I took the train to the Union Square Target where after weeks of searching, they had my Chobani Pumpkin Spice Creamer in stock.
My mother-in-law texted that she’s happy to have me in the family.
After having said in-laws in town for the week, Aaron and I went + got serene foot massages because 20k steps a day is not our norm and damn, did we need them.
Then came the PMS symptoms which always take me out due to my prolonged bleeds with PCOS.
All I want to eat is steak made by my husband, mac and cheese, or the Cinnamon Bun Spread from Trader Joe’s on an Effie’s Oatcake. That’s it! Don’t you dare try to serve me my usual quinoa salad!
A trip to the doctor turned out to be in order where I got poked + prodded, and before that, I broke two of my favorite plates!
I look in the mirror and suddenly feel like Shrek. Don’t get me wrong, I love Shrek, but last week, I surely was at least giving townswoman in Far Far Away and not swamp style?
I promise this issue isn’t just my hormonal diatribe. Although reading the above over again, it certainly is that, too.
I want this issue to serve as a hug.
Or maybe not even a hug.
A friend that’s strolling TikTok or watching Nobody Wants This alongside you with her own damn bag of Snyders Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Bites, hair knotted and sweatpants on.
No judgment, just solidarity.
Easy recipes that don’t require an immersion blender.
Reading materials that don’t require an English Lit degree.
Some elastic pant recs you don’t have to tug on like the rope war at summer camp.
And if you’d rather save this for later and dig into Intermezzo? Power to you, my friend.
Wishing I could share a giant bag of pretzel bites with you all,
Kayli
Phoebe Wahl’s Skinny Dipping // Albert Aublet’s Selene // In the Bath // Art by Rebecca Guay // Relaxation // Zen Zone
When I used the term “recipes” that was looooosey goosey. But alas, sometimes it helps to see what other people are scrounging up when energy is low, so here we go! *rhyme not intended but appreciated*
Avocado Toast: Avocado toast is a low-energy go-to. I have different variations.
✨ Avocado on toast (I love a good ole’ slab of sourdough or this one from Dave’s Killer Bread) with Maldon salt.
✨ A little honey mixed with Siracha on toast, avocado on top followed by a sprinkle of Maldon salt. This one is inspired by our favorite coffee shop in Phoenix, Provision.
✨ My rose salt toast is prob my favorite. The recipe can be found here, but sometimes, if I don’t feel like mixing up the beet cream cheese, I’ll just throw rose salt + some EVOO on mashed avo and call it a day.
For some extra protein, I’ll add a side of quick Applegate sausages + be on my way.
The Art of a Catch-All Plate:
Catch-All Plates are honestly a gift. Give me a little bit of this, a little bit of that, please!! On weeks I know are going to be an uphill climb, I’ll make sure to shop for small things to have on hand that I can quickly grab to satiate hunger.
The Greek Plate: I slap on some pre-baked chicken meatballs, a few olives, some zucchini slices I sautée on the stove or roast in the oven, as much cucumber as I desire, and some tzatziki.
Single Serve Charcuterie: I love my Applegate uncured pepperoni slices, a few mini wedges of Ski Queen cheese that I eat on crunchy Granny Smith slices, and a bit of Primal Kitchen Special Sauce for dipping because I am a Sauce Queen™️.
Quick Bite Honorable Mention: A Banza Pizza. 🙏
Please Note that these recommendations are purely suggestions if you feel called to be both cozy and slightly put together. This week, I have gone out in the wild wearing an oversized Vermont sweatshirt + equally oversized sweats, another pair of oversized sweats with castor oil stains, and visible fuzzy socks that I donned while walking my dog. Sometimes you just need to live + let live!!
Moving on…
🎀 In addition to being a Sauce Queen™️, I am also the Queen of Sets™️ (I know, I’m the queen of SO many things). Anywho, my Mom got me this one for Christmas + it is so comfy. I love that it’s something I can throw on without thinking and it automatically matches, which instantly elevates the look! P.S. It’s listed as “pajamas” but I’ve worn it out in public many times + no one is the wiser. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS STAY DREAMS!
🎀 These headbands are $6.99 for 8 + not only do I enjoy the colors because they go with everything, but they hold back my lion’s mane, which I refuse to do anything with on weeks I don’t get blowouts. Such a diva, but it is what it is.
🎀 Normally, I buy whatever socks give me the most bang for my buck, but these ones from Skims feel like butter. I almost cried when I couldn’t find its partner in the wash recently and will be putting them on my holiday wishlist.
🎀 Another online order, another set in this household. Cozy material, an adjustable drawstring, and it matches. Done.
🎀 These are a splurge, but my Good Lord are they comfy. Slipping into a set of Eberjays after a hot shower must be what it feels like to win the lottery. At least a modest scratch-off.
🧛🏼♀️ Full Disclosure: I am not finished with this book yet! However, I prob won’t write fully about it until my October Book Report goes live + I think it should be read in October because: vampires. So far, it’s an easy read filled with vampires, fierce outfits, and glam characters. I don’t see us collectively weeping but instead reading alongside a nighttime Kin Euphoric. (Bookshop, Amazon)
📺 Not gonna lie when I say that Disney fumbled the bag with Season 2 debuting on January 10th (why???) but if you haven’t seen Goosebumps Season 1 it’s a goodie. Mystery, teen angst, Justin Long. Give it a whirl!
🎙️ My sister (hi, Brookie!!) recently turned me on to the Camp Counselors podcast + holy shit. Guys. I’m laughing at every episode. Please start with this ep: I Called 911 After Taking a Laxative.
On a more serious note, the world is going through it right now, and I’m praying for the peace + security of all. If you’d like to help, here are a few ways you can do so:
Volunteering for the Future of Women’s Healthcare.
The Intentional Muse is a labor-intensive work of love. If you’re able, please consider becoming a paid subscriber, and as always, a share of the missives are so appreciated. 💖