Current Favorites | September 2020

Let’s play a little catch up, shall we? We’re in our third week of hybrid schooling for Grace (she’s at school two mornings a week, and remote otherwise — all in French, with the exception of art, gym, music, and technology). And while the transition to a very different sort of school year has been challenging, it is going much better than I could have hoped. We are so lucky to be able to manage a fairly complicated schedule.

Because she is remote for two days back-to-back, we seized the opportunity to head back to the Cape for some salty air and a change of scenery. In between remote classes, we snuck down to our secret swimming spot to… not swim… and observe some frogs. I’m counting that as Nicky’s science lesson for the day (slash year). And I did a photoshoot with my cool mom at-home manicure. So there’s that.

A FEW CURRENT FAVORITES

I may have mentioned it before, but I’ve felt extra susceptible to Instagram ads lately. Maybe she’s born with it… maybe it’s Maybelline the pandemic. I’ve only followed through on a few purchases, and thankfully, they’ve all been winners. Most recently it’s ManiMe stick-on gel manicures/pedicures. You’ve likely seen the ads, too — and I’ve got to say, they don’t disappoint.

After you’ve selected your designs (there are quite a few to choose from, ranging from simple to really fun), you complete an easy custom fitting process involving snapping and submitting a few photos. They use 3D scanning technology to create custom gels (one per nail, plus 5 extras). My order shipped the same day, which is kind of unheard of right now. The application is quick and easy. I did request a resize for my next set (I needed them slightly more narrow and shorter) — but they were nearly perfect… and perfect for pretending you’re put together and totally okay.

If you’d like, you can use this referral link to save $10 on your first order of custom gel manicures and pedicures.

• Other As Seen on Instagram purchases I’ve made since the onset of the pandemic: a pair of matching retro chic bikes for our city kids turned suburban kids (complete with baskets + bells), wooden blocks that sort of look like rocks/gems and are oddly soothing to stack, and arch-support flip flops because I’m 38 and life comes at you fast.

Did I tell you/brag that I successfully (for now) quit Diet Coke this summer? It’s sort of my one true love/vice, but the science was a bit much to ignore… Subsequently, I upped my intake of seltzer (please do not send me the article circulating about seltzer being hot garbage water — I’ve seen it) and treated myself to this next-level koozie. It’s insulated and keeps my seltzer ice cold, just how I like it.

And lastly, a peak 2020 accessory: I’ve been using this chic mask lanyard/mask chain from Shop Strange Paradise on Etsy daily since it arrived — it’s especially useful when walking Grace to and from school. She has her own kid-sized lanyard, and we both know to pull our masks on when we get to a certain corner (or if someone comes into view, obviously).

Another 2020 accessory I’m very in love with? The Biden/Harris sticker I just stuck on my bumper.

P.S.: Link for linen face mask (2 pack for $4, fits/washes well)

Also On Tap for Today:

• Check your voter registration here + make a plan to vote on or before November 3rd. I will be voting early, in person.
• Catching up on the Humans of NY — Stephanie/Tanqueray series
• Trying to figure out how to turn the unused part of our yard (it’s beyond the fence) into a flower farm… a girl can dream

Do you have any bumper stickers?