Issue 14 — Summer Staples

Plus some thoughts on the final days of pregnancy.

We said ciao and then arrivederci to our baby’s due date this week. Once our little bean, now the size of a watermelon and nearing 9 pounds. Most days I’m feeling pretty woo woo and would wait until 45 weeks if it meant spontaneous labor and things happening on this tiny human’s cosmic schedule. Other days I’m furiously stimulating my nipples while chugging raspberry leaf tea and bouncing on a birthing ball.

This liminal space is precious and full of feelings. Our world is calm and still, but will change any day. It’s a wildly important practice in releasing control and trusting — trusting that this little life has a plan for their entrance into the world, and trusting that everything will work out.

At 38 weeks my friends brought me to *Hot People Read Poetry* night in Bushwick and put my name into the lottery to read some pregnancy ramblings to a sizable audience. I wore a sheer top, waddled onto the stage space, and was breathing into the mic like a marathon runner. But it felt brave. And like something I can’t wait to tell this kid someday. On our due date, we swam in the ocean, collected shells, and ate dinner down the street at Olmo for the second time in one week. There have been a lot of good days, but also days like today where I’m teetering sanity, fixated on dodging a 4th of July birthday but also certain this extra wait will make it all that much sweeter. In an effort to put my mind elsewhere, some summer bits & pieces I’ve been loving:

Summer Delights

— South Forty Marcona Almonds: I rotate purse snacks seasonally. This is my summer workhorse. They still taste great when stuffed in a hot bag for hours, they’re dry roasted without added oil or frying, they’re crunchy, they’re salty, they’re filling. And! They’re sustainably grown on family farms in Spain and nurtured by rainwater irrigation which is a more eco-friendly alternative to water-intensive almond farming. Huzzah!

— 16oz Nalgene: Unless you’re as pregnant as me, there’s no need to lug a hunky insulated bottle around. I gifted this water bottle to all of my friends in a colorway that reminded me of each of them earlier this year and the positive reviews continue to pour in. She’s a perfect summer water bottle. Lightweight, fits into most smaller bags, able to hook onto tote straps, not insulated for the heat but easy to refill on the go etc. etc.

— Coconut Water (sparkling & ice cubes): Electrolyte powders are really having a moment, but most of the drink mixes seem to be loaded with sugar or stevia. Instead, I’m back on sexy old fashioned coconut water. First, in ice cube form: I freeze it in trays and add to iced matcha or cold brew. As the cubes melt, they bring good flavor. For canned bevs, Strange Water sparkling coconut water is supremely crispy and hydrating.

— Solar Recover Spray: I use this in place of lotion most summer days, but especially after being outside. It prolongs a tan, hydrates the skin, and smells like pure magic. It also saves you the annoying step of slathering lotion everywhere… instead you can dance into a cloud of spritzy mist.

— Bags: I first discovered Inès Bressand bags at Oroboro. I bought one that looked like a dumpling, but there are so many funky shapes! My dumpling purse has been through hell and back and still looks brand new. I also love the Orseund Iris tote. The circle shape and canvas material feel elevated yet still casual, and it’s great for travel because it’s so packable. It comes in black & natural canvas. Lastly, this Chan Luu tote bedazzled market tote recently caught my eye. The waves design rocks, too.

— Case For Making Watercolors: There’s no joy quite like the joy of building your own watercolor palette. All of the watercolors from this San Francisco-based shop are made by hand and really last. Throw in some tiny papers and a water brush, and you can make watercolor love notes on a plane, on the beach, in the grass…

— Perfect Red Polish: My favorite non-toxic polish for painting nails at home that comes in two *perfect* summer red shades: cherry (brighter va va voom) & carmine (deeper, richer but still summer). I have loved this polish for so many years.

With lots of love. xx