Do you look forward to and relish in your alone time? When no one else needs anything from you and you can just have some quiet time? You might be an introvert like me. I have been really interested in personality types lately, even having my family and friends take personality quizzes for fun. We have all been talking a lot about it and learning things about each other. Then, I had the idea to interview four of my friends that I knew were also introverts. I wanted to know what things they enjoyed doing and what products brought them happiness! I wondered, what are their favorite things?
So, I interviewed my friends Michelle Hickey, graphic designer, business coach, and podcast co-host; Gina Grimm, senior art director at Guthy Renker; Stephanie Williams, graphic designer and owner at Tailored Designs; and Angeline Peterman, writer and creative director at Dots & Dust; as well as myself, Ashley Trotier (my married name, if you weren’t familiar). Let’s get into the good stuff!
What is your favorite outfit to wear when you’re at home?
Ashley Trotier: Leggings, a comfy tee, and a soft sweatshirt if it’s chilly
Michelle Hickey: Jeans and a hoodie. Even in the summer. In Florida.
Gina Grimm: Beyond Yoga high waisted yoga pants with an Alternative Apparel sweatshirt
Stephanie Williams: Maxi dresses when it’s warm, otherwise leggings and a fitted tee.
Angeline Peterman: I can honestly say that if you were to stop by, I would probably be wearing a tunic shirt, some black leggings, and ballet slippers 90% of the time.
What is your favorite brand of yoga pants/leggings?
AT: My go-to for daily wear are these Old Navy High-Rise 7/8 Length Lattice Detail leggings.
MH: I found this pair from Aerie that I’m so in love with, that I purchased the same ones in several colors. Not only are they cozy, but there’s a little pocket on the side that is the perfect size and spot for holding your phone.
GG: Hahahaha see above!
AP: Hands down it has got to be Lularoe black leggings. I shamelessly own 3 pairs!
What is your favorite lunch or dinner to have/make at home?
AT: I love a good salad loaded up with tons of toppings! Romaine lettuce, chicken, avocado, shredded cheese, croutons, sunflower seeds, cashews, black olives, craisins, and thousand island dressing.
MH: I’m really good at making two things: chicken + broccoli and pasta with homemade sauce. So those on repeat for dinners and almost always leftovers for lunch. But if I’m being honest, takeout is my favorite.
GG: So many favorites. Depends on my mood but 9 times out of 10 it’s mac and cheese. I also love eggplant parmesan, Mexican food, and sushi.
SW: Cabbage detox soup. I throw all the veggies into a crock pot and snack off of it throughout the day.
SW: Cabbage detox soup. I throw all the veggies into a crock pot and snack off of it throughout the day.
AP: One of my favorite dinners to make at home is a Filipino dish called Sinigang. It is a sour soup with veggies and pork and we love to have it over white rice. My entire family loves it and it tastes even better the next day as leftovers!
What is your favorite healthy snack?
AT: A quick, homemade guacamole with some fruit on the side (pineapple, watermelon, or red grapes).
MH: I’m not much of a snacker and am more likely to have a small meal in lieu of one. Half of a PB+J is where I tend to reach. I should probably look into find something healthier and age appropriate.
GG: Nuts, yogurt and granola, or a green smoothie
SW: Green smoothie: spinach, frozen mango, tumeric, ginger, lemon and coconut water.
AP: Usually I like to grab either a protein shake, avocado & tomato slices over a wasa cracker, or our family-favorite homemade energy balls.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
AT: Right now, the Salted Caramel Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory – heaven!
MH: Nestle Toll House Cookies. The kind you make at home in your oven. I undercook them by just a minute and they are heaven.
GG: Cannoli or a bar of chocolate
SW: Chocolate almond milk.
AP: I have a horrible sweet tooth! I love it all! But if I had to choose, I would normally reach for anything with dark chocolate, salt, and marzipan.
What is your favorite book, blog, or podcast right now?
AT: Slowly reading A Simplified Life by Emily Ley, and I love reading articles on The Everygirl blog.
MH: I’m not much of a blog reader, but I’m pretty much always plugged into a podcast or audiobook. Two of my favorite books are You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz. My favorite podcast of the moment is the SeanWes podcast. Would it be lame to say that I also listen to my own podcast (A Podcast for Creatives)?
GG: I prefer podcasts. My favorite is Radiolab.
AP: I am constantly taking classes online or listening more to podcasts than I am reading lately. I listen to Jenna Kutcher’s “Goal Digger” podcast almost daily. And right now I am reading “In His Image” by Jen Wilkin for a bible study group that I am a part of.
What is your favorite skincare product?
MH: A friend of mine introduced me to an amazing line called Oz Naturals. It took me until age 35 to stick with a regular skin care routine, but now that I’ve felt the results, I’m hooked.
GG: Skyn Iceland eye masks and lotion
SW: Acure sensitive skin products.
AP: Gosh, I have always loved the Mary Kay skincare line since I was 15 years old and I still use it today. Their microdermabrasion set is so affordable and really helps my skin feel so smooth. I also started using Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel, as it has helped keep my skin feeling super hydrated during these dry winter months.
What is your favorite bath product?
AT: Hands down The Body Shop’s Peppermint Candy Cane Shower Gel! It smells AMAZING. Instant minty happiness!
MH: Don’t know that I have one. I’m always switching them up.
GG: Glossier body wash and a candle
SW: Homemade bath soak using epsom salts with lavender oil.
AP: I am a huge shower person and I love how it helps me destress. So I always put in a few drops of essential oils in the warm shower with me. If I am taking a shower in the morning, I use peppermint to help me wake up and stay focused for my day. If I take one at night, then I use lavender as it helps calm me down enough to get ready for bed.
What is your favorite YouTube channel to indulge in?
AT: I have so many! I love YouTube. A few of my faves are Mallory Ervin, Alexandra Beuter, and GaryVee.
MH: I don’t do a lot of YouTube watching, but when I feel like I need a boost, I like getting caught up on GaryVee’s content.
GG: I don’t watch YouTube channels.
SW: Another tie! Sarah Lemkus and Jinti Fell.
AP: When I am on YouTube (which is actually not very often), I will spend my time watching my two favorite handlettering artists: Ian Barnard & Stefan Kunz. I admire that they are both crazy talented and both are fearless in sharing their love of Christ.
What is your favorite Netflix show to binge watch?
AT: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I love watching people organizing!
MH: The Office. Every time.
GG: Arrested Development
SW: I love historical period dramas; The Crown, Downton Abbey, Outlander, Poldark (Prime Video)
AP: I LOVE having on either “The Office” or “Parks & Recreations” in the background while I work. There is something about humor and laughter that helps keep me in the best of spirits during the day.
What is your favorite thing to do first when you finally have time to yourself?
AT: Organize anything. This is what I actually consider FUN, haha. I will just pick a drawer, start throwing things away, and organizing the good stuff that’s left! Either this, or scroll Instagram looking for design or home inspiration.
MH: Watch The Office on Netflix.
GG: Be a couch potato.
SW: Unwind with tea and piano music or a relaxing yoga session.
AP: I will always grab a brush to start painting or my trusty Pigma Micron Pens to sketch or letter. Creating art is completely freeing and is the best form of meditation for me.
That was so much fun! Thank you to all of these amazing ladies for sharing their favorites. I hope you enjoyed reading and found some new things to try out or incorporate into your own life.
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