an ode to my beautiful mother
The Sunday Paper, Volume 20
Let’s set the scene, why don’t we?
It’s currently Friday evening, 4:39 pm on the dot, to be exactly. Our space is freshly clean, the windows are open, I’m still warm from a relaxing shower and I’m laying on our couch in the coziest of cottons. Relaxing Spanish Guitar is on the Sonos (a staple sound in our house), my favorite candle is burning (which I would link for you but it’s DISCONTINUED… maybe that makes me like it even more?), and there’s a loaf of Castelvetrano olive sourdough in the oven. Summer Friday’s are overrated - I’ll take a Spring Friday any which way! Since it’s pre-weekend, let’s get into the Friday recap and what we have planned for the Weekend…
Today was truly lovely. It was an errands day through and through, which is my perfect way to spend my Friday. I had a leisurely morning and headed out to grab a coffee around 10:30 am. After coffee, I headed over to Saie Beauty’s pop-up at Doma Cafe — aka, Cafe Saie. Talk about a knock out of the park in the branding department! After that, I made my way to the Merchandise Mart to pick up something for a client. I always love going there — it makes me feel… professional? But still artsy. I headed home and regrouped before heading to Lincoln Park for a laser appointment and some shopping. It was such a beautiful day that I decided to walk back home rather than grabbing an Uber, and I’m so glad I did it! I got home, cleaned our space, did a bit of work, and now I’m here. TBH, I’m pretty wiped out — it’s been a very go-go day! Tonight, we are chilling. The dinner menu? Ribeye, our olive loaf (crispy, with butter), broccolini, and sautéed spinach. Buon Appetito! Post dins, our plan is to finish The Idea of You on Prime - I read the book and I actually like the movie better than the book so far. Also, Anne Hathaway? She’s aged like a fine wine.
Tomorrow morning, I’m heading to the farmer’s market early to film some content for a client. I’ll also grab groceries and spend the late morning hours in the kitchen cleaning & prepping. After that, no agenda. Think: walks, reading, and perhaps a dinner at Bavette’s. Sunday we plan to have a sleep in and go for a long walk before heading to Naperville for the evening and first part of the week. I hope you had a truly lovely spring weekend! Enjoy the newsletter & the rest of your Sunday, Xx.
P.S. — A special shoutout to my phenomenal mother today (who reads, and responds via email, to every single one of these letters). Thinking about the profound impact that you, mom, have made on my life (and the lives of… literally everyone you meet) brings tears to my eyes. You are a very special soul and I think my lucky stars every damn day that I get to be your daughter…
In the age of social media, I’ve been reminded even more lately: privacy is hot.
Le Bon Shoppe Claire Cotton Sweater: I’m team cottons & linens for the warm months, and I love a sweater tank moment (though for those, I usually opt-in for cashmere). This one from Le Bon is truly lovely. It’s luxe yet lightweight. It’s heavy yet feminine. The best part? LBS just knocks it out of the park in terms of wearability. I find myself reaching for their pieces time and time again, and they make getting dressed effortless.
Lack of Color Vista Sun Hat: One thing about me is that I hate the sun. Always have, always will. I love to be outside, but I prefer to do it while covered and protected. I am not team botox or filler for young 20-somethings, especially not to fight aging. I am, however, team GTFOTS (Get the Fuck Out of the Sun). I’m not drawn to this particular hat as much for the fashion as the practicality. It’s wide brimmed so it not only protects your face but also your décolletage from the sun. Further, the tie part ensures it stays on in the windy city!
RLT Ribbed Tee Shirt: This is officially the best fitted tee shirt out there (I stand by Shon Mott for a more oversized look). I honestly can’t put into words how perfect it is. TBH, in other fitted white tees, I feel like a little boy. Not in this one. I feel feminine and cool girl yet refined. A closet staple!
MUTHA Body Scrub: I love an exfoliant, and this one is truly lovely. It has the perfect consistency and a lovely subtle scent. Decadence in a tub. In general, I highly recommend finding a scrub you love — it will take your everything shower to new heights!
FROM MY KITCHEN
5 Ingredient Granola Bars (Plus, they’re no-bake!)
I’m a dessert girl through and through, but we can get more specific than that. I’m a Bread Garden Granola Bar girl through and through. If you know me, you know I keep a back stock of these girly pops in my freezer. If you don’t, let me clue you in. The Bread Garden Market in Iowa City has the most perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. They are sweet, nutty, rich, and chewy. They are an every night kind of thing for me. I’ve been trying to remake these GBs for a while now, and I haven’t hit a home run… until now. This recipe has proved that, yet again, simple is best.
What You’ll Need:
2 3/4 Cup Oats (I like these ones)
1 Cup PB (Costco has the best one), melted with 1/2 cup raw honey (local is best!)
As many chocolate chips as you want. If it’s up to Blake, it’s these. If it’s up to me, it’s these.
What You’ll Do:
Mix it & press it into a baking dish. Refridgerate for an hour or more and enjoy!
WELLNESS HACK
Mouth Tape. I know, I know. I thought it was a scam too — but then I did it. And I am obsessed. I’ve been sleeping better than ever and waking up less and less throughout the night. Plus, it’s crazy good for you (and very highly researched). I’m not usually one for wellness trends — I believe consistency is the key and I try not to get too complicated with things. BUT, this is really good. Trust!
CURRENTLY READING
None of This Is True: Lisa Jewell
I about 10% in, and I’m already hooked! I highly recommend this thriller — I haven’t been this into a book in a while!
Also, does anyone else feel like they are unimpressed by 99% of the books they read? I feel like I’ve been a reader for a while now, so I’ve already worked my way through most of the popular books. If you have books that you thought knocked it out of the park, PLEASE send them my way!!
THAT'S ALL FOR THIS TIME...
For your planner:
I’ll see you again here in two weeks
I upload on YouTube twice a week
and Tik Tok a couple of times per week
I completely value each of you. If you want to hang out more, check out my Youtube channel, Instagram, Tik Tok and website!
THANK YOU for your support – I appreciate and value each and every one of you. If you need anything at all, please reach out!
Sending peace & joy your way!
XX-
MGM