Welcome to ‘5 things’, a monthly round-up ‘sletter created with the purpose of hopefully introducing you to some cool new things. Whether newly discovered or tried and true—I share 5 things with you each month that really caught my attention.
July and August was filled with surprises. What I thought would be quite a chill and peaceful summer turned out to be lots of last minute projects, trips, and running around. NOT complaining, I couldn’t feel more grateful for everything I’ve been experiencing. However, I am starting to feel the effects of the timezone changes, late night editing, and just general lack of peace.
Every time life gets a little overwhelming, I deprioritize working out when I really should be doubling down on movement. It’s still, by far, the most effective stress-cycle closing activity for me yet it’s always the first to go when I’m looking at what to remove from my calendar. I have a few more weeks before I’m off to Europe for 3 weeks so here’s my public promise that I’m going to renew my agreement with myself to workout.
5 Things
My new stationary obsession. When I was Boston, I found a Top Drawer near my hotel. The first time I've been in a Top Drawer was in San Francisco and I fell in LOVE with the store. It's a stationary and odd goods store, I'm a stationary and odd goods lover... it was meant to be.
I ended up finally purchasing a fountain pen after wanting one my whole life. But the other thing I discovered was the Paper Republic notebook systems. Beautiful vegetable-tanned, Italian leather covers, high quality paper notebook inserts, and customizable colors...it couldn't be more perfect.
Will I still get a Louise Carmen notebook whenever I finally visit Paris? Probably. But this is my entry into my life-long notebooks era.
The aforementioned fountain pen. I'm definitely deepening my analog love. Love the weight of this pen and how it feels in the hand. Make sure to get it with a fine tip.
Undeniably good luggage. Earlier this year I got gifted a Rimowa Original Cabin luggage. I've been playing with the idea of upgrading to a Rimowa for years so receiving one was an absolute dream. I've flown 7 times since and have only used my Rimowa and it's safe to say that I'm a convert. The quality is undeniable. Also the wheels and telescope handle are some of the best I've experienced.
If I had purchased one myself, I would've gotten the Classic Cabin (I like the aesthetic better) but I know I'll still love my Original Cabin forever.
The best personal-item bag ever. I actually learned about the Longchamp travel tote from TikTok. After spending countless hours researching them (aka watching a TON more TT videos), I bought one in March and never looked back. Again, used it for every single trip since and I can't see myself switching to another travel tote for the foreseeable future.
The coolest feature is definitely the expandable size. So if you ever find yourself needed extra luggage space, you can expand the bag (it doubles in size) and check it in.
The skincare extra that's saved me. My girlfriends actually told me about this one so I've only been trying it for about a month. It's a hypocholorous acid spray meant to help disinfect your face and give it a quick, on-the-go cleanse. I use this after I go to the gym, on plane rides, or even when I've been outside and feel my face getting sticky. It instantly refreshes your skin (without messing up your make up) and it doesn't dry out your skin at all. It's been a lifesaver for the heat.
Interesting Reads
Women Aren’t Nags—We’re Just Fed Up
