notes on april
lots of reading, lots of cooking, lots of finding myself again
They weren’t kidding about the way time moves faster the older you get. April went something like this:
aaaaappppppril
I swear it drug out at the start (in a good way) then the second half happened all in two days. But here we are in a new month and so many new opportunities.
books from april:
Finished:
- Tower of Dawn (reread)
I think I may have loved (and appreciated this even more the second time around. I did the tandem read the first time and I think I was eager to get through this to get on with the story. This time, reading it alone, I was much more into the story and the little details. I also love reading SJM books a second time through for all the little details previously overlooked to now connect.
- Your Next Five Moves
Entrepreneur or not, every 20 something absolutely needs to read this. I think the overall messages given are so important, and can be applied to life itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and glad I picked this time in my life to read it.
Current Reads:
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
- Salt by Mark Kurlansky
- Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
- The Language of Food by Dan Jurafsky
May TBR:
- Driven by Susie Wolff
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (for Martina’s bookclub!!)
My fable has all my reads and you can find more of my book recs on rhome
watched:
- Peaky Blinders (Season 4)
My boyfriend and I have been watching this together for about a year now whenever we’re together and we’ve finally made it nearly to the end of season 4 (one episode left). I LOVE this show and am eager to finish to watch the movie, but also don’t want it to end.
- Euphoria (Season 3)
I started watching this show the summer before my first year of Uni so of course I was excited for a new season to come out! I’ve seen some mixed reviews, but I am really loving it so far. I think it did start a little slow, but it seems to be picking up steam and suspense. I do miss Labrinth in it though — it really made the show.
Listening
TTPD
My Running Playlist
Recommending
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
It’s the perfect light weight coverage for warmer weather and bonus! it also doubles as SPF for daily wear
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
It is (un)fortunately absolutely worth the hype for me. My lips are always so dry, and this has been a life-saver
Auden Short-Sleeve PJ Set
I’ve worn these to bed nearly every single night for the past month or so. They’re so soft, and light making them incredibly comfortable to sleep in (and cute!)
making your favorite things at home
I have been on a home-chef kick, and I am here to remind you: it is much easier than you think to make things yourself. (Much to 6-year-old me’s dismay, I have in fact become a “we have that at home” household) This month my favorites were sourdough, bread & butter pickles, chimichurri, and Claire Dinhut’s Candied jalapeños
doing one hard thing each month
At the beginning of this year, I decided to challenge myself (and you!) to do one hard thing each month. Now 1/3 of the year behind me, I can saw this has completely rewired my mindset, and I feel so much more myself, driven, and motivated. It has been small things, like making my bed daily, and harder things, like my current 75 Hard, but no matter what the monthly challenge has been, completing each month brings so much pride and accomplishment
knowing your limits
April was supposed to be my return to races after taking nearly a year off due to burnout. A half-marathon was the goal, and I was determined this would be a new PR. I think a younger, more stubborn version of me would’ve went for the half still, but who I am today made the hard choice to listen to where my body was at. After a nagging flare-up at the beginning of April, I was uncertain if finishing the half was feasible, so a couple days before I pulled myself and re-entered in for the quarter. It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had running with no looming goal times, and a quicker race. And no pain afterwards. There’s a time & place to push yourself, and there’s a time & place to back off — knowing when is crucial to success
May Snail Mail!
May’s theme is “Saturdays & the City” inspired by the opportunities and thrills present in cities as the warmer weather starts to come in and life comes back to the city. This bundles holds a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to share it with you.
Included:
Mini-Essay/Letter
written specifically for this bundle & not posted anywhere else
Watercolor Art Print Postcard
Sticker Sheet
first time I’ve done a sticker sheet and had so much fun drawing the stickers!
Mini print photograph
TWO playlists
Scratch-off reveal “blind” solo date
Journal Prompts
Handwritten Note
Journaling Items
Cutting of The New York Times
Cherry Blossom Pink Paper
All bundles will be mailed no later than May 9th via snail mail :)
As I get ready to move soon, May and June will indefinitely be the last two bundles of my mail club. This also means there will be no restocks of these once they sell out
Reviews:
“amazing! so much thought and time and effort has been put into these and everything is just 10/10. i would highly recommend cant wait for next month!!”
“I was really looking forward to my snail mail and it did not disappoint. Gorgeous picture and journaling prompts, the attention to detail with all the little bits wrapped up was a joy to open thank you”
“I look forward to each one! It feels like a cute gift sent from a penpal!”
launching another newsletter!
As you may or may not know, my educational background and honestly on of my deepest interest is International Relations and Affairs. I have been craving getting back into the field, and also writing more academic/educational pieces. Pairing this with my long-standing desire to have a travel blog, I have decided to launch a newsletter that is the intersection of the two. My hope is to bring you informational pieces, discussions, and travel guides.
Meet my new passion project:
Lines of Place - Exploring the world through travel, geopolitics, and lived experience
The first post will be up soon! Keep your eyes peeled :)
April was really a month of getting back to myself and enjoying the things I love again. I’ve spent much less time on my phone, and much more time out of my head and into my body. Movement, fueling (both mind and nutritional), and intentionality drove much of my life and decisions throughout April — it’s something I’d much like to continue in May (and the rest of the year).
THANK YOU for reading, you all bring some much light to my days and let me find passion and purpose in my life.
follow me on rhome for long form recommendations
join the snail mail club
Absolutely love love love Ninth House I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it
This is literally the best idea ever, it’s like a little monthly wrapped of your life. Can I steal it?