Turns out April showers did indeed bring May flowers for me. I started planting my very small flower patch and herb garden. I’m really lucky to have a nice deck space here in Chicago that gets a ton of sun and gives me a place to relax. I’ve spent the better part of this month just trying to find flowers that are heat-tolerant and can handle eight or more hours of direct sun. Let’s see how it goes.
In the spirit of transparency, I also hit a bit of a personal bump this month. I got a little sad toward the end — not exactly sad, I guess, but I lost some momentum. I’m three months into my layoff and have had mostly good days, but this month some not-so-great thoughts crept in. Like feeling maybe the only thing I’ll ever really be successful at is sex work, which I admittedly have complicated feelings about.
I know I’m good at what I do, and I know other people see it too. That’s why I’ve been in final rounds for so many roles at really good tech companies. I’ve gotten strong feedback, but the market is tough right now. Some of it was probably made worse by people in the comments on my social media speculating about my involvement in sex work and feeling the need to bring it up in this weird gotcha way. Which is really fucking annoying, tbh. But also, we all make choices to post things on the internet, so. I’m working on writing through it.
Anyway, this is about my monthly favorites, so let’s get to it.
Beauty
Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops by Kérastase
That Greek housewife got me again — specifically Angie K from RHOSLC promoting these. I am, unfortunately, highly susceptible to anything vaguely Greek-coded. Whatever weird Greek biochemistry I have gets activated and I need it. Well, turns out I actually really like these. I definitely don’t think they’re for daily use — I use them about twice a week at the end of my wash cycle, and a little goes a long way. I mostly use them for shine, since frizz isn’t really an issue for me. They have wild rose oil, so there is a scent, but it’s pretty pleasant and very hydrating.
The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch by COSRX
I do like eye patches. Whether they actually work wonders, I don’t know — but I notice small differences in hydration, which is enough for me. I store these in the fridge and put them on a couple mornings a week. Keeping them cold is pretty non-negotiable for me because it adds a nice de-puffing effect. I also appreciate the grip these patches have. A lot of eye patches tend to slip down your face, but these don’t. Overall, a great buy at $23 for 60 patches.
L’Ivrée Bleue by ORMAIE
I’ve been wanting an ORMAIE perfume for a couple of years but hadn’t been able to settle on one until recently. L’Ivrée Bleue was exactly what my collection was missing — a very coco-forward scent. It’s got notes of coco, rum, vanilla, patchouli, violet, and lily, though the rum and coco are definitely the strongest. It’s hot and honestly pretty versatile. I think it would wear really well in the fall when you want something cozy and warm, but also on summer evenings when you want something smoldering and a bit vacation-y. It has a nice wear time, about six hours, with very good projection. Plus, it comes in a gorgeous bottle inspired by sculptural elements.
Experiences
I never need an excuse to put on a cute outfit and go for drinks, but I’ll take one. This month I treated myself (and was also gifted by my partner) with a stay at The Langham in Chicago. It’s my personal favorite luxe hotel in the city because of the service. I don’t know, you hit 30 and suddenly all you care about is service.
Anyway, I did a lot of different things while I was there, all of which are covered in this vlog. But I have a special soft spot for their hotel bar. It’s right on the Chicago River, and at night the view is exceptional. They’ve got great seating — comfortable with back support (ew, I know), but if I’m going to be there for a while, I want to be comfortable.
Also, the drinks are really good. I had the London Lover (among others), and it was a standout gin drink — sweet but not cloying. Our service, once again, was exceptional. I really appreciate how all the little things add up. Anyway, that’s probably my favorite lounge bar downtown, so it’s always a fun time to go.
Fashion & Style
Holly Madison’s Autistic Tube Sock Hyperfixation
I’m not quite sure how my style will shake out this summer. I’m not feeling very experimental, but I will say I’ve been revisiting some of Holly Madison’s 2000s style…particularly her obsession (autistic hyperfixation) with tube socks. And honestly, I get it. I love a tube sock. If I were running around the mansion, I too would find as many ways as possible to reference the ’70s. I don’t really wear denim skirts, so I’m still trying to figure out how to make it make sense with my style — which, I don’t know if it would. For now, maybe it’ll stay a deep admiration. Also, heels and tube socks? Wild.
Vintage Coach Willis Purse
I was very kindly given a vintage Coach bag by a friend who lovingly restored it. It looks stunning — seriously, it looks brand new. It’s also wild because it’s actually a practical bag for me. Usually I’m carrying something tiny and struggling to cram all my things in, but not this one. This is the Willis model and it’s super versatile. It’s a crossbody and a top-handle, which is a non-negotiable for me. It’s got really nice hardware too. I’m especially obsessed with the strap hooks and the signature Coach lock. I can’t wait to wear it more. I’m already planting the seeds of getting another one in red. Here’s a mini green one and a large black one.
Food & Drinks
St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo
A couple of months ago I tried this by chance at a Chicago restaurant and completely fell in love. It’s an alternative to Aperol. I don’t think it’s quite as bitter — which I do miss a bit — but the quality ingredients really make up for it. It also has no added dyes and is all-natural. It’s very clean, and I find it pretty herbaceous and spicy. I love it as an Aperol Spritz alternative and think it’s a great option for summer.
Sweetest Batch Blueberries
Yeah, I know — I just said how great something without additives is, and now I’m talking about clearly GMO blueberries. Whatever. I love the Sweetest Batch because they are truly sweet and taste super crisp. Unfortunately, they are worth the splurge.
Candy Kitten Loves Gummies
What a name. I love these gummies — they’re the perfect amount of soft and chewy, and they almost taste like snow cones but with a fruity twist. This specific variety also partners each year with a new artist on a limited-edition design, giving them creative freedom to express love through art and raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ causes. I love these for a little pick-me-up.
Home & Lifestyle
Morning Matcha Candle by New Savant
I love New Savant. It’s one of my favorite candle brands out there. This candle, as you probably guessed, is matcha-based, but it also has notes of rainbow cereal, candied citrus, green grass, vanilla milk, and white sesame seeds. It starts out really strong with the rainbow cereal scent and eventually settles into more of a matcha and toasted sesame vibe. I really like how the scent changes over time. It’s definitely in my top three from the brand. The projection is great too; it easily fills my living and dining rooms.
Timp 5 Hiker GTX Hiking Boots by Altra
In the fall, I started hiking and finally got some proper shoes. I’ve worn these for about six months now and really love them. They’re like walking on two clouds. They have a really wide toe box, which makes them super comfortable for hiking. They’re also waterproof, lightweight, and have great ankle support. I take them on a lot of trails with exposed tree roots and mud, and I’ve found them to be really stable and grippy.
Media & Entertainment
Hacks
I love this show. It is perfect. I laugh, I cry, I am deeply aroused. It’s brilliant. What more can I say?
2000s Indie Brit Pop
I’m truly entering my indie Brit pop summer. Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks, Hot Chip, Kaiser Chiefs — all heavy on the list. But when I say Brit pop, I mean very mid-2000s. Not necessarily Oasis, though I do love Oasis.
Here are some things I read that I liked:
Mahjong My Grandparents And Me
Max was an all-time bad rebrand
Playing House: How Home Became A Muse For Fashion Designers
The Delirious, Violent, Impossible True Story of the Zizians
Who Gets To Use The Word Twink
WIRED Talked to a Fired DOGE Staffer About Who Was Really in Charge
Things I Wrote/Created
Afternoon Tea at The Langham Chicago (video)
How a TikTok Trend Turned LinkedIn Into a Visibility Game
Smells Like Bloc Party: Scent Pairings for Every Album
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