Monday Memo No. 112
Here’s to a smart, practical, and less-stressful (fingers crossed) 2021.
Government For Grownups: Sharon McMahon On Instagram
As we all know, the past week has been another devastating one here in the United States. We saw senseless violence, the desecration of a sacred American institution, an assault on democracy, abject bigotry, anti-semitism, loss of life, and so much more. One spectacular resource in understanding everything going on is @sharonsaysso on instagram. Sharon McMahon is a talented and hugely knowledgable former Government studies teacher who has recently gone viral due to her excellent ability to provide non-partisan, easily-digestible and highly-engaging information about our democracy in her instagram stories. She is excellent at simplifying the complex when it comes to breaking down political headlines and answering questions about American government. I highly recommend following her.
Ornate Gold Mirror
I’ve received more than a few questions about the gold mirror you’ve seen in my instastories. This is it! THIS IS MY GOLD MIRROR. Sometimes it’s like you guys just want to hang out with my decor and not me. You’re right though, the mirror is a beauty. It’s a dressing mirror that I found online many moons ago and thankfully, it’s still available AND on sale at the moment…
Gel Polish Removal Clips
We’ve all had to make some adjustments to our beauty routines over the last year, but I’ve actually been a fan of doing my own gel manicures for quite a while. Perhaps you’ve seen my tutorial on Memorandum or IGTV? It’s an excellent (and socially distant!) way to keep your nails looking stunning, regardless of your access to a salon. HOWEVER, taking off gel manicures can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid damaging your nail beds which can be caused by peeling off polish or using harsh scraping techniques. That’s why I love these gel polish removal clips that allow you to keep remover-soaked cotton in place while you’re soaking the polish off. Keeping everything steady maximizes your time and the effectiveness of your removal methods. So smart. For more step-by-step information and all of the other tools I use to achieve a professional gel manicure at home, read the full post here.
Jamie Beck Phone Cases
Listen, a phone upgrade for me was LONG overdue, but I’m so glad I finally got around to it, because I was able to purchase this new case which gives me the chance to support one of my favorite artists while also having… A STUNNING PHONE, HELLO. Check out all of Jamie Beck’s breathtaking designs and resist the temptation to buy seven and switch them out every day. Or don’t.
Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (at least my dad still says that) but somehow it’s also the easiest meal to phone in. In recent months, a little advanced planning has taken our breakfast a lot further. One extremely easy way to give yourself a delicious boost of nutrition every morning is baked oatmeal. Done in a casserole dish (or muffin tin for individual servings!) and with literally endless flavor variations, baked oatmeal is super easy to throw together and reheat for many mornings afterwards. I love eating it with greek yogurt.
Top 15-Minute Workouts on YouTube
You know what I did NOT get for Christmas? Three extra hours in every day. Rude, Santa. Since we’re all still managing families, chores, jobs, pets, and LIVES within a 24-hour timeframe, 15-minute workouts are an efficient way to move your body for the sake of your physical and mental health each day. This is a great list of favorite workouts you can work through like a playlist, if you like! It includes workouts for all levels of experience so no need to worry if you’re a beginner.
Chic, Classic Blazers
Of course I’m talking about blazers. At any given time I’m discussing blazers, Shake Shack, or Celine Dion, this is my truth. At the moment, this one and this one are frontrunners for my next blazer purchases, and when it comes to 2021 clothing investments, they’re always a smart move. Whether you’re throwing one on so no one on the other end of the Zoom meeting can see the coffee stain you noticed 30 seconds ago, OR composing something resembling a real outfit for later in the post-Covid age, you’ll get endless wear out of these stunners. I also love that both blazers prove you don’t have to focus on black or grey.
Wake Up Light
Better sleep and less-jarring waking experiences are definitely on my list for 2021. You’ve definitely heard of these genius wake up lights that help you wake gently and more naturally by mimicking the sunrise. They’ve grown in popularity so much that the design options have really blossomed in addition to the functionality. I also love the design of this one! It looks a little more like part of your decor and less a “sleep device” that cramps your style.
Cooking For Two Cookbook
Anyone need a gift for newlyweds? This one’s perfect and also lasting. Discovering new recipes as a couple is always fun, however, it can often be a challenge to find recipes with small enough portions for people who aren’t looking to feed a family of six. This Cooking For Two Cookbook is a great resource because it contains over 650 recipes and everything is portioned for two people so that you’re not wasting lots of food. Also, you cannot beat these ratings for a cookbook—I’m sold.
AirPod Add-Ons
If your AirPods fall out of your head when you’re working out or just… working, these are for you. These affordable little slip-on AirPod solutions secure your AirPods in place so you can stop stressing about one of them falling out the moment you walk over a subway grating. (Literally my biggest fear.)
Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Given that we’re in a new house, my search history is quite decor focused these days. One thing I’ve stumbled upon that I knew this audience would also love is peel-and-stick wallpaper in a style that’s absolutely stunning. This is ideal for anyone who is intimidated by wallpaper’s cost and installation, but still loves the look of it. I wish I knew about this stuff when I was renting apartments in NYC! This wallpaper is removable, so even if you change your mind about it later, you don’t have to worry. I am currently dreaming of an accent wall in this gorgeous style!
Anti-Fog Spray
To all my glasses-wearing readers: it’s going to be okay. You don’t have to live life in a constant fog. Mask-wearing can cause glasses and sunglasses to fog up constantly, but there’s a solution for this stressful situation. This anti-fog spray has over 32 THOUSAND ratings, no doubt getting PLENTY of use in 2020 and, it seems, well into 2021. Apply this spray before you leave the house and stop wiping down your lenses every ten seconds. Whew.
Fair Isle Base Layer Coordinates
While I’ll have to wait until next ski season to wear these incredibly chic and functional base layer coordinates, I most certainly don’t mind wearing them around the house or by the fire on cold weekends. This matching bottom and top set is one of the most stylish ski options I’ve seen. Both are sweat-wicking and quick-drying, so they’re perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities in winter!
Uncommon Goods Birthday Gifts
True to their name, Uncommon Goods is a destination for thoughtful and unique gifts you can’t find anywhere else—often with customizable options available! If you have a lot of people who are tough to shop for literally every time they have a birthday, this is the site for you. But more specifically, check out their curated list of totally unique and personalized birthday gifts here. There are FAR too many amazing gifts to list, but my current favorites include these birthstone stemless wine glasses and this New York Times custom front page puzzle. You can choose any date that’s meaningful to you and have it puzzle-d as a sweet and special gift!
West Elm Drink Table
It’s an unfortunate fact of furniture: When you’re reclining in a cozy chair, it’s annoying to try to reach the coffee table that’s typically situated at the far end of your feet. It’s just the way things are, let’s not fight it, let’s just buy gorgeous solution-focused furniture. Case in point is this stunning drink table, a small, chic little addition to the side of our recliner that makes it FAR easier for me to take a sip of water while I’m watching Netflix without making a whole production of the activity. Especially as I move further and further along in my pregnancy, convenience and you know, not having to actually MOVE, sound like good ideas to me.
One response to “Monday Memo No. 112”
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thanks Mary! Appreciate the Instagram link to Sharon! and love the NYT puzzle idea!
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