At the beginning of the year, people would jokingly ask me if I was ever home, and for some reason, the question always irritated me. “I spend a lot of time by myself,” I would scoff even though my calendar was permanently jam-packed. I think the question felt like an attack against my homebody sensibilities. Few people would describe me as such, but there is nothing I enjoy more than brooding in silence and contemplating my existence. However, my public persona — ostentatious, chaotic and self-assured — directly contradicts with who I say I am. That’s something we all struggle with though, right? Our multifaceted nature? It would be far simpler to put ourselves into a box. THIS is who I am and THIS is what I believe. But to pigeonhole oneself at such a young age would be a disservice considering that we are built to grow and adapt.
On a less melodramatic note (I clearly watched “Call Me By Your Name” yesterday), we made it through another week! One of my NY resolutions was to be more affectionate (lol) so I am sending all of you a virtual hug. Thanks for subscribing to my inner musings. Friendly reminder that you can 🔫 forward this email to your friends 🔫 like an early-aughts chain mail if you’d like.
Quarantings
I made my own oat milk last week to live out my prairie girl dreams and it was a success. This was the recipe I followed, but I messily used a nut milk bag instead of a strainer (would not recommend).
Who knew that this AeroPress and coffee grounds were all I needed to become an at-home barista. Aisha convinced me to purchase this contraption over a Chemex because it’s incredibly easy to use and I hate reading instructions.
Au revoir toxins! I've finally started to dry brush before I shower. While I haven’t noticed an immediate difference, dry brushing is great for lymphatic drainage, increased blood circulation and exfoliation. This video was very helpful.
My Findings
JQBX is the website/app that makes it possible to listen to music in real-time with others. All you need is taste, friends and a Spotify premium account.
AI Gahaku is a site that turns your photos into renaissance paintings. I clearly had way too much fun playing around with this.
Bored? This very well designed site has a ton of solutions to combat boredom.
Peloton Digital is offering a free 90-day trial. Ramadan is fast-approaching and I need some quick workouts to do in the dead of night.
Recently learned that you can make folders on Spotify if you press the cleverly titled “Create Folder” button.
Equal Parts is offering a free text-a-chef service. I haven’t tried it yet, but I could really use some help in the kitchen.
Summer Reading
All the bonafide members of Gen Z have read Normal People.
I read this interesting article on our Yin-Yang nature that helped me understand things a bit better. Personally, this isolation period has blessed me with time to nourish my Yin and reconnect with the parts of myself that I thought I had lost.
“Self-Isolation Is a Recipe for Disaster” courtesy of The Cut.
“Self-Isolation Has Turned Me Into My Best *And* Worst Self” on Man Repeller.
“My Only Hobby Is Being Petty” on The Cut.
Shopping Cart
Turmeric Latte Mix: In an effort to mitigate my sweet tooth I have turned to oat milk turmeric lattes as a nightcap. Froth your milk if you have the time (you do).
Coola Body Sunscreen: We all know the importance of daily sunscreen use right? It is 2020 after all. Now that sanity strolls are part of my daily routine I’ve gravitated towards this Coola sprayscreen.
Nue Co Prebiotic + Probiotic: The latest lil’ vitamin to come my way. I wonder if my quest for the perfect probiotic will ever come to an end. The pills are thicc but I think my stomach is noticeably flatter?
Miscellaneous
Do I miss makeup or do I miss the attention I recieved from others when I wore it? 4/20 is coming up but is anyone even celebrating this year? What movies should I watch this weekend? Why do ebooks suck so much? Should I make homemade ramen tonight? Do I actually have a crush on him or is he just a placeholder in my mind until I find someone more suitable? Do I want to invest in watercolor pencils? Shoot me a reply if you have the answers.
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