Listening to: “Dealer” by Lana Del Rey. This was one of the cooler songs off her 2021 album Blue Banisters. One of my favorite things to learn about someone is their favorite Lana song so please let me know in the comments, if you feel so inclined. I’m partial to “Cruel World” and “Mariners Apartment Complex.”
Currently Watching: Game of Thrones. I rejected it for a long time to be contrarian but wow, this is bringing me Sopranos-level joy. It’s also sparking some weird medieval cosplay curiosity because like, men just don’t kill your murderous brother by pouring molten gold over his head like they used to.
Just Started: Oil pulling. If you’re not familiar with the Ayurvedic practice, this article offers cursory insight. I’ve wanted to start oil pulling for a while, but between my Invisalign maintenance and the usual brushing, flossing, and mouth-washing, adding more oral care was never high priority. But wow, I really love this? My mouth feels cleaner and the ritual is relaxing. I think it’s worth noting that engaging in the long-standing wellness practices of Indian culture (and other non-Western traditions) should be done mindfully and respectfully.
Trend Alert: We’re going to see a LOT of these this spring/summer.
They’re a knock-off of the Paris Texas “Malena” sandal, which I suspect most shoppers won’t even know. It’s exactly what happened with all the Bottega shoes over the last two years. Honestly, I saw a Paris Texas dupe weeks ago on Ali Express and considered buying them. No reason to invest hundreds into a trend (though, I think a metallic platform can always be cool). Nonetheless, it made me contemplate how everything trendy and affordable is a luxury knock-off. How do we decide what’s worth our money? What’s truly evergreen? I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t want a closet of strictly good basics and neutrals. I don’t have that French girl inclination toward simple jeans, a good blazer, and Chanel flats, though I appreciate timelessness and dress simply often enough. I want a wardrobe as eclectic as my personality, but it’s tricky to build that without falling into trends. Anyway, I’m going to try and share more tips on honing your style, knowing when to splurge or save, etc. And if you want some killer platforms at a price point somewhere between ASOS and Paris Texas, just hop on The Real Real for some Jimmy Choos.
Thinking: About health shame, something I didn’t understand so acutely until I came down with COVID for the second time this week. I posted to my Instagram story about it and all these strangers messaged me alarmed, asking what I did and where I was and other private details that allude to error of lifestyle, as if I’m wrong for attending a vaccine-required concert, as if it’s my fault for having sleep problems that affect my immune system.
The pandemic has dehumanized our perception of others’ well-being. Like damn, can I get a sincere “hope you feel better!” before the interrogation? I actually cried during work yesterday. I was sad that I felt the need to work while my head was pounding because I was ashamed of having COVID again, and that it was affecting me so badly even though I have three shots that are supposed to soften the blow. This is part of life now, like the cold or flu, and there I was berating myself for not evading infection.
Last night, for the third time since getting sick, I did not sleep a wink. I spilt wine all over my floor chugging from the bottle at 3 AM trying to knock myself out. Drinking alcohol while I’m sick, compromising my immune system even further, desperate for even an hour’s sleep. Chronic sleep problems are one of those things people have little sympathy for because nursing mothers sleep two hours a night! Or resident doctors don’t sleep period! I will always be a sleep evangelist and my heart aches for anyone who, too, battles insomnia. Ok, that was miserable. Moving right along…
Excited for: Our roommate is moving out this week (Alex, we will miss you) and Andrew and I will be doing a lot of redecorating. For months now, we’ve been working from home in the same room. It’s a nice testament to our relationship that we’ve been more than happy with that arrangement, but we’re looking forward to independent spaces. So, he can take his gaming PC and framed Aime Leon Dore poster downstairs and enjoy his basement-dwelling incel era while I turn this nice, bright room into a GIRLS ONLY sanctuary of hair-braiding and hot gossip. I am historically bad at decorating, so feel free to send tips and inspo! My desk is black and I think I’m getting a black faux leather couch, so I want to get color from wall art, a rug, and plants.
ICYMI: The second edition of my advice column, Bootleg Therapy. For March, we had a submission whose boyfriend went from sweet to sour within two months of dating. Another who’s seeking self-confidence at 23 after years of being put down. Check it out, and don’t forget to submit anonymously to brokebutmoisturized.com for a chance to be featured!
Insomnia… I had babies and have worked crazy hours and still, I am at a new stage of little sleep. It stinks any way you slice it. I’m sorry you’re going through that. And with health shame and no rest on top of it while having to go to work? That’s the pits.