Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure. // Meister Eckhart
New Beginnings. How to Find a Therapist for the First Time
Lowering. 40% off at Banana Republic today. I snapped up this dotted tie-neck blouse.
Listings. A guide to writing a resume that interviewers want to read.
Sleeping. LOFT has the best affordable pajamas. This cherry-print short set is so cute.
Bookings. ‘You Never Forget Your First,’ a real look at George Washington.
Heating. An insulated travel cup that fits in a cup holder. It’s the best.
Conflicting. Some advice for mending a work relationship.
Searching. Amazon has a good selection of business suits. I like this white one for summer.
Sayings. How to libel laws are being turned against #MeToo accusers.
Layering. This Tahari sleeveless v-neck top is my favorite under suit jackets.
Surviving. ‘What becoming a widow taught me about money.’
Styling. Need work dresses? This red Donna Morgan and cobalt Calvin Klein are worth a look for under-$60.
Negotiating. A former FBI hostage negotiator has tips for getting what you want.
Lining. This Bite primer helps your lipstick stay on longer.
Freeing. Women are going braless at work. (Are they? Are they really?)
Do you ever get just stuck in a rut? Everything feels the same, and you just need something new? With winter dragging on here in the Pacific Northwest, that’s how I feel.
I need some new things to read, listen to, watch, shop for, etc.. What do you love, what are you into, what’s getting you through? It could be a song, a podcast, a book, a magazine, a workout, or just something you came across. It could be a new product, a new piece of clothing, or a new perfume. I don’t care what it is, but what’s something that’s made you tell everyone about it.
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Something I’m loving … yoga! I’ve done strength training for years and have been running for a year now. Just tried out a yoga class for the first time and loved it! Looking forward to a new addition to my workout routine.
Two other recommendations: “Educated” by Tara Westover and ColourPop (especially their eye palettes).
Two Amazon Prime streaming recommendations. Troop Zero was a light hearted fun movie. Modern Love based on NY Times column of same name.
I second the Modern Love recommendation!
things I’m loving this month:
-dedcool’s 01 perfume is a dream.
-laura mercier’s stickgloss line (PLUM!!) is amazing.
-anthropologie has some new slides I’ve been eyeing.
-after I broke my foot, I’m finally back working out & I’d missed barre3 workouts SO MUCH more than I expected to – and my body agrees!
listen to: lapsley’s “womxn” & khruangbin and leon bridges’ “texas sun”
I’ve been listening to the SIX musical. It reminds me of the Spice Girls meets Hamilton pop-concert style. It’s from King Henry VIII’s six wives POV.
LOVE Six! Saw the show in St. Paul and it’s about about the one and only show I would describe as “life-changing”.
Hoping to see Six this summer in Chicago!
I love seeing other people’s great finds! I have the RTIC mugs and they’re on my list of new loves too. They’ve also held up in the dishwasher. My recent audiobook and podcast loves are Educated and the Crazy Rich Asians series (I’m a bit behind), and This is Criminal and the Office Ladies podcasts. I started doing kickboxing at 9Round and love that there are no class times and guaranteed 30-minute workout so I don’t feel like I’ll be late or not have enough time. I love my new Betabrand bootcut pants and am so happy that boot cut and high-rise are both in style at the same time. I love my Athleta Lightning Static tights,
My husband and I have been watching The Ranch on Netflix. Last month we also watched the Goop documentary(?) which I thought was really fascinating even through her lifestyle isn’t something I ascribe to and I have many, many questions about a lot of the purported health claims. The middle episode about women’s satisfaction has sparked a lot of conversations in my mom groups.
To do:
– 40-minute workout classes (usually reformer pilates); they feel so much more manageable than a 90-minute yoga class or even 50/60 minutes of anything.
– Cooking is my therapy. Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat was life-changing, and I just picked up AfroVegan on Amazon.
– I did pottery for a couple years – an expensive hobby for sure, but I was in a rut and needed a creative outlet that was low-pressure and low-maintenance. I never thought I would get so much joy from spinning mud on a wheel but the forced break from being online (you can’t exactly pick up your phone while you’re molding clay) and the gradual ability to transform that mud into sensible, symmetrical shapes saved my sanity.
– Taking a class or two on Skillshare always make me feel better – whether it’s on how to take better iPhone pictures (or better photos on a DSLR) to creative writing, it’s a good way to learn a few handy tips. I’ve been targeted with ads for Masterclass lately and have heard great things.
– I bought tarot cards and am low-key practicing being a tarot reader. Tarot will never give you any answers; it’s all subjective and meant to inspire a different way or lens when looking at a question or issue, but it serves as a beautiful window into your own subconscious thought patterns.
To watch or read:
– Cheer on Netflix. It’s astounding to see the feats these athletes perform, and the pressure they put themselves under.
– if you haven’t seen Parasite yet, I cannot recommend it more.
I devoured Elizabeth Gilbert’s “City of Girls” last week and stayed up way too late last night trying to finish “A Gentleman in Moscow.”
And hand lettering. My husband gave me new pens for Valentine’s Day and I spent a good chunk of the long weekend drawing whatever words came to mind.
Favorite things as of late:
Podcast: The Dream
Face Masks: Goop Instant Facial
Walking the Dog: Adidas Boost Shoes
Have you watched The Good Place? It just finished this winter and I found it hilarious, intelligent, and hopeful.
Currently watching Sanditon and A Very British Romance on my PBS app. And reading Freddie Mercury: A Life, In His Own Words. Plus endless pots of chai. Apparently, Anglophilia is getting me through the Midwestern winter.
I bought a new plant for my desk. I look forward to checking on him when I get to work. I thought I killed him but he has rallied so I named him Frank (for Dr. Frankenstein’s Monster). Lazarus felt too heavy a name for a plant. 🙂
Also, I moved my desk at work to shake things up a bit. I’ve added some new music to my playlist to get a new pep in my step when I run. I bought a bunch of hot pink sweaters and a hot pink suit from JCrew to try and jumpstart spring. I am like a little girl because I think everything is better in hot pink.
Madeline! I agree! Everything is definitely better in hot pink. Where did you find good hot pink sweaters? I’ve been looking. I too need a happy 5-year-old color boost.
For the past year and a half, the podcast Forever35 has gotten me through the week. It’s truly a delight. Orange Theory classes twice a week and my happy light have been my saving grace this winter.
Second the Forever35 recommendation – great podcast to unwind to each week
I do go braless to work, usually once or twice a week, when I’m wearing looser fitting clothing. I’ve just yet to find a bra that actually feels good (ThirdLove, Spanx, Gap, VS, Aerie, bralettes). I’m also in grad school at night, so there’s some days where I would be wearing a bra for 15ish hours and I just can’t do it.
I’ve been reading a bunch of Agatha Christie novels, and binging “How I Built This.”
I’ve gotten into meditation the past few months and highly recommend the Headspace app. It’s not free, but investing in my mental health seems wise.
Also, I highly recommend the podcast Within. It’s created by individuals currently incarcerated in Colorado and its truly an inspiring listen. I have learned so much, and am always excited when the next episode comes out!
TV: The “Up Series” that follows a group of British children from various economic backgrounds and updates every 7 years (7 Up, 14 Up, etc.). The first five or so are on YouTube, and we’re so into it we subscribed to BritBox to watch the rest. Super interesting watching these kids grow up and change. (Also raises an interesting question about consent and parents who push their kids into things they may not otherwise do.)
Skincare: Origins rose clay mask — a little scrubby, a little clay, a LOVELY rose smell.
Makeup: Bobbi Brown Crushed lip color — the perfect stain.
Podcast: Truth about Pam, Conan O’Brien needs a friend
Fragrance: Glossier
I started writing tiny short stories for fun. Specifically, I joined an open, supportive group of strangers that exchanges ideas, sparks creativity, and lets me see what works with an audience, all while building a habit of writing.
I’m not sure whether it will continue beyond 2020, but week eight starts tomorrow and it’s open to anyone who wants to join. Here’s the link. https://moreoddsthanends.home.blog/2020/02/12/week-7-of-odd-prompts
I wear a shelf tank as a base layer 2-3 times a week instead of a bra. I put a sweatshirt, button-down, or t-shirt over the top and have never had a problem. A lot of folks in that article mostly say they aren’t wearing an underwire, but not that they aren’t wearing anything at all for support, although I’m sure some are truly unfettered.
Things I love:
Webtoon! I love to read but also love to sleep. So I wanted some way to consume storytelling when I can. Webtoons are webcomics, but I have found some REALLY good ones. Lore Olympus and Yumi’s Cells are two of my favorites. Not exactly great literature, but I’ve always been in to comics / manga, so it’s not a step down for me.
Sourdough Baking: Sharing my no-knead sourdough loaf and sourdough waffles with folks at work has become a thing. I get the meditative therapy of baking and other people get sourdough goodies. Better than cakes and cookies these days since everyone watches that sort of thing.
Skincare: PTR has a new Pro line and everything is amazing! I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin since switching over to their PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum.
Fitness: Seconding boxing / kickboxing classes! I’ve been doing one since last May, but I’ve been getting a lot better recently as some footwork lessons finally clicked. It’s engaging and a great workout, also boosts your confidence tons!
Fashion: Loafers! Madewell and J. Crew have some amazing loafers and I was in the market. The J Crew Academy Penny Loafer in Burnished Beet and Snakeskin Loafer Mule are so fun. Waiting on a backordered pair of Madewell Frances Loafers as well.
I tried American Giant’s ponte pants and am now wearing them about 3 times a week. Also finally got long underwear, gotta admit it does help. Two books I’ve read so far this year – Why We Can’t Sleep and Followers – were total standouts. First one is a good overview of what women are up against. Second is a present/future dystopian about fame. I’m also reading all the Bachelor round up articles since this is the first season I’m watching and WOW the show needs some tweaks. The world has changed; The Bachelor hasn’t.
I just read Bob Iger’s book, The Ride of a Lifetime, and I’ve told numerous people about it. It’s a business book that’s actually a pretty quick and entertaining read. I work in the media industry so maybe it’s more exciting to me than most.
Also, I’ve been doing Leslie Samson’s walk workouts on YouTube. I do 3 miles or 30 boosted minutes. They’re quick, effective, and I don’t hate them the entire team (which is a major plus).
From a fellow non-practicing attorney, you might enjoy Michael Lewis’ podcast Against the Rules. His episode on judges is particularly brilliant.
Also loving my Title Boxing membership. Nothing like kicking the crap out of a 100-lbs. bag to relieve stress.
The Bad Romance Book Club at the independent bookstore, Old Town Books! It’s exactly what it sounds like. The women are all educated, funny, and incredibly kind. The books and this awesome group of people have helped me get through single-parenting two small kids when my husband is away for work, and letting go of the daily stress from my career.
My 11 year old son is part of a reading group at school that is reading The Girl Who Drank the Moon. I was reading a part of it with him and ended up going back to the beginning to read on my own. I know it’s a kid’s book, but it’s beautifully written. I’m really enjoying it.
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McMillions on HBO. The story of the fraud behind the winners of the McDonald’s Monopoly game is bananas.
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I am going to Vegas in a little less than three weeks with my husband and am super excited about it. I’ve been obsessively reading trip reports on travel forums from people who’ve been recently. I’m not sure if this makes me weird.
Lately I’ve been loving Patchology’s eyegels, a couple of podcasts – Secrets of Wealthy Women by the Wall Street Journal and After Hours by Harvard Business review. I’ve already gone through the Dropout podcast by Abc news on the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos and loved it. Also, I’ve really gotten into the topic of personal finance this year. I’m trying to do better with budgeting, saving, and investing.
Podcasts: Slowburn Season 2. In the Dark Season 2. I’m about to start Slowburn Season 3…I’ll report back to let you know if I like it!
I’ve just started on Good Omens on Amazon Prime and am enjoying it. I’ve just been recommended Now You See Me for some lighthearted escapism (haven’t tried it yet)
Best item EVER!!!!
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Heated mattress pad! THE BEST thing is getting into a warm bed at the end of a hard, long day! It’s heaven!
I listened to the podcast 1865 and am going to listen to it again. It tells the story of the days and months following the assassination of President Lincoln in a really compelling way.
Also writing letters to friends and family. Everyone loves getting a letter in the mail, it’s a great way to stay in touch, and selfishly I’m hoping to get a few back!
Hey Abra! After feeling that stuck-ness myself, I recently read (an admittedly self-help style book) “Tiny Habits” that has helped me out of my rut a bit. It does seem trivial (and a warning–it isn’t the most eloquently written book, often reading like a sales pitch), but the content is helpful. Perhaps it could have some small value to you as well. As for more fun-focused things….I’ve been trolling the Atlas Obscura for strange and whimsical things near me that I can go visit. Nothing quite like a dose of unbridled absurdity to bring a little joy to life. Happy spring, hope today treats you kindly!