Five Things (10.21.16)

1. Been feeling like death the past week and a half—I’m talking the kind of sick where you get head-to-toe chills, aching muscles, lightheadedness, closed throat—and the only thing that has given me some sort of (temporary) relief is Starbucks’s “Medicine Ball,” a drink off their secret menu.

In case you haven’t heard of it, here’s the recipe for it. If you’re feeling the slightest bit hoarse or stuffy, order stat:

Medicine Ball:

In a venti cup…

• 1 bag of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea

• 1 bag of Teavana Peach Tranquility tea

• Add 1/2 hot water

• Add 1/2 steamed lemonade

• Optional (but highly recommended): Honey, 1 pump of peppermint

2. Picked up Urban Decay’s Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder in Luminous. It’s expensive for what it is, but (1) it was a sick day, pick-me-up purchase, and (2) it’s essential as a performer, and therefore justifiable. Consider this closet magpie very, very happy.

3. Remember that time when I announced I was closing on a condo but never did? Well: Three months and a $25,000 plumbing job later (paid for by the HOA, of course), I’m finally, officially a homeowner.

I’ll be honest: I’m not as excited as I should be. My attorney was floored that I was able to buy my condo entirely on my own at 24 (and lawyers aren’t so easily impressed, he said), and my parents keep reminding me that this is a huge milestone as an independent woman, but I’m just trying to get through one of the busiest, most crazed months before I can sit down and properly digest what’s going on. I think when I start painting and prepping my new place, it’ll start to feel real. And mine.

4. So, I’m slowly boxing up my life. The process itself is a little too messy for my liking (I get minor anxiety walking into my bedroom and seeing all this stuff in its mid-packing stage), but every time I seal and label a box, it feels good. Satisfying, actually. I’m part purging and part re-organizing everything into specific categories—bodysuits, crop tops, leggings, jumpsuits, evening dresses, day dresses, casual dresses, etc.—and having it all fit neatly in a brown box is giving me peace of mind.

Here’s what I’m realizing about myself: I know exactly what I like and am consistent about it. I may not have that Pinterest-perfect “capsule wardrobe” (which isn’t my philosophy, anyway), but everything in my wardrobe serves a purpose and follows a similar aesthetic. Cut and color are everything. Quality too—I’m much happier investing in pieces by women-owned brands.

5. Thirteen-hour days that take me straight from the office to the dance studio means that comfort is king as of late. It’s either some iteration of a knit, high-waist jeans, and nude pumps combo (see photo above for reference) or full-on hair, makeup, the works for a performance. No in-between. The rest of my wardrobe is feeling neglected and I need to rectify that, stat.

.   .   .

xx