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Summary: This week, I’m reflecting on habits, fresh starts, and the importance of checking in with ourselves along the way. I share what I’m reading, including The Children’s Train and The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, which has me rethinking perfectionism, identifying my own perfectionist tendencies, and considering how to keep the parts that serve me while loosening my grip on the ones that don’t. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books The Children’s Train by Viola Ardone The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler 🎙️ Podcasts Stop Doing Things the Hard Way with Angela Duckworth THE HAPPINESS LAB Why Smaller Goals Lead to Bigger Changes with Eric Zimmer THE HAPPINESS LAB Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT 🌟 Let’s Connect Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe HereSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I’m following the ideas that have been getting my attention lately, from back-to-school rituals and finding more time for play and connection to books, podcasts, fashion, and even perfectionism. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, but one that reminds me how staying curious, paying attention, and trying something new can keep us inspired and moving forward. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler My Life in France by by Alex Prud'homme and Julia Child Strangers by Belle Burden The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin 🎙️ Podcasts Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT NPR’s It’s Been a Minute: In America, are you what you wear? Articles of Interest with Avery Trufelman 🌟 Let’s Connect Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I’m embracing fresh-start energy and rethinking how I use my time. Inspired by Laura Vanderkam’s Tranquility by Tuesday, I revisit nine practical strategies for creating calmer, more intentional weeks. I also explore perfectionism, productivity, and how small shifts can help us make more room for what truly matters. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steve R Covey The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler ▶️ Videos Laura Vanderkam Ted Talk: How to Gain Control of your Free Time 🎙️ Podcasts Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT 🌟 Let’s Connect Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I continue my exploration of aging through the lens of my 89-year-old father. I share some of the realities of caring for an aging parent, while considering what we can learn from their experiences about staying active, socially connected, curious, and engaged as we grow older ourselves. I also share a quick update about my new Substack and how I’m using it as a companion to the podcast. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📝 Articles Aging: What to Expect - The Mayo ClinicAgeing and Health - World Health OrganizationHow Exercise Targets the Seven Pillars of Aging to Promote Healthy Longevity - Diagnostic Detective NETWORK🎙️ Podcasts So your Parents are Old with Vanessa GrigoriadisHow to be a Better Human: Lessons from a 102-year-old swimmerShe’s Working on it!: Episode 20 Tennis: The Game That Tells His Life Story-An Interview With My DadShe’s Working on it!: Episode 49 Aged to Perfection: My Dad on Wine (and Life)📺Videos Meet Maurine Kornfeld, 100-year-old USMS swimming legend 😃📰 Newsletters/blogs The Oldster Magazine🌟 Let’s Connect Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I revisit one of my favorite topics, Creative Pragmatism, while exploring what it means to age well. From healthy aging habits to the growing presence of older women in fashion, I reflect on how our relationship with personal style can evolve with age, confidence, and experience. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books Younger: A Breakthrough Program to Reset Your Genes, Reverse Aging, and Turn Back the Clock 10 Years By Dr. Sara Gottfried How to Be Old: Lessons on Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon -by Lyn Slater The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic 📝 Articles Are You Aging Well? Try These Simple Tests to Find Out - New York Times 4 Weird Signs You’re Getting Older- New York Times Ageless Beauty- New York Times 📺 Show and Documentaries Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones- Netflix 🌟 Let’s Connect Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: This week, I begin a deeper exploration of aging. Blending personal stories, research, and Nora Ephron's unforgettable observations, I reflect on the physical changes, beauty standards, and mindset shifts that accompany growing older and why embracing the journey may be the healthiest approach of all. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power by Vonda Wright The Smallest of Joys by Dianne Shiffer 📝 Articles When Life Gave Her Ageism, Sari Botton Created ‘Oldster’ - The New York Times Can We Reverse Aging? - The New York Times Are You Aging Well? Try These Simple Tests to Find Out. The Gift of Getting Weirder With Age - The New York Times 📱 Social Media  Substack Olders Magazine by Sari Botton Instagram DianneShiffer 🎙️ Podcasts The Good Life Project: The Midlife Muscle Loss Lie: How to Stay Strong at Any Age | Dr. Vonda Wright 🌟 Let’s Connect Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I share what I’m learning from two thought-provoking books: Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam and The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic. We explore the power of intentional planning, sustainable habits, creativity, and making time for what truly matters. Along the way, I reflect on aging, curiosity, and the surprising disconnect between how we feel on the inside and what we see in the mirror. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam The Creative Pragmatism, 2nd ED., By Amy Smilovoc ▶️ Videos Tibi Color Wheel- This will COMPLETELY change the way you wear color by Christina Mychas Amy Smilovic:  One, Ton or None Style Class All Day: Tibi Color Math Tibi Color Method: Bigs and Pigs Tibi Styling Tip Big, Slim & Skin 🌟 Let’s Connect: Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I reflect on a whirlwind trip to New York and coastal Connecticut for my nephew’s graduation, sharing thoughts on family, nostalgia, travel, and the emotional reset that often comes with returning home. Along the way, I talk about the books, movies, podcasts, and ideas that inspired me, and how sometimes stepping outside of your normal routine can help you return with a fresh perspective. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📺 Show and Movies Girls: 2012 Series 6 Seasons Julie & Julia Mystic Pizza Heatburn Everything is Copy: Nora Ephron Scripted & Unscripted 📚 Books Famesick: A Memoir By Lena Dunham Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam Heartburn by Nora Ephron 🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I reflect on why so many of us feel mentally exhausted and disconnected, even when life seems full. Inspired by a podcast conversation about meaning and happiness, I talk about our obsession with productivity, the importance of slowing down, and the small everyday experiences that help us feel more grounded, connected, and present. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts The Good Life Project: Arthur Brooks: Meaning in Midlife & Beyond Am I Doing it Wrong? Practical Tips For Gratitude That Could Change Your Life (with Dr. Laurie Santos) 📚 Books The Meaning Of Your Life: Finding Purpose In An Age Of Emptiness by Arthur C. Brooks 🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: This episode takes you on a journey across Mexico, from the rugged beauty of the north to the lush landscapes of the Yucatán. I share stories, food, and cultural highlights, along with a deeper reflection on how travel allows us to step away, not just physically but mentally, and create space for clarity, connection, and perspective. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🍽️ Restaurants Dos Aguas- Chihuahua, Chihuahua Kuuk Restaurante- Mérida Raza- Mérida Where to eat, stay, and play in Mérida, the Yucatán Peninsula's Inland Gem- Condé Nast Traveler 📍 Attractions Hotel El Mirador- Divisadero, Chihuahua  Posada Hidalgo- El Fuerte, Sinaloa Trasmuro Instagram: Where we stayed in Merida Youtube Parque Barrancas- Divisadero, Chihuahua  El Chepe Express Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal Tekit- Capital de la Guayabera Celestún-Beach and Mangroves Cenote y Hacienda Mucuyche 🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: This episode includes a personal catch-up on life lately, including reflections on routines, caregiving, and finding balance. I share a few good Netflix series and podcast recommendations, then wrap up with a preview of our upcoming trip to Mexico’s Copper Canyon and the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a trip that we’’ve been looking forward to for months. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel SparkHeartburn by Nora Ephron📺 Netflix & TV The Beast in MeBlack RabbitThe Big C📰 Article The 30 Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now – The New York Times🎧 Podcasts The Good Hang – Amy Poehler (episode with Claire Danes)Don’t Listen to Us – Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody & Gideon Grody-PatinkinHappier – Gretchen Rubin & Elizabeth Craft “One-Day Reads episode”The Good Life Project – Jonathan Fields  “Gretchen Rubin on the Empty Nest”A Slight Change of Plans – Maya ShankarThe Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos “How to Stop Work From Taking Over Your Life”🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

In Episode 50, I reflect on my first-quarter goals—cooking more, being present with my dad, and intentionally creating social connection. From experimenting with new recipes inspired by Ina Garten to hosting our annual wine tasting inspired by The Art of Gathering, this episode explores how meaningful routines, shared meals, and thoughtful gatherings can bring a sense of little-p purpose to everyday life. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts Life Kit by NPRHow to Set Resolutions You Can Actually Keep (feat. Gretchen Rubin)How to Build a Village (feat. Priya Parker)The Mel Robbins PodcastStop Wasting Time-(feat. Laura Vanderkam)The Happiness LabHow to Find your Purpose (feat. Jordan Grumet)📚 Books  Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina GartenThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerThe Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam🍳 Just a Few Recipes Creamy Corn Soup RecipeAnthony Bourdain’s Favorite Sandwich!Pasta Fajioli Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Soup🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

In this episode I interview my dad, Dr. John E. Crable, tracing how his love of wine began in Washington, D.C., in 1959. From Madame Marie’s French dinners to embassy liquor stores, Air Force travels, and shared meals with friends, he learns to taste, collect, and build a cellar— and he's still exploring new regions today. Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I share some of the books, podcasts, and conversations that inspired me over the winter break—and how they’re shaping the way I’m thinking about goals and intentions for the year ahead. From audiobooks that kept me company on long runs to podcast episodes that got me rethinking resolutions, I dive into what stuck with me, what I’m trying to do differently this year, and why I think February might actually be the perfect time to reflect and reset. I also share some personal stories, including a childhood encounter with Gwyneth Paltrow, and how that moment came full circle with a recent interview on Amy Poehler’s podcast. Plus, I explore the power of intentional gathering, new routines, and bundling goals in a way that feels doable and meaningful. It’s part reflection, part recommendation list, and hopefully a gentle nudge to reconnect with what matters most to you this year. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Episode featuring Gwyneth PaltrowThe Oprah Conversation – Young Men Are Struggling Right Now featuring Scott GallowayWiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus –Ina GartenLife Kit by NPRHow to Set Resolutions You Can Actually Keep (feat. Gretchen Rubin)How to Build a Village (feat. Priya Parker)The Post Reports – “The Trick to Making a New Year’s Resolution Stick”HuffPost’s Am I Doing It Wrong? – Goal-setting & habits episode📚 Books & Audiobooks Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina GartenNotes on Being a Man by Scott GallowayThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerDiane: A Signature Life by Diane von Fürstenberg (2016 memoir)Glossy by Marisa Meltzer – Inside the rise and fall of GlossierThe Dollhouse and The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis🌟 Let’s Connect: Instagram: @virginia.markmanFacebook: @virginiacrablemarkmanSend me a message or leave me a voice mail!

After a much-needed break, I’m back and starting the year with a special episode featuring my two kids, Isaac and Alie, who are now living and working in New York City. We chat about what it’s really like to navigate early adulthood in one of the world’s most iconic cities, from commuting, shared living, tiny apartments to budgeting, street finds, and what NYC has taught them about themselves. It’s a warm, funny, and honest conversation I think you’ll really enjoy. Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!