The MPL List | Edition #2

Another edition of "The List"! Trying to be consistent in this year of 2025!

Did you like the "list"? I hope so, because I'll continue sharing tips, things, and recipes that inspired me during the week.

1. BOOK THAT INSPIRED ME

Glossy – Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier

I loved this book because I closely followed the work of Emily Weiss , founder and creative mind behind Glossier and the blog Into The Gloss . I regret that post-COVID Emily Weiss was "forced" Upon leaving her CEO position – the brand (and the blog) were never the same again. There's something magical about a founder's aura that truly brings a unique energy to brands.

Emily Weiss defied all the rules and built an empire from a blog. For anyone who wants to understand branding, community, and the importance of building something authentic, this book is essential reading. I don't think it's a book that perfectly reflects Emily, BUT you can understand all the pieces and her dedication quite well.

2. INGREDIENT OF THE WEEK

Palo Santo – The necessary energy cleansing for Mercury Retrograde . Can you already feel it?

Mercury is retrograde, and during this phase everything can seem more intense: blockages, delays, mental confusion . Palo Santo is one of my favorite rituals for cleansing energy and restoring balance .

What is that?
An aromatic wood, used for centuries in shamanic rituals for purification and energetic protection . When burned, it releases a soft and comforting smoke, creating an atmosphere of calm and clarity.

How to use it?

• Before starting your day → Light a piece and let the smoke fill the space.
• To clear a tense atmosphere → Ideal after intense meetings or days of high pressure.
• A moment of introspection → Excellent to accompany a ritual of "journaling," reading cards , or meditation.

If there's ever a good time to invest in "energy cleansing," now is the time.

3. TO LISTEN

How I Built This – Emily Weiss, Glossier

This might be the podcast I listen to the most. There's something very inspiring about hearing stories of people who started from nothing and managed to take their dream/idea and turn it into a business that lasts and grows even amidst a lot of adversity.

For this episode's theme, Mantra is an interview with Emily Weiss, a conversation about persistence, intuition, and how to build a brand that truly makes an impact with its audience .

4. A product that I am loving.

The milkmaid from SMEG

As you know, I'm addicted to Matcha, and I drink it with milk. This milk pitcher has been a companion for many years – perfect foam, the right temperature (we can choose hot or cold, foam or no foam), and that classic design that looks beautiful in the kitchen. Small details that make all the difference in everyday life.

5. SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

The new collection from Maison Hotel

I love pieces that look effortless and sophisticated at the same time. The new Maison Hotel collection features embroidery, natural textures, and flowing cuts —a boho-chic style that never goes out of fashion.

6. Recipe of the Week

Korean Pancakes with Vegetables

I've made this recipe several times this month. It has the best of both worlds – lots of vegetables and they're super quick to make. These pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of wheat flour or rice flour (I use half of each)
• 1 teaspoon of yeast
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ cup of sparkling water (some people use beer, I tried it and hated it, but it might be because I don't drink alcohol that it made me feel bad ;))

For the grated vegetables, use whatever you have in the fridge. I've used beetroot, spinach, chard, and even corn.

• 2 cups of grated vegetables
• cilantro if you like
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 pinch of ground chili pepper or grated ginger

Preparation method:

1. Mix the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the sparkling water and stir well.
2. Incorporate the vegetables.
3. Heat a skillet with sesame oil and drop small portions of the batter into it. Cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side).
4. Serve with the sauce and finish with sesame seeds.

7. A RITUAL THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

Scrape your tongue every morning! How come people don't talk about this anymore??? I do it to prevent cavities, but if you have bad breath, this ritual changes everything!!! Your breath stays fresh all day.

The first thing I do when I wake up. During the night, the body releases toxins through saliva, and if they aren't removed in the morning, they are reabsorbed. Scraping the tongue improves digestion, reduces gum inflammation, and as I said, improves breath. Small gesture, big impact.

8. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT

Create a "morning uniform"

Starting the day with fewer decisions brings more clarity and mental energy. Emily Weiss talks a lot about this: the fewer micro-decisions we have in the morning, the more space we have for what really matters.

How to apply?

• Fixed breakfast → No need to waste time deciding.
• Minimalist skincare → Essential products, without excessive steps.
• Choosing clothes the night before is always a good idea → Something that works and doesn't require much effort. I usually choose what I'm going to wear before bed, and the same goes for the kids. So it's much faster.

Less mental noise first thing in the morning = more creativity, productivity, and a more balanced day.

I hope you enjoyed it!

If you have any tips or suggestions, leave them in the comments.

Kisses,
Mafalda