JOURNAL - BY ADRIANE NICOLE
In good
taste.
This is where I write. Not about productivity or personal branding or the ten habits of successful creatives. About the things I am actually thinking about — the meal I can't stop returning to, the year I am trying to live deliberately, the craft that keeps asking more of me than I expect.
I write the way I work: slowly, with attention, and only when I have something worth saying.
THE SERIES
The Rooting Year
Essays from 2026 — an intentional year of depth over breadth. What it means to stop moving and start building. What it costs. What it gives back.
In Good Taste
On food, culture, and the table. What I am cooking, eating, and thinking about. Filipino heritage, seasonal obsessions, the meals worth writing down.
In Focus
Conversations with makers, builders, and creatives I admire. Not interviews — portraits in words. People doing the work with real intention.
HANDAVĒ
Behind the table. Menus, reflections, and the small decisions that go into each gathering. Published after each dinner, four times a year.
They are not separate careers. They are the same attention, expressed differently depending on what a moment requires.
RECENT POSTS
I stopped chasing the grind and started building roots. Here's what intentional living actually looks like in practice.
For this edition of our In Focus series, we are proud to feature Aalyssa Sepulveda, the passionate founder of Con Amor Bakery and a recent college graduate who turned her love for creativity into a thriving dessert business. With a heart full of passion and a vision to bring joy through artisanal sweets, Aalyssa has built something beautiful from the ground up, starting at just 18 years old with nothing but hope, faith, and an unwavering belief in her dreams. Her journey as an entrepreneur, creative, and connector is both inspiring and deliciously sweet. Read on to learn more about her story, mission, and the values that drive her forward.
For this edition of our In Focus series, we’re excited to spotlight Keith Mintz, the visionary founder behind Upin—a tech platform designed to bring people together through the power of community. Guided by a metaphysical mindset and a deep-rooted belief in human connection, Keith is on a mission to make it easier for organizers and hosts to keep their communities united in one space. His story is one of purpose, innovation, and soulful entrepreneurship. Read on to learn more about Keith's journey, passion, and what drives him to build a better-connected world.
For this edition of our In Focus series, we are proud to feature Michelle Gastil, an environmental lawyer and dedicated advocate for human rights. With a passion for justice and equality, Michelle has spent years serving on volunteer boards and working toward a better future for all. Her journey as an attorney, mother, and leader in the legal community is both inspiring and impactful. Read on to learn more about her story, mission, and the values that drive her forward.
For this edition of our In Focus series, we’re thrilled to feature Kiki Magnuson, the passionate founder of Living Well with Kiki. With a background in fitness, nutrition, and holistic health, Kiki has dedicated her career to helping women break free from restrictive dieting and embrace sustainable wellness. Her journey is rooted in personal experience, deep knowledge, and a commitment to empowering others. Read on to learn more about her story, mission, and the impact she hopes to make.
Welcoming Jenny Zulbaatar to the Blog for Our In Focus Feature
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Jenny Zulbaatar, a Financial Professional and Marketing Director at World Financial Group (WFG), to the blog for our In Focus series. Jenny’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and purpose, and it’s an honor to share her inspiring story with you.
With a passion for empowering others through financial education, Jenny is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of her clients. Her work is rooted in helping others prepare for their futures and achieve financial independence, and I can’t wait for you to learn more about what drives her mission.
You can connect with Jenny and learn more about her work at WFG Website.
Let’s dive into her story!
Welcoming Atalia Palomera to the Blog for Our In Focus Feature
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Atalia Palomera, the founder of Beyond Her Body, to the blog for our In Focus series. Atalia’s story is one of empowerment, resilience, and purpose, and it’s an honor to share her journey with you.
With a mission to create a space where women feel seen, heard, and supported, Atalia’s work through Beyond Her Body goes beyond fitness. She’s redefining wellness as a transformative journey that connects physical health with mental and emotional well-being. Her passion for building a strong, uplifting community is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to learn more about her vision and what drives her incredible work.
You can connect with Atalia and learn more about Beyond Her Body at www.beyondherbody.org.
Let’s dive into her story!
This calendar isn’t just about keeping track of the days—it’s about celebrating moments that matter. It’s a daily reminder to print my work, cherish my memories, and make my space feel like ME.
So, if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend making your own custom calendar. Whether you’re a photographer, a memory-hoarder, or just someone who loves pretty things, it’s a game-changer!
