I used to film favorites videos every month. I don’t remember the last time I said, “welcome to the family”. I love sharing what I’ve stumbled upon that makes my life a little easier to live in this ever-changing, hyper-fast world; ‘Aimlessly urgent’ as Bo Burnham had described it. It’s been a bit since we’ve done a monthly favorite roundup over in this corner either- so we’re overdue here.
What I’m Listening to this month:
Classic + Symphony Orchestra (for creating)
I love painting strokes to strings. Something about it feels cinematic and it helps me get into the flow state. When I redo this room, I’d love it to be bright and flowy. I’ll probably limewash the brick paneling and add some texture with joint compound. I’ll hang sheer curtains up and let the wind take it from there.
I watched the Great Gatbsy the other day (one of my 10 purchased movies. Other notable mentions: Fantastic Mr. Fox, Chicago, Willy Wonka, Midnight in Paris). I knew I wanted flowy curtains in open spaces in the desert (with the caveat of 50mph winds in March and April). My whole face lit up like the I in the Pixar logo when I was reminded of this scene. This is the feeling I want in the painting studio:
What I’m Listening to (for writing, working, etc.)
This feels like a mix of lo-fi and Ratatat for me. Easy, upbeat, and chill, perfect for getting into a flow without being distracted by too many lyrics or sonic changes. It’s been on repeat through this entry, designing on photoshop, or writing in a journal.
My favorite home purchases of June:
This is a corner of the breezeway in the desert where I spend almost every morning writing in a journal. Post therapy downloads, slow morning breakfasts, and mid-day breaks have become a sanctuary because of this hammock and stand. Day by day, this place becomes more and more of a safe haven for healing. I’ll continue to update with anything I find that could help you also create a safe space (especially with the external world right now. Anything that aids in regulating our nervous system and keeping us taken care of, I’m gonna link in this corner)
Before I got wildly sick a few weeks ago, I haven’t used a humidifier since I was probably 5 with bronchitis. I never really put too much thought into it, but I’ve been reading a bit about improving sleep hygiene and this is a small touch that really does make me feel *luxe* in all of the right ways. I’ve seen a lot of extra steps on tiktok from silk sleep masks to mouth tape, and maybe we’ll get that far, maybe we won’t, but I will say I don’t go to bed now without filling up this humidifier- especially out in the desert.
My new favorite makeup products:
Anastasia Brow Freeze Gel + Eyebrow Brush
Thick and fluffy brows make my face look alive without doing anything extra. I love the idea of enhancing the natural, and this is the best brow gel I’ve used so far. I’ve tried a few different options from specific brow holding products to gen-z tiktok trends and this is now my go-to option:
About Face Highlighter in color ‘Shaken or Stirred’
Piggybacking onto my affinity for a natural look, this liquid highlighter is the subtle sun-kissed glow I’ve been wanting. I impulse bought a powder highlighter from Marshalls and it’s so bright it looks like a traffic reflector when the sun hits my cheeks. This About Face highlighter blends with my skin tone and has that effortless dewy pop that would put a finishing touch on a bare face.
What I’m audio-booking:
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
I originally stumbled upon Brianna Wiest’s work on Instagram from a friend of mine who would repost her writing on his story.
Credit @briannawiest
I loved everything she wrote about, it all felt so timely in the restructuring of my life after burnout. I have to listen to it in sections because it is chock-full of insights that need a bit to marinate. I’ll honestly probably listen to it a second time, or read the physical copy at some point to make sure it lands as much as it has the potential to do so.
Okay your turn!
What did you find yourself being compelled to this month?
What have you rediscovered or stumbled upon that you want other people to know about?
Talk so soon,
xM
A new friend I made has inspired me to do better lately. She motivates me to eat healthier, listen to new music, talk out my thoughts and feelings more. She also tells it like it is when I’m not doing my best at decision making.
All this to say, she’s inspired me to get out and spend time on my own. So, I’ve been trying to do that lately. I get in my car and go watch the sunset, and even started reading this book: “Single. On Purpose.” by John Kim— after reading the Daily Stoic page of the day.
My first sunset viewing spot was okay, but because I was going through something, I let a stranger show me to a much nicer viewing point nearby— probably the one time trusting a stranger actually worked out. Now I go watch the sunset at this particular spot almost every day. Continue reading my books while doing so, and just.. take it all in.
I want to share that I did a lot of changes in my life, obviously nothings is a 100% great, yesterday one of my dogs passed away, I didn't spent a lot of time with him and I am nothing but sad, but I noticed that apart from that, I have been doing a lot of self care, taking long baths, practicing Taekwondo, doing a lot of exercise, eating more healthy, doing my homework, listening to audiobooks, and im so proud of myself, if anyone read this, just know that if u feel the wish for something new, go for it, try many things as u need, till you get it. 💞