Alex describes herself as…
I’m a perpetual (and professional) planner who is always thinking about my next trip/meal. I enjoy doing fun things with fun people - specifically my new husband (hi Mike!) - and am always down for an adventure.
💼: Linkedin - Director of US Sponsorship Marketing for Visa & Business Development for theSkimm
Why Alex?
I know Alex because she is a close friend of my older sister Anna (who also recommended her). Alex has been kind enough to share advice on growing Rambull. I’m lucky to have someone that also consults for theSkimm to bounce ideas around. Lastly, I thought this was very cool - she was featured in a WSJ article this summer. She is currently working remotely in Milan. Rough life…
🔗Link Summary
Products: Sharpie Rollerball Precision Pens & Bath Extenders & Packing Cubes
Apps: Tablet Hotels & Goodreads
Habits: 'Fair Play' by Eve Rodsky
Books: Pachinko & Station Eleven
TV Show: Bad Sisters
🛒Consumer Products Recommendations
These are definitely not ‘cool’ product obsessions but at the moment I’m loving:
Sharpie Rollerball Precision Pens
I am very discerning about school supplies and stationery, and these pens receive top marks. They make my handwriting look beautiful and don’t smear.
I love a bath, I can spend hours in them, and these come in handy for (safely) extending the drain in shallow NY apartments or hotel tubs. Those 2” make a big difference.
I was gifted these by Rambull Relative Anna Elliott and they are game changers. They are currently coming in handy for an upcoming (last-minute) Italian jaunt.
📲 Digital Product or App Recommendations
Just discovered this app for boutique hotel bookings. I am still playing around with it but so far enjoying their recommendations and curated lists from in-the-know travelers.
I’m always looking for a good book and this helps me keep track of and find new reading material.
💪 Habit Recommendations
Mentally: Focusing on remaining present and trusting the process.
Organizationally: To-do lists. I write down all the 'little things' that may not seem important, but do take up time and energy (E.g. researching/buying items on Amazon, unloading the dishwasher, etc). Even on days when I don't feel particularly productive, acknowledging these little wins/accomplishments help me feel better.
Relationship(lly): Asking for help and working to balance household responsibilities. There's a lot of 'invisible labor' that tends to fall to women as they maintain a home, family, career, etc. and it is important to acknowledge and work through these inequities. As my husband and I look towards growing our family, we want to make sure that we have as much of an 'even playing field' as possible and have found the book 'Fair Play' by Eve Rodsky very helpful and eye opening.
🧾 Content Recommendations
One of my favorite books of all time. It's a beautiful, heartbreaking and captivating story of a multi-generational Korean family and will give you all the feels. I personally loved it as it helped me understand the political and cultural climate that my Korean grandmother grew up in, but the themes of family loyalty, motherhood, ambition and love will resonate with anyone. (Note: The Apple series of it does not do this book justice)
Apocalyptic books, TV shows, movies, etc are not my thing and give me anxiety, but there is something beautiful in Station Eleven. It is a tale of a world recovering from a devastating virus (sound familiar?) but it veers more poetic than a pandemic. The HBO adaptation is also worth a watch.
🍿 TV or Movie Recommendations
It is SO good. I love it, my husband loves it, my mom loves it… you’ll love it. Just watch it. (AppleTV)
🥉 Honorable Mention
Place to visit: Mexico City
My husband and I spent what was supposed to be 2 weeks but turned into 2 months living and working remotely in CDMX. It was a spontaneous-pack-your-bags-we're-leaving-in-48 hours trip inspired by my husband and I, admittedly, wasn't initially obsessed with the idea of escaping New York for another 'crowded city', but has forever earned a place in my heart and a spot on my list. San Miguel de Allende is also a top contender - we visited during our Mexico adventure and loved it so much that we got married there in January!
🎁 Best Gift in Recent Memory
I recently indulged in a solo-'treat yo' self' trip to Santa Barbara while I was in California for work. The gift of self-care (and high thread count hotel sheets) is priceless.
🔌 Plug
I'm always down to give my two cents, consult and brainstorm. If you ever know people looking for creative yet strategically minded support, holler at me.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
🗺 Local Rambull
Winston-Salem native and new Boston resident and father, Cole Helvey reminisces on the good life in North Carolina. Cole shares his favorite recommendations for his beloved city. I second his recommendation of Krankies for great coffee and biscuits.
Read his recommendations here and you can see them all on google maps here.
Winston readers, how did my guy Cole do??