Hello, Monday! How was everyone’s weekend? I logged a lot of downtime and it felt so nice. As much as I think the term “self-care” is overused these days, that’s really what it was. Taking care of myself. Eating foods that made me feel good, choosing yoga over the HIIT class I had planned, sleeping (lots of sleeping!), catching up over Facetime with my family and friends, and spending time alone. I have two speeds: all or nothing. After long weekends with friends or a week where it’s go, go, go and I have to be “on” more than usual I crave time to decompress and just chill with myself and I was so thankful for a weekend with no plans so I could do just that!

I spent Friday afternoon at City Winery over in the West Loop with The Consulate General of Argentina and felt really spoiled getting to taste so many different wines from the Mendoza region! Everyone I met had this way of making me feel like I was the only person in the room, and I think that speaks to the culture of Argentina. My favorite rosé came from Lagarde, a sister-owned winery, which I love! How amazing would it be to take a tour and tasting somewhere like that?!Yesterday I popped in an out of the shops on Armitage in Lincoln Park (I’ll never say no to Sunday sips at Serena & Lily) and then took a 75-minute candlelight yoga flow at Studio Three and where I had a good, cleansing cry and set some intentions for the week ahead. Definitely planning to spend a lot more time on my mat this week and can’t wait to go back for another candlelight class with an all Khalid and Lauv playlist later tonight! My heaven, truly.

I wanted to remind you that you can sign up to get my new blog posts as soon as they go live! Occasionally I get DMs asking if I can add the swipe up feature instead of adding a link to new blog posts in my bio and trust me, I would if I could. On the same note, I’ve been feeling a little stuck when it comes to how to get the posts I create in front of new faces and ultimately, grow my reach. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it when you engage with me, whether that’s commenting, liking, sharing, forwarding my email to a friend – everything! It helps SO much more than you know and I can’t say thank you enough. If there’s someone you know who might like my content, I’d be so grateful if you shared with them. 🙂

I hope you enjoy the things that have popped up on my radar in the last few weeks.

Song of the week: No Vacancy – Rainbow Kitten Surprise (I was SO excited to see them release a few new songs). Turn it up and listen as you browse 🙂

LINKS I’VE LOVED LATELY:

• If you read anything on this list, make it this article on using “fringe moments” in your day to help you tackle big life goals. It got me thinking about all those spare minutes in my day that I waste on pointless scrolling/worrying/whatever else it might be. What can I do with that precious time to move the needle?
• I’m not normally a polka dot person, but for this flouncy little number, I’ll make an exception. It’s the perfect breezy dress for summer! I plan to pair it with my white leather sneakers and my favorite clear crossbody bag (at Walmart for $21…say WHAT?!). The bag comes with an interchangeable straps so you can easily get different looks. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten and I only just started carrying it!
• I went to an event with the Equilibria team a few weeks ago and learned so much about CBD. Their products are formulated specifically for women and while I’m still taking my Meet Ned drops (click through for a $15 CBD discount code), I’m thinking about making the switch as I’d love to support a woman-owned, local business! You can get a free 2-week trial off CBD capsules here.
• This Ruza party pack from Winc would be just the thing for the weekend my friends Tish, Erin, and I have planned at the end of the month! I mean, how cute is the cooler with the built-in speaker?! I highlighted everything we’re going to do in this post (and added a discount code for anyone in the Chicago area hoping to jump out of an airplane 😉 ).
• I’m not a big movie person, mostly because I don’t own a TV, so it’s rare that I know what’s coming out! I think Instagram let me in on Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson’s latest, The Hustle – looks like a fun Sunday afternoon flick!
• I loved Meghan’s post on spring cleaning and have been doing little things here and there (during my fringe moments!) to clear up some space mentally, physically, and digitally.
• Skincare is super personal and I can’t stress enough that what works for me might not work for you. I was sent a jar of the Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer and then it sat unopened on my shelf for a few months. Admittedly, I was skeptical after I had seen so many promoting it and wasn’t completely convinced it lived up to its hype. I was feeling beyond frustrated with my skin and decided to give it a go and am now close to finishing it off. It’s so light and I swear I’ve seen an improvement in my rosacea since I started using it!
• Nicolette put together a really great list of little life reminders and I’m certain there’s a thing (or 10) in there for everyone.
• A few thoughts on Instagram stories and what I’ve been wearing to my workout classes lately.
• Have any of you read The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck? I randomly popped into Barnes & Noble around the block recently and spotted it on the shelf right away (might be my affinity for the f word 🤭). As someone who has been known to give way too many fucks, I’m thinking it’s a must-read. Let me know if you have any thoughts on it!
• Unpopular opinion: I don’t like the idea/possibility of Instagram not showing likes anymore and I can’t quite articulate why.
• I’ve got champagne taste on a beer budget, but I managed to round-up lots of brightly colored picks for spring and summer, most of which are under $100!
• I’m addicted to oat milk. Prior to my inaugural sip of the deliciousness that is Oatly’s Barista Edition at none other than my home-away-from home, La Colombe, I preferred my caffeine hit straight up black. But I’m a changed woman and I’ll never go back. I was thrilled they sent a few bottles my way last week and have loved adding it to my cold brew (and saving money 😉 ) in the mornings!
• From the archives: Trying to channel this mindset again. Less talk, more action (that’s me giving myself a pep talk 😆).

SHOP THE POST:

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now! Whatever your week looks like, I hope it’s great! I’ll be sharing in real-time over on Instagram stories, so be sure to follow along there. Have a great Monday!