Someone (I’m trying really hard not to name-drop) asked me the other day whether I write consistently on Substack, to which I laughed and replied, “There are people who do that???” I’m definitely making excuses, and that’s my cross to bear, but I would like someone who isn’t Emma Grede to explain how people manage to do it all without crying.

sofwave

I went to Montauk this past weekend (a story for another time), and while I was there I tried out Sofwave—an ultrasound treatment that helps lift the face and smooth fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. While many people insist it doesn’t hurt, I for one was a huge baby about it and complained the entire time that it felt like I was getting my face ironed.

However, the pain really depends on your pain tolerance, what stage of your cycle you’re in, how much facial fat you have, what settings they’re using, whether or not you were numbed beforehand, etc. I only did the lower half of my face, and they say it takes up to six months to see the full results, so don’t be alarmed when I look better than everyone else come EOY.

witching hour

Every day I Google “how to detach,” but as someone who has never let go of anything unless forced to by the universe, sometimes you need to bring out the big guns—witches! Thankfully, my favorite place in the city, the Hotel Chelsea Spa, offers a Witching Hour treatment where their resident psychic, Pax, uses a mix of modalities to help you “navigate your future.” During the session, Pax cleansed my aura, performed a candle ritual, protected me from the evil eye, limpia de huevos style (the eggs told me what you said about me), and read my tarot cards. While I’m skeptical of all things woo-woo in a luxury setting (it can feel a bit grifter at times), I felt safe under their care. I took in what resonated, and whatever didn’t will probably leave my brain in two weeks.

cosmoprof

I went to Cosmoprof in Vegas last week, and as far as trends go, I wouldn’t say I walked away with anything earth-shattering, but it was interesting to see the innovations in oral care (Euthymol, Inopro). I met with a lot of cool new brands, too, including Santu, Superband, Nuna, Third Shift, Havyn, and Esponjabon. It reinforced that I really do love working in beauty, even though half the time I feel like we’re selling strawberry matcha-flavored snake oil.

I was also inspired to start my own beauty brand, and now that the seed has been planted, I need help watering it. I’m all ears if you know how to raise funding or are looking to (silently) invest in someone who will do all of the work for you and make you very rich in the process. I promise the idea is good. We do not need another moisturizer or serum.

readers read

I’m on a losing streak in that everything I’ve read the past few weeks has been three stars at best. I’ve been on a thriller kick—The God of the Woods, An Ember in the Ashes, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife—and I’m starting to think thrillers deserve a two-pronged ranking system: one for the twist and one for the writing. A good mystery will carry me to the end, even if the writing worries me.

Last night I started the Blood and Ash series, and I’m liking it so far. The world-building isn’t so intense that it takes 150 pages to figure out what’s going on—the usual fae, half-fae, evil king, easy work. Once I’m done with that series I’ll either start A Court This Cruel and Lovely or Spark of the Everflame. I simply cannot believe how corny the names of these books are, but alas, I persevere.

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One of my editor friends coined the term “no-events summer” a few years ago, and I think about it constantly as I toggle between trying to have a life outside of work and “locking in.” Of course, my version of locking in is eating a multicourse steak dinner indoors while listening to brands promise that we’ve never seen anything like this before (hair perfume) as I watch my friends make plans to sit on a patio somewhere, convinced their reality is better than mine.

Fomo is such an ick, yet it is the basis of every decision I make. Rather than sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the show, I’m wondering whether another show would’ve been better or if I should’ve skipped it altogether and gone to laser tag.

It’s especially bad in the summer with winter lurking around the corner. It’s also my last summer in my twenties, so I feel even more pressure to “make the most of it” before I get “old.” If I see another “do it for your 80-year-old self” post, I’m going to scream. I would like to make one decision without brittle old me holding a gun to my head saying I should’ve gone clubbing more or gone on more Hinge dates.

The problem is that the more I pack into my calendar, the more tired I get, and eventually, fun starts to feel like another thing on my Notion to-do list. Maybe the answer is vitamins?? hard drugs??

speaking of

A few weeks ago, I hosted a dinner with Eaton Botanicals, a female-founded low-dose edible brand infused with adaptogenic mushrooms and botanicals, at Fish Cheeks—a Thai restaurant in NoHo so good I can’t believe I’d never been before. It was an edible dinner, which meant it was strongly recommended (I popped one into everyone’s mouth) that we imbibe before the corn ribs arrived.

While many people fear edibles after “that one time in college,” these are low-dose, so you really can’t overdo it. I think of them more like vitamins, especially considering they make formulas for immunity, sleep, and even PMS symptom relief. An edible a day keeps the doctor away…

reading

I’ve hit the point in fantasy books where everything starts to sound the same. I simply cannot handle another her-powers-were-secret, now-we-must-all-duel-to-the-death, the-fae-prince-got-overtaken-by-the-smoke/evil-fog/thousand-year-old-fae-warrior-who-lived-within-the-rocks-underneath-the-castle situation.

I have nothing good to report in this section. The Ascended was bad. The Heir Apparent was really bad. Our Perfect Storm made me angry. I’m currently reading The Ghostwriter, which is also bad. I must read something good soon, or I’m going to become one of those people who watch a lot of TV.

beauty

Not a ton on this front as I’d like to get back to writing for money, but the new Merit mascara is simply perfect. The tubing formula makes it incredibly easy to take off at the end of a long night, and the brush is so teeny tiny that it somehow manages to catch every last lash, even the ones in the inner corners of your eyes. No one has told me my eyes transfix them yet, but I believe it’ll happen in due time with this formula.

New York or Nowhere got canceled for being corny (among other things) recently, and if you’d still like to prove to everyone that you went to the city of hustle and bagels, might I suggest the New York City candle from Diptyque? I didn’t even know they made city candles until a recent press preview, at which I immediately yelled, “Omg, what a good gift!!!” (I will not be buying it for anyone.)

Speaking of gifts, Vacanza is a new fragrance brand that just launched, and the bottle alone would cause me to freak out if someone gave it to me. There are currently three scents, and my friends and I unanimously agreed that Cap Ferat is the best, although they’re all lovely and surprisingly affordable considering the bottle weighs approximately 10 pounds. They partnered with perfumer Frank Voelkl of Glossier You and Le Labo Santal 33 fame. If you’re in the market for a cologne, he also worked on the new scents from Fulton & Roark. While I don’t have a boyfriend (yet), if I did, I’d make him wear Matia.

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I haven’t been sure what to write about, but last night, after nine pages of manic journaling, I finally figured out why I’ve been feeling so perturbed lately. Over the last few months, I somehow convinced myself that the point of life is to be hot and have fun—TikTok advice that sounds great in theory but feels surprisingly empty in practice.

And while fun is relative (and a privilege), I’m not talking about finding wonder in the mundane. I mean spending all your money, dancing (we’ve lost dancing), eating out every night, seeing your friends nonstop while your laundry piles up around you.

I recognize that this may read as very boo-hoo, poor you, but summer can be a particularly isolating and comparison-heavy time. There’s so much messaging around what summer is supposed to look like that it can be hard to separate what you actually enjoy from what you think you should be enjoying. Like, right now my brain is telling me that I should not be on my laptop. I should be in EUROPE at the CLUB with a LOVER.

In reality, summer looks a lot like every other season. It’s just stickier, smellier, and by June the sunlight starts to feel less like a beautiful source of vitamin D and more like a threat demanding that I get outside and play.

So while fun is still one of my guiding lights, I’m trying to make room for fulfillment and community too. Whether that means picking up a new hobby, inviting a friend over for a summer salad, baking a cake for the first time in five years, or simply reading outside, I’m hoping it’s enough to combat the fomo in the air.

beauty is everything

I need to swap all of my beauty products again this week, which distresses me, but before I bring in the new, I need to highlight the old.

I’m almost out of my Lenox and Sixteenth Laser Serum ($219) and Vitamin C Serum Cream ($249), which is deeply annoying because it’s quite expensive. I discovered the Miami brand a few months ago at a dinner, and my skin has never looked better. It’s a common beauty-editor trope to claim you’ve never gotten more compliments, but I can’t remember the last time people commented on my skin this much.

not like other girls

Last week, I finished Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune and found the central premise completely insane. Who has a tattoo of their best friend’s name on their ribs and waits until age 30 to realize they’re in love with them? To be fair, I may not be the target demo here, as I have never viewed a man as a brother or a friend. I have no brothers. I have no male friends.

Last night I finished Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood, and it was a good, quick read. I rated it three stars, not because I disliked it, but because four somehow felt too generous for something so short. I have a bias against novellas, which tend to be very “and they lived happily ever after” due to the length restrictions. Still, I needed something to pull me out of my reading slump, and this did the trick. The love story was compelling enough that I was able to overlook the miscommunication trope, and I cried a few times, so thanks, Ali!

charge yer electronics

This may be a random recommendation, but it has come to my attention that not everyone has a supercharger that can get your phone back up to speed in a matter of minutes. I’ve had my Counterpart charger ($44) for over a year, and while it feels aggressively 2018 DTC-brand coded, it’s one of those products that has genuinely “changed my life.”

hee ha random

I made this sheet pan kebab, and it was very easy/yummy/doable.

HeyTea’s new King Jasmine Guava drink is really good and always sold out, which feels like a matter for corporate.

I have a lot of hatred in my heart toward Mel Robbins, but I really liked this podcast episode of hers in which the guest talks about eliminating self-doubt.

The new Olivia Rodrigo album is deeply sad, and I have been crying for approximately 57 hours. No one asked for my unofficial ranking, but it’s honeybee, expectations, and maggots for brains.

Russ is launching a haircare brand…

She's fallin' in love now
Losin' control now
Fightin' the truth
Tryin' to hide
But I think it's alright, girl
Yeah, I think it's alright, girl, ooh

I’ve recently started talking to the camera on TikTok, and my number one takeaway is that writing truly is an art form. Saying whatever first comes to your mind is so much easier than writing it down, where you have to think and excavate and edit and spend a deliberate amount of time making sure you’re using the right words to communicate an idea. It’s arduous, and while I love it, I also actively avoid it (until my deadlines catch up to me) because, unlike Michelle, Malia, and Sasha, I do not enjoy doing hard things.

Get Bricked

I was gifted a Brick ($59) at the beginning of the year, but I let it collect dust because I’m only “new year, new me” in theory, not in practice. This week, I finally set it up because every night I scroll on TikTok instead of reading, and I’ve fallen behind on my Goodreads goal. There may not be a summer reading trophy anymore, but the gifted-and-talented-kid mindset remains.

The first night, I felt anxious, which only made me more anxious because it was proof that I have a problem. I’m only on day four, but I love a gadget-as-identity, so I’m going to be loud about this — at least before 9:30 PM, when I lose access to social media.

Readers Read

The Park Slope moms were onto something. Strangers by Belle Burden is actually a really good book. I stopped reading nonfiction a while ago because I could no longer pretend to care about Atomic Habits or whatever subtle way people were trying not to give a fuck, but this felt more like a novel. It pulls you in immediately and, while the themes are sad, it almost reads like a beach read because there’s so much glamour layered in. One of the main critiques is that people are irritated by the author’s privilege, but she addresses it throughout. Personally, I didn’t mind it. I like reading about the lives of the rich and nepo. After all, I watched the Gossip Girl reboot and signed the petition to bring it back (they were finding their footing).

A girl on TikTok rated Because I Killed Him one of her favorite books of the year and gave it five stars, so I did what any Kindle Unlimited user would do and downloaded it immediately. I haven’t finished it yet, and the Goodreads reviews are high, but I fear it’s quite clunky and a bit all over the place. I’ll give it credit for the unique fever-dream premise: roaring twenties prohibition-era meets futuristic dystopia meets eugenics. My theory is that it was written with an HBO adaptation in mind because it would make for a visually interesting TV series… but on the page… I don’t know…

Off Campus

I’m going to need someone to peel me off TikTok because I’ve spent a filthy amount of time watching Off Campus edits. I’ve never cared about sports or white men, yet suddenly all I want in life is to be the puck bunny who wins. What is happening to me?? As with all things, you need to keep an open mind. You cannot have anyone in your ear saying it’s “corny,” critiquing the plot, or overanalyzing the “acting.” You must swoon when they watch the Beaches Coachella set and not question how she has so much free time for someone with two jobs. You must ignore how bad the band is. You must get past episode one.

Altar Sauna

As a board-certified sauna tester in New York, I am here to report that The Altar NYC is really nice. It’s similar to Othership in that it offers both guided and unguided sauna and cold plunge sessions for $65, but it also has IV therapy, vitamin shots, red light therapy, compression, PEMF, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. I’m not totally sure what the exact point of differentiation is beyond being a one-stop shop, but the more the merrier, I guess. The space is very #aesthetic and, as with all new openings lately, it is housed in the wellness mecca that is now Flatiron.

Shoppers Shop

I am constantly testing new beauty products, and this week I’d like to spotlight UNOVE Deep Damage Repair Shampoo ($22), a Korean shampoo that has made my hair super soft. I’m also trying to be more diligent about using my Shark CryoGlow LED mask ($350) every night, but I somehow always forget, even though it is massive.

If you’re in the market for new lip products, the Mary Phillips lip liners ($25) + lip ciggys ($26) are great. I was recently put onto Kate McLeod’s body stone ($48) and have been using it every night because I find it easier than manually rubbing lotion into my skin, but that is mostly because I am lazy.

My favorite summer product is the Kopari Sun Glaze ($39), and even though it has an SPF of 42, I think of it more as a body shimmer. The fine mist spray doesn’t miss a nook or cranny, and I love spritzing it on my collarbones and legs before I head out the door.

As the official sweans ambassador, it is my legal duty to remind you that sworts (sweatpant shorts) also exist. Unfortunately, the expensive Rag & Bone ones ($118) are the best, but I love Halara for their dupe ($60).

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I would not consider this Substack a job board, but I am in the market for new consulting projects. If you need help with community building, PR strategy through an editorial lens, copywriting, eventing, startup positioning, etc., I am a self-ascribed juggernaut. Pinky promise.

discussion board

We were clowning my galpal/chica/amore Daisy for her maximalist style the other day (she’s a full-time fashion editor at InStyle), to which she replied with this, and I have not stopped thinking about it. I used to dress more zany, but once I moved to New York, I drank the overpriced Kool-Aid from Butterfield Market and swapped all of my colorful items for black statement pieces. However, when I think about the items I hold near and dear, they’re often the ones I thrifted from Family Thrift in Houston, won in an eBay bidding war, or snagged on The RealReal.

I swapped my closet last weekend, and while there were a lot of pieces I was happy to see return, a lot of my spring items felt a bit lackluster. So I’m on the hunt for more exciting options, though I do still love a basic white tee. My current favorites include the Pima Slim Tee ($48) from Buck Mason (which is apparently now the Aritzia for men?), The Slub Tee ($98) from Rag & Bone (the stiff older sister to my soft-hearted Buck Mason), and The Modal Cashmere Top ($65) from Intimissimi for a night out because it’s fully see-through. I am not a “sexy bra” person, so I pair mine with this T-shirt bra ($48) from Lululemon that I live and (can) breathe in.

shoppers shop

As a shopping editor, it’d be a disservice not to share what I’m obsessed with each week. Starting strong with these oversized Set List sunglasses ($95) from Quay that I always get compliments on, and that hide your face when you aren’t ready to face the city. They’re also lightly tinted so you can wear them indoors and still see clearly—something that really matters to me when I’m overstimulated or want to mog in peace.

The disposable income crew loves to argue that there are summer scents and winter scents, and who am I to disagree with them and their fragrance wardrobes? Mine currently includes Bvlgari Thé Impérial ($165) with notes of Italian citrus and Sri Lankan black tea extract, By Rosie Jane Matilda ($86) with notes of passion fruit tart, meringue, and golden musk, and Noyz Juicy Chaos ($42) with notes of blood orange, mandarin, and vetiver.

I still can’t believe capris are back, and that when people ask me what I’m wearing, I say “capris from Hollister” without a hint of irony.

Ever since we decided flip-flops are “slutty” and high fashion, I wear them with everything. My Havaianas of choice are the ones with a bit of pizzazz, like this pair.

the devil wears prada on an airplane that no longer serves Biscoff cookies

Rumor has it that everyone who doesn’t work in media enjoyed TDWP2, and everyone who does had a mental breakdown afterward. While I would argue it’s one of the most realistic depictions of journalism I’ve seen onscreen thus far (I screamed when I saw her on the CMS), it was realistic in a way that made the movie feel bad rather than feel good. Remember that beautiful, shiny, glamorous world that inspired you to move to New York and chase the dream of becoming an editor? It’s all dead now.

Perhaps I’m too Greta Gerwig/Barbie-pilled, but I kept waiting for the movie to say something. A speech we could all anchor onto and repost in our Instagram dumps. A call to action about why magazines are worth the money, why art matters, and why, without journalism, we’re left with fake news and biased #paid #ad TikToks masquerading as reporting.

Considering Condé Nast was heavily involved in the making of the film, I also kept waiting for Miranda Priestly to offer some kind of solve beyond the temporary Band-Aid solution that is Bezos’s money. Maybe I’m asking for too much, but I needed a bit of hopecore, or even a hotter love interest, to reassure me that everything was going to be okay.

namaste

I’ve recently gotten back into yoga in an effort to “calm my nervous system,” and I think it’s helped quite a bit. My yoga studio of choice in the city is Sky Ting, because everyone there has an energy that I presume only consistent yoga can buy. They’re also all good-looking, which, sorry, matters to me—I’m a Taurus. Interestingly, none of them seem to wear traditional workout clothes, so I often go in these comfy Alo Yoga pants or these red track pants from Splits59 to fit in.

I love the studio, and I’m in awe of the founder, Krissy Jones, who has been teaching classes while pregnant in a way that makes me work harder. If she can do it pregnant, what excuse do I have, yada yada.

There’s also a spa with a contrast suite (infrared sauna + cold plunge), Hyperice compression, buccal facial massages, energy readings, and cupping (in the shape of hearts!!) if you so please. I wanted to gatekeep this, but why would you guys pay $5 a month to read this newsletter if I give you nothing but crumbs?

There are a few culprits for my sadness: men (scary), the spring blues, and the fact that my birthday is tomorrow. I’m annoyingly a “birthday person,” but if I don’t temper my expectations, I end up crying about how I “always have to buy my own birthday cake,” which isn’t even true. I’d like to expand on this one day when I’m in the mood to excavate my feelings, but that day simply isn’t today. This is a newsletter in which I’d like you to feel better, not worse, about your life.

choco girl summer

I went to Coachella with my gal pal Daisy, who brought me as her plus one to the Magnum Ice Cream House. A sentence no one has ever uttered before on Substack, but I’m proud to be the first.

The pièce de résistance of the trip was that we got these insane nails courtesy of Naomi Yasuda, who has done looks for Sabrina Carpenter, KATSEYE, Madonna, and even Lady Gaga. Yasuda has a studio at WSA, and if you’re someone with a Pinterest board titled “nails,” this is the place to go. She has assured us that she can do anything.

Her 3D press-on nails are $50 on the Magnum Ice Cream website, so if you want to copy us (I’ve never gotten more compliments in my life), you absolutely can. Why fit in when you were born to stand out, or whatever.

readers are leaders

I read The Best Worst Thing because TikTok told me to, and it was… mid. I love #BookTok in theory, but I find so many of the books to be overhyped. I even made a TikTok about it because I’m apparently someone who does that now.

I also read The Academy, Elin Hilderbrand’s collab with her 20-year-old daughter, which is a departure from her usual Nantucket books. It wasn’t good per se, but it wasn’t necessarily bad. The second I realized the characters were in high school, not college, I should have put it down.

I finished Yellowface yesterday, and R. F. Kuang never ceases to amaze me. Her books strike that perfect balance between “I’m having fun” and “I’m learning something,” which I like. I wasn’t in the mood for romance, faeries, jinns, vampires, plane crashes, aliens, neighborhood murder, or any of the other usual suspects. She makes you think, but not in a way that ruins your day or sends you into a “chicken soup for the soul” emotional spiral, which is where a lot of contemporary fiction loses me.

mooooviieeee

I watched Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune on a plane and was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. The reviews were poor, but when have I ever listened to reviews? Short, funny, and well cast — I’d highly recommend it, especially on a plane, where everything feels better with an apple juice and a sad little biscuit in hand.

taurus season

If you’re a Taurus, you already know that financial luck is coming and that everything is about to work out after years of pain and suffering. You’d also know that we love material items and are therefore uniquely qualified to wax poetic about the softest, most comforting things money can buy.

Pajama-set people have always enamored me, but I often find them less comfortable than a ratty, oversized T-shirt and shorts. That is, until I came across this set from Solibeech, which I’ve now dubbed my favorite pajamas. They’re so buttery soft that it scares me.

I can’t believe how long it’s taken me to voice my love for Lola blankets. Not to sound like Jake Shane, but no blanket has ever been more perfect. I’ve tried everything, Barefoot Dreams, the one Target throw that everyone gets during white elephant, Pottery Barn, etc. Lola is hands down the BEST!!!

It’s unreasonable how many swimsuits I own, yet I can’t be stopped. I keep buying more only to wear the same three on rotation. It’s like FMK, and my polycule is Hunza G (the one-piece is one-size, which sounds fake but somehow fits everyone perfectly), a silky set from Montce, and a shiny number from Calzedonia.

My jewelry collection continues to expand with new additions from Agapé (a bit lightweight for its price point, but good for when I don’t want to weigh my hands down), Kara Yoo (I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on my Naia ring), and this tennis-esque bracelet from Camóre.

Continuing the compliment train, I wore these oversized Jimmy Fairly sunglasses to Coachella, and I looked a lot cooler than I really am.

If you hate reading (not sure why you’re here, but sure), it’s all linked here. I organized everything by category and included an option at every price point because I am kind, giving, sweet, thoughtful, and definitely not looking to make affiliate commissions. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are so many products I love, but I’m trying not to overwhelm you. Also, if you have any questions, send them my way. I’m going to continue updating this list throughout the week because, for now, done is better than perfect or whatever. I know AI is taking over, so consider this your chance to support #humans #humankind #thehumanrace.

Sunscreen

Obviously, as a beauty editor, I’m going to talk about the importance of sunscreen. If I didn’t, I’d be sent to the guillotine. This is a category I’m p-p-p-passionate about, but there are so many good options it’s hard to narrow down. At the end of the day, all that matters is choosing one you’ll actually use daily, which may mean opting for something more affordable so you’re less precious with it.

Skin

I’m not going to lie, I hate recommending skincare because everyone’s skin is different, and I’m very much team “ask your dermatologist what’s best for you.” But if you don’t want to pay that copay (fair), linked are some of the products I’d spend said copay money on. I’m more of a K-beauty girl myself, so most of my favorite brands aren’t on Sephora… yet!

Makeup

I believe it’s worth spending money on makeup because I know for a fact that none of you believe in expiration dates, so you might as well have products you love so much you can’t bear to part with them. Yes, makeup can be alarmingly expensive, and there are so many great drugstore options, but if you’re on Sephora.com, you’re probably open to a $35 lip crayon.

Body

My favorite category!!! I’m a Taurus, so in my eyes, life is all about elevating everyday essentials, and body care is the easiest way to do that—because if you’re a good Samaritan, you shower every day. It can feel painful to splurge here, which is exactly why this sale is the best time to do it.

Tools

My philosophy is that unless you’re someone who flosses daily and has worn their retainer since the seventh grade, it might not be worth investing in skincare tools—they only work if you use them consistently. I say this as someone who loves her tools but hasn’t used them in weeks.

Hair

Take care of your hair! Personally, less is more for me when it comes to products since my hair gets weighed down easily, but I do like splurging on shampoo and conditioner because I think it makes a big difference. And as I mentioned last week, I die for K18’s dry shampoo. Just make sure you’re using a good clarifying shampoo to get rid of any buildup!

Perfume

Let the record show that I’m a citrusy, beachy summer scent person and deeply averse to oud (Sunday school trauma). If that speaks to you, I linked my favorites in the document above.

I say this as a judgmental person who, in some ways, has made a career off said judgment. An editor’s job is to be discerning. Don’t ask me about something unless you want the pros and the cons. I have SEO training.

So if there’s a Substack that makes you hee haw, send it my way. Unfortunately, the brightest minds of our generation are stuck writing shopping guides about what Oprah stepped out in last week.

Anyway, I was MIA again because I am the embodiment of an “I Am Busy” mug, and Ramadan starved me of both nutrients and a personality. But I will be more consistent if money is involved (I am Pakistani), so all this to say: I’m adding a $5/month option, so my friends with real incomes can support the “arts.” Please do not think about what that adds up to annually. I hate the “if you gave up your daily coffee, you’d own a house” logic. In return, I’ll reward you with a lip gloss from my stash.

I read

I’ve been DSM-5–level addicted to my phone lately, and the only way I’ve managed to unwrangle myself from its sweet siren call is by reading. I’ve really leaned into romantasy this year. Personally, I prefer YA because faerie smut overwhelms me (I’m repressed), but I still need to be rooting for someone to kiss!!

I started the year with The Prison Healer series, which was such a delight. I didn’t think I’d find another series that could fill the TOG-sized hole in my brain, but this came pretty close.

After that, I started This Woven Kingdom, and I have a lot of disclaimers because… it’s potentially shirk? Where does the ummah stand on jinn romantasy? The author is Persian, and it was actually really fun to read a non-white fantasy series and recognize things from a related diaspora. Also, the main characters’ names are Kamran, Alizadeh, and Cyrus, which are all excellent options for future children. My only note is that only 4 of 5 books are out right now, which I wish I had known going in.

I watch movies

I saw Project Hail Mary in theaters last weekend in 70mm (does anyone have a crush on me yet?), and I liked it. I was surprised by how funny it was—I went in expecting a serious space movie, but it felt more like a live-action WALL-E. Ryan Gosling seems to only play himself, but I’m okay with that because I’m enamored with him.

I also saw The Drama this past weekend and was obsessed. I’ve been dying for new movies outside of the remake/Marvel universe, so I’m glad A24 is committed to originality. I won’t give anything away (it’s best to go in blind), but the plot is nothing like what I expected after the trailer.

Saunas!

New York is suddenly booming with saunas. Perhaps it’s because we all want to pretend we didn’t make the wrong decision by choosing a city that deprives us of nature, and in order to overcompensate for not living in Sweden—with its universal healthcare and financial allowances—we sweat it out in a room filled with 85 other people.

Perhaps in another newsletter, I’ll compare all of the saunas in the city. Maybe that’s what my bit can be—pitting small businesses against one another.

I went to Lore a few times this year for their soft opening and really liked it. It’s less woo-woo than Othership and a bit smaller, but it’s a good place to go alone or with friends. Located in NoHo, it’s exactly what you’d expect from this type of space: a single session is $55 for 75 minutes, and a monthly membership is $225.

I also went to Saint with some friends (I should get us T-shirts that say SWEATY), and it was a completely different experience. Located in Midtown (random), its business model is sauna and cold plunge pods rather than a mega-sauna. At $90 for an hour (for up to three guests, if you want to squish), it’s pricier but inherently a lot nicer. I’d describe it as the sexiest of the sauna options in the city thus far.

Beauty recommendations

The K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is single-handedly the best product I’ve tested this year. As a dry shampoo head, I know my stuff, and this doesn’t leave behind that chalky, “there’s definitely something in here” feeling. Instead, it sprays on wet, and after a bit of zhuzhing, your hair looks freshly washed. There’s also a mini size available if you want to try it before committing.

The new Rose Bud scent from Cyklar is so beautiful, and if you’re a rose lover, you’ll love the body wash. I think an elevated body wash is the easiest way to upgrade your shower experience from a chore to I-love-my-life.

I wrote about exfoliating soaps for Vogue, and in the process became a devotee. They’re all great (we did deem them the best, after all), but my absolute favorite is the one from Soft Services.

Body lotion is a category I’m quite passionate about, in that I hate applying lotion unless it actually blends into my skin without any tension. There’s one I love at every price point: EOS Shea Butter Moisture at under $15, Aestura Body Lotion at under $40 (a Korean formulation), and for the moneybags, Joonbyrd’s Little Love Body Lotion at under $75, which is quite the splurge, but so soooo good.

I, however, love lying on the internet. So despite what’s going on in my personal life, everything has appeared to be very g.l.a.m.o.u.r.o.u.s. I went to Seoul for a brand trip with LG Beauty and to Paris for Fashion Week, back to back. I can’t tell if it’s a coping mechanism or if I’ve actually learned to “live in the the moment”, but I offload everything that happens to me immediately. It’s why, when people say things like “you’re living” or “you’re always outside,” I stare back at them confused, like I have no idea what they’re talking about. The “outside” allegations in particular make me laugh because, to me, right now, I’m sitting inside on my couch, staring at my laptop, ruining my posture in real time. Therefore, I am an inside person. And not to sound Kim Kardashian low-brain-activity Neuralink conspiracy-coded, but I genuinely worry I don’t have the capacity to carry everything that happens to me in a day, let alone a week.

All to say… we are almost so back. I went back home to Houston for Thanksgiving, and the combination of time off work and time spent with people who love me for me, not whether or not I can “guarantee placement,” was really grounding for my nervous system.

I thought I had made peace with my demons, but it turns out that no matter how many times you chant “I don’t chase, I attract,” when you’re facing the career uncertainty that comes with freelancing, a crush who breadcrumbs you for months, and rooms full of influencelebrities whose beauty is manufactured, you will lose your mind. Comparison is the Celaena Sardothien of joy, and when everyone around you seems cooler, smarter, cunty-er, unless you’re grounded in self-worth or have rituals that remind you of it, it’s easy to get lost in the sauz.

Hence why I thought I’d list out the things I swear by and the new tools and practices I’m exploring as we head into the new year. I wanted to gatekeep this information because I don’t think being a try-hard is sexy, but the truth is, everything I’ve ever done has been the result of meticulous planning.

“Wellness”

I’ve been reading self-help books since I was 15, and this was the first year I stopped “working on myself” because my relationship with self-improvement had gotten toxic. Apparentlyyy, you’re not supposed to treat yourself like a project in dire need of fixing. There is, however, a way to go about it that feels less like I need to be fixed and more like I’m already great, but here are the practices that help me live in alignment with who I’m meant to be.

Might I suggest an astrology session with Francesca Vuillemin, whose aura is so bright you can’t fathom that she walks among us? When I first met her, I told her all of my hesitations and fears around astrology, but there’s really nothing to be afraid of. Rather than predicting your future or locking you into a narrative, she helps you understand what in your chart makes you special and how to use that information to navigate the world with more clarity.

Acupuncture is an important part of my monthly routine. I go to WTHN ($50 off here) because it’s what I can currently afford, but I’ve also had sessions at You Acu and SYI Acu, which are more tailored, upscale studios. While I love the physical benefits (I usually ask to target digestion, immunity, and post-workout soreness), the emotional aspect is just as important. Acupuncture helps shift the nervous system from stress into relaxation, and when you’re with the right practitioner, it can unblock stagnant Qi, allowing all the feelings I’ve been suppressing (of which there are many) to rise to the surface.

My friend Olivia put me onto The Class a few years ago, and now they’re her client, which feels serendipitous. It’s a somatic workout that blends physical movement with mindfulness, breathwork, music, and vocal release to help regulate the nervous system and process energy. They have a gorgeous studio in Tribeca, but since I don’t love the trek, I mostly stick to their virtual hub. As with most woo-woo practices, you kind of have to suspend your “wtf is this” instincts and just roll with it.

So many of my issues have to do with my subconscious beliefs, so I’ve started EFT tapping, a la Brad Yates YouTube videos. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, which combines acupressure with cognitive therapy. You lightly tap specific meridian points on your face and body while focusing on a negative emotion or issue (like stress or anxiety) to calm the nervous system and release emotional distress. I saw some people on TikTok write their own scripts, but Brad is my guy for now, and the videos are all under fifteen minutes.

Re: subconscious, I’ve also started listening to manifestation frequencies while I sleep. Lately, I’ve been into 528 Hz (playlist here), which is considered a Solfeggio frequency, or “miracle tone,” often used in sound therapy for relaxation, stress relief, and promoting positive feelings. I can’t say for sure if it’s doing anything, but it sounds like white noise, and who am I to doubt.

And then there are the incontestable things. Headspace! Journaling, both morning and night. I prefer to free-write three pages each time (very Artist’s Way, even though I never made it past week one). If you need structure, a guided journal like this one from No Particular Order is a great place to start. I’m also big on gratitude lists and morning mantras. I’m too emotionally fragile to share my current mantras with the class, but they’ve genuinely helped me start rewriting some of the thoughts that loop in my brain.

Obviously, I’m not consistent with all of these practices at the same time. After all, I’m a young person who doesn’t want to go to bed at 9 PM, despite the “no one wants to go out and party anymore” propaganda. I also don’t shame myself if I skip these rituals or do something cwazy like check my phone first thing in the morning. A lot of the GRWM routines showcased on social media are simply unrealistic unless you’re willing to get a lobotomy.

I know it’s always the most unwell people who end up on their high horse as wellness consultants, but I’ve written many a wellness article, so I’ve picked up a thing or two over the years. Godspeed! And take a shot each time I mention the nervous system!

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A friend recently messaged me to say I’ve become such an “it-girl,” which made me laugh because A) I have imposter syndrome and B) what constitutes as an “it-girl” in a city where everyone thinks they hang the moon because they pair capris with “very good condition” designer heels from TRR.

Fashion Week looks glamorous online, but internally it’s a clout war dressed up as “career advancement” (influencers are getting their own columns in magazines now… the end of times). It’s BFA photos, feeling weird about not getting papped (and then feeling weirder for caring), B-list celebrity sightings, and weeknights at Boom Boom Room trying to appear “cunty” — something that will never feel organic to me as a cherub-faced child of the suburbs.

Every season I crash out afterward, fueled by the lack of sleep and constant overstimulation. What makes for a life well lived, I couldn’t help but wonder, as I drown in champagne problems I can’t voice out loud without inviting eye rolls. My mom likes to remind me that I “chose this life” and that no one is “making me do anything,” which is fair. But somewhere along the way, I forgot that in chasing a SATC-inspired fantasy, Carrie herself was always in shambles.

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I shop

If it wasn’t obvious, I’m an anxious person, and one way I survive is with these weighted stuffed animals ($20). They have the same energy as a chastity belt, but when you have no one to hold amidst an “I’m so much older than I once was and everyone I love will perish” spiral, it helps to have something to hug. Apparently they can be both microwaved and put in the freezer, but I don’t mess with the thermodynamics! Room temperature stuffed ‘tism bear for me, thank you.

A beauty product I’d recommend to every skin type, horoscope, or Myers-Briggs sign is the LILIS Korean Body Resurfacing Instant Peel ($92). It works in seconds, and there’s nothing more satisfying than watching all the dead skin come off, leaving behind baby-smooth skin. Think of it as the Baby Foot peeling mask (shudders), but for your entire body. I have notoriously dry skin (I shower at a “concerning temperature,” according to my roommate, multiple times a day), so weekly exfoliation is non-negotiable for me.

I read

I’ve been behind on my Goodreads reading goal because there’s simply no time to do everything on my to-do list, but I’m halfway through R.F. Kuang’s new book Katabasis and really enjoying it so far. I don’t know if it tops Babel for me, but there are more themes of romance, so I’m captivated either way. I love the premise (they trek through hell together), and that level of creativity just can’t be topped. Her mind.

I get my nails done

I tried out BIAB nails at the newly opened Townhouse Salon in Tribeca the other week, and safe to say I’m obsessed. BIAB (short for “builder in a bottle”) is essentially a thicker gel that lasts longer than traditional gel, doesn’t chip as easily, and doesn’t leave your nails paper-thin when removed. It’s already huge in London, so it’s only a matter of time before every salon in New York starts offering it.

My qualms: it takes forever to apply (about 90 minutes), it’s pricey both to get and to remove, and it does lightly burn during the process. But even with those caveats, I’d still recommend it. My nails look amazing — I’ve been getting different colors on each hand because I want it to be obvious at first sight that I’m “not like other girls” (and also because I’m indecisive).

I drink matcha performatively

I finally moseyed my way over to 12 Matcha during unemployed hours because you could not pay me to waste an hour of my life standing in line with a parasol in the sun. And honestly… I was underwhelmed. I know they use the same amount of matcha that’s typical in Japan, but my hands were shaking a quarter of the way through.

I thought Mimi’s froyo was worth the hype, albeit the steep price tag, the menacing “Australians are taking over” aura, and the long line. In New York speak, it’s more froyo-y than Culture but less chemically contrived than 16 Handles.

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Might I suggest going on a cruise?

One of the reasons I pushed this newsletter off is because I spent a few days on Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas ship with the girls. I thought it would be a camp side quest, but it ended up being so much more fun than I expected. Let the record show I was a cruise kid growing up, so this wasn’t my first maritime rodeo, but I was pleased to see the whimsy is still there as an adult. No cornrows this time though…

I’m prone to type-A-ism (eldest daughter), so it’s always in my best interest to break out of my routine. And what better way to shake things up than by eating everything at the buffet, playing air hockey, silent disco-ing, and seeing who can float the longest? All you need is sunscreen (this one from Glow Recipe rocks), Dramamine, and the strength to block anyone who mentions Amy Bradley or t*t*n*c.

Fouquet about it

I try not to complain about work too often because it’s way too easy to be hit with the “all you do is spa all day” allegations, and unfortunately, I have no rebuttal. I do, in fact, spend a decent amount of time at the spa. As the immortal Ken once said, my job is just spa.

The last one I went to was Spa Diane Barrière at Fouquet’s. It errs on the pricier side, but whether you're booking a hotel stay or just in the mood for an indulgent self-care day, it’s perfect. I went with Native for an hour-long massage, which was a treat, but they offer a full menu: facials, foot treatments, body polishes, and more, ranging from $130 to $515. As with most spas, booking a treatment gives you access to the pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna. Naturally, I stayed in the water until my skin pruned.

Readers are leaders

An angel loses its wings every time I have a crush because I become completely incapable of doing anything other than daydreaming. The only way I can escape the mania is by reading, as it forces me out of my head and away from my phone.

Book of the month goes to Babel by R.F. Kuang. It has a high school summer reading vibe in the best way. It’s “fun” and “fiction,” but packed with themes of colonialism and linguistics. I felt like a jazzed-up English teacher the whole time, highlighting quotes on my Kindle and texting friends to discuss after. In my opinion, it should be required reading for everyone, but especially if you’re white. She just released a new book and I’m hoping to read it this week, so stay tuned.

We’re on the precipice of fall, which means I’m trying to cram in as many summer reads as possible before I enter my ice-hockey-romance-winter era. Last week, I scarfed down One Golden Summer and This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune. I liked OGS a lot more, mostly because the male lead was more my type. Neither book was life changing, but OGS did make me bawl my eyes out about “being alone forever,” which is how I knew it did its job as a romance novel.

Last week my therapist told me that deflecting with humor is “not funny” and to that I say: live a little, babe. This was after I said anyone considering liposuction clearly hasn’t tried the free at-home remedy of throwing up first. Therapy is where my best material goes to die, it seems.

Can anyone believe it’s August tomorrow? I just started shopping for summer clothes a few days ago. In my mind, summer is still on the horizon and the past three months were just practice. Still waiting on my summer romance…

spend money

It’s my job to test things, which has turned me into one of those people who aren’t easily impressed. “It’s fine!” is how I react to most things, but for every 100 products, there’s at least one that stands out.

This week, the honor goes to Gisou’s new Honey Gloss Hydrating Shampoo and Honey Gloss Hydrating Conditioner ($27). It says a lot about the state of the beauty world that it’s surprising when a product is worth the money, but alas, here we are. It’s giving my hair a nice sheen, my curls look more defined, and my roomie cosigned the results.

If you want to be someone who’s in the know, but want something less basic than Diptyque Bailes, the Carrière Frères Orange Blossom candle ($69) and Tiare diffuser ($90) are everything to me. My candle burned out this week and I’m devastated, but we had a good run. The diffuser, meanwhile, is still going strong — everyone compliments our apartment scent the moment they walk in.

Protein has been both glorified and villainized lately (she’s just like us), and while a lot of powders taste chalky, fake, or generally disgusting, this one from FlavCity is delicious and has a relatively clean ingredient list. Ever since I started using it, I stopped going to Pura Vida every day and spending $12 on a chocolate pb smoothie. Gen Z will never own a home? Try me.

booktok lol

I recently finished Summer in the City by Alex Aster and I really enjoyed it, although I have notes (obviously). I told a friend, and she immediately hit me with, “Isn’t the author an industry plant?” which I found so fascinating. I’d love to be hit with industry plant allegations. I read it poolside, which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. That said, I was rolling my eyes at the main character having a perfect Pilates body despite being winded going up the stairs. How is this still a trope? You think I want to read about good genetics? Be so fr. I want to see someone who’s a try-hard with a deeply disturbing relationship with food, like the rest of us.

Finished You Deserve Each Other yesterday and… snoozefest. I can see why it’s being picked up as a movie — I enjoyed the premise and think it’ll make for a hit, but the book itself was corny!! I know a lot of romance novels are corny and one could argue that’s the point, but there’s a line! Also, the heroine offered nothing? I’m so over reading books about people who have nothing to offer being offered the world.

I’ve continued to update this Spotify playlist for you guys <3

the quest for beauty

I was feeling especially vulnerable last week, so I got PRP+ for my under eyes. Normally, I avoid aesthetic clinics because I’m too insecure a person to be told what I could “fix,” but Eric at I Wanna Be Pretty (inside the Water Lounge at WSA) is the greatest and I trust him with my face. Fellow beauty editor Valeriya also goes to him, and I follow everything she does like a little doggo.

A doctor recently told me I need to stop offering up my veins everywhere I go, but Eric drew my blood and used a centrifuge to retrieve the platelet-rich plasma, which he then injected into my undereyes to help smooth fine lines, reduce dark circles, and boost overall vitality. It’s recommended to do four sessions spaced four weeks apart for best results. While it didn’t hurt per se, my eyes were definitely swollen and uncomfortable for a few days afterward.

new york or nowhere

Since we last spoke, I’ve developed an obsession with Hey Tea. I know this sounds like a recommendation a middle schooler would give you, but it’s the perfect summer treat. I was put on by MUA Niko Lopez at NARS, who convinced me to try the Green Grape Boom — made with real grapes (lol) and jasmine green tea, which I get decaf with medium sugar.

I went to Corner Store and it was a glorified Cheesecake Factory? I love restaurant culture in New York because of the dopamine high that comes from snagging a coveted Resy… but it’s almost never worth the hype. I know this. I know this. And yet I still forward every restaurant IG reel to my friends saying, “we NEED to go.”

It feels in poor taste to discuss matcha amidst the matcha shortage, but Matcha House in the East Village is very good. It opened this past Monday and I fear they’ll be seeing me quite a bit… or at least until they go TikTok viral, because I refuse to wait in line.

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are you wearing SPF???

As a product of the suburbs, summer doesn’t count for me unless I’m poolside—where everything is better: reading, eating grapes, taking a Camino bliss gummy, gossiping about how that couple should’ve broken up three years ago when he cheated on her the first time, etc.

Now, while some editors are firmly in the “I will never step foot outside in the sun” camp, I, for one, am willing to accept my aging skin cells so long as I’m properly lathered up in sunscreen. At home, I toggle between 23 sunscreens, but when it comes to recommendations that don’t break the mobile wallet (some of my go-tos are alarmingly over $50 and I can’t always suggest them in good conscience), I like the Byoma Ultra-Lightweight Face Fluid ($20), Bioré UV Aqua Rich Daily ($14), or Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Sunscreen ($20).

In my pool purse©, I always keep the belif Aqua Bomb Korean Glow Sunstick ($28) for touch-ups when I’m not wearing makeup, a mini Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray ($20), and the Ultra Violette Preen Screen Facial Sunscreen Mist ($30), which I reapply every hour or so.

itching to shop

I took a long, hard look at my closet the other day and realized it’s essentially just jackets and black tops. Classic New York, but terrible for summer. I know I need warm-weather clothes, but I’d rather invest in a gorgeous wool coat than a barely-there tank I’ll wear twice. But that mentality has left me drab and sweaty every summer, so this year I’m officially committing to hot girl summer. Bring on the knits, the crochets, and anything that begets a fire emoji in my DMs. I’m so attention deprived it’s starting to feel like a medical condition.

One item that’s been scoring me a lot of attention (albeit women) lately is this phone charm from Osso New York. It’s definitely a splurge at $100, but it instantly turns your phone into an accessory. I’m allergic to the “all the cool girls in NY have this” rhetoric—but if I didn’t break out in hives every time I saw a TikTok like that, I’d say this charm falls squarely into that category. This is the one I own, but the Shell Stacked Pearl Wristlet and Wood Crossbody are also on my wishlist. My mom joked that these were tasbeehs, and honestly, she’s not wrong. Make dua for my bank account.

I told Fran about my newfound itch to shop, and when asked what extravagant purchase depleted my savings, I admitted that it was a Kindle case. He laughed—apparently that doesn’t constitute a splurge in his book. The case in question is this one from Baggu. My bestie Erum had it, and I take all my shopping cues from her. It’s great for travel and protects my Kindle from the aforementioned sunscreens rolling around in my bag.

Everyone in my orbit has been looking super chic in platform flip flops, Havaianas, and toe rings, but I’m scared to let the dogs out. Most flip flops give me blisters, so until I find a pair that doesn’t, I’m keeping things wrapped up in jelly slides. Right now, I only have one pair—these in red from Steve Madden ($60)—and they’re so comfy I can walk miles in them. I’ve also got my eye on this Jeffrey Campbell pair ($50). I try not to opt into trends anymore (it’s painful watching your Gazelles collect dust bunnies), but these feel practical enough for summer that I hope to wear them for years to come.

media consumption

The Summer I Turned Pretty is back and I cannot even begin to explain the joy this brings me. I read and reread the books in middle school, and as someone who has always been firmly Team Connie Baby, it’s such a treat getting to see something you love come to life on the living room screen. The first two episodes were already much better than season 2, although it’s a little weird seeing them as adults who touch-touch rather than kids. I also never care about acting but I fear… Belly and Jere are both… bad actors? I just don’t believe their love story. They have yet to convince me.

I saw Jurassic World Rebirth two weeks ago and it was not bad but it was not good. I dream of the day we start funding original ideas instead of trying to resuscitate the franchises of our youth. Yeah, nostalgia sells, but how many CGI dino jump scares can one generation tolerate?

I am a sucker for Ali Hazelwood’s nerdy-ass STEM romance novels. My issue with a lot of romance stories is that the protagonists are always some mousy brunette with an average job. And while her leads also sound kinda boring, at least they’re geniuses. I’m okay with geniuses finding love. I didn’t love the first book in this series, but Problematic Summer Romance? Written for me. Problematic being the key word, because a 38-year-old crushing on a 23-year-old IRL would piss me off. (My personal age gap limit is 10 years, I think.) But I set aside my discomfort and read it in a day. Amazing beach read if you find yourself so lucky this summer.

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I’m now reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and it feels like getting Zelled back after putting your card down at dinner when an author you love releases a new book. I’m halfway through, and while I find the NASA plotline interesting, I’m not obsessed. As mentioned, I’m so over characters who are timid and describe themselves as average getting so much airtime. I know the love interest sees them perfectly and then they too start to see themselves in a new light—but I think it’s boring. I know that’s probably the least relevant critique of the book (I also don’t love grumpy/sunshine plots bc I bet the sunshine is fucking annoying in person), but maybe I just don’t care for space. Also, let this be a reminder to watch Daisy Jones & The Six on Prime if you haven’t already. I’m so jealous of those who get to see it with fresh eyes.

newwwwyorkkkcityyyy

Santo Taco was genuinely delicious, and everyone there was very hot. My friend Olivia is now convinced she’ll meet her future husband there, and I second that. I don’t love it quite as much as their sister spots Atla or Esse Taco, but I’ll definitely be back. My roommates and I also hit Cariñito Taco, which was cute and had a speakeasy upstairs, but the menu only had pork or veggie options, which pissed me off… I was not born to eat “eggplant tacos”.

On the dessert front, I finally tried the Butterfield Market frozen yogurt and you guys are freaking liars!!! That stuff was groooossssss. But speaking of frozen treats… Alec’s Culture Cups are the greatest dessert on earth (G.D.O.E). Strawberry ranks no. 1, but every flavor is yummyyinmytummmyyy.

retired DJ

Like everyone else in the city, I too once thought I had what it took to become a DJ. I bought an intro Pioneer controller and played approximately one party before realizing I just wanted aux. Not to mention, I have T-rex arms and couldn’t quite pull off the whole sultry hot girl DJ who also models on the side vibe. Alas, I still like sharing music, so I made this playlist for you guys and will update it every week. I have yet to listen to the new Biebs album or JackBoys 2 (he’s from Houston… I’m an apologist). SWAG!

I don’t feel like writing today, but I’m trying to keep the promises I make to myself, so here I am, clickety-clacking away. I know I promised lighthearted whimsy, but the truth is that I’m a very serious person (who just happens to not take herself too seriously). Most of the time, I’m in a somber, blasé-blasé, Future mode.

material girl

I met with the Filterbaby co-founders this morning, who reminded me about the importance of using water that’s been properly filtered. I’ve tried a ton of different showerheads on the market, and while I don’t have one at this exact second, they scared me straight. There are so many chemicals like chlorine in our tap water, and a lot of trendy showerheads on the market lose their filtration efficiency in as little as seven uses. They assured me they have the testing to show their products actually filter properly and maintain efficiency, so I’m excited to get our handyman to screw ye ol’ baby onto our shower and sink.

Lip stains have been my recent obsession because I’m always munching on something, and reapplying my lip products makes me feel weirdly vulnerable. I’m partial to the Wonderskin Lip Stain Masque, but at times I find it a bit drying. That’s why, on days when my lips are more dry, I’ll reach for the Violette_FR Lip Nectar. It stains but also hydrates—thanks to the holy trinity: squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.

In slickback news, I’ve finally discovered a routine that works for me. The summer heat and humidity have made it impossible for my blowouts to last longer than four hours, so the “west village girl but ethnic” look is one I’ve been leaning on. While pricey, there is no hair gel I like more than the Crown Affair Hair Gel—it’s simply the best. It doesn’t make your hair crunchy, yet it holds any style. You can even brush through it at the end of the night and your hair will loosely go back to normal. I use La Bonne Brosse’s N.01 Universal Hair Brush which, yes, is $168 and the opposite of a recession indicator, but it really works. If you girl-math it, it’ll last you the rest of your life, unlike the flimsy brushes I constantly have to replace. Plus, it makes for an amazing gift, both to give and receive. For the wispies around my head, I use the TIGI Wax Stick (no complaints). To really up the ante, I’ll throw in a Deborah Pagani hair pin, as there is nothing chicer to me than a hair accessory. I alternate between that, a hair cuff, or an oversized scrunchie to elevate what would otherwise be basic and boring.

And to remove all the buildup that inevitably ensues, every few days I use the Aavrani Jelly Clarifying Detox Shampoo (on sale rn…) to rid my scalp of all the gunk.

newwwwyorkkkcityyyy

To maintain my sanity, every month I make a pilgrimage to get acupuncture at WTHN. They recently opened a Noho location, which is smaller than the Flatiron one but just as perfect. I ask for different things each visit, but I generally have them target stress, immunity, lower back pain, bloating, etc. I’m a huge accuhead and have even debated going twice a month, but maybe I’ll wait until I monetize this Substack to do that... WTHN has a bit of VC energy to it since they have you in and out quickly, so if you want something more personal, I also love ORA Space—though it costs twice as much. There are plenty of great TCM healers in the city—everyone I respect “has a guy”—but for now, I’m keeping it simple with WTHN.

I went to The Tox this week for a lymphatic drainage massage, and it was pretty solid. The price point is a little high (as most lymphatic massages are), so I might opt to spend that money somewhere a bit more personal, like Angela Guerra (hot-girl central). No shade against The Tox—they were lovely, and with so many locations it’s super easy to schedule an appointment, plus they have you in and out quickly. It just felt a bit too impersonal for my taste/wallet.

media consumption

My friend Noor convinced me to read Powerless this week, and while I’d argue that it was lowkey bad, I had a lot of fun reading it. I’ve been in a reading slump, so this was a great re-entry point for me. I would best describe the plot as if Hunger Games and Throne of Glass had a baby (even though both of those books are substantially better). There were no faeries, but they did have magical powers… though the powers were barely discussed? The more I write about it, the more I’m not sure if anyone should read it, but the main characters had good banter, and I enjoyed the AI edits, lol. Romantasy is a weird genre because it can lean super smutty, but this one was YA, which I honestly prefer because there’s usually more plot. That said, Noor told me the second book has no plotline, so maybe I won’t read it. I’m open to suggestions!

Going to watch the F1 movie this weekend, and I’m so so so excited. Racing movies are probably my top movie genre (Ford v Ferrari, Gran Turismo), followed by magic movies (The Prestige, Now You See Me), and then card shark movies (Molly’s Game, 21). It’s important to stick to your niches.

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hey!!!! we’re soooooo back this summer… I was reading through my old Substacks and they were sooooo serious, like… take a Xanax, my guy…

I went to get bevvys with my fave publicist/friend Olivia and the Alice Mushroom co-founders, who I am obsessed with (not #sponcon, #yet..), and was encouraged to write without overthinking it. It’s hard when you’ve spent your entire adult life working in “brand strategy” to then not treat yourself like a product that needs to be marketed properly to the right audience. But alas, I am not a product, and I have 100 readers at best, so I’ll try my best at keeping it “cool” and “chill”—two things I have never been and possibly never will be, no matter how many times I try and convince others.

It’s also hard to commit to a niche. I love beauty, but I’m not Daise Bedolla. I love gossip, but I’m not Hunter Harris. I love music. I love movies. I love fashion. I love wellness. I <3 everything. And not that I need to choose a lane, but maybe it would just be easier if I was like: this is a links blog. Here are links.

I GUESS I JUST CAN’T BE PUT INTO A BOX!!!!

Hence… the rebrand! each week, I will try my best to just share the things that delighted me, whether it’s a place, item, movie, podcast, etcccc. Somethin silly!

media consumption

I am on a mission to get everyone I know to watch Motorheads so that it gets a second season… it was soooooo good. Peak teen television! Everyone was good-looking! Adrenaline in the air! Racing! Big family mystery! Ryan Phillippe!

Like everyone else, I too was duped by the Materialists press tour, but I’m not mad about it. Sure, I would have loved to see a true big-budget rom-com in theaters rather than on Netflix, but it’s been funny seeing how mad everyone is?? Like y’all have an allergy to mature themes and having to think thoughts?? Him being broke is the least relevant part of the movie?? And of course I went in looking to hoot and holler and instead left feeling flattened and empty… but in a good way! We never see modern dating depicted on screen, and that really is how bleak it feels out there. I felt seen! This is the real world! Everyone has 100,000+ people to swipe through in the palm of their hand, and what that does to a person is coocoo bananas: extreme value placed on things like height, weight, money, what neighborhood they live in, etc. I hope we continue to see more movies that reflect the current dating scene. It’s been ages since Sex and the City… I’d love to see something that mirrors the lives of people I know. No sex, just swiping in city. If anyone wants me in a writers’ room, I promise not to create one of those shows or movies that tries to showcase “modern life” by throwing weird text chat bubbles on screen.

My book recommendation of the week is One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin. Mind you, I’ve read nearly all of the trendy romance novels on the market, so it takes a lot to get me to care, cry, or recommend at this point. I really loved it. It was more of a drama with romantic themes than a true “they meet, they fuck, they get married” story. It’s similar to One Day, with the romance unfolding over the course of years rather than a rushed two-week timeframe.

If Jay Shetty has no haters, I’m dead. But aside from my fear of his eyes / “is he actually a monk” concerns, I listened to his podcast episode with Lewis Hamilton, who has never done a podcast before… freaking KING!!! Obsessed with him… inspired me to “believe in myself” again, which is cliché but something I am bad at.

Oh! I also listened to a podcast on the origins of Substack, which really inspired me to get to writing. If master would be willing to pay me a measly loaf of bread ($5 a month), then I’d never have to write a listicle again… can you imagine! Apparently it’s possible…

material girl

As someone who gets every beauty launch delivered straight to her doorstep, I’m often asked what I would actually buy with my own cold, hard cash… It’s a hard decision, bc sometimes I’ll love a product and then face sticker shock afterward. Like, “there’s no way this costs $889!!!!” So when it comes to this portion, I’ll try my best to be honest until the grubby greed of affiliate links gets to me…

I’m highkey a hair/body mist hater because every single brand launched one this year under the guise of “breaking news,” when really it’s just a less potent perfume. And I’m over the age of 16, so sue me for liking eau de parfum. BUT I was taken by Maison Louis Marie’s latest drop: the Fleur de Vanille Hair and Body Mist and the Fleur de la Passion Hair and Body Mist. I’m a huge lover of their perfumes, especially No. 04, so when I saw they launched a body mist I was like, ooookkkk… selling out? But then I sniffed it, and honestly, it still has the high-quality scent the brand is known for—just at a more affordable price point and with a softer, less intense finish.

If I were to choose a beauty category that brings me the utmost joy, it would be body wash. It’s so easy to be obsessed with body wash!! The sensorial nature of it all!! It’s the ultimate product to turn something that could be a boring chore (basic hygiene) and elevate it. I’m constantly testing out new ones, but my favorites are Flamingo Estate’s Night Blooming Jasmine & Damask Rose Body Wash, Cyklar’s Naked Neroli Hydrating Cleanser, and most recently, Aesop’s new Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser (for nighttime use only because it smells like an Equinox).

The new Malin + Goetz Natural Otto Deodorant smells divine. I’m not sure if it works-works (although there are promising clinical studies), because I’m team antiperspirant all the way, but if you’re in the crunchy “no toxins for me, thank you” camp, this is a realllllly good scent. And if you end up obsessed with the Otto scent, it also comes as a home spray (which aptmt 3F has been using) and a candle.

newwwwyorkkkcityyyy

If someone were to ask me what my dream vacation was, it would likely revolve around spa activities. R+R is my LIFE!!!! (I am never relaxed nor recovered, but that’s a story for a different day.) Which is why I don’t say this lightly… the Hotel Chelsea spa? Best spa in the city that I’ve been to thus far. The ambiance is unmatched. The ghosts in the air! The products they use! The little Gwyneth-ass prunes and nuts in the waiting room. Amity as a facialist!! Athena as a facialist!! It’s the crème de la crème, and I am begging, hoping, praying someone invites me back.

I’ve started going to Nofar Method in Flatiron because the Pilates Princess propaganda finally worked on me, and so far I’m liking it. It’s weird because my Whoop doesn’t even pick it up; it’s zone 0 cardio the entire time. But after years of overdoing it with the HIIT classes, it’s nice to lay down while working out.

I went to the Penhaligon’s boutique in Soho yesterday to pick out a fragrance (I chose Liquid Love after many trials and tribulations), and if you’re a perfumehead, it’s a really whimsical place. They also offer different services in-store like a 20-min bath and body exploration, a home scenting experience, or even a wedding scent finder, where they dedicate an hour to helping you find the perfect scent for your wedding day!!

heavy etc.

Still using the Copilot app to track my finances, and while I hated paying the $95 for the year or whatever, it was really nice to know exactly how much I spent on my vacation and whether or not I could afford yet another vintage bag from TRR. Would recommend if you’re debating between some of the budgeting apps on the market.

There comes a day in everyone’s life when they decide they need a digital catalogue of their closet. I downloaded Whering recently, and while I haven’t finished uploading everything I own just yet, it’s been really fun so far to remember what I have. It takes hours to log everything, but the app’s interface is pretty easy, and I haven’t been charged yet, so that’s great.

As the oldest freelancer in my friend group, I’m here to let you guys know that my money lives in a high-yield savings fund known as Marcus.

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