Greetings, May May. Well, shit.
Recently my anxiety has hit near-epic levels of realness. With the arrival of my gorgeous Gidget, I’ll admit I’ve been in a bit of a lather. I tend to overthink and over-anticipate due to my previous career as a producer, and though it strangely helps to manage my anxiety by crossing things off my list, the list is never-ending, and that’s exhausting. Getting a puppy is exhilarating, but it’s also super disruptive and time-consuming. And when I love, I love hard in the way only a Cancerian can, and a Jewish one at that (mothering).
So between picky eating and peeing on the floor, my typically organized home has become a bit chaotic. I’ve got a plastic pen in the middle of my living room, which I call her “efficiency.” I have a million kinds of food and toys. And treats. Just this past week, we have gotten in a good groove, and she is less alien and more my dog.
She gets so much attention and smiles from strangers, and my anxiety levels are finally subsiding as I settle into life with a new baby. And don’t let anyone tell you, “It’s just a puppy.” Puppies are babies and require a ton of tending, and though I knew that, I didn’t realize how much. We are finding our way together, and it’s beautiful, fun, and full of discovery. She’s such a cool kiddo; her nose is always wet, and she gives the best smooches on Earth.
Fun fact. My heart dog Khan was not a puppy when I adopted him, so this phase is new to me, and newsflash- change, as in BIG life change, is not easy for me. But luckily, I am a quick study and curious soul and am getting to fall so hard for this beautiful little girl. I’m learning that the things I love and care about scare me to death. Am I afraid of losing them? Screwing them up? Sabotaging my happiness? Potentially all of the above. So today’s lesson is all about learning to love without fear, and I’m open for business.
Next, I recently was a guest on a friend’s podcast, and we chatted about age. I’m tired of talking about it. Don’t get me wrong; I know it’s what I talk about. But I’m weary of this whole notion of how we define this time in life. I watched Gayle King’s interview with Michelle Obama and was taken by something she said to a roomful of young college women.
She talked about stat vs. story, which was truly a revelation.
Meaning we tend to judge people and even ourselves with stats. Michelle referred to things like college degrees or being first in your class. But it goes much more profound for me. Think about your age. The number on the scale. The amount of money in your checking or savings account. Or even the number of jobs or loves you’ve had. This got me thinking about aging and how it’s not the stat or the number that’s important; it’s the story. And I have some doozies to tell, so stay tuned. My point is we are so quick to judge ourselves and each other on quantitative stuff when the qualitative stuff is what matters. So embrace your story, not your stat, ya dig?
Let’s get to some merch I love as we inch toward Spring.
Las Surenas is a Miami-based brand I discovered on the ‘gram, and it’s so good. I love a good print in the summer, and this blazer is so chic and fun as a full suit.
Next, I’m all into face oil. Dewy skin is my love language.
Paula’s Choice has a new sunscreen launching this month that is oil-based for the face and just divine. I’m also obsessed with this yum of an oil-infused serum from Fresh that smells like the most amazing bouquet of roses and hydrates beautifully—two-must haves.
Leandra Medine wrote about these ballet slippers; I had to have them. I got them in black and pink, and they are lovely satin beauties to soften up anything you’ve got going. I want these, ps. Help.
I love a dance workout from Forward Space, and their merch is so good. These pants are perfect for kicking around town.
And these metallic cargos from Zara give me Isabel Marant vibes for a great price. Yes, please. Pants, and I love them.
I’m curious about Hanky Panky swimwear because I love their underwear. This suit is super cute, and I’d throw a skirt and knot an oversized white shirt over it and go.
This white dress from Doen is a dream and reminds me of vintage Eileen West nightgowns, which I collect. I’d throw a blue blazer with gold buttons over it to give it a bit of a preppy plus-up.
I don’t know about you, but I protect my neck. This serum from Neceessaire is lightweight yet rich enough to give your neck and dec a glowy boost.
I love a good baseball hat in the summer, and this one from the men’s brand Corridor has the cred I’m looking for and shouts out my favorite place.
Ok, so white jeans. I love them, but do they love me? Not always. I love these from Buck Mason in more of an ecru than pure white, and these painter pants from Nooworks are so 70s tomboy cool with a navy tee like this and some flat gold or luggage tan sandals or some Converse high tops. I popped them on with a black blazer and some kitten heels, and I felt cool. Bonus because they have some stretch.
And this Meg dress is paper thin and perfect. The blue is fabulous, and the dress is easy, like a Summer Sunday morning. Love.
I’m off to Louisville for Derby weekend, and I’m super stoked. I’m wearing pink and promise to report back. Love hard and continue your story because you are more than a stat. XO