I’m trying something new with this monthly roundup — via a vlog, because I still love making them. But in general, I’ve been spending a lot less time on social media. Creating for an algorithm-dictated audience has gotten quite disheartening, and so I decided to archive/private many of my accounts, plus all my old YouTube vlogs. There are hundreds going back to 2009, and I don’t feel comfortable having them public — so they now live permanently here, behind the paywall.
Links for what’s in the video below; here are this month’s blogs:
LINKS AND RECS:
The song I used in the video is one I’m the most obsessed with lately — Saya Gray’s “Lie Down” — her new album is incredible (Spotify, Apple Music). In fact, I don’t like to stand for shows anymore, but I will do it for her when she performs at The Roxy in May. I stood and ruined my back for Ani DiFranco (she’s also in the vlog), though my love for Ani runs a lot deeper.
Red Light Therapy Cupping Massager — this thing, along with my Mini Theragun, really helps said body aches.
Silver Lake Reservoir — I haven’t taken Miles for a walk here in over a year I think? It’s still one of my favorites and I have to try to go more before it gets too warm again.
SAMABILA Instant Ramen Seasoning mixed into a cup of boiling water + konjac noodles with microwaved frozen veggies is my latest instant ramen “recipe” hack.
Along with Cher’s memoir, I’ve been reading old Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary books (here is my 2025 reading list so far). I also listened to The Lightmaker’s Manifesto by
— if you’re having trouble stomaching the constant barrage of terrible news, this book was calming and helpful. Karen recently recorded this podcast interview with which is also about finding pockets of peace. (Aaaaand Karen’s wonderful book Radiant Rebellion was one of my favorite reads back in 2023.)Have you watched Abe’s movie yet?!? If not, here are all the places to rent it! The LA premiere was so fun and we served (Brother) Orange Chicken (vegan version too) from Panda Express!
Empties I will definitely be re-purchasing: Snail Mucin Cream, Tower 28 SOS Spray, La Roche Posay Cicplast Baume B5, Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. All of the above have been staples in my current rosacea-d state. When my barrier heals, I’ll be buying more Medik8 Crystal Retinal. And I wanna shout out the entire Dr. Dana Nail care line — not just the Dr. Dana Deep Hydrating Formula in the video, but also the polish remover (which actually leaves my nails feeling nourished?!?) and cuticle oil too.
Speaking of nails, the Londontown polish line of concealers/blushes/veils is going to replace professional manicures too — they are totally mistake-proof and dry quickly.
I think having bangs are going to replace Botox for me forever. I’ve been trimming them myself, as well.
Been watching a bunch of things at home via screeners and also in the theaters (here is my letterbox’d diary). The two this past month that I really think are worth a watch (or re-watch) are Brazilian film I’m Still Here (not to be confused with the 2010 Joaquin Phoenix movie) and 1987’s Broadcast News — it screened on film at American Cinematheque. Both incredible performances from female leads.
NYT links — me! and the tofu/green beans recipe.
The flat iron I am using at the end of the video to style my bangs is on its last legs… would love recs for a new one.
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I write more about why I’ve decided to paywall my posts here.
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