VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 21: December 1, 2025

Author

mikala
December 01, 2025

In partnership with

Song for Volume III - Issue 21: Rae Sremmurd – No Type

👋🏽 Hello There

After today, there are 30 days left in 2025. I’ve recently learned that if the carton doesn’t say ice cream in the United States then it is not ice cream but a frozen diary dessert by FDA standards. Figured I’d pass this along in case you didn’t know this either.

Speaking of food, I didn’t share this oxtail stew recipe from Rafael last issue (accidents happen!) when he had his guest column so I want to make sure you all receive it asit’s getting colder and…

Also, I’ve now realized I’m at the age where I am now thinking about how they don’t make music like they used to because of this Instagram post. Every genre was at 10/10 with what was being released by artists during that year.

Finally, I was going to wait until the next issue to release this year’s gift guide but decided not to. This year’s guide is different as we are celebrating ourselves and/or pushing through this year. Whether it was a great, bad or somewhere in between year we all should gift ourselves with something this holiday season. Now, if you need gift ideas for other people refer to the 2023 and 2024 gift guides for ideas.

So without further adieu here is the 2025 Holiday Guide to 'Treat Yo Self’!*

*Although I haven’t seen an episode of Parks & Recreation, one thing that I remember going viral is the saying ‘Treat Yo Self’!


  • Art for Change - Prints & Originals

  • Avante Art - Sculptures, Originals & Prints

  • Art lessons - pottery, painting etc 

  • Becoming a member at a museum 

  • Book a spa day

  • Get your make up and hair professionally done 

  • 90 minute facial appointment 

  • Dennis Gross Skincare - DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

  • Olivia Von Halle - Pajamas, Robe and Slippers

  • Quince - Cashmere Blanket

  • Dyson - Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde

  • Custom piece of furniture or artwork

  • MAC - Chef Series 8" Hollow Edge Chef's Knife

  • Mauviel - M'Elite B Hammered Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

  • Sakara - Meal Delivery

  • Cooking lessons 

One of the courses at Hayato in Los Angeles (2019)

  • Michelin Guide - Dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant

  • Airbnb - Food experience i.e. ‘Bike Mexico City & Taste Street Food’

  • Have a private chef cook a tasting menu at your home

  • Fork N Film - Movie dining experience

At the top of Mount Teide in Tenerife in 2021

  • Cuisinart - Theater-Style Popcorn Maker 

  • Wine (or alcohol of choice) tasting class 

  • Learn a new language or dance class

  • Go stargazing

Caviar at Rooster & Owl in Washington DC (2024)

  • Create a Caviar Tasting - purchase two to three types of caviar to put on potato chips, chicken nuggets etc to try

  • Around the World - shop at a gourmet shop with food items from various countries and each dish is from a different country i.e. appetizer from Nigerian cuisine

  • Purchase all of your groceries (one week) at a gourmet shop instead of chain grocery store

It’s me during an acupuncture appointment. Circle marks are from cupping

  • Meditation or wellness retreat

  • Private workout session(s)

  • Massage and/or acupuncture appointment(s)

  • Book a therapy or career coach session(s)

Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter Tour

  • Instrument Lessons - to learn or practice more

  • Songwriting class 

  • Concert ticket(s) to your favorite artist(s)

  • Buy record player and vinyl records

  • Take a writing class 

  • Purchase a first edition of your favorite book 

  • StampByMeStudio - custom book stamp 

  • Libro.fm -  go here instead of Audible as each purchase supports the indie bookstore of one’s choice

Items from my travel kit (need to restock) and pouch is from Nähe

  • Safari - visit r/luxurysafari for ideas

  • Staycation 

  • Tumi - Luggage

  • Create a Travel Kit - should include things like hand sanitizer, compression socks, lotion, charging cords and other personal necessities 

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