📝 Editor’s Note | Rob Belk
My perfect Father's Day morning. Which is coming up this Sunday, in case anyone close to me needs a reminder…
It's 8:00 AM.
I slept in much later than usual and no doubt my kids are already awake. My wake-up time is different today, as is the wake-up routine. Instead of an alarm, I'm roused by the smell of dark roast coffee by my bed. My wife must have taken extra precaution to slip out of bed early without waking me. A handwritten note accompanies my new "Top Ten Dad" mug, letting me know how much my family appreciates me and that they've gone out to bring me back a surprise.
I take a long hot shower before going downstairs, where I've got a major decision to make. Do I start reading today’s copy of the NYT, a new Monocle Magazine, or a new non-fiction book, The Emerald Mile? All three have been laid out on the kitchen counter to tempt me.
Before I can decide, my two sons burst into the kitchen with buttermilk biscuits from Bojangles and a specialty latte from our local coffee shop. They also bring me a wrapped gift, artwork they made at school specifically for Father's Day. They want to sit on my lap and help me open it.
My wife gives me a big hug that transitions into a shoulder massage. Sixty seconds later it's still going, a new record. She motions to an envelope containing several bespoke coupons I can redeem: Afternoon Nap, Weekend Golf with the Fellas, Back Scratch, and two tickets to the Greensboro Gargoyles home opener.
Then I hear a loud sound that doesn't stop. It's our 5-month-old puppy whining to go out. I open my eyes, look to my left and see my wife sleeping soundly, then look to my right and see my clock: 5:27 AM. One minute before my alarm goes off.
Without further ado….
Why Aggie?
We have a mutual friend in James Williams. James recommended Aggie saying that she, “She has a bold sense and keen eye for style, design, and spirit—always staying true to her own rhythm. Excited to see what she brings to the readers of Rambull.” I am grateful to James for making the introduction for a profile. Aggie did not disappoint.
Follow Aggie on Instagram
Self-Description
A fun-loving, Northeastern filmmaker with Texas roots whose greatest joy is ticking items off her color-coordinated to-do lists.
Aggie’s 6 Recommendations
Written in her own words…
1. Merriman’s | Kapalua, Maui
I recently had a fantastic experience at Merriman’s in Kapalua, Maui. If you are ever in Hawaii, I highly recommend trying this farm-to-table spot for a celebratory meal. They make a delicious with a pineapple foam topper. I don’t normally like sweet drinks, but this was a perfect tropical treat.
2. Start the Day with Water Routine
I love to start my day with a big glass of filtered water with fresh lemon juice, chia seeds, and cayenne pepper. After I eliminated caffeine from my routine about a year ago, this miracle water has been a lifesaver. It jump-starts my metabolism and refreshes my system. My favorite way to counteract those hydration benefits is with the occasional spicy margarita!
3. Emma Chamberlin
Anything Emma Chamberlin. Her YouTube videos, her podcast “Anything Goes,” and her Insta account. She always has a refreshing take on style and never fails to show her true personality.
4. Janet Sartin
Okay. Not to be another girlie pushing a skincare brand, but hear me out: Janet Sartin. I steer clear of all trendy TikTok brands for skincare. I feel like I am always just paying for aesthetic packaging or insane marketing campaigns. I never worry about that with Janet Sartin. It is the brand my mom has used for decades and they make incredible products. My two favorites products are the Gentle Cleansing Soap and the Nutri Performance Cream. These products have transformed my skin and I couldn’t live without them!
5. Phone Free Morning Routine
As a producer in advertising, I can easily start to feel like I am always “on the clock.” In order to maintain my sanity I started keeping my morning routine sacred. The first 45-minutes after I wake up are phone free. I use that time to workout, walk, relax, and, of course, drink my chia seed water. I find after doing this, I feel much more centered and ready to dive into emails.
6. Hakone, Japan
Last November, I went on a big trip to Japan. We flew into Tokyo and visited Hakone, Osaka, and Kyoto. My favorite place we stayed was this peaceful onsen tucked into the mountains around Mount Fuji. With the fall foliage at its peak autumn colors, it was hard not to fall in love with Hakone: Onsen in Hakone
Pro tip for long flights: try out this travel pillow! ($18)
Plug | Cornelia Street Writing Co
My sister Margaretta is an outstanding writing coach. She recently helped me with an unexpected bridesmaid speech. In less than 5 hours, I went from not knowing I was delivering a speech to making a crowd of 200 laugh and then cry. She turned my biggest nightmare situation into a highlight of the weekend.
Her company Cornelia Street Writing Co, helps people tell their stories in a compelling way. She works on all types of personal writing–from resumes, essays, to applications, to speeches, and more. I highly recommend hiring her the next time you are struggling with a writing project!
Want to get in touch with Aggie? Email her at aggier@smu.edu
P.S. from Rambull — Given it’s such an important holiday, I wouldn’t feel right leaving you without Father’s Day gift recommendations. S/O to my wife and sisters who recently nailed these gifts for my birthday last month:
North Face Voyager Backpack ($170) — I’ve never liked a backpack as much as this one. All of the pockets seem perfect, and I like the shape and material.
Patagonia Daily Polo ($65) — One of my favorite shirts. A weekly go-to.
Bushnell Golf GPS Speaker ($150) — Good friends and music, regardless of how well I’m playing, make for a great time.
Flat Top Griddle Insert ($68) — The perfect gift for anyone with a traditional grill. Flat tops are crucial for a novice griller like me and a pathway to excellent breakfast, hibachi, and smash burgers.
Monogramed Italian Leather Portfolio ($115) — Traditional but not over the top. I feel more professional and prepared going into a meeting with this one.
Custom Coffee Mug ($8) — I’m a sucker for these. Give me a coffee mug with my boys on it, and I’m just as happy as I would be with any other gift.
Personalized Ball Markers ($19) — Don’t sleep on Etsy. Tons of unique, well-priced gift ideas. You can also get personalized cufflinks.
What is your favorite recommendation that you’ve picked up from Rambull? I appreciate your email reply or comment.