Last week was a busy one in my house with two birthdays, Easter, and spring break all rolled into one! We stayed home for the break because Anel and I had too much going on with work and ended up having a great time at home.
I took Amalia into the city one day to see &Juliet on Broadway and she literally has not stopped talking about it since. I think we might have a future theater kiddo on our hands over here.
We also celebrated Luca and Anel’s birthdays and it was the first year where Luca really understood that he is now 4 and what a birthday is so that was very cute and fun. He was so happy and silly all week in anticipation of his big day!
I have been head down working on two big marketing projects so have been quieter here, sorry about that. Stay tuned for a giant Mother’s Day gift guide later this week though. I’ve been having loads of fun making it for you guys.
Until then, enjoy a list of what I’m reading, watching, and loving this month! xx
WHAT I’M READING & WATCHING
Reading/Read –
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: I’m almost finished with this book and cannot put it down. It’s so so so so so good and by far my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. It is a beautifully written story about two girls, Ellie and Homa, whose friendship begins in Tehran in the 1950s and is tested over the decades by the country’s political upheaval. I’ve learned so much about Iran’s transformation through the lens of these two characters. If you’re into historical fiction, this is a must read.
Middletide by Sarah Crouch: I randomly picked up this book on a bookstore run with my kids because a staff member recommended it and I ended up loving it. It reminded me a lot of Where the Crawdads Sing. The story centers on Elijah Leith, a failed novelist who returns to his hometown in the Pacific Northwest, only to become entangled in a murder investigation when a local doctor’s death mirrors the plot of the novel he wrote. While it was a murder mystery, it had so many other elements to it including a love story, personal growth, and so much more.
Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson: I went back to the same bookstore after finishing Middletide for another rec and got this one! I liked it, and it was a page turner that I stayed up too late reading every night, but I didn’t love it TBH. The book follows Poe Webb, a true crime podcaster who invites anonymous confessions from her listeners. However, when a man appears claiming to be her mother’s murderer, the story takes quite the turn.
Watching –
Dying for Sex (Hulu): I binged this show in a few nights and laughed as hard as I cried. Michelle Williams’ character has terminal Cancer and decides to leave her husband to go on a sexual journey before she dies. Her best friend, played by Jenny Slate whom I adore, takes care of her through the end of her life. They are so sweet and funny together and I couldn’t get enough of their friendship or the story.
Obvious trigger warning: Terminal Cancer, lots of sex
Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple +): Jon Hamm’s newest show is phenomenal. I may be biased since he is my boyfriend, but I’m loving it so much. His character, Coop, is fired from his job, divorced from his wife, and lost most of his money in the process. He needs cash and quick so he turns to petty crime, stealing watches, jewelry, and other luxury items from his network of uber-wealthy friends and neighbors. It’s dark and funny and I can’t wait for the next episode to come out.
Handmaid’s Tale S6 (Hulu): Like any Handmaid’s Tale stan, I am deep deep deep into this story and just want June to get to her daughter already! I’m not loving this season but can’t stop because I need them to reunite more than I’ve ever needed anything in my entire life.
RANDOM THINGS I’M LOVING
1. The perfect summer button down shirt: This short-sleeved button down top is a lightweight, buttery-soft staple that looks effortlessly polished while feeling like loungewear. It’s breathable, sustainably produced, and drapes perfectly with an oversized, relaxed fit. I love how it pairs just as well with jeans for a casual look as it does tucked into trousers for something more elevated. At under $35, it’s a total steal for the quality.
2. Elta MD UV clear sunscreen SPF 50: My dermatologist suggested I switch to this face sunscreen for daily use because it protects both chemically and physically (with zinc oxide). It is specifically made for people who are prone to acne (like me) and rosacea. I love that it isn’t too oily and lasts all day. After having many pre-cancerous moles removed, I am hyper diligent about everyday sunscreen use so when I find one I love, it gets me all excited!
3. Restfeel slides: As an old lady, I can’t walk around in my house all day barefoot or I get foot, leg, and back pain. Fun times! I needed a new pair of indoor slides and saw these at lululemon. They’re great, so comfy, offer the perfect amount of support, and don’t break the bank.
4. Tote organizer insert: I added a new Cuyana tote organizer to my everyday tote, and it brings me a little bit of zen each time I open my bag. It has compartments for my keys, laptop, water bottle, and smaller pockets for things like lip gloss and gum. While it does add some structure and a bit of weight, the convenience of having a designated spot for each item outweighs that for me. It’s especially handy when switching between bags; I can just lift the insert out and drop it into another tote without reorganizing.
5. Beaded turquoise necklace: I’ve been wearing this dainty and sweet turquoise necklace nonstop in my necklace stack lately. It adds the perfect pop of springy color without feeling too bold. Each bead is slightly different, which makes it feel really special and unique. And obviously being the woo woo gal that I am, I love that turquoise helps to clear out unwanted and negative energy. This would make a great Mother’s Day gift!
