Happy Saturday, friends! This was a busy week, which means I’m posting my Friday series today! Honestly I meant to post it yesterday, but things got away from me and well, here we are. This was my third week back in the office – not full time, but I’ve been heading in 1-2 times a week. It’s definitelky been an adjustment, so I’ve been gradually tweaking my schedule to adjust for the change. I have to say, I love being back! I’m a people person and love interacting with, checking in on and supporting my team in person. Our company is targeting a more flexible schedule going forward, which I very much appreciate. There are definitely some advantages to working from home, and I’m grateful that we’re aiming for a balanced approach.
As far as this weekend, C and I checked another activity off of our bucket list today: Summer Streets! Two days a year, the city completely shuts down Park Ave from the southern tip of the island all the way up to 72nd street (check out this post for more details and the rest of our bucket list). We walked from the UES down to 25th, had brunch at one of our all time faves, Sarabeth’s, got freezes from Pressed Juicery and then walked all the way back up to our neighborhood. It was SO much fun! The streets were packed but not uncomfortably so. There are tons of fun activities scattered up and down the map that are great for family’s too. I think my favorite was an entire block reserved for kids learning how to ride bicyles!
As far as the rest of the weekend goes, C may be in the office tomorrow so we plan to get coffee together in the morning before going our separate ways. I’ve never been to Ralph’s (I KNOW) so that’s on my list! After that I may either head up to the NYBG or over to the Morgan Library! I’m currently reading a book about Belle da Costa Greene, John Pierpont Morgan’s personal librarian and the heart and soul behind the library. Her story is fascinating – she (and her mother and siblings) passed as white in the early 1900s. I’m loving the book so far and promise to share more in an upcoming book report!
Other things on my list for the weekend – get a pedicure, hit up the Greenmarket on the west side and get some steps in. I miss wearing my fitbit (I had an allergic reaction to the band) and am trying to figure out if I want to try it again or look into something new. I also have to meal plan, and am thinking we’ll do a grazing board on Sunday and try a few new things this week, too.
Block Print Dinner Napkins
We set the table in our hosue and I love to use good quality napkins. My one caveat? They have to be easy to clean! My current favorite table linens are by Julia Amory – the queen of block print. I just missed the summer sale! That being said, I don’t mind paying full price for pieces that I know I’ll get so much use out of – plus shopping from Julia Amory supports a small, woman-owned and run business! The colorway we have and love is sold out, but I have my eye on the blue dahlia (pictured above) and grasse gem.
Best Bralettes
2020 really ruined the underwire for me. That, and my bra size changed a bit, so overall the girls had new needs and a desire for less…restriction. Claire introduced me to Lively because she fell in love with their nursing bras a few years ago, so during one of our visits I ordered a few bralettes to try. I freaking freaking love them. This was the first one I got and it’s honestly so soft, so breathable, and my favorite for travel. I also got this lace one to wear under white t-shirts because…apparently that is my vibe now. As someone with a wide set ribcage, I really appreciate the comfortable bands that do not dig into my chest. I also love that they make bralettes for bustier gals, too! Anyway, you seriously cannot do better for the price! I tagged a few fave styles below.
Where Should We Begin?
I actually heard about Esther Perel from our therapist and then actually heard her on Armchair Expert, one of my favorite podcasts. Esther is an expert on relationships and sexuality – you can read more about her here. She is incrediby intelligent, warm and intuitive, and her work is groundbreaking and fascinating. I really enjoy her perpspectives, which is what led me to one of her podcasts. This one in particular is actual taped footage of one time sessions with couples all over the world. They aren’t her actual clients, they just get one session with her and we get to hear it, plus commentary from Esther before, during and after the sessions. It’s one of those human to human experiences where, even if you don’t think you have anything in common with the couple, you end up relating to something in one way or another. Some of the episodes may be triggering (there are always warnings) but overall I’ve really enjoyed learning about myself through others. I listen on Spotify but it’s on other platforms, too!
The Best Blanket
Two of my friends, Amelia and Madison, have this kantha quilt and rave about it constantly. I was looking for a versatile option that I could use in the park and snuggled up on the couch that was both pretty and easy to clean/wash (meaning I can put it in both the washer and dryer). I ended up purchasing this one and have zero regrets. I love the block print fabric that is both light weight and warm, and that the quilt is made by artisans in India. Because I purchased this on Etsy, I can more directly support the them and their work – I love their shop and recommend you all take a look!
It’s really important to me to also share a bit about kantha, which I learned about when purchasing the blanket. It’s a type of ancient embroidery native to the easten regions of India, and actually refers to both the quilts and the style of stitch. Kantha translates to “rags” in Sanskrit, which reflects the tradition of using old saris and garments to create quilts and coverings. You can find several colorways and styles of kantha quilts at the shop!
Face Sunscreen
I am SO PICKY about sunscreen, both because of my sun allergy (hello, polymorphous light eruption), desire for clean and safe products and tendency to break out. Finding a facial sunscreen that fits all or most of my criteria is close to impossible, but this one has been treating me pretty well this summer. I DO NOT LIKE that it has PEGs and I think it’s important to note that it has both physical (zinc oxide) and chemical (octinoxate) protectants. That being said, it hasn’t given me a nasty breakout and doesn’t leave a white cast on my face so, I make an exception. The other one I’ve been using and loving that is completely clean is this one! It’s also fantastic and great for acne-prone skin. Squalane is LIFE! I keep one of these in my fanny pack and one in my purse 24/7.
