Get to Know a Cool Girl / Rachel Nguyen of That's Chic

on van life, mantras, and rare book scavenger hunts

Introduction + current read

Hello from Mendocino county! I've been slowly transitioning from living in Mount Shasta on and off for the last few months, both in my van and in my friend's cabin, to exploring a divine love back in Los Angeles. So we're closing the gap after some months of long distance.

I haven't gotten into a book specifically. Lately my vibe is picking up one of many in rotation, as they're all curiosity/factually based than a story, so I'm learning as I go.

My sweet mans bought me this set of books from another book I already had in the collection as a housewarming gift. He also got me this book, The Wild Rhythms by Kat Villain.

But aside from that, I'm listening to

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Spell of the Sensuous by David Abrams

Autobiography of a Yogi

And also with me

Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector

with me, next to my laptop right now

Do you have a quote that’s been on your mind lately?

Words and mantras get stuck in my mind more. Simplicity. Precision. Food as an altar. Home is a place to be present. An adulthood well-lived. Presence is process. What do you create when no one is looking? Walk towards wonderment.

A few lines in my journal :)

Favorite book you’ve been gifted?

This book that you kind of have to hunt down — it’s not stocked in most shops. I used it as a quest in a scavenger hunt for a man who had a romantic interest in me. He rose to the occasion.

I adore your van life vlogs; do you keep any books with you on the road? Do you swap them out?

I do! I have a few books. Wow actually all of my current favorite books are purchased by my bf lol - but I have Dancing at the Edge of the World and Travels with Charley in there. Also Untethered Soul! But Travels with Charley is amazing and gets me so in the mood for van adventures as it's John Steinbeck traveling through America in his camper truck and dog Charley.

What’s something you think everyone should read?

My answer remains the same but Micheal Singer and Eckhart Tolle really changed my psyche and any of their books are worth picking up as a guide to get deeper into self.

Do you find that reading balances the inflow and outflow of creative energy? Does it help you recharge?

It's hard for me to get into a book, hence why I have so many floating around. But with the right books, it's nice to pick up little blurbs of thoughts to meditate and wander on.

What does your dream day look like?

Opening the van doors to a sunny day and nestled in trees. I have a list of my morning beverage succession that I really enjoy making, from sea moss shot, lemon/cayenne/sea salt, coconut matcha, coffee, spring water. Then a nice walk with Leica, some time on the mat. Leisure time to write or read. Body work. Catch up with voice notes. Make myself a really nourishing meal. Pretty simple stuff.

You can find more of Rachel at @Thatschic