#010: 7 noteworthy things I did this week
A new regular Sunday series. Plus, rethinking my newsletter after a 3-month hiatus.
It’s been a long time since I’ve written, and that’s not a good thing. In full transparency, my lack of motivation and inspiration to regularly post stemmed from the mere lack of direction with my past newsletters, coupled with the inconsistent and often-chaotic schedule of an influencer. I started this project to share my multifaceted and dizzying brain that mirrors my many interests but later found my entries veering more into emotional, BFF, diary-like territory, and that’s not a bad thing :) I found the most joy in my musings on navigating life, and I know those newsletters resonated with a lot of you, too.
I’m going to try this out again, with a little less pressure and a little more fun. A good starting place is to introduce a regular weekly series called “7 noteworthy things I did this week”, first introduced back in January, documenting some things I’d done that week worth sharing. Think of these entries as a letter of recommendation, from your friend. Recommendations can include products, things to do, wines to drink, places to visit… It’s what I feel like I’m always doing with my friends on a daily basis, sharing and hoping we can connect on these same things together. So here it goes, 7 noteworthy things I did this past week!
I turned 27. Oops, this wasn’t this past week but the week before, but it still feels kind of new and it is most definitely noteworthy. I spent last weekend and the beginning of this week upstate living a nice and slow start to 27, the only way I like to live. (Is an upstate summer guide something of interest?!) The weeks leading up to turning 27 had me thinking all these weird ageist thoughts rooted in fear that I’m not doing enough or I’m not where I’m supposed to be. I would like to think that they are slowly dissipating now. While your twenties are still a decade that excuses certain behaviors and selective thinking, I can’t help but feel like I’m now confronted with very adult things that I can no longer joke about. My age is no longer a buffer of ~figuring things out~ but a marker of of one who took time to figure things out. Aging is a marvelous thing, I am starting to believe this. With it comes growth and learning, something we should all strive for, no matter our age. Aging allows you to zoom out and see all the growth you’ve made in your life. I’m excited for what my late twenties has to offer in learning, discovery, re-discovery and stability.
Lake Taghkanic, July 2022 I’m experiencing never-before-seen adult acne so I’ve scaled back on my skincare routine to just 3-4 products, centered around two hero products: the Vintner’s Daughter Essence and much-loved Serum. This decision was made after a brief but informed Zoom call with some brand reps who swear by this simplified routine. A brand that’s built a cult following around two products must mean something for real, and I’m both intrigued and relieved I can test out a routine that will cut my time getting ready in half. If you’ve been following me on social media for quite sometime, you know I pride myself in my skin. My trusty, durable, problem-free skin that rarely saw a single pimple on a bad day. While my “more is more” approach to skincare always served me well, I’m now 27 and maybe some things need to change with this age!!! I have faith in Vintner’s Daughter’s groundbreaking technology rooted in powerful nutrient-rich botanicals, ingredients I have always incorporated into my previous routines, so this isn’t out of the ordinary for me. Stay tuned for results…
An actual photo of me waking up and checking my skin first thing in the morning. Anyone else this neurotic? I bought a second pair of these linen pants, which I almost never do with any article of clothing. They’re undisputedly my most worn item in my closet and happen to be on sale right now on multiple retailers. I dress these up, down, with swimwear, with loungewear… I’ve worn these on the plane, but I’ve also worn them to a fancy dinner out. They’re just so good.
I bought this foot cream, which sounds really weird, but it’s changing my life as we speak so I feel inclined to share. My feet are a big source of anxiety in the summer and this is the year I no longer shy away from open-toed shoes. My feet are scaly, ashy and somehow always peeling as well? I don’t even feel bad divulging this information. If you’re like me, maybe this cream will work for you, as it has for myself and 50,000+ five-star reviewers. I put it on at night and wake up to smoother, softer, moisturized feet and I’m just glad I’m not shying away from wearing sandals everyday this summer.
I’m buying tomatoes and peaches on the regular. Everyone reading this must make their way to s local farmer’s market and indulge in the beautiful bounty of summer. There is no better time than now to buy local: it’s arguably cheaper than the grocery store in this current state of scary inflation and the produce is just giving. Tomatoes are as sweet as nectar and peaches taste like candy. My trips to the market with my boyfriend are a therapeutic ritual that allows me to connect with my body and the earth and I really just like feeling these fruits in my hand!
I went to Rockaway Beach for the third time ever and I’m really starting to see what it offers for New Yorkers. I used to be (and still am, for the most part) a huge beach snob. The idea of a city beach freaked me out, especially because Rockaway isn’t the cleanest. The water is extremely cold, the surrounding areas look like the set of The Truman Show and the sand is unfortunately dotted with trash left behind. But Rockaway is also one of those places that only New Yorkers will get… You literally take the subway there!!! To the beach!!! Sand and saltwater… via subway! It’s amazing and cute and a beautiful respite from the summer heat without needing to be on vacation. And when it works out, you’ll find a little sandy patch away from the crowd and you’ll make your way over to Rockaway Surf Club for some tacos and pineapple agua fresca.
I drank cherry beer from Suarez Family Brewery and it’s been a delightful reminder of what a beautiful time we are in now. There’s this specific feeling when I’m outside in the summer heat, watching the late afternoon sun pulsating on my skin, drinking a tart orange wine or beer with friends around, and I’m just the happiest. This beer encapsulates that specific feeling—we picked it up on this most recent trip upstate. I hope you’re all having a joyeous summer.
xoooooxoxoo