Thinking Ahead to 2026 🌟
cherishing what's in front of me rather than yearning for the future
Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving week, I know I did. Now that Thanksgiving is over I’m feeling the holiday rush both personally and with work. I’m not sure how everything will get done between now and Christmas but I know I’ll find a way to make it happen lol. I love being busy but the end of year rush is definitely overwhelming!
I’ve begun thinking about my new year’s resolutions. I’m not a big believer in wanting to change everything about your life just because the calendar changes but I do appreciate the forced time to reflect. Something that’s been top of mind is cherishing life, possessions, and people in the present moment. Rather than waiting for the right time to use a product or waiting to reach x goal before celebrating yourself, why not do it now? I’m tired of delayed gratification for no rhyme or reason. Let’s see if I can wok on this next year!
I had such a fun conversation with Wendy from RationAle Brewing! She’s such a joy to talk to about NA beer and it’s intersection with mental health. Plus, two delicious winter recipes that are funky + bright. Enjoy <3
I’m 99 subscribers from my 2025 goal → I’d love for you to share the Digest with all your foodie friends!!
Wendy Pickett of RationAle Brewing
Wendy Pickett, Co-Founder & EVP of Sales, RationAle Brewing. Bringing 25 years of consumer goods experience to the non-alcoholic craft brewing brand, Wendy has a long history of building legacy brands in the grocery/mass, natural, and specialty channels. After holding senior leadership roles at companies like Hain Celestial, Clover Sonoma, and Diestel Family Ranch, Wendy made the leap from natural foods to non-alcoholic beer—combining her expertise in better-for-you brands with a personal mission around moderation and mindful drinking.
As one of the few female leaders in the male-dominated alcohol space, she’s helping reshape the future of NA craft beer, tapping into the surging demand for NA options driven by wellness-minded consumers.
what we chat about:
RationAle’s mission is to “crush society’s drinking rules.” How do you see mindful drinking reshaping not just the NA beer industry, but drinking culture at large?
As a woman co-founder in the beer industry—an industry historically dominated by men—what challenges and opportunities have you experienced in carving out space for both yourself and RationAle?
The Crush the Crisis initiative ties RationAle directly to mental health and wellness. Can you share more about the impact of that program and why it was important to bake into the brand’s DNA from the start?
IG rationalebrewing.com | rationalebrewing
Listen to the episode:
Spotify | Apple Music | Substack
I love everything about this recipe. It’s a bright twist on a classic dessert marrying together summer and fall flavors. Crème brûlée is so much easier to make then you think. It’s a great dessert for holiday get togethers when everyone is sick of pie/cake/cookies!
I am historically not a fan of cake but there’s something about an olive oil cake that makes me question everything. It brings such a nice rich floral flavor that helps cut through the overt sweetness that most cake is known for. The addition of thyme in this recipe helps lean into the floral notes of the oil. While the mascarpone frosting helps cut through the sweetness. It’s truly a cake-haters dream.
I’m not sure how I managed to collect this theme of items but everything happens to be silver! I used to only use gold items in my house and in my personal jewelry but I’ve found myself loving mixed metals more + more. Here’s what I’m loving:
Swan Shaped Lemon Squeezer: need I say more!
Mussel Salt Cellar with Spoon: this would be such a fun host gift to bring to your holiday parties this year (hint hint)
Punched Tin Mirror: there’s a gal I follow online that has a mirror similar to this and I fall in love with it every time she shows it…maybe it’s time to get it for my house!
Nickel Sunburst Candle Holder: I just know this beauty would look fab on my dining room table
Astrid Earrings: a contemporary take on a chandelier earring and one that I’m a huge fan of. I could see this being perfect for holiday parties!
& one non-metal favorite is this ceramic wall sconce perfect for taper candles! How fun would these be on either side of the bed with electric candles in them. So cozy.
Everything Happening in CPG This Holiday Season Read full story →
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)
Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio
Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director
If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊