Unpacking: July
Life updates, little wins, and a few things I need to get off my chest.
I went into July thinking it would be a bit of a reset month…ease back into my routine after my birthday staycation, catch up on work while my husband was away, and slowly get back to lifting heavier at the gym and Pilates. But of course, life had other ideas. It ended up being one of those months where I got a lot done, but also realised just how overstimulating the world feels lately. So, I’ve decided to make a little space in these monthly recaps for something new: a Monthly Rant. Just a little corner for me to get things off my chest in the most honest way possible…because sometimes you might need more than a beauty product review or life update. If I had to sum up my thoughts for this month, it would be….Is it just me, or is everyone losing the plot?
I thought this month would be a mix of recovery, catching up on work while my husband was away on his supercar trip through Megève, getting ahead of deadlines, and easing back into a more structured fitness routine - including heavier lifts and finally returning to reformer Pilates.
In theory, it sounded like a balanced, productive month. In reality it was as per usual….different.
My week alone while he was away was unexpectedly so productive. We work together all the time, but we’ve got very different working styles. He’s the type who needs to get out of the house at least once a day - whereas I can happily stay indoors for a week straight and not even notice…if anything, I love it because I get so much done.
And even though we run our business together, we actually only sit down once a week to plan. So, with him away, I ended up having this quiet stretch of time to just do…and I finally got through a bunch of things that had been sitting on my list for way too long. I’m talking months.
One thing that didn’t go to plan was Pilates. My instructor’s been away and I just can’t bring myself to book in with someone else. She knows my back issue inside out and honestly, I don’t want to risk working with someone new who might push it too far. So, Pilates has been on pause this month. On the other hand…I have been lifting heavier at the gym so that’s a win.
On top of that, we’ve had more family planning to visit towards the end of the month, which always throws me into that ‘work at double speed now so I can actually enjoy time with them later’ mode.
I finally got further into my abstract art piece. I originally decided on butter yellow and sage green…very mellow, very calm…but after painting it, I don’t love the sage. It’s getting painted over. Haven’t decided on the replacement colour yet, but it’s definitely made me rethink green in general.
Started reading this months book…Wild Courage by Jenny Wood. I haven’t read a business/self-help style book in a while and this one reminded me why I love them. More on that in my book of the month newsletter.
Bought more art supplies for my next canvas. Sometimes I genuinely think I buy random art stuff I don’t actually need.
I can slowly feel myself morphing into what I once laughed at when I was younger. I remember hearing my parents complain about how the world had changed and how things were simpler back in their day. I’d roll my eyes and think, how could it possibly have been better than now? Surely life is better now? But the older I get, the more I hear myself saying the same things….and meaning every word.
The more people I meet, the more I realise how different we all are now. And I don’t mean in a celebrate our differences kind of way…I mean, we’re on completely different frequencies. Nothing feels simple anymore. Even just having a conversation feels performative. There was a time when meeting people was just….meeting people. No motives, no flex…just a connection. I know there are still great people out there, but they feel harder to find lately. And if I’m honest, I find myself so irritated by surface-level, one-upping, agenda-filled conversations.
Let me explain...
When did conversations become so competitive? It’s like everyone’s in some weird elevator pitch mode…all the time. People don’t talk anymore….they sell. I’ll be 10 minutes into a chat and I already know what car they drive, what watch they wear, and what high level corporate title they hold…but I still have no idea who they actually are. What am I even supose to say in response?! Like, great…congrats on your Rolex, but do you have any real thoughts beyond that? It’s exhausting…conversations literally drain me now. Why can’t we go back to talking about books, feelings, life, literally anything that isn’t you selling yourself?!
Phone addiction is real and it’s making people rude. Look, I get it…my business depends on my phone. I create content, I manage platforms, I edit, I upload. But that also means I use my phone with intention. I don’t scroll aimlessly or play games on it, and unless it’s a work call or something urgent, I’m not glued to it. What I don’t understand is how people have the audacity to be on their phone while you’re mid-sentence. Like fully checking DMs while you’re talking to them about something that gives them zero reason to pick up their phone. It’s rude and it’s disrespectful. Have people really forgotten how to be present with other people?! Or were some people just never taught? I don’t get it.
Can we also talk about the 4 hour coffee catch-up? Who has time for this? I can’t be the only one baffled by people suggesting weekday coffee dates that last half a work day. It gives me anxiety. I physically can’t do it. I’ve got a business to run, content to shoot, admin to do, a gym session to squeeze in, meals to eat, a dog to love. I don’t even like being out that long unless I’ve specifically cleared my day for it. Everything goes into my calendar….like everything. I know some people thrive off long chats and time-outs…but I’ve realised I’m just not that person. My time is too tight, and my energy is too precious.
So that’s where I’m at this month with my rant. I’ve probably become the person I used to side-eye…but I genuinely think the world has changed, and not necessarily for the better.
Is it just me feeling this? Would love to know your thoughts in the comments…
Honestly, not much this month. I surprised myself.
The Source Unknown Nangy faux-leather blazer in mocha. The fit is chef’s kiss.
Weekend NYC RHW stirrup leggings. I had zero expectations and they ended up being the best fit and I loved them!
Mostly just a few more pieces from Weekend NYC after those leggings blew me away. I’ll report back if they’re just as good. I have been looking for a good raffia hat…like a cowboy hat but not overly ‘cowboy’. I’m pretty sure theres a proper word for this type of hat that can’t be cowboy hat…but you know what I mean. Honestly…my cart’s looking suspiciously empty. Who even am I?
I cleared out the last bits of clothing that no longer fit…things I’d been holding onto for reasons I can’t even justify. I think we all do that, right? Keeping pieces just in case.
What I’ve noticed is that my wardrobe is now basically a neutral gradient of white, beige, brown, black. And I kind of love it. I used to feel like I should add more colour. But I’ve taken the pressure off. If it works and it feels like me, that’s great. There’s no rule saying we have to wear brights to feel good. In my opinion, minimalism is underrated.
Had my second Sculptra session this month. It was way too long after the first, so I’m going to try and be more consistent and stick to every six weeks. Finished this session with a bit of salmon DNA, which gave me such a good result last time too. Subtle, but enough that I notice. I think the real difference comes after at least four sessions have been done…with only a six week gap.
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Cream Eyeshadows - super creamy, dries matte and blends easily.
IT Cosmetics CC Cream - this was a birthday staycation saviour. Coverage + SPF + still looks like skin.
Kosas Cloud Set Spray - not sure if it really sets your base in the traditional sense, but it takes that powdery edge off and gives a bit of hydration.
And Just Like That - I’m watching it, but I’m also kind of bored. I don’t want to ditch watching it because I still have faith. I loved SITC so I’m hoping this will take a turn for the better soon.
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team Season 2 - I have a new level of respect for dancers…cheerleaders in particular. The training, the precision, the pressure…it’s intense.
So that’s July done. Not the month I planned, but when is it ever? I didn’t get to do everything I thought I would (still no Pilates thanks to my instructor being away), but I did make space for things I’ve been putting off for ages. And I found a bit of joy in slowing down where I could - like getting further with my art, saying no to unnecessary plans, clearing out what no longer fit, and just owning what feels right for me. I’m learning that not every month has to be packed with milestones. Sometimes it’s enough to just feel a little more grounded than you did at the start. Let’s see what August brings…hopefully a bit more balance, a little less noise, and more of what actually matters…whatever that may look like.
Until next month…
Why Your Makeup Melts Off in the Heat...And How to Fix It
I know exactly how it goes…because it’s happened to me. You leave the house looking flawless…your base is glowing and then 20 minutes in, it all goes downhill. The heat doesn’t care about your plans. Your foundation slips, your T-zone is sliding off, and your blush…is gone.
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Genuine connection is so difficult now. Im beginning to see that people dont want to talk about real things (feelings, substantive opinions, how life is really going). I have a tendency to ask questions about those topics and I see that people just don't like it. I think they feel like it's intrusive - even "how's work going?" is too much for people. As a result, life seems to be getting pretty superficial. Its probably worse here where I live (California) than anywhere else. Nina, I also think the phones are too blame. But we must keep trying.
Nina I hear you! I turned 40 last year and suddenly my ‘patience for other people’ meter just stopped. It’s not like I don’t care about anyone but I think it’s the realisation that my time is precious as I get older and I don’t have to let in energy that doesn’t match mine. My boundaries are firmly in place now and ain’t nobody crossing those lines anymore!
The phone thing annoys the hell out of me too. Especially when I see people walking on the street looking at their phones I just want to slap it out of their hands really!
‘And just like that…’ I gave up half way through season 1. I loved SATC so much in my 20s I felt this show just didn’t have that magic or energy. It also feels a lot like privileged women running around having artificial problems. Maybe that’s harsh but that’s how I feel. And some of them haven’t grown up at all lol. I miss Samantha!
Here’s hoping August is an amazing new ride for you. Well done on a productive July and nothing like a wardrobe clean up to reset. Sending love, you’re all amazing xoxo