Current Mood

Personal Update, Life Update, Mood Board, Currently, rolala loves

Spring in NYC has been quite lovely this year though we've had some warm weather days that make it feel like summer already. I'm hoping for more springlike temps before the swelter sets in.

Reading...
Despite the title, this book by James Hamblin is not a manual for minimalist skin care but a fascinating dive into the history of cleanliness and hygiene and what it means to be "clean" and how the cultural idea of cleanliness is fueled by consumerism and perpetuated by the skincare industry. The anecdotes and dry humor which this book is infused with makes it an amusing and educational read.  

Watching...
Based on Mick Herron's novels of the same name.Slow Horses is a fresh take on the spy thriller as it centers around a group of  failed MI5 agents in Slough House. This series which has 3 seasons so far  combines a redemption arc, witty dark comedy and an action and suspense fueled underdog espionage story. Gary Oldman's performance leader Jackson Lamb is brilliant and his character's scathing put downs are the best. We got into this while we have AppleTV+ for free and it's so riveting. Takes a lot for me to rave about non-Asian entertainment these days. We're also watching X-Men '97, a continuation of the series in the 90's which my husband enjoyed. It's actually way better than any recent Marvel movie. 

Loving...
My husband surprised me with my favorite peonies earlier this week. They make me happy even though they're fading fast because the weather has been so hot.

Eating...
Vegetables are a major component of all of our meals (even breakfast) and I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy our favorites. Cabbage is one and this recipe roasts wedges at a high heat to render them crisp at the edges and tender in the middle. The leaves are stuffed with a flavorful mix of anchovies, walnuts and parmesan for crunch and a rich savory taste. I've made this a few times and it's a really delicious way to enjoy cabbage. I'm thinking of experimenting with other types of fillings.

Enjoying....
Strawberry Season
Always have to take advantage of the season to enjoy one of our favorite fruits. We're not dessert people and fruit is usually our dessert.

Wearing..
My go-to pair of dark wash straight leg jeans had taken on the look of wide leg jeans since I've lost weight so I bought a new pair during a recent F&F sale. I love the look of these and they are so soft. CoH is my fave denim brand because their jeans are so flattering and well made and I can get behind their commitment to sustainability.

Recovering with...
Since exercise is part of my morning routine and I work out 6 days a week, I prioritize my recovery routine so that I can make sure I'm getting the most of out of my workouts especially as they're getting more challenging. I regularly use a foam roller,  HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Go Mat, Theragun massage gun and CBD balm after workouts and now I have added this compression massager. These are an active recovery tool providing an air-pressure-based massage that helps increase blood flow and circulation while decreasing inflammation. I find these work well to help soothe and refresh my leg muscles especially on lower body workout days. I'd been wanting this device for awhile so I bought this when I saw it for half off. It's a mid range model with good reviews that works well. While I didn't want to spend a lot of money on one, I also didn't want a cheap unproven one from Amazon.

Taking a photo..
Every day
I've gotten back into photo journaling again and taking a photo a day. This was taken after the cherry blossoms had fallen off the trees in our garden downstairs. I did do a photo study while the trees were in peak bloom which I will share soon once I've had a chance to edit my photos.

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8 comments

R's Rue said...

This post makes me happy

LoveT. said...


It's wonderful that you were given peonies as a gift.
Spring is a fantastic season.

R's Rue said...

Thank you for loving me so well. I’m blessed by you. You are a gift I hope I never take for granted

Ivana Split said...

The book about skin sounds fascinating.
I'd love to learn more about skin care and the history of skin cleaning.
It's interesting how what we think of as skin changes not only throughout history but geographically as well.
Different cultures have different approaches to cleaning the skin.
Sometimes good traditions are forgotten, sometimes bad practices are implemented.
It's a journey, for sure. So, it's always good to know more.
That thriller sounds interesting.
I haven't watched anything interesting in a while.
Peonies are always a gorgeous gift. I'm glad you enjoyed yours.
Photo journaling is lovely!

James Lavine said...

Ah, the unpredictable but delightful transition from spring to summer in NYC! It's a season filled with anticipation for warmer days while savoring those perfect spring temperatures. As we navigate through this period of fluctuating weather, adding a retro leather jacket to your wardrobe could be the perfect solution. Not only does it provide a stylish layer for those cooler spring evenings, but it also adds a touch of timeless sophistication to any outfit. Here's to hoping for more gentle spring breezes before the heat of summer takes over completely!

Hena Tayeb said...

Slow Horses is a great show. Gary Oldman is marvelous.
M and I were just talking about adding some grilled cabbage to our rotation. Haven't tried it yet but this looks good.

Emmylou said...

I love Gary Oldman! Thanks for the heads up on this show, chingu:) And that book looks like it's a great read for sure. I feel like everyone should be interested in hygiene TBH and diving into it through a cultural lens sounds super interesting.

Lenne Zulkiflly said...

I love strawberries!! And peonies are absolutely beautiful! Lovely post <3

Lenne | lennezulkiflly.com