Category: Life

Time is a slippery fish this year but never more so than this past month of June. Between a big promotion (me), a birthday (Adam), running a half marathon (me again), a weekend at the lake, attending the Tony Awards, 4 photoshoot days at work, and I don’t know.. I guess a little bit of sleep here and there, the month just flew by. I’m so looking forward to headed to the lake house mid-week and spending the 4th of July there as a chance to catch my breath before we dive head first into the next two months of summer. Hope you all have fun and/or relaxing plans of your own! Below, what’s on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my cart before we get away.

ON MY MIND:

• We don’t watch a ton of TV in the summer but Season 3 of The Bear is back and I can’t wait to start it! Otherwise I might try and catch The Bikeriders in theaters – reminds me of my grandfather who was in a motorcycle club (gang?) in the 40s/50s. Picture Austin Butler but with jet black hair.
• We’re about to hit the 1 year marker on what I’ve been lovingly calling ‘My Year of Health and Habits’ – I’ve been drafting a personal reflection post on the somewhat significant changes I’ve made and my outlook going forward. Will likely hit publish later this week.
• I’ve never considered myself particularly good at doing my own hair but lately I’ve settled into a 3-step process that’s yielding nice results (to note: I have fine hair but a lot of it, with a slight natural wave): Step 1: use this thickening spray from John Freida; Step 2: blow dry to about 90% with this T3 hairdryer; Step 3: roll into these ceramic rollers from The Hair Edit and let sit while I do my make-up. A little hairspray, unroll and voila! The finished result is nice and smooth with some bounce/volume to it.
• One of the goals on my Summer Bucket List was to visit 3 new restaurants and 3 new bars, I only checked off one in June! The Upper West Sides’ trendy new Bad Roman – we only had time to grab drinks at the bar before the Tony Awards but the ones we ordered were delicious and the interiors were so fun. We want to go back for dinner asap! This month we’ve got long-awaited reservations at Minetta Tavern (a NY institution that we’ve still never tried) and Adam is desperate to try Hamburger America.

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I’m 4 books into my 2024 Summer Reading List – need to get a move on! I’m hoping this long weekend at the lake I can really make a dent in it and am packing Real Americans by Rachel Khong and Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld + a few more that aren’t on the list. Whoops!
• From the aforementioned list, all ones that I’ve read so far have been miraculously 4 stars or above for me! Highlights include The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher – a family drama published in 1987 (a good year if I do say so myself), The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – a historical fiction with magical realism and romance mixed in, and I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by Glynnis MacNicol – a memoir of a single woman in her late 40s reclaiming her life post-2020 with a trip to Paris. They couldn’t have been more different (which I love in my reading life) and they were each fantastic in their own right.
• While I like think I read fairly diversely all year long, I always try to squeeze in a book by an LGBTQ author during Pride month. I picked up Old Enough by Haley Jakobson at Strand a couple of weeks ago – a YA-ish novel exploring the messiness of college relationships – and am really liking it so far. It’s a quick read and I’m guessing it will be the first one I finish at the lake.

IN MY CART:

• So. many. sales. I try to be really mindful when I’m shopping end of season sales – sure, it’s a great price – but is it filling a gap in my wardrobe? Can I style it multiple ways with things I already own? Will I be able to wear it not just in summer but also possibly into fall as well? Luckily (or unluckily for my budget) – I’m adding plenty of things to my cart that tick all of these boxes.
• First up – the best sale I’ve ever seen at Larroudé (I’ve been coveting their shoes for ages) – I grabbed these denim mules – I love that they’re an on trend material in a timeless silhouette. I can already think of at least 3 ways I’ll wear them now through September.
• Next up – I wanted to grab a few new pieces to add to my workout wardrobe as I find myself constantly having to wash sports bras and shorts right now. For the price, I don’t think you can beat Old Navy activewear right now – I grabbed these cherry red shorts and matching tank bra, this navy skort and this matching high support sports bra (why are those never cute? this one is).
• Speaking of sports, I can’t wait for the Summer Olympics in Paris. I’ll be wearing this cute USA Swimming hat in patriotic spirit.
• I’ve been really rethinking how I want to dress at work lately. I’m a lot of people’s boss these days, and so I want to look chic and polished and ‘in charge’ so to speak – but I also want to feel like me.. fun, not too stuffy and creative/fashionable. This Ulla Johnson dress (on major sale) fits the bill really nicely. I’m going to keep watching the price – but this espresso hued leather skirt is also a knock-out.
• In that same vein – I just picked up a chocolate brown linen midi dress and olive crinkled satin top from J.Crew that I can’t wait to wear and grabbed my beloved Weston trousers from Talbots (I own them in black and red already) in a beautiful ivory crepe – all 3 pieces on major sale right now. To note: I find the trousers run a bit large so size down if you can – I need to have mine taken in at the tailer – but then they’re perfect.
• At the start of the year I was resolved to build a belt wardrobe and I’m starting to make a dent in it. Almost every outfit looks better to me with a nice belt. This woven leather one was perfect over the aforementioned chocolate linen dress and is on sale now for less than $50.
• Since all of the above is shockingly practical – how swoon-worthy is this party skirt? I love the idea of it with a simple white t-shirt or crewneck sweater and then knock-out heels. Don’t threaten me with a good time.

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As I write this, we’ve officially made it through the darkest days of winter. A single tree in our neighborhood has just burst into tiny pink petals. There are (a little strangely?) 60 degree days in the forecast for the week ahead. Spring appears to be knocking at the door – and I’m more than ready to welcome her in. Below, what’s on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my cart as we look towards a new season.

ON MY MIND:

• In an effort to manage my typical winter blues I made a really pointed effort these past few months to focus on good habits – a consistent workout routine, reading good books before bed instead of endless scrolling, healthy eating and limited alcohol intake, re-setting my finances, finally taking daily vitamin D. It’s the stuff that I know is good for me but I used to let it get pushed to the back-burner. Lo and behold, despite work still being stressful and some aspects of life being challenging (I don’t suspect that to ever not be the case) I feel.. good. And March is, historically, not a month where I’d describe myself feeling that way. Hope you’re all finding glimmers of happiness too as we make our way out of winter.
• Another thing I’m feeling happy about? Spring travel! Because of my work schedule, I only have specific times of year when I can be away and to make the most of that we have two trips booked for this spring. I’ll leave you guessing as to where we’re headed but one is a place we’ve been before (3 times in fact) and the other will be new for us (I technically went there once for a single night about 15 years ago but I can barely remember it.. so counting it as new)!
• A quick and easy lunch I’ve been making: shredded brussel sprouts marinated overnight in olive oil and lemon juice. Add pomegranate seeds, slivered almonds, salt/pepper to taste and top with shaved parmesan. That’s it!
• I found this recent NY Times Article on teen subcultures fascinating, if not pretty disheartening. TLDR: kids of past generations had to earn their aesthetics: preppy kids actually went to private schools and played lacrosse, mall goths actually hung outside of Hot Topic at the mall.. you had to ground yourself in actual spaces surrounding by like-minded people to be legit. Today – subcultures are born in the vacuum of TikTok (cottagecore, vanilla girl..) and have nothing to do with outside society. As someone who loves fashion history and the ways that what we wear has always been a reflection of the times in which we’ve lived, I’m honestly not sure where we go from here?
• I’ve been sharing a bit on Instagram but after starting from scratch at running again last year, I started to add some real distance in this year and so far, so good. My sister and I signed up for Philly’s Broad Street 10 Mile Run in early May and then I’ve got my sights set on a half marathon in early June out in Coney Island. My last half was when I had just turned 30 and I hadn’t been consistently running in the years since, so I honestly wasn’t sure I’d ever get back to this place. I feel pretty proud of my progress and this time around, am really enjoying the training.

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I do this thing sometimes where if I think I’m going to l love a book, I put off reading it. I guess because I, preemptively, don’t want it to be over? It’s silly really but I’ve been doing it with Ann Patchett’s ‘Tom Lake‘ – even though I preordered it last Fall! I finally ‘let myself’ start it this weekend and while it has a sort of quiet start, I trust wherever she’s taking me. Next up for my Patchett journey is ‘State of Wonder‘ on her backlist. I have a copy I found at used bookstore ready and waiting on my shelf.
• While I have bought probably 3 new books so far this year, I’ve largely been prioritizing ‘shopping my shelves’ and reading what I already own. To great results so far! ‘Talking At Night‘ was one that had been sitting around since last year – and when I finally picked last week I couldn’t put it down. It gutted me in the best way. Beautiful writing, characters with depth, a sprawling story.. please read it.
• For the first time, my virtual book club is trying a “pairing” for the months ahead. We’re reading the backlist classic ‘The Things They Carried‘ by Tim O’Brien (a male perspective on Vietman) and new release ‘The Women‘ by Kristin Hannah (a female perspective on the same war). I’m really interested to read both and hear what we all think.
• We started Feud on FX last night – the Truman Capote biopic with a star-studded cast of his ‘swans’. I had read the book ‘Capote’s Women‘ that it’s based on last month in preparation of watching so I knew it was going to be a darker story, but the visuals are a real treat as it spans 1950s-70s high society in New York.
• I’m carefully planning what I’ll take with me on our first trip and I don’t have the full stack selected yet – but it’s definitely going to include Dolly Alderton’s latest release ‘Good Material‘ – I think she might be the modern day Nora Ephron. High praise, I know.

SHOP BOOKS:

IN MY CART:

• I made it 2+ months into 2024 with virtually no shopping! There was a pair of Pilates socks along the way, a couple of books and then at the very end – this dress (I was afraid my size would sell out and want to wear it on one of our upcoming trips) – but nothing else. Not even a manicure to speak of! I’ve done at least a month of this at the start of the past few years and it’s a really helpful practice in resetting my finances, taking stock of what my closet is truly missing and remembering that sometimes the ‘wanting’ passes. Highly recommend.
• With the aforementioned trips on my mind, I’m taking advantage of Anthropologie offering 20% off purchases over $100 (ends tonight – use code: ANTHRO20)- this vest and short set and these playful earrings are on their way to me!
• I’ve been wanting to try a pair of Ecru jeans for spring and am currently between this cropped pair and this wider leg, full length pair. I might order both to try at home and pick a favorite.
• I started these non-toxic teeth whitening strips before our wedding and they work so well plus don’t create any sort of teeth sensitivities. It’s time to order another pack!
• During my shopping ban, I noticed I often felt many of my outfits were missing a good belt option. For spring I’m looking at this raffia one, a classic black leather, and this denim one which would be fun over dresses.
• Why are swimsuits so hard to find? Technically they’re everywhere but I want one that has a Goldilocks level of coverage and isn’t $300. Is that too much to ask? This polka dot one with this matching skirt is on my wishlist.
• Abercrombie (despite the high school flashbacks it triggers) has so many cute things right now! Use code: AFLTK through tonight for 20% off – I ordered this cute denim dress and this sweet little embroidered dress.
• Okay I know I don’t need these, but I’ve seen a lot of heels with rosettes this season.. but these are the ones I actually want.

SHOP IN MY CART:

I swear it always feels like January lasts 3 months and all of Oct/Nov/Dec lasts about 3 weeks. I’m reminding myself that in the second half of last year I would have given anything for an entire weekend to spend padding around the apartment, sleeping in, reading and writing, planning out the weeks and months to come. So I better go ahead and relish it now. And for the most part I think I’m doing a good job of it. But still, it’s a long month. Below – what’s on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my cart (it will have to linger there for awhile…) as we head into a new week ahead.

ON MY MIND:

• I credit Julia Child (see below) but I was feeling inspired to cook this week. I made this Sausage, White Bean and Spinach soup tonight and am going to try these Ginger Meatballs with Peanut Sauce (found via Meghan of Wit & Whimsy) later this week. I also meal prepped my lunches for the week and went with this super simple combo that I make often (no real recipe): Sauté brussel sprouts over medium heat, then add steamed lentils and top with sesame dressing. That’s it! Easy to re-heat at the office and plenty filling.
• I can’t be the only one that’s itching for a vacation with this frigid weather. I’m dreaming of someplace warm but also really want to prioritize exploring some new cities this year. Alas, we’re also dreaming of buying an apartment. The budget is in a delicate balance these days!
• The joy of really starting to prioritize my diet and fitness in the middle of last year (read more about those changes here) is that by now I’m about 7 months in and on a steady roll. I’m still finding the Sweat App to be great at targeting arms, abs or legs in 30 minutes flat and complete 3 of those workouts a week (I’m currently on week 28 of 3.0 HIIT). Outside of that I try to run twice a week and also throw in a treadmill hike or long walk as a low impact day. I’m also really excited to try Pilates at a local studio! Something that for years I’ve been interested in but too intimidated to do – but suddenly feel like it’s no big deal.. so what if I’m a beginner, that’s how you learn! One thing I’ve started doing is using my weekly planner to write out all of my workouts in advance – so there’s less wavering in the mornings. It’s already in pen on the page, there’s no erasing it!

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I just finished My Life in France by Julia Child and absolutely loved it – it’s a love letter to France and food, but more than that it’s such a lesson in always staying curious about the world around you and finding and pursuing new passions at any age. Plus – her relationship with Paul was so lovely to read. Adam and I spent Saturday morning watching old black and white episodes of her cooking show on YouTube – I love when a book leads you down a rabbit hole!
• My virtual book club (over 3 years strong!) has picked Mercury by Amy Jo Burns as our next book. It’s a family drama set in the 90s in Pennsylvania – as a PA native that rarely reads books set in the state, I’m interested to see how true I find the setting. I’ve heard rave reviews so far.
• I’m doing my damndest to write an earnest first draft of a novel this year and have turned to Stephen King’s On Writing for encouragement after my best friend Claire (who is working on the same goal!) recommended it. I have admittedly never read King but his advice isn’t genre specific and I’m finding it really thoughtful.
• I’m starting The Rachel Incident by Irish author Caroline O’Donoghue tonight – it was blurbed by Gabrielle Zevin (of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow fame, which I loved last year) so I have high hopes. Will report back!

IN MY CART:

• The #75hardstylechallenge was all over Instagram at the start of this year and I’m doing my best to stick with it! Essentially you get dressed every day for 75 days (so until about mid-March), document every outfit and don’t buy anything new. Aside from the heavy snow/rain or bitterly cold days lately I’ve been doing a fairly good job at it so far. I’m not feeling like I need to stick to it 100% but it is certainly making me get more creative with my wardrobe and is a nice financial reset after an expense-heavy 2023.
• That being said, I finallyyy treated myself to some new workout gear (I hadn’t bought anything new in probably 3 years) at the end of last year and so far the hero pieces have been this high impact sports bra (nothing moves, even when running!) and this jumpsuit that quite literally fits like a glove and is under $30.
• While I’m doing my best to not shop these next couple of months, I’m keeping a running ‘wish list’ for things that catch my eye and then once I’m ready to spend, I’ll be able to really assess what will fill wardrobe gaps, what I’m still swooning over, etc. It’s actually been a fun exercise! On my list as of now: this punchy tweed cropped jacket, these classic cat eye sunglasses at a good price and this corset-effect denim dress (I wore a similar silhouette dress from this brand in white to the after party of our wedding and loved it SO much).
• My current favorite lip combo – this Jones Road Beauty liner in Nude Rose and this Urban Decay lipstick in Love Trap. The result is a natural, rosy winter pink with just a hint of shine.
• Adam got me this robe for Christmas and it’s SO cozy for a cold winter’s morning. Feels just like the super plush hotel robes I always love.

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