April Mood '24
the pants I've been living in, "moving" to Paris, a chickpea quiche, and some excellent black bags
Hi! Happy April!
Portland has been giving us little spurts of spring and let me tell you, it is giving me life! It has also confirmed that I’m generally a better human when it’s sunny lol. We vacillate between clear sunny days in the high 60s and gloomy rainy days in the low 50’s - pretty much sums the PNW.
This month is already flying by. We leave for Paris next week (well, London first, then Paris) and the pre-travel panic is starting to set it. Panic sounds dramatic. It’s more so anxiety over all the details that come with prepping for long-term travel.
Since we’ll be gone for 2 months there’s a bit more coordination and strategy that goes into packing. For example, stocking up on supplements (the one’s that would be expensive to ship there) and planning for variable weather. I’ve been using this week to put last minute orders in, drop of alterations and pick up shoe repairs so that I can focus on packing next week.
I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that we are “moving” to Paris. I say “moving” because we’re going for a year and already have two trips back to the States planned so it just feels like a few long trips. We’re still working out our visa, but take care of it when we get back in June. We’re planning to find a furnished rental for a year (this trip is to hopefully find said rental) and literally just go from there.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, or get really sad thinking about how far I’ll be from my family. There’s also a part of me that is a bit tired of the more nomadic life we’ve been living. I find myself craving more space and a fully furnished home that I can sink into.
At the same time, we’re in this sweet spot, pre-kids, sans fur-babies, and I’m like— if not now, when right? I’d rather try something and hate it, or have it go horribly wrong, than not try it and regret it. Sometimes you just have to seize an opportunity without worrying too much about how it all flushes out. I’m not saying don’t think things through. However, there’s something to be said for trusting your ability to figure things out as you go and leaving a little room for magic - for something to surprise you.
Short and sweet this month - I’m off to replace my ancient computer (it just barely survived a matcha spill last weekend). Next time I’ll have a fuller update from Paris. I hope you’re month is off to a good start!
Chat soon! xx, Sarah
Monthly Edit
Eating - we make a lot of dinner salads and lately it’s been chopped romaine and sliced red radish with this chickpea quiche on top of it. We skip the gremolata, romesco, and cashew ricotta and top it with Kite Hill ricotta and this lemon hemp seed dressing to cut down on prep time.
Reading - This Was Meant to Find You When You Need It Most by Charlotte Freeman
Listening To - The Energetics of Entrepreneurship with Cassie Rose Sinclair
Watching - the UK version of Ghosts, it’s such a fun show! I never watched the US version so I don’t have any comparison, but the UK one is great.
Wearing - I’ve been living in these Donni pants and these jeans (so comfortable they might as well be lounge pants) lately paired with this Jenni Kayne knit (SRP15 for 15% off).
Things of Note
Style
I have this pouch in white and am resisting the urge to grab it in burgundy too. One of my favorite travel bags because it packs flat!
Spotted Worn Vintage on Moda Operandi! I’ve been eyeing their leather coats for months. I missed this longer one in my size, but just ordered this one as I’m on the hunt for a good black leather jacket that isn’t too cropped.
I’ve been doing a questionable amount of online shopping getting ready for Paris - in my defense they are pieces I’ve had on my list for a while like a black shoulder bag with minimal hardware. I landed on the Khaite Olivia (slightly cheaper here) and couldn’t be happier. It sits so well on the shoulder, but can easily be carried as a clutch too.
In the same vein, the handles on my trusty tote (that’s a good decade old) are in desperate need of repair. Naturally I used the opportunity to invest in another option. I went with this one (slightly cheaper here), which probably seems crazy to travel with because it doesn’t have a shoulder strap, but I love the size and shape of it. I can carry it in my hand and don’t have to wrry about it dragging on the floor (short people problems)
Finally got my hands on this trench at the Sezane Portland Pop-Up and it did not disappoint! If you’ve been waiting for a restock online I would try calling a few stores to see if they have any on-hand.
ICYMI - I did a deep dive on the building blocks of my wardrobe last week. If I was rebuilding my wardrobe, I’d start here!
Beauty
I didn’t think anything could dethrone my Merit mascara, but this one from Sweed is giving it a run for its money. They’re Swedish brand known for their vegan and clean products and their “no-makeup” makeup. Their mascara gives my lashes a bit more va-va-voom if you will. No flaking either. I’ve also been testing their lash serum— which, to be totally frank, I wasn’t looking for one and had low expectations, but wow. I feel like my lashes are looking extra lush these days!
I know I sound like a broken record, but this body exfoliator is fantastic. I love to use it before sunless tanner. They also gave me a code! SARAH15 for 15% off your order.
Speaking of skin, I’ve been using this body retinol that past few nights (after staring at it for 3 months lol) and it’s working wonders for my skin. I use it on my legs, arms and chest and feel like my skin is more even and overall brighter.
Sephora sale runs until April 15th! Rounded up my ride or die makeup, skincare and haircare here.
Life
Idk how I feel about calling a toothbrush sexy, but I feel like mine is. Chris replaced our old, busted toothbrushes with these and I love them. They come with magnetic wall mounts and a sleek carrying case (that charges it too!) for travel. Such a game-changer.
Is there anything a candle can’t fix? Been alternating between two Not Your Standard candles (they also make great gifts!). My favorite is Tone.
If you’re Portland-based and in need of flowers, I highly recommend RUYSCH! They did the florals for the Sezane event that I went to and they were gorgeous.
Oh my gosh I’m SO jealous you’re trying out Paris!
So excited for you and can’t wait for your Paris content! Also, I kid you not, I’ve been looking up Porto’s Vino Rosso purse weekly since before Christmas. I can’t decide on the size so I keep going back and forth and that keeps deterring me from ordering either. I need to make a choice soon because I know I’d be bummed if I missed either all together. TLDR - sometimes my conscious shopping habits go a little too far.