That's hot: 5 things I'm into (so far) this summer
An absolute melange of the stuff getting me through the heat.
Hi friends!
We’ve made it to August and if you’re reading this, presumably you have not melted into the floor from this summer’s abysmal heat. As many of you know, I was in Maine a few weeks ago on vacation where they, too, were experiencing a heat wave. Every shop I walked into, the first thing out of the clerk’s mouth was something about how hot it was outside. Finally, while buying a peanut butter soft serve ice cream cone (one of the trip’s highlights), the friendly guy working the register at the mini golf place/ice cream stand mentioned the heat. “Not to brag,” I told him, “but I live in New Jersey and hot in Maine isn’t the same as hot in Jersey.”
This is why people in the rest of the country don’t like people from New Jersey.
Anyhow guys, this week I’m sharing some of the things that are getting me through these hot summer days when I can’t even sit on my porch in the afternoon to read because it feels like I’ve entered Dante’s tenth circle of hell (scratchy couch cushions on sweaty skin).
1. This quote
Randomly (although nothing in life is truly random), I found myself a few weeks ago on a thread of about 10 women— who I did not know — who were coordinating a paddle boarding adventure. I definitely must have exchanged phone numbers with one of them at a recovery meeting because at the start of the conversation, someone shared a screenshot of that day’s readings from a book of daily inspiration for women that’s read at a women’s meeting I like.
The text conversation was very active and, frankly, annoying, and I thought about exiting the thread until I went back and read that reading shared at the start. “Oh,” I said to myself, reading the lines about surrender, “this is why The Universe looped me into this chat.” I kept going back to the one line in particular at the bottom of the reading: “Life’s lessons are simple when I give up the struggle.” I wrote it at the top of one of my journal entries in purple ink and added to my notebook where I chaotically scribble all my thoughts and ideas. It’s really sustained me and reminded me that the messages are there, I just need to pay attention. And maybe start paddle boarding? tbd
2. Three truths about people
In a similar vein, here’s my friend Mel Robbins giving really good advice that I needed to hear last month. It’s all so simple and yet, a constant struggle for me to put into action.
3. Fashion icon
Um, who knew the Mormons were so trendy? I am absolutely obsessed with Shea McGee — the woman behind pandemic binge-watch staple, Dream Home Makeover on Netflix, and favorite section to stroll through at Target (Studio McGee) — on Instagram. I love her vibe and high-low aesthetic (a Target straw hat + straw Chloe tote). I feel like she is going to be very dangerous when she transitions to fall-weather looks and I start thinking I need to upgrade my entire wardrobe. What a queen.
4. Reminder that age really is just a number
This quote, pulled from a New Yorker article I came across this week about a painter “flowering” in her 90s, really is helping me not spiral as I approach my birthday. While I’m not turning 60 (*gulp* yet), it’s reminding me that it’s not too late to keep moving toward being the woman, artist and all-around queen I strive to be.
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5. Poem for the women on Long Island (and kinda everywhere)
Weirdly, last month I listened to not one but two audiobooks with “Long Island” in the title (Long Island and Long Island Compromise). In my opinion, Long Island is New Jersey but harder to get to (and maybe a little prettier out toward the end). So I kinda feel like I know the women who this poet dedicates her thrilling poem to. Have watched multiple times and I still feel delighted when she gets to the end each time.
sunday shares: read + watch + cook + buy
A book about nothing, and everything. I listened to Wallace Stegner’s Crossing to Safety for an online book club I joined last week. It tells the story of a friendship between two married couples over the course of 40 years and it’s quiet but also powerful. What I really loved the most was how the entire story is told over the course of one single day.
Things I really want. Remember that chunky heart necklace you guys all loved? Well, after wearing it non-stop for about 6 months, the pendant started to tarnish. Somewhere, I came across this jewelry company where I’m thinking I’ll pick up a replacement charm. However, I also love the look of their multi-charm necklaces. Tempting!
Stuff my sister sends me. My sister and I also embrace the high-low aesthetic. Last night, she shared a link to a dress at Old Navy that’s a knock off of a much pricier Me+Em frock. DUPES for the win.
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Forget about a man in finance. Finally, life would be so much easier if only I could pick up a relationship along with a $4.99 roasted chicken at Costco. Bonus if it tasted as good as the chicken, too.
THANK YOUUUUUUU for reading. Really, you guys are the best. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’m truly so glad you’re here. If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. (And if you have the time to like it, that would mean a lot to me!) Your support is appreciated.
See you next Sunday, xoAmy.
Thank you for always sharing so many great recs! That poem blew me away! I've been chased off my porch by mosquitos :( . Hope to see you soon! xox
That poem is amazing!