I’m on week 10 of The Artist’s Way and people keep asking me how I manage to do my morning pages (three pages of stream-of-consciousness journaling, first thing) and artist dates (a weekly solo creative outing) each week. The truth is I’ve made these non-negotiable while also allowing my schedule a bit of fluidity.

I’m a mom of 2 and I’m not waking up earlier than I have to. Thats a hard no for me. So I wake up, make breakfast, get the girls ready for school, get myself ready for work and then I do my morning pages. I have about 30 minutes in between school drop off and starting my work day that I use for morning pages, affirmations and absorbing a dose of creativity. This usually means looking at art. A Pinterest board of interiors, a YouTube deep dive, or a magazine I’ve been saving. Not totally analog, but it really does wonders for my brain before I spend hours fighting for my life in Excel.

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on artist dates

For my artist dates I’ve started scheduling appointments and blocking out my calendar. There’s less of a chance for me to cancel and do something else if it’s already locked in. It’s become a non-negotiable for me and I love this. It’s also helped to find artful things to do near my weekend beauty appointments. Nails in Chinatown? I’ll walk over to Perrotin and vintage shops in the LES. Haircut in Soho? I’ll head over to furniture showrooms, like Quarters, in Tribeca. This way, I’m already outside, secured childcare, and have zero excuses.

what an artist date actually looks like

Last weekend while walking down Mott Street, I stumbled on this vintage popup by jewelry designer, Tarin Thomas, that I would have missed had I not been paying attention. I then crossed the street to fashion + decor boutique Oroboro (the curation is chef’s kiss), and ended the afternoon with a brown butter donut at Cloudy Donuts. As a native New Yorker, this might me my new favorite street in Nolita. There are enough beautiful stops to fill a few hours. Yes, just walking down the block can serve as an artist date, full of tiny inspiring details.

Carving out this time for myself has really helped my nervous system lately. 20 minutes of looking at art, painting, dancing, or laughing with friends fuels me. My thoughts are clearer. My energy is lighter. I feel less stuck.

Working hard for me now means making my creative time non-negotiable. And not to be super dramatic, but I think our lives depend on it. What’s the point of all this if we don’t enjoy it?!

Fun is quite literally the whole point.

And because artist dates are really just permission to experience and create beautiful things, here are a few I’ve been collecting.

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a few things I’ve been finding beautiful lately

Mark Grattan’s Bed Stuy Brownstone

AD100 designer, Mark Grattan, made all of the gorgeous furniture in his Brooklyn home himself. You may know his work from Solange Knowles’ label Saint Heron (the cocktail glasses are my personal favorite) or from the Brooklyn Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. His home is a whole lesson on what it means to live intentionally.

Ayo Edebiri on the cover of Paper

Obsessed with this enough to print and frame it. Some images are just meant to live on walls. I hope Paper decides to make a print version!

Kwamé Azure Gomez’s abstract paintings at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Blending the sensory experience of church worship spaces and queer ballroom culture, Gomez explores the different layers of identity in each abstract painting. This show ends on Saturday April 18th, and I can’t wait to experience these in person.

Casa Veronica’s lamps

Casa Veronica is a is a multidisciplinary studio and collection of fun, colorful handmade ceramics, glassware and lighting by Veronica Ortuño. I can’t decide which to order first, but thinking I may start with this Wasabi lamp.

Cloudy Donut

I was too busy eating my donut to take a picture, so here’s one of their beautiful flowers instead. Brown butter, worth the detour, no notes.

Thank you for being here. It genuinely means a lot. A nice thing is a labor of love, and knowing you're reading it makes every rabbit hole worth it.

If this post made you feel something, found you a new place to visit, or introduced you to something beautiful, I'd love it if you liked it, left a comment, or shared it with someone who would appreciate it. It's the best way to help this newsletter grow.

I’m on Instagram and TikTok if you want more between issues. And if you're interested in collaborating, you can reach me at maalejandro@gmail.com.

Share a nice thing

For a lot of us, things have been heavy lately. And I’ve found that whimsy is one of the ways I stay sane through it. By insisting that beauty and delight still get a seat at the table.

To me, whimsy is the feeling that a place, object, or moment was designed with fun and intention. It’s something that makes you smile before you understand why. A quick nervous system reset. Here’s what that looks like right now.

Whimsy is in the details.

A squiggly line is quietly one of the most whimsical shapes in existence. Here are a few things I’ve found that prove it.

• Ribbon Teacup and Saucer, Swan - this teacup has been living in my brain since I first saw it.

• Spiral Olive Dish - the perfect dish to dress up your table with fruits, olives or cheese. Plus, the brand often hosts workshops to hand build your own. Let’s go!

• Spiral Cheese & Knife Set - handmade cheese knife set with spiral handle detail. You can even have it engraved.

And yes, buying something beautiful for no reason other than beauty is a valid and underrated form of self-care.

Whimsy is a place.

These are the places I go in the city when I need to feel inspired. No agenda. I just show up and let something catch my eye.

• Perrotin - Rotating contemporary art exhibits. This space is one of my favorites for discovering artists.

• Coming Soon - Really fun and playful home decor for those who want to have a good time.

• Iconic Magazines - A mecca for print magazines. Go here and browse for hours.

• Tumbao - The largest curation of Latin American fashion in the world. Plus, they do custom embroidery on the weekends.

Whimsy also lives at home. Alley Bell hand paints murals directly on your walls, creating something no one else has.

And listen, if you don’t have a favorite tree yet, go find one. Go sit under it and read a book. Bring snacks and live your best life.

Whimsy is wearable.

Buying jewelry is one of the most fun, personal little luxuries you can do for yourself. A pinky ring has no practical function. It exists purely for delight. That’s the whole point. It’s a version of whimsy that you can take anywhere.

• Petite Heart Signet Ring by Kinn - a playful way to wear your heart on your sleeve.

• 18K Gold Signet Ring - an affordable option to add to your collection.

• Pavé Diamond Signet Pinky Ring by Mejuri - because everyone needs a little sparkle.

Whimsy is a state of mind

The freedom to get up and go. Or do absolutely nothing. The freedom in slowing down, breathing deeply, and savoring the moment. The freedom to not think too long about being judged for how you spend your time, noticing what feelings come up for you instead. It’s about how it feels in your body.

The freedom to let something catch your attention without immediately asking what it's for. Go frolic. Buy some flowers. Visit the farmer’s market. What’s one whimsical thing you’ve been meaning to do?

Whimsy is the dream

For me, the pleasure of planning is whimsical. Blame it on my moon sign. The research, the dreaming, the Pinterest boards. The anticipation of a beautiful place is its own kind of magic.

Hotel Massé in Paris was designed by the all-women studio Gasparetto Parenti, with custom furniture by local makers and rotating artist residencies. I haven’t stayed here yet, but the planning itself is exciting.

If Paris feels far right now, Piaule is 2.5 hours from NYC. There’s forest cabins, a spa, and the kind of quiet that resets you from the inside out. Another one I can’t wait to visit.

Now go find your favorite tree.

xo,

Maia

Thank you for being here. It genuinely means a lot. A nice thing is a labor of love, and knowing you're reading it makes every rabbit hole worth it.

If this post made you feel something, found you a new place to visit, or introduced you to something beautiful, I'd love it if you liked it, left a comment, or shared it with someone who would appreciate it. It's the best way to help this newsletter grow.

I’m on Instagram if you want more between issues. And if you're interested in collaborating, you can reach me at maalejandro@gmail.com.

Here’s a collection of Dominican creatives I love. Artists shaping culture in both subtle and bold ways. Their work spans mediums and cities, but each is grounded in heritage and a distinct creative voice. Start here. Explore. And tell me who else should be on this list.

Renell Medrano

Bronx-born, Dominican photographer and director Renell Medrano creates images shaped by NYC and the Dominican Republic. She brings a sense of intimacy and cultural depth to her work across art and fashion while working with artists like Solange Knowles, Bad Bunny, and Kendrick Lamar. Truly iconic.

Olivier Bur, Casarré

Casarré is a restaurant and cultural space in Santo Domingo, where chef and owner Olivier Bur forages ingredients from across the Dominican Republic and Haiti, working closely with farmers to honor and sustain their traditions.

It’s the kind of place worth planning an entire trip around. He hosted a pop-up at WSA in NYC late last year, and I’m quietly hoping another one happens soon.

And here’s a beautiful video of Olivier learning from Oscar de la Renta’s longtime chef, Maria Soriano, exploring Dominican cuisine in preparation for the brand’s 60th anniversary. I’ve watched it more times that I can count.

Raul Lopez, Luar

Raul Lopez of Luar centers Dominican culture, community, and gender-fluid expression in a way that feels bold and deeply personal. His designs embody creativity as identity, even on a stage as big as the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Nashira Arnó, Nashira Arnó Studio

Founded by Dominican designer Nashira Arnó, this NYC-based jewelry brand creates heirloom-quality pieces grounded in culture, identity, and the elegance of the Dominican spirit. Each design feels intentional, crafted to be worn now and passed down later.

Eilen Itzel Mena

Afro-Dominican American artist Eilen Itzel Mena, raised in the South Bronx, NY, creates work that brings community, ancestry, and colonial history into conversation across the African Diaspora. The joy in her pieces feels intentional. I loved listening to her speak about her mother’s influence on her piece Transitions, and hope you do too.

Thank you for reading. Supporting artists, and the spaces that hold them, is how we keep our creative ecosystem alive. If this resonated, send it to someone who’d appreciate it and join the conversation below.

Who else should be on this list? I’d love to keep building this living archive together. Drop your recommendations in the comments.

A creative reset.

After closing my business (more on that later), I’ve been on a journey of rediscovering my joys, small pleasures, and my creativity. I’m figuring out how this fits into my daily life when it’s no longer tied to business, marketing, or output. Somewhere along the way, I internalized the idea that my creativity only mattered if it could be monetized.

How f*cked is that?

So, as part of my 2026 creative reset, I decided to give The Artist’s Way another chance. This time with a friend, weekly check-ins, and built-in accountability. The Artist’s Way is a 12-week course designed help you rediscover and recover your creative life through morning pages (journaling) and artist dates (so fun).

Diana Cohen of Crown Affair also hosts weekly check-ins, in case you’re thinking of joining in.

Take Your Time

The Artist’s Way Week 1 + 2 Check-In

Thank you Vanya-Sofia Lazarova, Leigh Hanham 🇦🇺, Mark Fresolone, Anna Cogswell, Art of Ashe, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app…

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5 months ago · 62 likes · 9 comments · Dianna Cohen

So here’s to being more playful, intentional, quirky, and colorful in the months ahead.

Here are a few nice things that have been nourishing my analog-craving mind lately.

Beautiful rooms, good books, and the videos I’m saving:

• This gorgeous boutique hotel housed in a 16th century manor in Mérida, Mexico.

• This newish, twelve-seat wine bar in the East Village, designed by Studio Valle de Valle.

• Spencer’s Spa in Soho, where I’ll be booking the gua sha facial asap.

• This Mexico City travel vlog by (@misslionhunter) filled with beautiful interiors, fashion, and food. It felt meditative and such a gentle way to lean into this reset.

• The books I’ve read recently (thanks to ) that center artists and their influence on the main characters:

  • Loved One

  • Open Water

If you are looking for more reading suggestions, the Saint Heron Library, founded by Solange Knowles, has an incredible collection of Black and Brown literary works you can borrow for free.

• And a reminder worth returning to:

To better days ahead. ❤️

xo,

Maia

Thanks for spending a few minutes here with me. If this piece sparked something, feel free to like it, share it, or leave a note. That kind of support helps this community grow.

For more, you can browse what I’m currently loving, or get in touch at maalejandro@gmail.com if collaboration is on your mind.

Passalacqua’s lake-view pool. Lake Como, Italy. AKA heaven.

This Sol painting by Argentinian artist, Laura Gonzalez del Valle, is warm, powerful and the kind of art I need on my walls.

Apartment Ra’el, a new Black woman-owned home decor and coffee shop in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. Gorgeous.

Xinú Fragrances are handcrafted and tucked inside a hidden perfume bar in Mexico City. I went down a full sensory rabbit hole with this one.

An ongoing reminder. Art therapy via @stephanie.rose.freeman

BONUS: Special shout out to Ralph Lauren’s incredible men’s show this past week. So much inspo!

That’s all for this week. Remember to have the audacity to create the life you want.

xo,

maia

This year, I’m paying more attention to the small things that subtly improve my days. These are the simple pleasures that make life feel a little brighter.

1. Quick weekend getaways, without too much planning. This Hudson Valley resort is stunning.

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2. Bucket list destinations. Mountains are a theme for me this year and this gorgeous forest-inspired retreat in the Dolomites is at the top of my list.

3. More spa time. I love a good body treatment, especially in a beautifully designed space.

4. Fun fashion.

   

5. Mid-week gems by . Channeled insights for the days ahead, and she never misses.

6. Whimsical little things. Bag charms, beaded phone cases, anything playful.

7. Niche fragrances. My favorite at the moment is Glass Blooms by Regime de Fleurs.

8. Book clubs IRL, like and Dwelle Literature. I just finished The White Hot by Quiara Alregía Hudes and I need to discuss. Have you read it yet?

9. Museum dates. Next up: the newly reopened Studio Museum of Harlem.

10. Hot girl walks, pilates, and yoga. Moving with softness. (Bala bangles, of course.)

11. Pretty stemware, always.

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12. My favorite hobby: restaurants. Next on my list is Cocina Consuelo in Hamilton Heights. Owned by a Dominican-Mexican couple, and it was named one of the top 100 restaurants in NYC by The New York Times.

These are the intentional, nice things that make my days feel brighter and more aligned. Thank you so much for being here. If a nice thing resonates with you, please like, comment, and share to support my writing.

Here’s what I did:

1. I read more.

In March, I set a small goal: read 5 pages a night before bed. I wanted to stop doomscrolling and ease into sleep. Those five pages a night ended up reminded me how much I love reading.

I hadn’t picked up fiction in years, but 5 pages a night somehow turned into 18 books. Please send me your book recs!

Last book I read: Loved One by Aisha Muharrar.

Currently reading: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

2. I traveled more.

I booked 4 trips this year. Nothing extravagant, just long weekends instead of full week-long getaways. But having something to look forward to every few months?! That felt exciting. Indulgent. Healing.

I hadn’t really traveled since having my twins, but this year I went for it: a trip with my college roommates, a girls’ weekend with my BFF, a couples getaway with friends, and a vacation with just my husband and me. Every time I go somewhere new, I come back home to myself a little more, so needless to say, these experiences really helped me get back to me.

Next on my list: Mexico City!

3. I sent voice notes.

I started doing something called Wednesday Waffles, a TikTok-inspired catch up with friends where you send voice or video notes to each other once a week. It’s a quick, funny, heartfelt way to keep in touch.

Many of my closest friends live in different cities (and, as we all know, life be lifing), so this ritual keeps us close and reminds us to show up for each other. It’s hilarious, and easily one of my favorite new habits.

4. I got creative again.

Another rediscovery: my love of design. I’m in the middle of decorating my apartment, and I’ve fallen back in love with the whole process. Hunting for pieces, imagining how they’ll fit into our life, letting my instincts lead. I hadn’t done that in years. Now my space feels warmer, more lived in, more colorful. Almost like the room is catching up to the pleasure I’m finding again.

Current obsession: Brazilian artist Bruno Lyfe who’s work I discovered inside the home of Anitta on Architectural Digest.

5. I started fasting.

Ok this one is less fun, but earlier this year I started intermittent fasting, and it turned out to be a game changer. What began as a small experiment ended up shifting how I feel every single day. I honestly didn’t think I could stick with it because I love food (restaurants are basically my hobby), but my brain fog lifted, my energy came back, and I just feel…better. Calmer. Clearer.

And because I love a little moment of daily intention, I’ve been drinking my water out of a beautiful glass, like these, just to make the ordinary day feel a bit more elevated.

These 5 simple things have brought me closer to feeling my most authentic self again. It might sound cliché, but I’m learning to explore the things I love simply because they make me feel good and whole. No pressure to monetize it, no urge to turn it into content (even though… here we are, ha!). Just pleasure for the sake of pleasure.

I hope some of these help spark your own ideas this season. And if any of them resonate, tell me what you’re reconnecting with lately. I love hearing your stories.

xo,

Maia

Here are a few nice things for November.

Silver Tableware

I’ve been dreaming of recreating this stunning fall table by Athena Calderone. I love using fruits and vegetables as the centerpiece for table decor, and the silver tableware adds just the right touch of shine. Below, I’ve rounded up a few fun finds to help you create your own holiday table at home.

• Shell Cocktail Glass: These are stunning, and after a summer of seashell everything, it’s nice to see the trend reimagined for the home. So chic, so playful.

• Cheese Knife Set: A handmade set you can have engraved. The perfect gift for anyone who loves to host or has just moved into a new home. Thoughtful and functional.

• Squiggle Pitcher: Designed by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, this piece works beautifully as both a pitcher and a vase. I love how the ribbon-like handle adds just the right touch of whimsy.

• Swan Lemon Squeezer: How unexpected (and fun!) would this be at your dinner table? I had to include it. It’s just too cute.

• Ice Cream Coupe Set: Elevate your dessert game with these elegant coupes. Because honestly, who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream out of these?

Restaurant Hit List

My friends are always asking what’s new, what’s worth checking out, and what’s on my restaurant list. So here’s a short list of spots I’m loving right now. Perfect for a cozy catch-up, an anniversary dinner, or a Friendsgiving outing.

• Ha’s Snack Bar: One of the best NYC pop-ups turned neighborhood gems, Ha’s Snack Bar serves Vietnamese small plates that change daily, alongside a curated list of natural wines. A perfect spot for casual, flavorful dining this fall.

• Bar Kabawa: The little sister to Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku’s Kabawa, Bar Kabawa brings the energy with daiquiris, Caribbean patties, and a party-ready vibe! Definitely one to add to your must-try NYC bar list.

• Pujol at WSA: This two-Michelin-starred Mexico City favorite is popping up at WSA for 12 days only. Join the waitlist here!

Coffee Table Books

A gorgeous cookbook or coffee table book always makes the perfect hostess gift. Beautiful to look at and even better to read. Here are five titles I’m loving (and gifting) this season.

• Bodega Bakes: Pastry chef and activist Paola Velez celebrates her Dominican roots and New York spirit in this collection of over 100 sweet recipes.

• Belly Full: A delicious deep dive into Caribbean cooking, bringing together 105 recipes that spotlight the ingredients and stories connecting islands across the region.

• Santo Domingo: Through essays and gorgeous photography, this book captures the city’s colonial charm, coastal energy, and artistic pulse. It’s a love letter to a place where history and modern life intertwine.

• Beyond the Brushstroke: This book is part art collection, part guided journal, featuring soulful portraits by artist Danielle Mckinney alongside thoughtful prompts written by her mother.

• Caribe: This cookbook explores the full spectrum of Caribbean food and culture, weaving together recipes, history, and travel from across the islands.

Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum, in Long Island City, houses the most comprehensive collection of Isamu Noguchi’s art, surrounded by a serene outdoor sculpture garden that feels like an artwork in itself.

Take the morning off and head over for a quiet, restorative visit. If you’re in NYC, you can even can sign up for a Culture Pass with your library card and visit this (and so many other museums) for free!

And since I’ve always been drawn to sculpture, its no surprise I’m deep in my Noguchi lamp era. Here’s a beautiful one I found on 1stDibs, handmade from washi paper and bamboo. And if you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, here’s a great Etsy version.

Cuixmala

I’m deep in planning our 2026 travels and came across this incredible eco-luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Set on a 30,000-acre nature preserve, it blends jungle, ocean, and total serenity. It looks absolutely magical, and I think I need to spend a week here. Take a look for yourself.

Curating these little joys reminds me how much inspiration is hiding in plain sight. If something here made you smile, pass it along to a friend, and tell me what’s been brightening your world lately.

xo,
Maia

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Studio Lenca

Studio Lenca (José Campos) turns his journey of displacement into vibrant, regal portraits that celebrate Salvadoran identity. During London Fashion Week, he unveiled: A Line in Motion, a breathtaking collaboration with Hermès, on view across Hermès windows in London through November 1st.

Loca, by Alejandro Heredia

I’ll admit it, I judge books by their covers. And Loca delivers inside and out: a daring year of love, loss, and resilience, where a friendship that beings in the Dominican Republic and carries through to NYC, is the glue that holds it all together. You can pick it up here, and if you end up reading it, drop me a note or comment. I love hearing what stories are resonating with everyone right now.

Herman Nadal

Herman Nadal blends Puerto Rican heritage, sustainable design, and local craft into contemporary fashion, creating from his Bayamón studio. He’s dressed so many of Puerto Rico’s rising stars and I’m a huge fan.

Diango Hernández

I stumbled on this series called Piscinas Olaistas (2015–2025), by Cuban-born artist Diango Hernández, and it completely pulled me in. It’s all about exploring how water moves, and you know how much I love a good pool. Take a look through the rest of his work and tell me what you think!

Casa Alfarera

Casa Alfarera is a specialty stoneware workshop with functional pieces crafted by artisans in the Dominican Republic. Founded by master ceramist and art historian Ysabela Molini and Amadeo Anselin, they source all their materials locally, creating pieces that are both gorgeous and grounded. I’m hoping to visit their workshop next time I’m there. Have you seen their work? Take a peek and tell me which piece you’d bring home.

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Pulling this list together reminded me of how much creativity thrives in our communities, and how good it feels to celebrate it.

If you found a new favorite, share this issue with a friend who might love it too. And tell me what’s been lighting you up lately! I’d love to feature your picks in a future newsletter.

xo,

Maia

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Hernán Herdez

Hernán Herdez, by Puerto Rican designer and art director Melissa Hernández, has a way of transforming recycled materials into jewelry that feels both timeless and new. Their pieces reimagine classic forms, and their art direction is endlessly inspiring to me. This week, they’re bringing that vision to life in NYC with a pop-up at Assembly, running from September 1-8.

Yomas (Yo+)

Yo+ (pronounced “Yo Mas”) was founded by artist Jomas Segarra, who creates stunning handmade swimwear and knitwear. Don’t miss this tour of her studio, featured on Refinery29!

Mesa Promesa

Mesa Promesa by Chef Manolo López (Co-Founder of @colmadocoffee in NYC) is more than a meal. It’s a cultural celebration hosted on a farm in Rincón, Puerto Rico, and features a five-course neo-Jíbaro lunch, cocktails, and live salsa. The next event is on September 13th, and I’m so sad to miss it! Tickets here.

Ecliptica Isla

Ecliptica Isla, created by Puerto Rican designer sister duo Michelle and Norein Otero, brings modern Caribbean style to life with a touch of 60s and 70s flair. I recently picked up this dress, and I love that the Puerto Rico-inspired print is also available in separates.

YAYI

YAYI, founded by designer Yazmín “Yayi” Pérez, reimagines the guayabera (men’s summer shirt) with meticulous tailoring and a sustainable ethos, like the custom version Bad Bunny wore, embroidered with El Morro. Her pieces are timeless, crafted to be passed down rather than discarded, and rooted in the island’s tailoring traditions.

Aire de O:live

Aire de O:live is a Puerto Rican-owned boutique property right on Isla Verde beach, where we stayed. With earthy interiors, organic amenities, and two on-site restaurants, it’s all about thoughtful details, warm service, and unforgettable ocean views.

Muns

Muns’ jewelry is designed in Puerto Rico and and crafted from recycled materials. When I visited their beautiful shop, I loved seeing how they also collaborate with local artists to make the space even more inspiring.

Conloque

Conloque, which means “with what”, is a San Juan-based ceramic studio by Daniela De Jesús creating homewares and jewelry. They just dropped a Caribbean inspired collab with Liberárte PR and are hosting a fun pop-up on 9/14!

Nannette Mariela García

Nannette Mariela García, the artist behind Bad Bunny’s iconic No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui poster, brings her Puerto Rican roots to every design. With a mix of hand-drawn craft and cultural reverence, her work turns every project into a heartfelt, intentional piece of art.

Universo Luca

Universo Luca, by Laura Lugo, has a gorgeous curation of fashion, accessories, and objects by both local and international designers. Their first step into fragrance led to Field Studies Exploration: Nº1 Perfume, a scent inspired by Puerto Rico’s Toro Negro Forest. With notes of fossilized amber, cedarwood, white musk, and ambercore, its earthy, warm, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re on the island or shopping from afar, supporting local creatives keeps the spirit of Puerto Rico thriving, one piece at a time.

Who else should be on this list? Drop them in the comments!

xo,

Maia

I just got back from my first girls’ trip since becoming a mom (!), and instead of feeling like my “old self” again, I came home feeling brand new. Lighter, energized, and a little more me.

Most people don’t know this, but I’ve been navigating chronic illness for years. After finally getting a diagnosis last year, I’ve been rebuilding my life one slow, intentional choice at a time. Nothing flashy, just small shifts that add up.

So when the chance came up to travel with one of my best friends, I dropped the endless to-do lists, packed my favorite outfits, and said a big, wholehearted yes. And honestly? It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time.

Because here’s the thing: travel is wellness. Not the curated “wellness travel” version, but the kind where stepping into a new place, soaking up fresh energy, and letting it work its quiet magic can heal you. Cartagena did exactly that for me.

Below, you’ll find my hit list: where we stayed, what we loved, and a few favorites to bookmark. Save it for your next trip (or just daydream for now).

If you’re new here, hit subscribe. More curated travel finds, design inspiration, and everyday beauty coming soon.

CARTAGENA

STAY

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

A former 17th-century convent turned five-star hotel. The concierge helped make reservations and plan a dreamy day at their sister property in Isla Barú. Service here is exceptional.

DO

Sofitel Barú Casablanca Beach Club - Private boat transfer. Cabanas. Crystal-clear water. The best piña coladas.

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EAT

Celele - One of the world’s 50 best restaurants! Wild-harvested ingredients. Worth planning an entire trip around.

La Cevichería - World-famous for a reason. The freshest ceviche I’ve ever had.

Candé - Traditional Colombian dishes. Live music + dance show.

Carmen - Lush garden seating. Colombian flavors with a twist. Cocktails are **chef’s kiss**!

Nia Bakery - Caribbean flavors. Beautiful design. The perfect slow morning or afternoon snack stop.

Also try - every arepa and pan de bono you can get your hands on.

SHOP

• Baobab: Sustainable resortwear that moves from beach to dinner.

• Maygel Coronel: Sculptural swimwear handmade in Cartagena.

• Agua Bendita: An iconic Colombian brand.

• Entremanos: Homeware + handbags handmade in Colombia.

PLAY

Alquímico - Three floors, each with a separate cocktail menu. Rooftop DJ. One of the world’s top 50 bars.

Cafe Havana - Live salsa! Classic Cartagena energy.

Walk everywhere. There’s something beautiful on every corner.

ONE NICE THING…

For this trip, I worked with Kelly Arcella, a Fora travel advisor who helped me narrow down the perfect destination and lock in a dream hotel. She has incredible taste and access to perks you won’t find online — like room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, and more thoughtful extras that make your trip feel a little more elevated.

Not an ad, just a gem I don’t want to gatekeep.

_

If you have a favorite spot I missed (or a travel rec of your own), let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear. And if you’re new here, hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next travel drop.

More good things coming soon.

xo,

Maia

Expect a blend of:

• A moment to savor - a travel scene, design detail, or everyday beauty that caught my eye.

• A thing to love - something I’m reading, wearing, eating, lighting, or listening to.

• A place to dream about - whether it’s a chic hotel, a neighborhood café, or a faraway escape

• A little cosmic note - astrology musings, seasonal shifts, and how they might shape our days.

Whether you’ve been with me since FOR TMRW or we’re just meeting now, I’m so happy you found your way here. I hope A Nice Thing feels like a place you return to when you need a dose of inspiration, softness, or maybe a reminder that everyday life can be kind of magical.

xo,

Maia

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