Good things for spring...
Hello from the very tail end of my Spring Break! I’m not sure where this week went, exactly. It was a good mix of rest, seeing friends, appointments, and taking care of tasks I’ve been putting off. I can hardly believe that we are barreling towards the end of my first year as an administrator.
I love the month of April! Spring feels real! Summer is in sight! It’s also my birthday month. I never quite know how to feel about birthdays. I don’t know exactly what I want to do or what I expect, but my last few birthdays have left me feeling sad for no discernible reason. In an effort not to have that feeling this year, I’ve made distinct plans (afternoon tea on a train with Other Amy, and a dinner with a magic show with my best friend, who celebrates her birthday two days before), and any other last-minute joy that comes my way.
If you have things you do to avoid the birthday blues (I know I’m not alone!) I’d love to hear about it.
“only a softer understanding of what a good life requires. more mutuality, ordinary usefulness, chances to be known beyond your curated best with less pride in carrying everything unassisted. because the truth is, wanting a village is not a sign that you are failing at adulthood. it may be the first sane response to living in a culture that keeps asking one person to do the work of many,” — from this article, “Why Individualism Makes It Harder To Be A Villager.”
One of the appointments I took care of this week was getting my hair cut. I’m letting my hair grow out (trying to avoid my usual summer tendency to cut it all off!) and even my stylist mentioned that my hair felt super healthy. I credit (in part) this pre-shampoo treatment from Olaplex. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and my hair is noticeably stronger and softer. They have it in a set with their bond-strengthening shampoo and conditioner right now, on sale! Highly recommend.
I really enjoy the Feeling! Magazine Substack and especially appreciated this article about making birthdays more magical.
I am absolutely obsessed with these customizable striped totes from Bauble Bar! Their totes are so high quality and cute. I love these bright ones for summer.
I’m also never not thinking about this bag! Someday, I will treat myself.
I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I’m too old for jelly shoes. By “too old” I don’t mean aesthetically too old; I mean old like “can I survive a plastic shoe all day?” I’m considering these slip-on mary janes in red or these slides in either pink or dusty blue. Or maybe the tortoise? Welcoming opinions, please!
I’m envisioning a raffia bag for wandering around Lisbon this summer. I like the size and shape of this one, but I also love the gold hoops on this one.
This piece, “The Case For Hope In An Exhausted America,” was like a salve for my brain and heart.
I used to think outdoor rugs were silly and pointless, but then I got one! Now, I’m obsessed with these.
I’ve raved for years that I think Bauble Bar’s Bag Charm kit is one of the best things ever, and now, they have mini custom kits! I think this would be so fun to put in bridesmaids’ bags or for an activity at a family reunion or baby shower. Or, you know, you could host a charm party!
I’ve become a HUGE fan of PACT Clothing this year, and they have some amazing Earth Month deals right now, including this Airplane Set (that I wear every time I fly — so comfortable!), adorable dresses for $49, and really good deals on their cotton underwear. Everything I’ve purchased from them has been long-lasting, high-quality, and so comfy!
Maggie Rogers is one of my all-time favorite artists, and I’m loving her Substack, especially this recent piece on singing and standing still.
I’m a gummy candy fanatic, and these Sour Patch Chews are everything.
Here to bully you into buying the Clare V already!!!!