Of the moment // 4.19.19
It seems like Of the moment posts were the only thing that people really missed sooooo…here I am! Even though they’re pretty quick and easy, I don’t think I can quite commit to doing them once a week but I am going to try and pop in here monthly or quarterly and share a few of the favorite things that I’ve discovered and enjoyed over the past few months.
And in terms of upcoming travel plans and exciting things: I have a few work trips to New York City that I am very excited will coincide with peak cherry blossom bloom, one of my girlfriends is having her bachelorette party in San Diego (aka: tacos, yoga, beach, and I can sleep in my own bed, so I am STOKED), and I finally booked my birthday trip! We’re going to Belize (my 42nd country!), and I’m so excited for laid-back beach vibes and some jungle adventures and all of the rum punch. 
Reads
I’ve been very committed to keeping my Goodreads updated and the best part of this sabbatical has been how much more time I have to read. The top five books I’ve read so far this year: Girls Burn Brighter (truly kept me 100% engaged from the first page until the very last sentence, and there are not very many books that can say that), The Sympathizer (the tale of a double agent in the Vietnam War that keeps you guessing–what is right and who is wrong?), There There (one of my favorite types of books–so many stories that all interconnect in unexpected ways, and also a portrait of an underrepresented community I didn’t know much about), Dopesick (non-fiction about the opioid epidemic that is so eye-opening and devastating) and My Absolute Darling (this book is NOT for everyone and it is very intense and disturbing but also one that I could not put down). Honorable mention to Heartburn, which is Nora Ephron gold! I’m also about to start Conversations with Friends, and I’m very excited because it comes highly recommended by so many people and I loved this podcast episode with the author.
Looks
The things I’ve been wearing over and over again, together and separately: this Everlane Japanese Go-Weave V-Neck tee (easy to dress up for work, down for weekend), a pair of Everlane white jeans (at $68, they fit, they’re flattering and if I spill something on them as I inevitably will, I won’t be devastated), the softest and coziest millennial pink Aritzia teddy bear coat, and Madewell mules that are truly so comfortable and so flattering and go with everything. In terms of jewelry, I’ve loved the brand Mejuri for a while: super simple gold pieces that are perfect for everyday, and pay for themselves easily in cost per wear. I also just discovered Cleo earrings, which are super fun and bold!
Beauty
Earlier this year, I went to Palm Springs with some girlfriends and felt so much lash envy! It felt like I was the only one out of my friends who didn’t have lash extensions…until one of my friends said that her lashes were real, just the result of regular applications of Grande Lash serum. I immediately bought some and have been using it religiously for the past few months, and I have seen such a difference! My lashes seem legitimately longer and fuller without mascara, and when I use my same standard CoverGirl mascara that I’ve used since high school, they are luscious.
A few other beauty products that have worked their way solidly into my routine in 2019: Glossier Boy Brow (I feel like everyone hyped this for a while and I thought I didn’t need it because I naturally have pretty thick, dark brows for better or worse buuuuut this really helps tame them), The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid (really helps with overall skin hydration), Elemis Pro-Collagen products (really leaning into anti-wrinkle things as I go into my 30s) and RMS Living Luminizer (which is subtle but really lovely for a highlighter).
And for things to help my skin that aren’t being put on my skin: I’m obsessed with Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer (although it only mixes in hot beverages, so I have to figure out a new solution for iced coffee weather!) and Ultimate Omega fish oil (another strong recommendation from my facialist since the fatty acids in fish oil can apparently help minimize blackheads!).
Blooms
Spring! The greatest of seasons! It’s been a magical time for me: I got to see the poppy superbloom before it became insanity and the ranunculi at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad and FINALLY the cherry blossoms in peak bloom in Washington DC.
Quotes
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” -Nora Ephron
