My Favorite Things

Catherine Flax
Aug 9, 2017 · 3 min read

Hi All! I am on vacation this week, enjoying some flora and fauna in the Galapagos Islands with friends and family. As a departure from my typical reflections involving work, leadership, fintech, AI, Wall Street, finance etc, I thought I would share with you my list of favorite things. Just so you know, I receive no compensation or anything from any brands mentioned — I am just sharing this because it is what I like, and maybe you will too!

Things that make me smile the most: Hugs (especially from my kids who are very bear-hug inclined)

Things that make my mornings go most smoothly:

1) Tips from FlyLady.com — especially about getting my clothes ready the night before

2) Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo

3) My Vitamix Blender for smoothies

4) My wonderful husband who makes me fresh fruit and veggie juices

Things that are cheap but great:

1) Coconut oil for makeup remover

2) Crisco for dry skin (seriously)

3) Playing Monopoly, Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride with the family for entertainment

4) Taking the subway to Coney Island, to me one of the most underrated destinations in the NYC area

How to stay in shape without spending a lot of time or money:

1) Do “Yoga with Adrienne” on YouTube every morning

2) Walk to and from work every day

3) Ask my 12-year-old son to be my personal trainer (not too often- it’s really hard!)

4) No refined sugar, eating as close to Paleo as possible, no caffeine and rarely alcohol (also gluten, dairy and night-shade free because of allergies)

How to be efficient in looking professional:

1) If you need to dress up for work, picking one place to shop — so everything works together- makes it easy. Ekavi at 47th and 2nd has been my “go to” place for the last 13 years and has never steered me wrong

2) Buy shoes on-line at Zappos. Saves time and money and makes me so happy with their awesome customer service. Also, don’t walk long distances outside in the work shoes — so they last.

3) Have a really strict grooming routine and don’t deviate-pick your look and go with it. Eliminates having to think too much

What to ingest in your brain to keep you uplifted:

1) For me daily prayer is a must, and I believe everyone benefits from quiet reflection

2) I only read books and watch movies that are uplifting. I don’t need anything sad in my life over and above what life delivers.

3) Favorite Movie? It’s a Wonderful Life

4) Favorite Book? Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis

5) Favorite Work-Related Book? Either Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, or Team of Teams by General McChrystal

6) Favorite TV show? I hate tv and think it is a total waste of time- but back in the day it was Star Trek Next Generation

Other Favorites:

1) Best place I ever vacationed? Bora Bora on my honeymoon

2) Favorite story to tell? About how I met my husband (just ask me! :))

3) Holiday? I love Thanksgiving- all about gratitude, great food, family time, no gifts

4) Way to spend a Sunday afternoon at home? Trying a new recipe

5) Favorite Magazine? Fine Cooking

6) Favorite Manhattan spot? Grand Central Station. I walk through it almost every day even though I don’t commute by train, just because I love the architecture and the energy. It makes me happy.

7) Favorite place I ever lived? NYC, of course!

8) Favorite College sports team? There is only one- the Texas Aggies!

9) Favorite time of day? Dusk- something about the way the sky looks always gets me

10) Favorite lunch spot? Friedman’s on 31st between 6th and 7th. Great food, great value!

Well, that’s all for now. I would love to hear about some of your favorite things- so let me know! Happy summer!

Catherine Flax

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