The Weekly, 08.31.20
Well, my friends, it’s officially the last week of summer vacation for me, and, truthfully, I’m pretty ready to be home in Brooklyn. Chris and I have been so blessed to have lived on the shore at our family home for the summer, and I’m so grateful we had that time with them, as we don’t know what the fall and winter have in store. But there is no place like home, and I am craving structure in my life. I have a love-hate relationship with the end of summer/start of the school year, but this year, I’m working to be conscious of embracing it and my own body’s need to find some sense of routine. Easier said than done, of course…
With all of the stress this past week has brought, I have been on a bit of a shopping frenzy, which is going to mean a lot of packages waiting on my door step when we get back home some time this week. I have lots of errands that need to get done before school starts, and so all of it feels like a lot of energy swirling around inside of me. There has to be something, anything, to feel excitement about. A lot of it is for the school year, and if you missed my post on my 2020 back to school essentials, definitely take a peak here.
Beyond hours of planning meetings and parent phone calls, here’s what’s kept me pretty busy this last week.
I couldn’t put down The Vanishing Half once I started it on Wednesday. I wouldn’t call it a quick read, but I think I just really needed a good story. I am a officially a big fan of Brit Bennett, as this was her second novel that I really loved. When there’s so much hype around a book (like last year’s, Where the Crawdads Sing– which I also ended up loving), I often feel let down when I pick them up. But this story did not disappoint, and it was great to the last page.
The final episode of the podcast I mentioned a few weeks ago, “Nice White Parents,” was my must-listen episode of this week. Not only was it about a diversity project that I spent hours of my winter weekends writing about for grad school, but it’s also about the school district that serves our current neighborhood. As a white teacher who hopes to raise kids in Brooklyn one day, this was just so illuminating, and such a call to action for how white people need to use their power to change the systems that are systemically racist and oppressive. Even if you don’t live in New York City, this whole podcast is an absolute must.
On the flip side of my podcast world, I also started following a new beauty podcast, Gloss Angeles. I’ve decided that this is a niche of podcasts I really enjoy, not only to hear about new products, but also to learn more about the beauty and skincare industry and ingredients. I enjoyed their episode with Peach Lily founder, and I decided to try their glass skin set, which sounds right up my alley. I love a dewy skin look, and trial size sets are one of my favorite ways to try new products without splurging on products you aren’t sure you or your skin will love.
If you missed my post all about eyebrows this week, you are going to want to check that out. I also filmed my own tutorial on how I create my brows on my Instagram. But my brow queen, KJH, posted about this new toner from one of my favorite beauty brands, Summer Fridays, and her skin. looked. incredible. I am definitely going to need to get my hands on this, stat!
I finally spent some time this week watching television, something I haven’t done as much of this summer. Yesterday, it stormed all day, so I spent the day binge-watching Netflix’s “Selling Sunset,” which was so staged and fake, but I loved all the same. I made my way through two seasons…send help. Chris and I also started Padma Lakshmi’s, “Taste the Nation,” after many people recommended it to us because they focus one episode of Persian food in L.A. (Chris is Persian, and the food quickly became my favorite- we even made kebab last night). So far, really great. It’s a big Parts Unknown vibe, with more of a focus on race and culture in America.
A few weeks ago, my sister asked me about what the best underwear brands are that aren’t Victoria’s Secret. And this question really stumped me, and led me down a rabbit hole of some research on top women’s underwear brands. At the top of every list was Tommy John’s, which Chris has been a super-fan of for many months, but the price tag is really just so expensive for underwear. But with so many people claiming they are life-changing undies, I had to try. So I grabbed a few of these thongs, and this cheeky bottom pair to put to the test.
I’m still on a major dress kick, as I want something easy to throw on that can transition into Fall, especially if I am going into work in-person. I’ve also decided I cannot do another few months in sweats only at home, and so even if we go remote, I’ve made a commitment to myself that I am going to put myself together every day. I love fashion and putting together an outfit, so with that missing from my routine, I really lost some major joy factor in my daily life. I was drawn to this hot pick tiered maxi from Lou & Grey, and this Free People look-alike on Amazon, which I grabbed in the light blue color- both are perfect for seasonal shifts, and can be paired with sandals or a bootie. I could pair with my favorite denim jacket, or do a little edge on cooler days with my tried and true best black leather moto jacket as we move into Fall.
I stumbled upon the Mulberry & Grand website through an Instagram ad (they got me again). And I love a good graphic tee with a positive message. This Be Kind t-shirt is so adorable, and would look great paired with denim or a slip skirt for a dressed up look. They also have a great selection of home trinkets and unique accessories- this is a hidden little gem of a store, and NYC-based company.
On a Zoom call this week, I saw my friend sporting this adorable mesh t-shirt under a slip dress, and I was immediately in love. It was a steal, so I grabbed it in the sheer white t-shirt, which I can’t wait to put under my red and blue silk leopard slip dress I got in the Spring and haven’t had a chance to wear anywhere yet. The tee will dress it down enough for work or weekend. I also purchased these chunky gold hoops for under $20, and I am looking forward to getting them, as they have good reviews and are stainless steel.
After watching tons of Selling Sunset yesterday, I was furniture hunting online. I really have my eye on some sort of book shelf for my bedroom, as I just have way too many books on my nightstand, and some new chairs for kitchen table, as we bought ours cheap, and the fabric paid the price. I saw hey.candace share this adorable book shelf from Urban Outfitters, which apparently has so much great home stuff, I just found out. I also love these sage green chairs from Article to match out mid-century modern wood table- this is another brand I’ve been sleeping on, but has so many great pieces that match my home decor style.
Packing up two months of collected belongings to head home to Brooklyn this week is going to be bittersweet, and probably my least favorite activity of the month. This summer has felt so short in comparison to the three months in the Spring that felt like an eternity. Praying for warmer weather through the Fall in the city so some of the outdoor businesses can continue before we face an almost-guaranteed return of lock down.
Things I am excited to return to? The potential of outdoor dining in the city before the weather turns, our hopefully finished roof deck, my Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner (my friend reminded me when she posted about hers, but if you know, you know), my Nespresso/iced coffee pods, bagels and my own bed. I also need to get my eating back on track for some mental clarity and control, as this summer has included a lot of fish and chips and cold-cut sandwiches- foods that often leave me lethargic and groggy.
I hope that everyone has a safe week, and to all of those educators, sending all positive vibes whether you are starting remotely or in-person this week. Stay pretty busy!
