like this season so we asked our library staff what they’re hoping for!

What’s something you’re hoping for in the holidays, whether a gift from others or a gift you might get for yourself? What’s something you’ve had your eye on for a while? Maybe your wish list might inspire some ideas for others!

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: This holiday, I got myself a little gift. I moved into a bigger apartment this summer so I was lacking a few items to fill the space. I really wanted a dining table with chairs for my kitchen. I finally found one that was reasonably priced and the perfect fit. Last weekend I went to pick it up and got it set up in my space. I LOVE it! I cannot wait to have people over for a little dinner party. Luckily Christmas is just around the corner!

Kathy, Public Support Services: There is not anything I need anymore, so the thing I want most is to spend time with my family!

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: What I want the most is for life to slow down a bit this holiday season so I can enjoy it. I feel like I’m always running from place to place and exhausting myself. I want to spend the holidays with my family and enjoy my surroundings.

Tabbitha, Youth Services: Honestly, the best gift I could ask for isn’t something that can be wrapped. I just want time with my family! Just to be present, share some laughs, and intentionally create those beautiful, core memories that we all can share for years to come and that will stick with my daughters for a life time.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: I had the opportunity to take surf lessons with my goddaughter this summer, and I realized pretty quickly how much strength and training it requires. Since Kansas is the most landlocked state ever, I know that I need something to help for the next time I get to hop on a board in the ocean. I found this awesome balance board called the RevBalance Swell, and I really hope to snag that so I can practice my balance for the waves!

Shane, Public Support Services: I always appreciate a gift that makes my life easier in some way. This year I asked for a Happy Planner for next year, a new computer keyboard, and a water distiller. However, I have been eyeing a sale for a Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie. I just can’t justify the full cost to spend on myself!

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your holiday wishes this year? Share them in the comments below, and Happy Holidays!

The Blog Wants to Know: Nov. 2025

We’re heading into the season that celebrates family, gratitude, and most importantly, food!

What’s something that you’d like to cook or bake but have never tried? Perhaps this is a family recipe, something you’ve seen in a cookbook, or even something you’ve seen on a baking or cooking show. What are some dream recipes that you’d like to try if you had the time/tools/ingredients, etc.?

Hannah, Assistant Director: I’ve always wanted to try making croissants from scratch. I’ve seen videos of bakers making them and always marvel at how jiggly they are when they are fully proofed. But the skill and time it would take to laminate the dough intimidates me!

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I would love to make a really good Cornish pasty. I have done steak and stout pies, Yorkshire puddings and shepherd’s pie but I have yet to try my hand at the pasty. My dad made some several years ago that were excellent. I had several pasties on my last trip to London and they are just the perfect on-the-go meal plus being very filling.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: My boyfriend loves New York-style cheesecake so I really want to try making that for him some time, but I’m super intimidated by all of the steps and the delicacy of it. I’m also a big fan of Indian food so I’d love to try making my own vegetable curry!

Baya, Youth Services: I’ve always thought that one day I’ll try making macarons. They’re delicious gluten-free cookies made with almond flour. The fillings can come in so many different flavors between two airy cookies. My favorite so far has been peach. Macarons have to be made just right, but it’s really satisfying to watch the process.

Now it’s your turn! What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try making? Let us know in the blog comments below!

The Blog Wants to Know: Oct. 2025

It’s spooky season and time for costumes, creepy creations, and themed cosplays. Whether you’re a current Halloween fan or partied it up in your youth, this question is all about being the best (or worst) dressed!

What have been some of your favorite or least favorite Halloween costumes? This could be a costume that you wore as a kid, a teen, with a family or group or even something you’ve done in recent years. Is there a costume you’ve always wanted to try?

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: My worst costume ever was one of those plastic masks for Mickey Mouse as a kid. I’m so glad costumes have evolved over time because those masks were creepy and very hot. My most worn costumes were a witch or a bride when I was a child. My favorite costume as an adult was probably a nerd or a sleep-deprived mom with a bath robe, curlers, and random household items pinned to the robe.

Tabbitha, Youth Services: I’ve had some memorable Halloween costumes! When I was three, my heart was set on being Baby Bop. My grandma finally found the perfect costume—five hours away!

But my best costume came at age four: I had a deep obsession with Star Wars and decided to be Darth Maul.I thought my face paint and light saber were awesome—until I realized I kept scaring the other trick-or-treaters!

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: When I was first hired as a part-time children’s librarian nearly 13 years ago, I took advantage of the role during Halloween and made a life-long dream come true to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast! I got to wear Belle’s gown during Preschool Storytime and it was so magical watching the kids’ eyes light up when they saw the costume!

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite Halloween costumes?

The Blog Wants to Know: Aug. 2025

School is back in session so it’s got me thinking about all of the awesome things that our school-age patrons will get to learn and experience, and all of the fun topics that we dove into during school.

What were some subjects or topics that you loved learning about in school? Was there a certain historical period or concept you found fascinating? This could have been during elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college. What kinds of things did you love to learn about? Feel free to share any books, TV shows, or resources you used in school to dive into that topic!

Dawn B., Event Coordinator: In elementary school I was OBSESSED with the Loch Ness Monster! I did several different types of reports on Nessie. My resources were library books and the show Unsolved Mysteries!

Tabbitha, Youth Services: One of my favorite topics in school was the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I was fascinated by how they discovered countless new insects and animals, and meticulously mapped the uncharted land.

This led me down a rabbit hole of historical events that paved the way for their journey. I learned that the expedition was made possible by the Louisiana Purchase, a massive territory bought from France under President Thomas Jefferson. While this purchase was a huge win for expanding trade routes, I also learned about its complicated role in expanding slavery in the South.

Over their two-year, four-month, and nine-day journey, Lewis and Clark met many different Native American tribes. This expedition was a huge part of my elementary school history classes, especially since I’m from Illinois. It was an amazing topic that captured my interest for years!

Kathy, Public Support Services: My favorite books growing up were the James Herriott books and that led to Vet School which I loved.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: Starting in about 7^th grade I had a history teacher, Mrs. Kelso, who I absolutely loved. She was always excited about what she was teaching and it sparked my love for history.

In college I studied history for my degree. I graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro. My advisor, Dr. Richard Kyle, taught many of my classes, took a group of us on a trip to Europe and helped me work my way through writing my senior paper about Thomas Cranmer and the English Reformation. He was so knowledgeable about so many subjects and had a career that took him all over the world. It was a great privilege to know and learn from him.

Dawn S, Youth Services Coordinator: It was Little House on the Prairie for me. My mom and I spent every morning before school watching the television series and I told my teacher about it. My teacher informed me there was entire book series written. I had to read them all!

Shane, Public Support Services: This should not come as a shock to anyone, but history has always been my favorite subject, particularly early American History. This continues to be a focus of mine into my college education. I first discovered this love in middle school American History. The late David McCullough is a notable historian who has written many great American History books. I have History Matters on hold to read when we have it available. It is a collection of essays he wrote during his life curated by his daughter and colleague focusing on his passion of History.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: In elementary school, I loved learning about American History, particularly the Revolutionary War. I watched this PBS Kids show, Liberty’s Kids, all the time. In middle school, I did many projects on the life of the poet, Maya Angelou. I found her so inspiring and her poetry made me feel both strong and vulnerable. I loved her poems “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise.”

Now it’s your turn! What were some topics that you loved learning about or are currently learning about in school?

The Blog Wants to Know – July 2025

We are knee-deep in the thick of summertime so this month’s question will hopefully cool you down!

What are some of your favorite drinks to have during the hot, summer months? What do you reach for on these 90-degree days?

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: Lots of iced coffee!! I spend too much money at 7Brew on the Smooth 7 which is Irish Cream and White Chocolate Breve. I add almond milk instead of the half and half. It’s my go to drink for sure! Peach Iced Tea is great, too!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I just recently discovered lavender lemonade!! So delicious and refreshing!

Tami, Office Manager: Ice tea and for an adult beverage…a gin and tonic

Maycie, Public Support Services: Raspberry lemonade!! There is nothing more refreshing or thirst quenching on a hot mid-western day.

Kathy, Public Support Services: In the evening I like to have a nice cool glass of S. Sohne Riesling-Blue wine.

Shane, Public Support Services: I reach for a crisp, refreshing (alcoholic) seltzer.

Hannah, Assistant Director: Topo Chico! Or as my family calls it “Mom’s spicy water.”

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: One of my favorite drinks in town is the Blueberry Moscow Mule from Dempsey’s. It’s so crisp and sweet! I’ll also make a non-alcoholic version at home with ginger beer and blueberry syrup.

Miranda, Youth Services: My favorite summer drinks are Seagram’s Jamaican Me Happy and strawberry lemonade with sliced strawberries. I usually order the strawberry lemonade at Red Robin.. its the best!

Jessie, Public Support Services: My favorite summer time drink is so simple! Lemon lime cucumber water! When I worked at a Marriott hotel years ago, one of our daily afternoon duties was to make infused waters for guests at check in. It doesn’t take much of the ingredients sliced up in a big pitcher of water to get a nice refreshing flavor in a few hours of it sitting and infusing the water.

Baya, Youth Services: If I’m in need of caffeine, I’ll get a Sonic Dr. Pepper with coconut and cream! When it’s above 90 degrees, I’ll take iced cold water. It’s basic but tastes life-changing in the heat. Then for cases when I don’t want caffeine or water, I’ll get a a crisp Sprite.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I absolutely love a good iced coffee. It usually has small dash of caramel in it because I don’t like it too sweet. Then for an adult drink I usually go for a local beer like Warbeard Irish Red by Walnut River Brewing. Refreshing and cold which is perfect for these hot days.

Tabbitha, Youth Services: During summertime, my family’s go-to drink is to make freshly squeezed lemonade! It is a fun thing to do together and it tastes so much better than store bought.

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite drinks during the summer months?

The Blog Wants to Know: June 2025

Despite the current deluge of rain and the humid temperatures, we are technically in the middle of summertime and maybe some warmer weather so this month’s blog question is all about summer activities!

What are some of your favorite summer activities? Do you like to go somewhere special in town during the summer months or do you get to enjoy certain hobbies now that it’s a little warmer?

Shane, Public Support Services: I grew up camping in the summer months and I still do when I can. El Dorado Lake is a fun one close by to go to for one night or just a day to go swimming. My favorite summertime activity is evening bonfires with plentiful s’mores with friends and family.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: My boys and I enjoy going to the Y for swimming and the movie theater for air conditioning.

Eric, Director: Just in case you didn’t know, my primary favorite summer activity is cycling! I definitely ride a lot more in the summer months!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: One of our favorite summer activities is going to Starlite Drive-In in Wichita. We love the atmosphere and of course, the concessions. Oh and if your car battery dies, they have jumper cables for you to borrow! “Starlite Drive-In gives you more, call 524-2424“

Maycie, Public Support Services: I am not by any means a hot weather kind of gal so my favorite summer activity is hanging out the air conditioning and waiting for winter to return!

Emily B., Public Support Services: Some of my favorite summer activities are driving with my windows down and the music up! If you happen to catch me driving around, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be able to hear my music- even if the windows are rolled up. I also love going on evening walks and getting to watch the sunset, since it’s warm enough to be out, and having small bonfires with friends.

I try to spend as much time as I can down at a small lake just across the border of Kansas into Oklahoma. My family has been going there as long as I can remember, so it has a very special place in my heart.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: I love sitting on my porch outside in the summer mornings or evenings just reading a book either with a cup of coffee or a glass of white wine. I’m also a big fan of evening summer walks. I adore the ocean so summertime means visiting family in North Carolina and hitting the waves in our favorite coastal town, Wrightsville Beach. My godchildren and I love to board surf, and we’re hoping to take pro surf lessons this summer!

Hannah, Assistant Director: Early morning summer walks and runs are the best. I can watch the sun come up, and I’m not running in the pitch black like the rest of the year.

Kristy H., Public Support Services: My favorite summer activity was always going to Worlds of Fun In Kansas City. It was the best of times, all the walking and the old fashioned cars that were on rails that we got to drive at 6 years old , And the big paper flowers. Those are the best memories!

The Blog Wants to Know: May 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with the end-of-school year and summer stress looming, it’s a great time to chat about managing stress.

What are some tips, tricks, methods, and resources you use to de-stress? How do you take care of your mental health and what have you found that works for you?

Maycie, Public Support Services: Quiet time is so important! I recommend a dark quiet room for when you have sensory overload. Don’t overestimate what laying on the floor for a minute can do for your mental well-being. You have to remember to give your brain, your ears and your eyes all a break together during the day and just when you’re sleeping.

Also adopt a cat (or two) … they help a lot.

Kathy, Public Support Services: My biggest joy is actually reading so I end my day reading for about 30 minutes. I let the book take me away from everything else and then I am ready to go to sleep.

Emily B., Public Support Services: Anxiety is always something I have struggled with, and while journaling is easy, it’s hard for me to be consistent. I found an app called How We Feel and I cannot recommend it enough! It helps you dissect your feelings and helps you get to the source of your problem. It also has several other techniques to help de-stress and manage negative thoughts. It’s entirely free too!

Shane, Public Support Services: As a college student, I often have overlapping deadlines and workloads with each class having its own structure. This semester was a unique challenge with two accelerated courses and two regular courses (and I will be doing the same thing for the summer semester).

To manage my stress, I plan out my time using a day planner (I use the Happy Planner weekly layout) and I color code each class. I write down my work schedule, due dates, appointments, social obligations, etc. and plan out when I will work on assignments. If I have a large assignment, I find breaking it up into little chunks much easier than trying to deal with the whole assignment. That way, “I have to write a 10 page paper by this date” becomes “I have to write the four paragraphs of my paper today.” Also, it always helps to plan a break day to let my mind rest and recover and enjoy myself so I can be more productive the next day. It’s important to enjoy yourself even when you’re busy!

Megan, Outreach Coordinator: How I de-stress is by putting in ear buds, playing some Kendrick Lamar and artists similar, and deep clean/organize my space.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: When I’m stressed, either I need to move my body or I need to be a quiet, lazy blob . For movement, going for a walk, practicing yoga, or even just putting on some music and dancing around the house can really help. I often watch SarahBethYoga videos if I want to follow an instructor or a guided meditation. I do also love boxing or HIIT workouts like this one just to get all of that built-up cortisol and adrenaline out. And for peak blob-form, I’ll get in this shark onesie, turn on a comfort show, and turn off my phone!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: My go-to for stress relief is usually being out in the sun and/or spending time with our various pets. My husband and I recently purchased bikes and getting out and riding always puts a smile on my face and makes me feel better.

Trinity, Page: When I’m stressed, I spend time with my dog. She’s a cuddlebug and I can’t say no to her puppy eyes!

Hannah, Assistant Director: I wear an Oura ring to monitor my biometrics, and I’ve been using the Finch app for the last month to prioritize my mental health and my productivity. I’m a big fan of meditation as well. I’ve used almost all the apps…Headspace, Calm, Mindllama, and the Mindfulness app on my Apple Watch.

Dawn, Youth Services Coordinator: For de-stressing I tend to talk to friends and listen to music. Going to a movie or streaming something also helps me de-stress. I try to make lists so I don’t overwhelm myself both at home and work. It’s so gratifying to cross off things on a list once I get them accomplished.

Now it’s your turn! What works for you when you’re dealing with stress? Let us know in the blog comments below!

The Lineup: Alyssa

TV Show: Summer Camp Island

This is one of my all-time favorite comfort shows. Unlike most cartoons (or really most TV Show these days), this show is so gentle and soothing. It follows two best friends, Oscar and Hedgehog, while they’re away at a magical summer camp led by three witches. The show has everything; musical yetis (with one voiced by Elijah Wood), ingenious elves, talking trees, dancing aliens, a shark who’s a licensed therapist, and a friendly moon. It’s pure magic!

Books: The Silmarillion Collector’s Edition

I tackled J.R.R. Tolkien’s world-building behemoth, The Silmarillion, a few years ago, and I’ve always wanted to give it a re-read. While strolling through Barnes and Noble, I found this edition and had to get it! It’s got this beautiful blue hardcover with the Two Trees of Valinor and the three Silmarils perfectly highlighted. The inside is fairly straightforward with a colorful map and decently-sized text, but the spine is flexible enough to lay flat which is perfect for all the note-taking I plan on doing. It’s even got a built-in bookmark. I feel like a Tolkien scholar walking around with this!

Coffee: NesCafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee

I’m a coffee fiend. Whether hot or cold, flavored or unflavored, I’m into all the robust dark-roasted coffees. For the past few years I’ve been making pour-over coffee each morning which, while effective, does take a little time and clean-up. As I approach the hectic summer season, I was looking for something quicker and stronger. I found this NesCafe Gold on YouTube Shorts and O. M. G. it’s amazing! Just two teaspoons, some boiling water, and you have dark, rich, espresso-like coffee that even has a lovely crema on top. Perfect for iced lattes or my fave almond milk lattes. It is on the pricey side, but it lasts a while and it’s way cheaper than hitting up the drive-thru line.

Hobbies: Cat Full of Spiders Tarot Deck

In preparation for a trip to Planet Comicon in Kansas City where I planned on meeting the incredible Christina Ricci, I purchased her tarot deck, Cat Full of Spiders. I’ve always had a love of tarot, and this deck is so fun! It highlights a lot of her movies, but in subtle, secretive ways. I’ve done some deep digging into each of the cards to find all the meanings and references. And meeting Christina was so awesome!!

Streaming: Dropout

I stumbled on Dropout from seeing random YouTube shorts and thought I’d try the full subscription. Their content is amazing! It’s hilarious and random, but also really thoughtful at times and such a great company. I love shows like Game Changer and Make Some Noise which both have a “Whose Line Is It Anyway” improv vibe. The Dimension 20 series is also great, especially the season called “Burrow’s End.” Highly recommend giving Dropout a try, even just for a month. It’s worth the money!