It’s been a while since my last 10 Things post! This is basically just an old-school blog catch-up where I share the first ten things that come to mind in a stream-of-consciousness style. Ready, set, go!
ONE // New Branding
I’ve been working with an incredible designer on a full rebrand. You guys. We’ve been at this for months, and we’re getting so close to the big reveal. I’m holding off until the website development is fully aligned, but I am giddy. It’s really, really good. I think you’re going to be obsessed. I truly cannot wait to share it!
It’s been a major investment (and a long time coming), but everything is getting a fresh overhaul, and I’m so excited to have design that finally feels like me. Hopefully the grand reveal isn’t too far off.
TWO // Summer Vibes
This has felt like the fastest summer of my life. February dragged on for 76 days, and somehow June flew by in 12? I think it’s because we’ve been fully embracing the summer vibes: adventures, slow weekends, special treats, sprinklers in the yard. We’re aiming for a “90s summer,” and I think we’re actually doing it. Even with the extreme heat, our basement playroom has barely been touched… we’ve been outside constantly and loving it.
I’m also super grateful for the flexibility to lean into a slower work schedule. The boys and I are making the most of it, and I’m not taking a single second for granted.
THREE // Friendships
One unexpected joy this year has been deepening friendships, both new and old. Friendships naturally evolve, especially as people move or go down different paths at different paces. I was thinking about this a lot while we were on Nantucket. We spent so much time with my best friend from college (Little V, if you’ve been around here a while!) and her brother and sister-in-law, Megs. I used to think they were so cool back in college, and now we’re all friends and our kids are friends. It’s that wonderful kind of easy friendship that takes no effort at all.
My best friend of 30+ years Nicole came over from the Cape and stayed with us for a couple of days. I taught her, Victoria, and Megs how to play mahjong, and I remember just sitting there feeling so content and so happy that we were all together.
And speaking of mahjong, I’ve met some wonderful new friends through lessons and local events. We’ve had a blast getting together to play… everyone has different jobs and lives, and probably never would’ve crossed paths if not for mahjong. It’s been such a gift.
FOUR // SSRI
I’d been thinking about starting an SSRI for a while and finally talked to my doctor and decided to go for it. The transition was a little rocky– not fun when you have anxiety about anxiety medication– but I stuck with it, and now I feel real relief. This isn’t my first try over the years, but it’s the best fit so far, and I’m hopeful.
FIVE // Reading Era
I love a good hobby, but there are only so many hours in the day. And I definitely find myself rotating through hobbies depending on my mood or the season. Right now? I’m in full reading mode. I can’t get enough books. My TBR list just keeps growing. I’m still needlepointing here and there, but if I have 45 minutes of downtime, I’m reaching for my book. I haven’t even been listening to podcasts lately because I keep finding audiobooks I can’t “put down.”
Sometimes I feel a little guilty, like I should be balancing all my hobbies equally, but the truth is: I just want to do whatever I’m in the mood for. Maybe it’s sewing. Maybe it’s needlepoint. Or maybe it’s curling up with a book. That’s the joy of hobbies, right?
SIX // My Perfect No-Kids Weekend
A few weeks ago, Mike took the boys down the shore with his family, and I stayed home. It was the first time in a while that I had the house to myself (well, with Teddy!), and I made the most of it. I went to the movies (I saw The Materialists) and got a giant soda and an even bigger bucket of popcorn. I deep-cleaned and organized every drawer, closet, and cabinet… including scrubbing the fridge shelves and reorganizing the pantry.
I binged all of season two of America’s Sweethearts while I needlepointed. I went to a birthday party for my friend Elsa and played mahjong all night. Every morning, I sat in bed with coffee and read It’s a Love Story. One of my friends texted about a sidewalk sale happening at a local store and I scooped up coffees for both of us and ran over. I took myself out to dinner at the new Eataly and read at the bar while enjoying a huge bowl of pasta. And I ended the weekend seeing John Proctor Is the Villain in the city. It was so powerful, I sobbed the whole way home.
It. Was. Perfect. My cup was overflowing.
SEVEN // Dazzle Dry
I loved Dazzle Dry the first time I tried it and even bought the at-home set, but no nearby salons offered it… until recently! My favorite nail salon finally started carrying it, and I’m thrilled. It lasts so much longer. I’m currently skipping polish on my fingernails and embracing the short/bare look, but I still get pedicures. Dazzle Dry is better for your nails than gel and lasts longer than regular polish—even with beach and pond visits nearly every day, my last pedi lasted over a month. No chips at all—just had to redo it because my nails had grown out so much.
EIGHT // A New Car
Next month marks ten years with my trusty Subaru. I love this car so much, and every time I think about getting a new one, I chicken out because I can’t imagine not driving my Subie! It’s perfect for us 90% of the time—two kids and a small dog, it gets the job done.
That said… there are things I didn’t think about ten years ago. Like air vents in the back. Or automatic lights. Or maybe prioritizing CarPlay over a CD player
So now that we’re coming up on the 10-year mark, I think it might finally be time. I’m going to start test driving a few options and see how I feel!
NINE // New TV Shows?!
Do you guys have any show recommendations? I’ve started a few lately that sound interesting but then totally fizzle. I’m not even in the mood to rewatch old favorites! I’m open to movies, docuseries, dramas—whatever! I also think a good show could help with my little needlepoint rut. Drop your recs, I’m all ears!
TEN // Voice Notes
I used to hate voice notes and now can’t get enough of them. I love when my friends send long ones and I find myself taking notes to respond There’s nothing better than checking your phone and having six voice notes to listen to like a mini podcast… so much better than just a plain text!
