Sunday Letter • January 12th, 2025
Ways to support those affected by LA wildfires, what I ate for New Year's Day dinner, continuing to set intentions for 2025, and new posts I'm working on
Welcome to this week’s
I want to take the time before diving in to acknowledge the absolute devastation that the Southern California community has been facing since this past week. Many of you know that LA and its community have been a special place in my heart and has come to be a sort of “second home” for me over the last two years. My heart is broken to see and hear of all the displacement and loss. Words cannot express how sorry I am, although I know my regret won’t fix it.
To my people in the greater Los Angeles County area: I want you to know that I am holding you close to my heart and grieving alongside you. ❤️🩹
To the rest of my readers, I’m asking you to join me in giving what you can to organizations supporting those affected by the wildfires seeking shelter, meals, clothing, and resources. Here are just a few:
California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund • general support and relief for those affected by the wildfires
Direct Relief • general support and relief for those affected by the wildfires
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation • supports firefighters on the frontlines and their families
Topanga Community Firefighting Efforts • supports residents of the city of Topanga with community firefighting resources
Pasadena Humane Emergency Wildfire Relief • supporting both injured wild animals and pets affected by the wildfires
Red Cross Wildfire Relief Fund • general support and relief for those affected by the wildfires
Artist Michael McGregor is raffling off this sick original drawing, $20 per entry, to raise money for the Los Angeles Fire Department
Also,
recently reshared her guidance on detox support for those enduring the wildfires:
This devastation has made me reflect on my gratitude for the roof over my head, clean air to breathe, clothes on my back, and food to nourish myself with. Do not take for granted what you have today. Nobody and nothing are promised tomorrow. Let’s come together to support our fellow citizens of America + Earth. You never know when it could be you in need of a helping hand.
May we rebuild and collectively learn to trust the wisdom of the indigenous Tongva people of California in stewarding the land with their regenerative practices, so that Earth can nurture and be in harmony―not at odds―with humanity.
Peace.
x Kendyl
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Happy New Year!
It’s 2025! 🎉 We’re now officially in the second half of the decade. Wild, ain’t it?
For New Year’s Day dinner, I always cook collard greens and black-eyed peas—both African American traditions—to bring good luck for the new year. This year I also made a chuck roast, one of my favorite cuts of beef due to its plentiful connective tissues and collagen. I got to slow cook it in my new VitaClay Organic Multi-Cooker that I got for Christmas (thanks mom and dad!) seasoned with Vietnamese Pho-inspired herbs: star anise, coriander seeds, and a bit of Ceylon cinnamon bark. The meat and broth were rich, aromatic, and nourishing, and the leftover broth was perfect for sipping on throughout the week. I’m working on getting together the recipe for this and some other slow cooker favorites for you all!
I also served up turnips mashed with butter and an antioxidant-rich purple sweet potato rice. The best part was that I got to enjoy this meal in good company—catching up and sharing laughs over good food.
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I’m still setting intentions for the new year. The focus on intention-setting for this new chapter doesn’t just have to start and stop before the clock strikes zeros in your time zone. In fact, I find that the beginning of the year is when the sculptor (that's you) truly starts to see a vision in the amorphous block of clay (the year ahead) that (s)he is presented with. As we start moving forward, we get a vibe on what we’re truly feeling, and what we ain’t.
Here are some timely Notes from the Substack community that have been resonating with me re: the energy I’m feeling for this season:
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Movement + nourishment have been helping me to keep the winter blues away. While I am still embracing hibernation, staying active (even in the cold) has been restorative and key to my surviving the winter. 🔑
Right now, moving my body (although challenging!), feels soooo good. It’s been cold as heck out, yet I’m proud to say the hawk hasn’t broken my stride! Before the new year, I started taking dance fitness classes, and have since kept finding myself bundling up to head out to a few types of classes a week. I’ve found that finding a way of moving that you truly enjoy―and leaning into it―makes the idea of a “workout” irresistible. Throwing shapes with my body is the way I get in-tune with my body, and I’m kind of addicted to it right now!
Being in-tune with my body also means slowing it down and allowing for rest and recovery, like I’ve been doing this weekend, as I await the start of my cycle.
I’ve also been taking a lot of pleasure in making magic in my kitchen. Eating colorful and vibrant foods is not only a great way to introduce a variety of nutrients and antioxidants into your diet, but can brighten you up on otherwise gloomy winter days. Taking the time to make your meals and food beautiful for yourself can give you a nice serotonin boost. After all, we eat with our eyes first!
The meals I’ve prepared myself these past couple of weeks have really inspired me with their beauty and nourishment, and have given me new ideas for content to share with you all!
Is there anything I’ve shared that intrigues you and that you would want to learn more about?
What are some things that help you to get through the winter months?
Expressing gratitude, always, but especially in times like this—for life, for health, for everything—keeps me grounded, humbled, and purposeful, daily.
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“I Need Your Lovin’” by Teena Marie
I’ve always loved the baseline on this track, and I’ve always loved me some Teena.
Dig into this one.
…is that enough love?
Did you catch my recent posts?
I shared an herbal tea blend recipe for my Throat Coat Tea dupe—for anyone experiencing the effects of the fires on your respiratory system, this recipe features herbs to support your immune system and soothe the throat, keeping you nourished and hydrated:
I also shared some dreamy sleep sanctuary inspiration:
Coming up:
My recipe for beef liver pâté, and why you might want to incorporate liver into your diet
I debut Throughlines, a series where I share my favorite Soul music samples and their parent tracks
I am also working on my DEEP Dive series, which will cover subjects like nutrition for looking and feeling good, making wellness work for you, eating well on a budget, building a kitchen for holistic health, and more.
I would LOVE to hear what specific topics you would like for me to do a DEEP dive on. You can leave me a comment or reply directly to this email with your suggestions and feedback.
I hope to hear from you!
Stay safe, be well, and remember to make time to practice gratitude.
Kendyl
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P.S., a special shout-out goes out to my momma, who was born on this day! Happy Birthday, mom, and thank you for being my literal Day 1. ☺💕
I am in love with everything you post. Your words hold weight, thank you for being here <3
Would kill to be sat at your dinner table, this all looks so delicious 😋