Let's Catch Up

almost a year later... back to Substack

Hi guys… sorry I’ve been MIA. I definitely go through phases with Substack because, truthfully, my favorites stay pretty consistent and I’m also a creature of habit. (Shocking, I know.) But I’m back. For now. No promises.

I will say, 2026 (how are we already halfway through???) For the first time in a while, I feel very at ease. Which feels odd to say because I don’t think “at ease” or “relaxed” have ever really been words associated with me. Relaxed? Chill? Calm? Maybe settled is the better word. Mitch would probably read this and laugh because chill is not exactly how he would describe me, but internally I feel chill. Which I think counts. I feel confident in myself, my space, my point of view, my friendships, my relationship, and honestly even my body in a way I haven’t in a really long time. Not sure when this shift happened, but I think my frontal lobe finally developed at the ripe age of 27. Huge for me.

I also value privacy more than ever. It’s a weird balance when your life is online and also… your life is your job. I’ve realized not everything needs to be shared, explained, posted, or opened up for public discussion. Keeping certain things for myself has been really grounding. Not that I was ever someone who overshared, but I’m definitely more intentional now.

Friendships in your 20s are also very interesting. You have your hometown friends, college friends, work friends, and suddenly everyone is on wildly different timelines. Some people are getting engaged. Some are married. Some have babies.
Some are moving home. Some are still going out a bunch.. Something I really struggle with is comparison. It’s hard not to look around and feel like other people are moving faster or hitting milestones before you. I think women especially feel this pressure because we’re constantly thinking about what’s next. The next milestone.
The next chapter. The next thing to accomplish. It’s exhausting. I made my phone screensaver over a year ago say: be present. Simple, but something I really need to be reminded of constantly because life moves so fucking fast.

Anyway… enough of my TED Talk.

Here’s the fun stuff.

Breaking this into categories:
fitness + wellness, beauty (I will do fashion and travel in different posts)

I am going to Africa.. so I will do a fun Substack all around that repacking etc.

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FITNESS/WELLNESS

At the beginning of the year, I was dealing with some hormonal issues, which truthfully… is the worst. That sent me down the rabbit hole of bloodwork, panels, supplements, doctors, and trying to figure out what was actually going on. Not exactly fun, but honestly I learned so much. One thing that has genuinely made me feel like a new human? Lifting weights. I know strength training gets such a bad rep, especially with women, because everyone immediately thinks: “I don’t want to get bulky.” Trust me, I had that thought too. Hasn’t happened yet. If anything, I feel stronger, leaner, more toned, and overall just better. I’ve been working one-on-one with a trainer for the last four months, which has been amazing, but also… wildly expensive. So I’m taking a break because I rather buy summer clothes LOL.

For me, the goal was really to learn proper form and understand the basics so I could walk into a gym and feel confident doing it on my own. I still mix in everything else I love too, walking, SOTO Method, and Fuze House. But I will say, staying consistent with movement-and especially strength training, has made me feel amazing.

I have not got into any of the workout supplements though, like creatine and all those aminos etc. That’s past my pay grade and I really only put electrolytes in my water!

BEAUTY

Everyone’s favorite category: beauty.

I don’t think I need to talk about my hair journey again because that was basically my entire personality last year. I’m brunette now. There we go.

For hair: I see Jessica Gillin for cuts.

For color: I see Jules at Jenna Perry Hair for very subtle highlights.

Now onto skincare… which is where my hormonal issues really decided to humble me.

I got fucking back acne.

And when I say back acne, I’m not exaggerating. It covered my entire back. I truly never thought I would be this girl, and if this has happened to you, I am so sorry because I know how painful, frustrating, and honestly how it can drop your confidence.

The annoying part is there’s really no quick fix when it’s hormonal. You kind of just have to play the long game, get to the root of the issue, and stay consistent with whatever your doctor recommends.

BUT…

I did go back on Spironolactone. I know, I know. I made a very dramatic deal about going off it. Well… I’m back on. Sue me. I want clear skin. Signed, a girl who has struggled with her skin for basically her whole life. Besides the back acne saga, my face skincare has actually stayed pretty simple. I’m sticking with my same tried-and-true basics right now: Sofie Pavitt and Cera Ve. When my skin is calm and clear, that’s when I mix in all the fun products. Right now… we are in boring but effective mode.

Lots you all mucho. Chat next time all about CLOTHES!

Xxoo,