I have—no kidding—six draft posts about friendship, mental health, taking care of oneself, and other Big Topics that I've started and then abandoned. I am reasonably confident that no one needs my thoughts or opinions on anything happening in the world right now, and I have tried to compose coherent thoughts about the state of the world, but when I try to write about it, my brain short-circuits.
I have been continuing to find small things, tangible and not, to enjoy amid The Terrible, and so, I present you this humble list of things that make life feel less terrible:
I’m using my voice to contact my representatives. I love 5Calls, but making calls is hard when I’m teaching, so Resistbot has been a great alternative because it lets you send a quick email and my representatives usually email me back, which makes it feel like it counts. I was also introduced to the Goods Unite Us app this week, and it’s a great way to ensure that you’re voting with your dollars.
I have some travel coming up! I’m taking my Dad to Las Vegas to see Eagles at The Sphere. Speaking of Vegas, any restaurants we should hit? We both like breakfast and dessert. We are staying near The Sphere but can Lyft anywhere that seems worth it! Please give me your best recommendations! I’m going to Chicago to see Jenn for a long weekend, and I cannot wait to see my friends! Amy and I rescheduled our trip to Edinburgh, and I cannot wait to leave the country. Will I come back? No promises. I am a better person when I have something to look forward to.
One of the most positive changes I’ve made recently is using Hungryroot. Hungryroot makes eating well so easy: you decide how many servings of each meal you want each week (which is ideal because if you know you’re not going to be home for dinner or you have a week where you know you won’t have time for lunch) and then pick and choose your items for the week. It’s removed the mental load of needing to plan our meals, shop, and monitor our pantry! If you join with my link, we both get $50!
I am late to the party, but I came across the Lazy Genius this week. I am sure I will soon have a longer post about this, but I’ve been struggling to plan a schedule that works for me and make time for what I want to do. I did some initial reading, and her philosophy around compassionate time management struck a chord. I am struggling a bit to embrace a philosophy that includes the word “lazy” because that word has such a negative connotation (I’m in therapy, thanks for asking), but I’m intrigued regardless. I purchased The Lazy Genius and her other book, The Plan.
I’m working with a coach from Stronger U. Since I’ve increased my workouts and shifted my focus on nourishing myself, having some guidance is so helpful. In my intake, I shared that I have a history of disordered eating and they paired me with a coach with experience supporting ED patients. My coach is SO positive and a registered dietician. She is helping me get out of my black-and-white food thinking and to focus on nourishing myself. I know it’s not for everyone, but as someone re-learning how to feed myself and wanting to focus on strength and my old-lady body, Stronger U has been unbelievably helpful, and I’m grateful for my coach.
I’m still on a shopping bender because nothing I own fits me! My favorite finds:
This button-down that is the perfect weight and length for wearing under a cardigan now and will be ideal for spring.
These high-waisted, wide-leg trousers from Athleta are perfect and come in petite length!
I typically emerge from flights looking like a rumpled monster, and I have some fun trips coming up, so I bought this PACT Weekender Airplane Set and an Airplane Cardigan to keep me cozy and double as a blanket while looking chic (or chic-adjacent).
I am currently obsessed with being cozy 24/7, and I bought this Lululemon Tumbled Scuba Funnel-Necked Half Zip (the name rolls off the tongue!) and it is the most comfortable thing I own. It’s on final sale, but it’s worth it. A word to the wise: size down! I got an M/L, but I’m tempted to order an XS/S for next winter. It’s long enough to cover my rear in leggings, and I’ve been wearing them with my beloved Align leggings, Bombas Ruffle Ribbed Quarter Socks, and Boston Big Buckle Leather Slides when I go work at coffee shops, and I never want to wear anything else.
Speaking of my beloved Birkenstocks, I ordered these Arizona Chunky Sandals in taupe for spring and summer and replaced my all-time favorite gold Birkenstocks that I left out by my pool during a freak summer storm!
My daily perfume is Lanvin Éclat d’Arpège but I’ve been curious about the Vacation perfume and finally got to use the tester in Anthropologie and I will be ordering it for summer. It smells like sunscreen and pool days and is a real vibe.
Other Amy got me the Griffith Moon and Diamond Necklace for Valentine’s Day, and it is perfect on its own, but it looks especially good when paired with the Cove Mini Curved Diamond Necklace. If you use the code “AE20,” you’ll get 20% off at Cupcakes and Cashmere!
In a real weird turn, my hair is sort of losing its curl. It’s still there, but it takes a lot more effort to coax it out, and over the last few months, I’ve mostly been throwing it up into a very frizzy bun or ponytail. I tried the Dyson Air Wrap but it didn’t work for my hair. Instead, I’ve been using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer and Styler to dry it and Hot Tools Pro Double Plate Straightener to straighten it, and it’s been amazing. For product, I’m using JVN’s Blowout Milk, Kérastase Discipline Blow-Dry Smoothing Primer and adding waves with the Hot Tools 1 1/4 inch curling iron. I like it so far!
U Beauty let me pick out some products from a recent restock, and I chose the Resurfacing Compound to keep my skin clear and fresh and the Intense Face Oil. I also stocked up on the Sculpt Arm Compound. I spent my own money on the Sculpt Neck and Décolleté Concentrate because I will never be without it. I will never shut up about how much I love their entire line. If you use the code “AMYESTES” you get 20% off your first order (and, full disclosure, I make some money, too).
I’m thinking about hosting a charm bracelet or necklace-making party with friends or and I loved this tutorial (yes, it’s sponsored to hell by Michaels, but whatever). I’ve also hosted a few Book Swaps and am considering doing that again. I think about this piece every day of my life and I’ve been trying to suss out why I get stuck when I think about hosting, and I think it mostly comes down to the fact that I worry people will be bored or hate my house or my food will be gross. I like the idea of having an activity and a purpose to the gathering.
Lastly, I want to do a wee giveaway. I have a bunch of the Index Set by U Beauty, and since I never stop discussing their products, I want to give one away. It retails for $88 and contains mini sizes of the Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash, the Resurfacing Compound (desert island product!), the Super Hydrator, and the Barrier Bioactive Treatment. I’ll likely also toss in another treat or two!
To enter, leave me a comment and say hello! For an extra entry, follow me on Instagram if you’re not already.
I have a lulu gift card from Christmas. Thanks for the pullover rec.
Great roundup. Thanks for sharing!