Dear Everyone,
I hate to say it, but thank god May is over. I began weaning this month and it ruined my life :) I gave myself Swimmer’s Ear because of it and I won’t be expanding further on that. Totally iconic behavior if you ask me. Anyways! There were many moments and discoveries this month that got me through, and I’m excited to share them with you. This month’s letter features 20 items instead of 30–something I’m trying out–and our very first contributor! Here’s to June and summertime, I can’t wait.
Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse - I have to begin by talking about my friends Patrick and Michael’s unbelievably funny and original musical, Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse. I am such an intense fan of all their work and it was thrilling to see something so new from them. I also had an unspeakably good time at the opening which was on Mother’s Day and the best way on earth to celebrate. It closes tomorrow but if the universe knows what’s up, it’ll be back soon. They are geniuses and beautiful, loving friends.
Fenty’s “The Rich One” Conditioner - The hardest part about being a Beauty writer is that I find a product and I’m loyal to it for years. Recently, I ran out of my conditioner (this Davines one I’ve already written about on the internet) and needed to get something fast. I’d been hearing good things about Fenty’s hair products, especially for curly hair, and grabbed this. It smells INSANE. And it smells good for days. It’s also v moisturizing and all the things it’s supposed to be but the scent…it’s all about the scent for me.
Extremely Tall Birthday Candles - My friend Peter says that everyone’s best lighting is their birthday candles–how true is that? I love the drama and the whimsy of these extremely tall (15 inches!), skinny candles. They look fabulous on a big cake but also so sweet in something little. I keep a pack in our junk drawer so I can whip one out at a moment's notice.
one singular extremely tall candle in a bowl of mashed bananas for Theodora’s 6 month birthday Red Geraniums - Every spring these cheery little perennials pop up at the farmer’s market and plant shops and I rush to snag mine. I love these peppy little plants and the red feels so timeless. They also have the most unique crispy, peppery scent that only reveals itself when you trim its leaves or prune its flowers.
Embryolisse Radiant Eye Stick– Just like my sister, I am completely addicted to pharmacies. My pharmacy in the East Village sells a bunch of fun French products that always catch my eye, but I had never seen this adorable little stick before, so I grabbed it while picking up my prescriptions. This thing is magic. I don’t believe that eye creams do anything but this one actually does wake your eyes up! I keep it in a travel pouch so that when I’m on the go I can do a little swipe under both eyes and feel extra glam – Raphaelle Condo
Making Your Grocery Lists in The Reminders App - I truly do prefer to write a list and bring it with me, but now that I have the stroller etc, it’s easier to have it on my phone. If you go to the Reminders app on your phone > add list > list type > groceries, then it will create a beautiful, automatically organized list for you.
sorry this so loserish of me I just think the organization is pleasing Pico Copenhagen Hair Elastics - A perfect and non–precious way to add a little panache to your outfit. Sønderhaus has a deal where you can get 3 for $9, I love how they styled them with multiple in one pony.
Only Hearts Second Skin Bra - This is the bra. It has bralette vibes, with the thin fabric and skinny straps, but still has the support and lift of an underwire moment. I reach for these almost every day, and even used them while in the thick of breastfeeding. I also love its cousin, the Whisper bra, for a cheeky little moment peeking out from a button down. And perhaps the biggest news of all: the strapless version is also amazing. I am a 36C/34D (okay bra size revealed!!) and wear the large.
The Radical Woman behind “Goodnight Moon” - With the launch of the flawless Goodnight Moon stamps (which I obviously snagged) I was reminded of one of my favorite profiles. I read this in my earliest days of postpartum and was enthralled by this sincerely singular woman who hovered over most of our childhoods.
MWB with a donkey Brushing Your Teeth in the Shower - Exiting the shower knowing you’ve truly done it all, and all that remains is skincare, is an utterly glorious feeling. And I love brushing my teeth with warm water.
Enamel Pint Ice Cream Server - I am an ice cream addict and believe it is the perfect dessert. I love having a way to elegantly serve ice cream at a dinner party—you can fill it with homemade or something you love from the store. I have it in red, but I covet that creamy pale green color or even the full silver.
Terracotta-colored nails - I love a sheer-ish terracotta color on my nails as soon as the temperatures rise. Unique without being loco. They’re a little more fun than a nude, a little more grown-up than a peach. I get tons of compliments on my fingers whenever I rock this.
This is Leafgel Color 130 Making a Big Batch of Green Sauce - I cannot walk past a huge fragrant bundle of basil at the farmers market and not take it home with me. Herbs!! Spring’s greatest gift. Lately I’ve been buying whatever leafy herbs catch my eye and blitzing them with citrus, miso, and olive oil into one verdant sauce. Then I use it on pasta, salmon, salads, whatever. This way I always have something quick and gorgeous in the fridge and none of my precious herbs die in the crisper drawer.
debated including this pic of clams I made with said green sauce because clams are sort of creepy to look at but ultimately I decided the pic was gorgeous enough SoftHome Textile - I finally replaced the disturbingly old throw pillow covers on my couch with new, beautiful chocolate brown velvet ones from this Etsy shop. They arrived within a week and look far more expensive than they were. I love the possibility of mixing up the piping. One example featured is a terrific brick-red bolster with a grassy green trim that reminds me of cream of tomato soup.
Bulgarian Rose & Lily Soap - I know, I put a goddamn soap on every list. This one is really gorgeous, though. It smells like my mom (amazing, amber-y with some soft floral/powdery notes) and is shaped like a crane. That’s worth writing about.
French Butter Keeper - I’ve had this butter keeper for years and I love how earthy and simple it is. Looks wonderful on a bare wood table, a kitchen counter, or an intricate tablecloth for a brunch. Buy this for someone along with a jug of very good cream. Shake the cream as hard as you can for about 5 or so minutes in a jar, and you’ve got butter for the keeper.
Deathtrap by Ira Levin - Everyone should be reading more plays. You can read them one-handed in the bath! This play is a delicious, campy, twisty thriller that made me gasp aloud when I first read it on a bus back to school many years ago. Ira Levin also wrote the novels Rosemary’s Baby and Stepford Wives so this is a man who’s been looking camp right in the eye from day one. The movie is also very fun but read the play first!!
The Minnesota State Fair - Aaron is obsessed with Prince so for his 40th birthday I surprised him with a trip to Minneapolis to visit Paisley Park. I didn’t realize when I’d booked it that the state fair was happening that weekend, and I didn’t know it would be the best time of my young life. It’s unbelievable. We were there for 7 or 8 hours and time flew by. Everyone talks about the food, and it’s delicious, but I’m here to sell you on the Miracle of Birth Center. If you just got scared of that name, don’t worry, I did too. It’s not some creepy pro-life booth, it’s a huge barn filled with baby animals. Tiny, perfect little piglets! Ducklings!!! Also all the food competitions are so fun to look at, like who has the biggest rutabaga or whatever. As soon as Theodora is old enough we’re going back, whether she likes it or not.
Getting Take Out with Friends - Lord knows I love going out to eat, but this month I was reminded of the blissful pleasure of going to a friend’s apartment, ordering take-out, and watching a movie. It feels so college and homey. You can arrive looking like shit and you don’t have to deal with the pomp and circumstance of a restaurant. It’s just angelic, cozy vibes with people you love so much.
Magic After Hours - I have a sick obsession with magic. When Aaron and I first started dating I spoke so frequently, and with such fervor about this incredible magician I knew in college, he was sure I was in love with him. I was (and am) in love with his art! I’ve seen pretty much every magic show that’s come through the city, and a fair amount of Zoom shows throughout the pandemic. This show, which is located inside the oldest magic shop in the world, is one of the best. Noah Levine is charming and very good, and the setting cannot be beat. You have to go through some random Midtown office building and then all of a sudden you’re in a burgundy jewel box of a shop with glass cases filled with tricks. Just writing this I wish I was going again tonight. Perfect date. Perfect evening. Long Live Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love you all,
Eleonore
Thank you for letting me be your first contributor!! I love picnic style 🧺❤️
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