01: What have you been up to, Rachael?
Hey y’all,
Welcome to the very first edition of Fresh x Espresso! I’m so happy you’re here and truly grateful to have you join me on this creative journey I’m pursuing. Whether you’re here for the lifestyle vibes, city adventures, or just a good read, I hope you find something that speaks to you.
So, what can you expect from this newsletter? A front-row seat to how this Texas gal does life while bouncing between Houston (where I live) and Dallas (my hometown). From cocktails to conversations, I’ll be sharing pieces of my world, the things inspiring me, and the projects I’m working on—especially the big one: my manuscript. It’s a second-chance love story set in the cities I call home, and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride.
Thanks for being here!
Cheers,
Rachael S.
Dry January was… emotional this year
Dry January was an emotional journey for me this year in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Taking a step back from alcohol meant more than just skipping a cocktail—it meant confronting the emotions I’d often softened with a well-poured drink. I found myself reflecting on the rituals, the social ease, and the quiet comfort I had unknowingly tied to each sip. I wrote a blog post about it called, “A Bougie Alcoholic.” In it, I explore my evolving relationship with drinking, the clarity that came with abstaining, and the deeper questions it raised about identity, coping, and balance. If you’ve ever felt a similar push and pull with alcohol, know that you’re not alone—I hope my story resonates with you.
Even Years - stories of becoming
I wrote a collection of super-short stories in 2018 around the time I was healing from heartbreak, getting laid off twice in the span of eight months, and learning what my new normal was after I felt uprooted from the life I knew. I never promoted it or tried to share it because at the time, it felt too raw and shared too much reflection of the version of myself I was trying to move past. Even Years is a collection of stories shaped by love, loss, and the quiet resilience that comes with starting over. Each piece carries fragments of that era—grief disguised as ambition, longing wrapped in nostalgia, and the bittersweet beauty of second chances. Though I once kept it tucked away, I’ve come to appreciate how those stories captured a moment in my life with an honesty I couldn’t see then.
What’s next?
I’m so excited for what this year will bring! Beyond prioritizing my quality time love language with trips, social hours, and events, I’m also diving into writing a second-chance romance set in Houston—one that explores the complicated dynamics of a friendship that feels a little too familiar. Right now, it’s in the rough (and I mean rough) draft stages.
February marks the beginning of truly bringing this story to life. Writing this manuscript has been both exciting and challenging—finding the right balance between sentiment, longing, and the reality of who these characters have become. By the next newsletter, I plan to have the first chapter ready to share, and I’d love to get your feedback. If you’re interested in reading it, let me know—I’d truly appreciate your thoughts as I shape this story into something real.
You’re receiving this email because you’ve subscribed to Fresh x Espresso, an editorial newsletter that shares the personal stories and creative journey of Houston-based storyteller Rachael S. A native Texan with a love for food and drinks, romance, and city adventures, she channels her creativity with an explorative, passionate, and present approach.