If you've followed me since my blogging days (YEARS ago, kudos to you if you're still here, and thank you!), you'll know I used to have a series called THE WEEKLY where I share what I'm loving in the previous week. We’re getting *specific.* What I’m obsessing over can range from a mental space, to a product, to a person, to a place, etc.
I’m so happy to return to my roots for this series! Subscribe so you don’t miss a Monday.
Chicago
Why didn’t anyone tell me Chicago was the small-town-feel, big-city of my dreams? If you’re looking for somewhere exciting to spend your twenties, but find a city like NYC slightly too chaotic, Chicago seems like a beautiful place to do so. Given, you’d have to deal with Midwestern winters (which are the exact reason I didn’t spend my twenties in a cold-weather town… I simply can’t hang), but if you’re OK with freezing temps for a few months, this city could be for you. At the very least, schedule a little girls’ trip ASAP (I know I am).
Dose for your liver
I’ve spent the last few years unintentionally beating up my liver, given my affinity for tequila shots, extra dirty martinis, red wine and *crisp* cold beer in the stands of a baseball game. I figured, at the ripe age of 30, it’s probably time to pay attention to the damage done by younger me. Dose is a clinically-studied wellness shot, shown to improve participants Liver Health Grade 4.5x more effectively than placebo (per their website). I’m starting to realize that your liver plays a large roll in everything from skin-health to hormone-health, so giving it some TLC is top of my healthy-lifestyle priority list as of late.
Desktop Computers
My new iMac is probably my favorite purchase of 2024 so far. I’ve recently completed my home office here in Milwaukee, which is absolutely necessary for my productivity as a compartmentalizing-queen. I simply cannot work effectively in my living room, in the dining room, in my bedroom, etc. I need a designated space in order to focus, it’s just the way I am. Now, I spend days locked away in my office, working on my desktop (the big screen is a game-changer for editing), with my favorite candle burning and a crime podcast playing on my Alexa.
Heatless Waves
It’s basically summer time, and for me, that means dialing back my skin, makeup & haircare routines. I’d like to say I live by the idea that “less is more,” but really, I’m just lazy. Learning to tame my natural waves hasn’t been the simple task I thought it’d be, however. Scrolling through TikTok tutorials, watching women use mousses and creams and gels and timed-out tactics to get the perfect beach waves has been more confusing than helpful. For my particular hair, it’s just too much. Enter: Oribe Heatless Styling Balm. Now, I did partner with Oribe for the launch of this product, and I realize that sponsored content can come off a bit icky, but this partnership was specifically seeded by ME. I’ve been looking for something like this all my life. I get the perfect beachy waves every time I use this product. Here’s how I use it. It’s specifically formulated for fine, wavy hair, so if that’s you, I highly recommend.
Ritz-Carlton Cookies
During my boyfriend’s team’s series against the Chicago Cubs, we spent a couple evenings cuddled up in bed at the Ritz Chicago, watching TikTok and eating half of the room service menu (its a hard life they lead in the major leagues). I literally gasped upon Ritz chocolate chip cookie consumption. Rarely do I think something so simple is done so well that it leaves a lasting impression on me. The chocolate chip cookies at the Ritz are simply divine (& yes, I did take a few home with me).
Butter Yellow Nails
The gworls know that butter yellow is THE color of the Summer. Pantone who? I don’t care what they say. It’s butter yellow for me. I keep returning to this nail color (I believe the gel polish I have on now is Bee-hind The Scenes by OPI) because its nearly-neutral with a summer-forward pep in its step. I know it's good because the girlies out and about are always complimenting my summer mani.
Switching to Decaf
Not all the time! But, I’ve been trying to cut back on caffeine consumption as of late. Most of the time, I really don’t need the extra anxiety, but I do love the ritual of a morning walk to get coffee (or the process of making a cup at home). I’m switching out my normal latte or large cup of coffee for a decaf cafe au lait, and I will say my mornings feel much more relaxed.
Skims Restock (or Upgrade)
Sometimes you just gotta throw out your dusty old undies and do a huge re-stock. There’s something about a fresh order of thongs, bras, and lounge basics that makes me feel extra clean. Some of my favorites from my recent over-order are the wireless form bra, the fits everybody thong, the most comfy cotton fleece hoodie, & these cotton jersey pants I can’t stop wearing.
Post Malone
I know this seems like a random addition to THE WEEKLY, but I cannot get over how talented Post Malone is. Ok!! I can’t!! I had the pleasure of seeing Posty live in concert years ago, upon which I discovered he sounds better live than he does on Spotify. And how often can we say that about artists? Fast forward a few years, to last month’s Stagecoach Festival, to his solo performance, and surprise duo with Morgan Wallen, and I’m still such a huge fan. Post Malone’s foray into country music just feels right. Also, he’s a Texan. Call me biased, but I think that adds a level of cool that pushes him over the edge.
Song to listen to: Feeling Whitney, by Post Malone
CLEARSTEM Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker
I’ve just about had it with my adult acne and have recently decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH. My hormonal breakouts in conjunction with the need to incorporate anti-aging products into my routine has left me overwhelmed, confused, and spending money on products I’ve seen mentioned on TikTok to no avail. Last week, I had the founders of CLEARSTEM skincare on Note to Self to pick their brain about all things healthy skin. After listening to an episode they did on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast years ago, I knew they were the people to connect with to discuss. In the last few weeks, I’ve gone from using just a couple CLEARSTEM products to using them nearly exclusively. I find myself checking their pore clogging ingredient checker as often as I check my Instagram app, tbh. It’s such a great tool if you’re experiencing breakouts, but don’t know what from! Also, if you’re interested in trying any CLEARSTEM products (I recommend the Hydraglow Moisturizer, Clearity Serum, Cell Renew Serum, the Gentle Cleanser, and the Hydraberry Mask), you can use code NOTETOSELF for 20% off. Also, listen to their episode on NTS for other tips & tricks for the healthiest skin of your life!
Some links in this post are affiliate links. I will make a small commission if items are purchased through these links, but please don’t feel obligated to use my specific links!