What in the holy snow day/sick day hell are we living in you guys? Parents everywhere are losing their minds, myself included. It’s been stomach bug after cold after flu after no sleep and on and on and on since the start of the year. That mixed with everything in the news and I know I can speak for many of us when I say I’m completely exhausted.
I’m back in regular therapy and am working through how to process what is going on in the world while also being overwhelmed at home and the main things that have been helping are activities that are off of a screen and rooted in real life.
I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and recipe testing (including this beef stew) which feels really good and I’m trying to work out more which is never a bad idea either.
This weekend we are heading to Orlando for our first Disney family trip which I’m both super excited and terrified about. I have been getting so many great Disney tips and will for sure share our experience once we’re back.
WHAT I’M READING & WATCHING
Reading/Read –
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult: My sister recommended this book and I’m really really loving it. Fun fact, Jodi Picoult lives in my hometown and one time came to talk to my middle school english class about writing. I was inspired by her then and now! The story goes back and forth between Melina Greene, a young New York City playwright in current times and her ancestor, Emilia Bassano, in 1581 about whom Melina is writing a play. It turns out that Emilia is actually the writer behind Shakespeare’s work. I’m not really that much of a theater girlie but I can’t put this book down!
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins: I have been listening to this one on car and train rides and while I love Mel Robbins’ theory of wasting no more time on things and people you can’t control, I feel like this book could have been summed up in one of her podcast episodes or a blog post. She definitely presents a great way to look at life and I will for sure be applying it to my own life, I just didn’t need a full book on it. That said, I will still be finishing it and maybe I’ll bite my tongue by the end!
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio: People have mixed reviews on this book but I found it wildly weird and entertaining. Lauren comes home from a bachelorette party one night to find her husband in her London flat, but she isn’t married and has no idea who he is. She quickly learns that when he goes into the attic he comes down as another husband and a whole new life begins around her as she cycles through husbands on a regular basis. It gets a little repetitive in the middle which is my only complaint but I still couldn’t put it down.
Watching –
Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix): Wow ok so much to unpack about this based-on-a-true-story series following Belle Gibson, the Australian influencer who claimed she cured her Cancer with food. Turns out she never really had Cancer and her entire business, and life, was based on a series of lies that come crashing down around her. It was wild to watch and although the show itself was a touch chaotic, jumping between timelines randomly, I couldn’t get enough. I have spent the last week Googling everything I can about this story and want to know everything possible.
RANDOM THINGS I’M LOVING
1. Well-Priced Great-Fitting Jeans: It’s rare to find a great pair of jeans wiht the perfect fit that also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg these days. One of my very favorites (that was a top seller last year) from J.Crew Factory now comes in a new wash with front pockets and you better believe I snapped them up the second I saw them. They’re fantastic and under $50! I size down in these as they run a little big.
2. AirTag Key Rings: Never lose your keys again! Slash if you’re dating/know/are married to a man this is a very important point… add a chic little leather air tag key ring to their keys and avoid many a man meltdown.
3. Swimsuit Top and Bottom: I haven’t worn a two-piece since Luca was born and I’m finally feeling ready to brave it on our upcoming trip next week. I like this suit because it feels as close to a one piece as you can get with two pieces and obviously the hot pink speaks to me. I tried it on and it made me feel amazing, I can’t wait to wear it in the sunshine in a few days.
4. Flare Leggings: It has been a challenge for me to find flare leggings that fit my short legs and these are the perfect length and fit for $44! I’ve been very into this brand lately, the quality of their products is wonderful and the prices are top notch. These are also great and on sale for $41.
5. Baker & Olive Olive Oil and Vinegar: One very fun part of having an online marketplace is product-testing. A lot of products I try are just ok but once in a while a real zinger comes along. I recently discovered Baker & Olive, a small business that makes olive oils and vinegars and holy moly they are insane. The Tuscan herb olive oil is actual crack and I cannot get enough. It is perfection for a dip on it’s own or as a salad dressing with a squeeze of lemon. I feel like it’s hard to explain how delicious this stuff is but you’ll just have to trust me on this one.
