Things I Love

• A new tube of mascara. Few things are more satisfying than the deliciously wet slurrrp! of a brand new tube of mascara—especially when it’s opened on a Monday morning. Everything just looks inkier, smokier, and smudgier in the best way possible.

• Shu Uemura eyelash curler. For years now, this was always it. Magazines and makeup artists alike held the Shu on a silver platter, harping endlessly about how there was no comparison on the market. I, being the jaded and wary consumer, couldn’t believe the unanimous praises (I was convinced that the brand must have had a brilliant, behind-the-scenes marketing ploy that somehow “convinced” everyone in the world that its lash curler was the only one worth having). Surely my little Revlon number did the same thing! Fast forward five years later to today when I finally gave in and made the investment… and let me leave you with this: it’s a game changer. Period. I have the least impressive lashes a girl could have but this makes it all too easy to forgo mascara (but alas, I do love the satisfying wet slurp of a brand new tube of that inky stuff).

• Salsa. This one will always have a permanent spot in my TILT lists, no matter how frustrated I can get with myself post-rehearsal. Come September, it will have been a year since I started salsa dancing, and as trite and dramatic as this may sound, I truly believe it’s changed my life. And me, for that matter. I’ve met some of the most beautiful group of people through it, and have been inspired by some of the most incredible dancers out there. I’m learning the art—and learning more about myself—as I go (salsa?) along, and so far, it’s been equally exhilarating as it is trying. This whole thing, for lack of a better word, couldn’t have come at a better time; this only solidifies my belief that everything happens for a reason, and that people come into your life when you’re ready for them or need something the most. But aside from finding an entirely new passion to focus upon after hours spent at the office (writing, which is another thing I love!), I can’t put into words how blessed I feel to know that someone could have so much faith in who you are and your abilities. It’s pretty incredible.

Just this past week I had both the best and worst rehearsals. There was a moment when I just wanted to cry because I was that furious and frustrated at myself for not being able to do something right, but you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wouldn’t—and couldn’t—move forward if I didn’t feel challenged. I wouldn’t realize that I need to change my perspective, that (as my partner keeps telling me) I need to re-shape the way I view myself. It’s not that I can’t do it, I can’t do it… yet. It’s not that I don’t do it well, I just need to do it again, differently. Insanity is doing the same thing and hoping for results: don’t like how this line looks on my body? Just effing change it. I’m not not good enough: my mentality, shrouded by self-doubt isn’t allowing me to be good enough. Life’s that simple, and success is the culmination of hard work. Inhibition is our worst enemy.

• This asymmetrical skirt. I can’t even tell you how in love I was (well, still am) with the Helmut Lang helix drape skirt. It’s perfection in my eyes: a classic with a (literal) twist; just edgy enough but appropriate for the (fairly liberal) office; perfect for day and eye-catching at night; the right length to run/jump/dance/do everything in and not have to fear a potential peep show. Unfortunately for me, it was sold out everywhere quickly (it was way out of my budget anyway) and I was pretty devastated… until I stumbled upon this little Tobi number. I don’t doubt that the quality is chance, but it’s pretty much perfect in every other way. You can bet that I’ll be living in this skirt until it’s too cold for bare legs and strappy sandals.

• Soy chai lattes. Hot, cold, I’ll take ’em any way, any season. Don’t try to burst my bubble and tell me how many calories are in one (dearest mum already has), but I don’t care! They make my soul happy. Did I hear you say vapid? Order a venti, then come back to me. Your welcome.

• Writing every day. Okay. Every other day. Even so, getting in the habit of writing things—anything—down on paper (and es, the old-fashioned way) makes my heart happy. Hand cramps are an inevitable side effect, but it’s nothing a few shots (of espresso, silly!) can’t fix.

• RadioLab podcasts. Be still, my geeky heart. That, in between some playlist of zouk, bachata, and Chris Brown/Nicki Minaj’s “Love More” make commutes worth the gas money spent. Okay. Maybe not, but at least it makes me (temporarily) forget about the growing hole in my wallet.

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xx