10 Things for April
deep red pops, a brighter eye, a fav matcha, topiaries at your door, plus more.
Dear Reader,
I write to you on a dreary Wednesday afternoon, but I’m wearing yellow. I’m also sitting in our yellow dining room, and I’m playing the song Yellow by Coldplay.
Not really a “yellow gal” per se, but it’s a cheery theme that seems to be a chosen necessity when days go gray.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is: so much that happens within our environment we cannot control, but other things, we can.
In some sense, I feel this idea of choosing brightness is a theme in my current life. Being in my third trimester, things feel different (to say the least). My body is on its own trajectory, and in some sense, it feels like I’ve buckled up for an unpredictable ride until it’s time to get off.
Many days, I wish I had more energy to inject into creative endeavors, but really, have only enough energy to keep up with my 21-month-old, our house projects, and this growing baby.
Here’s the thing though: I am okay with being tired, and I am okay with being unable to control the ebb and flow of life.
Deep down, I know each moment is temporary, and even when life feels a little off, there are things I can choose to do to fuel my mind, body, and spirit.
Uplifting aromas (I love citrus and basil), healing sound waves, nourishing foods, gentle exercises, calming baths, massage and acupressure, taking time offline, being with family…
…the color yellow.
There is always beauty and lightness to be found and injected into our day, regardless of what’s happening outside our control.
On that note, this week, we’ve chosen to go back to our happy place in Montecito, California. We stay in a sweet cottage surrounded by gardens, mountains, and ocean.
I swear, this place does wonders for my soul; it fuels me with bliss, abundance, life.
Whether it's a place you go, a routine you follow, or a color you wear, I hope you do choose things within your control that fuel you with bright energy.
xx Megan
CURRENT —
BOOK: Rose Tarlow’s Three Houses
LISTEN: Yellow, but also, this Walking Activation (have listened to this every morning on the treadmill).
AROMA: Taja’s “Basil Lime” — the best Spring scent! (Megan15)
RECIPE: One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (best banana bread recipe out there)
10 THINGS
WEARABLE
Cotton sweaters, boys and girls. I love a drop shoulder with a bit of texture. My latest favorite is this one by White + Warren (I got white and the pretty soft yellow — use MK20 for 20% off) and this one from Toteme. The former is a bit heavier/structured, where the latter is a blended fabric and drapes a bit more.
Ivory colors the the majority of my wardrobe in Spring/Summer, and I love to add a brick red accessory to add a bit of interest. I recently got The Row’s link sandal (a nice less expensive style here). Last year, my chosen deep reds were this necklace and this bag (okay, also this bag).
Perhaps I’m alone here, but I love wearing a bikini when pregnant (I feel so womanly)! Been into a simple bikini with modern lines, so I went for this simple but oh-so-chic option by Toteme. I love both the natural and black colorways.
BEAUTY
Sleepy eyes these days (pregnant mom with toddler problems), but this Instant Eye Lift makes me look like I rested the full recommended eight hours. Check out the video — such a crazy difference.
Goop finally restocked their Vitamin C. Truly the only Vit C I’ve noticed makes a visible difference (honestly gave away all my other Vit C when I got my new fix).
After your Vitamin C, put on some facial SPF. I’ve tried many; I like two: this tinted Color Science and these Boomeffects dew drops (both are mineral/non-chemical).
HOME
Long are the days when we had to go to plant nurseries to find desired plants. My local nursery didn’t have myrtle topiaries, so I got these live ones on Etsy delivered to my door (came in healthy, perfect condition).
Do you need a new vase for Spring floral? Longtime collector of Hein Studio vases. I love my Canyon so much, so I had to get the mini version.
WELLNESS
Been getting bi-weekly massages at home with my massage therapist, and started to incorporate these cups from Amazon. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve long loved a cupping massage — the suction from the cup breaks up the fascia and creates a lasting effect to your massage. Highly recommend.
In third trimester, I’ve had less taste for coffee (the acidity is too much), so I’ve enjoyed more of Kroma’s Beauty Matcha. I love it because it has collagen in it, so it’s slightly filling too. I use this frother to mix it with hot water, some almond milk, and honey. (If you prefer an iced matcha, simply use cool water instead and top with ice.)
I love this so much. A lovely reminder that at minimum we always have control to choose what we put our attention on. Also how are you already in your third trimester! I swear time is flying.