A little roundup of the things I’m loving and what’s keeping me company lately. The comforts, obsessions, and quiet rituals that made this month feel like mine.
Screen Time
I am currently living for Wednesdays. Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty has had me on the edge of my seat… emotionally, mentally, spiritually. I’m fully unwell over this show and yes… in case there was any doubt, I’m Team Conrad. Also, I am throwing FULL SHADE on anyone who is Team Jelly. *eye roll*
In between weekly releases, I’ve been slowly rewatching Sex and the City. Because sometimes, you just need Carrie’s chaos, Miranda’s sarcasm, and Charlotte’s eternal optimism to fill the void. It’s oddly grounding and feels like having a familiar friend in the room.
On My Nightstand
A few things that have earned a permanent spot on my nightstand:
- I finally gave in and got the Echo Spot alarm clock (shout out Prime Days) and paired it with an Amazon Basics light bulb. It slowly brightens 30 minutes before my alarm goes off, and honestly? It’s changed the way I wake up. No more abrupt, rude awakenings. Just soft light and a little less chaos. Take this as a hack or dupe of the overly expensive Hatch Restore alarm clock.
- My Favorite Night Balm from C.O. Bigelow. Yes, that’s literally the name. And it lives up to the hype! It’s thick, hydrating, and the only balm I’ve used every single night without fail.
- My Kindle. Naturally, I’ve started reading The Summer I Turned Pretty series because I have an obsessive personality and I need my fix.
Soundtrack of the Month
This month has been an interesting (and beautiful) mix:
I got a 3-month trial of Sirius XM in my car, and I’ve basically been living in the early 2000s ever since. Pop2K has me bopping around at red lights and yelling lyrics I didn’t know I still remembered. It’s giving middle school dance energy and I’m here for it.
On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve been on a major John Coltrane kick. And I’m loving it. Something about his sound just clears the static in my brain. It’s like drinking coffee and meditating at the same time.
Where I’ve Been
Book Club. I swear I’m in the coolest book club to ever exist. It has the kind of aura that makes you feel a little more yourself just by showing up. I’m so grateful for the people, the space, the stories, and the laughter that fills every meet-up.
The River. I’ve spent a few quiet moments stretched out on the riverbed, letting the current do what it does. There’s something healing about water rushing past while you stay still.
The Garden. We have been killing the gardening game! I recently picked our very first Trinidad Scorpion Pepper and turned it into the spiciest homemade salsa to probably ever exist. I’m not one to shy away from some heat, but it. was. HOT. You can check out the play-by-play of the making of the salsa on our Instagram story highlight, titled Spicy Chronicle.
Reflections
Just a series of photos to add proof of life.
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