It’s June, which means a new Pretty and Smart feature, this month you’ll get to meet Brooklyn Mattinson, one of our OG founders. Also, with June comes new desktop and tech downloads, so make sure to download your favourite! Make sure to check out some of Brooklyn’s pieces on productivity, podcast recommendations and healthy product alternatives. Now let’s get to know Brooklyn a little better, she’s even sharing more podcast recommendations below! As always if you’ve got any further questions feel free to ask them in the comments below or send us an email.
Without further ado, ladies and (the few) gentlemen … meet Brooklyn Mattinson!
Name or nickname if you have one:
Brook or Brooklyn
Zodiac sign:
I’m a Cancer.
While writing this I did fall down a bit of rabbit hole. I haven’t checked my horoscope in years so I figured it would be fun. Reading the various scenarios that the cosmos has in store for me made me laugh. Even for someone as “granola” as me… the moon will not be my guiding compass. I’m more of a morning person actually.
What makes you feel pretty and smart/what does it mean to you?
To me being pretty and smart is all about being your authentic self. It means to be a good person, a caring friend, a thoughtful partner, taking pride in your appearance and also someone who knows what they want, advocates for their own interests and is articulate about it. I think women have a hard time when it comes to the false dichotomy of being “pretty” or “smart” in reality women are so much more complex than that. It makes me think of the age old stereotype of the “pretty girl” or the “smart girl.” It really doesn’t have to be like that. I guess being pretty and smart means you can have your cake and eat it too.
One piece of advice to your younger self:
Do the hard things first. Hard things almost always come with a greater return. I don’t say this to sound like a glutton for punishment but the reality is, squats are hard and leg extensions are easy – which do you think is better at building muscle? Waking up early is hard and sleeping in is easy – which do you think is better for your health and productivity?
If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first. – Mark Twain
I always tell anyone who asks me for advice to eat their metaphorical frog. The other great thing about this piece of advice is that the way to get better at hard things, is by doing more hard things. You are absolutely not always going to be motivated but once you are disciplined, you’ll always have that.
Who would you say is your biggest role model or icon (fashion, career, fitness, personal or otherwise):
I am obsessed with Audrey Hepburn, she was so beautiful, feminine and poise. The famous black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is ICONIC. I have several books about her life and watch any documentary I come across. I find her life very fascinating. My husband bought me a copy of Audrey’s cover of VOGUE from 1959 I keep it framed in my office. When I was in university I also had a huge canvass of her on my wall from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I love her pearls and am a total sucker for a transatlantic accent (but who isn’t).
What you’re reading/watching/listening to:
I’m listening to Freakenomics (always) and No Stupid Questions (as per usual). I’m reading Meditations, Marcus Aurelius. I just do it like a couple pages a day because the translation I’m reading is pretty dense so I am taking my time and really digesting it. I recently finished Elon Musk’s biography by Ashlee Vance and I just put down Jordan Peterson’s newest book Beyond Order (pretty good). Lately I’ve been watching (not really) reruns of Mad Men while scrolling on my phone. I have such a hard time watching new things on tv, it’s always reruns for me.
Favourite thing in your closet right now?
Next place you hope to travel to near or far (when it’s safe of course)?
Best word to describe you and why?
Gritty. Come on … I had to. More on me and Grit here.
What is your fitness or wellness routine?
To me these are one in the same and I do a number of different things. I run everyday (not the same distance some days it’s just like 2km). I run a pretty long distance on the weekend like about 10-12km and then I supplement throughout the week depending on how I’m feeling. I do yoga every night. I start and end my day the exact same way. Sometimes it’s 7 minutes, sometimes it’s an hour but I always get it done. Sometimes I use a foam roller or a massage ball too. I also do the odd circuit at home, light weights, squats, some abs here and there and the odd sad push up (something is better than nothing).
What is your favorite thing to write about?
I like writing about a variety of topics but I would say the thing I most often write about would be in the career category. I guess if I keep finding myself writing about it I must enjoy it! So I’d say career, maybe with lifestyle being in second place.
What is your guilty pleasure?
It’s really bad to admit this, mostly because my husband is allergic, but I am going to have to say peanut butter. I can’t keep it in my house but if I’m out at a restaurant or over at a friends house and peanut butter is an option I never pass up the opportunity. I don’t even have a preference either, any type will do … it’s so bad. It makes me feel like that kid who was never allowed to have sugar so they are just totally out of control at a friend’s house and they see candy.
Favourite quote:
“Life is short — the fruit of this life is a good character and acts for the common good.”
— Marcus Aurelius
Where can people find you online? What is your handle?
@bmattinslyn
