Weekend Reading #54

My new office, recent purchases, a crazy splurge, and how I got 25,000 new followers on IG.

Hi! We had quite the week over here. Jack and I went to a sleep clinic for his sleep study and he did really well, but I’m still so tired. I’m also recovering from last week. We celebrated our girl being off chemo for 3 years although it feels like a lifetime ago. Kate had survival swim every day, Margot had theater camp, and it was also our last week of full-time childcare until we find a part-time nanny. It was a good but full week, and I’m looking forward to a slow weekend.

Oh. And I also got almost 25,000 new followers on Instagram which is WILD since I’ve barely grown the last few years. 😳 It was this reel that brought in all those new followers, which feels really good since the thing people stuck around for was just me being myself. I even shared a clip of the DNC and being political has always resulted in lost followers.

So if you’re new here, hi! I aim to get at least one free and one paid post up per week here, and once a month, have a big behind the scenes post and giveaway for paid subscribers. My paid subscribers are able to access more personal stories, like going no-contact with my parents and how I lost the weight and got healthier. And I try to get a few posts up on my blog, although I’m slowing down a little bit for the last few weeks of summer with my girls.

Recent Finds and Purchases
I updated my Shopbop Hearts — lots of favorites over there.
I ordered my favorite denim shorts in a slightly longer style.
My terry top and shorts are back in stock
How pretty is this pareo?
J. Crew sent a few things. I love this dress and this one, too.
Thatch just sent this necklace. It’s so fun!

And for the Kids
I can’t remember if I shared Kate’s new backpack, but these bags are the bset. They are made of (45%) recycled materials, and the coated ones don’t stain or tear, and last at least 2 years! Margot’s backpack (left) from last year is in great condition.
I ordered this for Jack since it’s over 50% off and he loves it. And these are under $12. He loves them.

A Little (ok big) Splurge
Sometimes, I like to buy myself a little treat. I was a bit stressed out this week, but landed a new partnership, and splurged on this dress. I found a discount code so I saved $90 and then did get an affiliate commission. I never ever spend this much on anything but it’s just so beautiful. I’ll only keep it if it’s that special in person so we’ll see.

My New Office

Since our au pair is leaving and we’ve decided not to match with another one (I’ll talk more about it this coming week), I’m planning on turning her bedroom into my home office. I am so excited!

We have a bonus room (below) that would be terrible for recording a podcast (it’s too big and has tile floor which is awful for acoustics). I’m planning on making them both function as offices and we can alternate who sits where. I just need to find wallpaper and decorate (how gorgeous is this desk?) but hoping to turn it around pretty quickly.