Spring Microjoys.
Wonderful little things, everything I read last month, the strange but satisfying beauty treatment I had this week.
Hello, hello… how was your week?
I wrote this newsletter mostly in advance as
is visiting. I planned a lot of fun things for her trip. A book event with Ruth Reichl, a walking tour with my friend Tyler (her Charleston tours are the greatest), some fun dinners, porch Mahjong today, and of course.. we had to watch The Idea of You together! (I’ll share my thoughts on that in tomorrow’s group text).This week was a good one. The weirdest thing from the week is that I had my nose waxed. Like, the inside. I didn’t know that was a thing but honestly? It was awesome. I had a facial with Anna Brigid (I highly recommend her if you are local to CHS) and she asked if I wanted “maintenance.” This includes brow shaping + tint, a lash tint, derma planing (my FAV), and… a nose wax. Ever the beauty adventurist I said yes to everything.
I’m not suggesting you do it (It did hurt! Everyone has different feelings about body hair removal - do you!) but it was quite satisfying. I could write an entire post about stray hairs. Let’s just say I am at the age where I keep tweezers in my purse and in my entryway… all it takes is for the light to change and boom: I notice a new chin hair, upper lip whisker, etc.!
You just have to laugh about it… getting older is better than the alternative!
Today I thought it would be fun to talk microjoys. If you’re not familiar with the word, it’s those small things that are actually pretty significant. Another good word is glimmer. These things became especially significant to me during the pandemic, but appreciating the little things is something I’ve continued to do.
Here are some of mine… if you feel like it, share yours in the comments!
That early spring weather, where it is not yet hot but you don’t need a jacket. The air just feels wonderful and neutral? Neutral air temps are highly underrated.
Early in the morning Tyrion sometimes thinks I’m dead and comes over and tickles my face with his whiskers. It’s the cutest wakeup.
When I give someone a book (especially my mom), and they gush to me about how much they loved it.
My weekend favorite thing. Work out, take long shower. Moisturize and then get back into bed wearing towel. Read. Maybe a nap. So indulgent!
That first sip of coffee. Also: that first bite of dessert! (For me, dessert is diminishing returns. It’s never as good as that first bite).
(Always) using the fancy stuff. I eat my morning cottage cheese with a beautiful silver spoon, I burn my nice candles even if it’s just me… etc. etc.
Taking the time to put a slice of lemon in my water. I can be lazy about this which is silly. The minute it takes to slice up a lemon is the most worthwhile thing - it makes water so much more luxurious?
On The Stripe (my blog!) this week.
We started out the week with a collaboration with Vrbo. All the details on an upcoming trip and how I prefer to travel with girlfriends!
Everything I read last month! It was a very good month for books.
A big spring beauty refresh. Carly and I are each sharing some favorites. All the best new stuff we’ve each tried!
This Week in Reading:
I finished Emily Henry’s newest (Funny Story) and it was EXCELLENT! I can’t recommend it enough. Like a warm hug. I have a book hangover now that it is done. This one was up there with Book Lovers for me!
On audio, I finished Emma Lovewell’s book Live Learn Love Well. It was a fun, easy listen. I didn’t have any major takeaways from it but she is a great story teller; loved learning more about her life.
Next up was Come & Get it by Kiley Reid. I really liked this and I wasn’t sure if I would (I’d heard from friends that it’s more character driven than plot driven and you know how I feel about that). The characters were just so endearing (despite making life altering mistakes).
Now, I’m reading Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis. I loved this author’s last book (The Chateau) and I’m enjoying this one so far. It’s a destination thriller (I just made that term up but it’s a new favorite genre?) set on the glamorous Orient Express in Italy.
One of my microjoys is a fresh pedicure!
✨Introducing people who should know each other
✨ Fresh sheets and fresh towels on the same day
✨Listening to the owl outside our window with my husband
✨ The colors of sherbet
✨ How efficient my little whisker is