Found: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s sunnies
Plus, how to bounce back from a cold
Hello! This week must’ve been retrograde or something. On Tuesday morning, I felt that ominous scratchiness in the back of my throat. Then, over coffee with a friend outside at Bel Ami, my brain lagged behind the conversation. Out of nowhere, a Pit Bull Terrier leaped up onto the table and housed my blueberry muffin. The owner didn’t buy me another one, and as they walked away, tears stung the back of my eyes. It was coming.
It’s been a blur of sneezing, congestion, and brain fog since then (Covid?), but I ended up developing a kind of ‘how to feel better when you’re sick’ routine. It’s pretty effective for a two or three-day cold, which I assume is what I had. I’m feeling better now.
The protocol: Warm shower immediately. After I’m out, I grab my hockey-puck moisturizer and glide it over my legs, stomach, chest, and arms when they’re still warm, so the butters and oils melt on contact. I could literally evaporate. I put on a robe and quickly rough-dry my hair, because I don’t have the energy to blow it out. (Side note: This anti-frizz spray is amazing if you’re doing a rough dry and want to prevent puffiness.)
The supplements: Airborne (one tablet every 4-ish hours; more than that, you get acid reflux). Also, this bee pollen throat spray is amazing. Bone or chicken broth. Bread with butter. Push fluids, etc.
Bedtime routine: Lights off (or down, if you have a dimmer) early. Like 6. I’m light sensitive, especially when I’m sick. When you’re cozy in bed, it’s time for a cathartic cry. I was reading the last few chapters of Greenlights and suddenly sobbing. My dad says Matthew McConaughey is “vibrating on a different frequency,” and honestly, when someone is that aligned with themselves, it hits me. I fell asleep for 10 hours.
Thing I remind myself: Stay off social media (and dating apps) when you’re not 100%. You’re going to be tempted to swipe and scroll out of boredom, but don’t. Sleep, read, do watercolors, listen to a podcast, or paint your toenails. Also, this is not the time to punish yourself or say you’re not working hard enough (there’s really never a good time for that). Don’t spin out. Listen to your body and rest.
Now, onto some regularly scheduled programming.
Found: CBK’s sunnies!
This is why we read newsletters, people! I found this link for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s sunglasses buried in an issue of Club Yolo, and the way it made me feel like I’d stumbled upon a precious gem! Will I buy a pair? For $495, probably not, but I’m so glad I know about this small label, Selima Salaun. (I hear they sell the exact CBK headband at Zitomer on UES.)
A text I sent my friend - proof this is a CBK household
How to be a brand founder without selling yourself
I read this interesting article in Hurs about how brand founders are increasingly encouraged by their investors to become influencers. It makes sense for business visibility. Plus, founders are inherently interesting, but many are private or would rather eat rocks than vlog their workday for a Reel.
Now, one could argue that Rhode wouldn’t have its billion-dollar valuation if Hailey were reclusive (here she told me about how she became more comfortable in the public eye). However, I liked how Neada Deters, founder of Lesse, explains that the founder-as-influencer model leverages one marketing channel “among many.” No one has to use it. Jess Hannah, founder of jewelry brand J. Hannah, said she finds posting to be “a hindrance” to her creative work, which I think most artists can relate to. Bottom line: be yourself.
A meditation hidden in a cake recipe
This isn’t really about this olive oil cake (though it looks amazing), but the guided meditation shared by the recipe writer. It reminded me of the short visualization meditations I used to do with my therapist at the beginning of each session. Sometimes you have to be promoted to exhale and uncoil. Also, is everyone feeling out of sorts this week?
Advice for the class of 2025
My youngest cousin Matt just graduated from high school, and our whole family sent videos congratulating him and offering a piece of advice on his next chapter. In mine, I said something like, “Work hard and be kind, and things will work out.” But I’d also I’d tell anyone in transition to pause for a sec. In hindsight, I see so much value in a gap year (though you couldn’t have paid me to take one when I was 18). I’d encourage them to read this and listen to this. If you’re looking for a graduation gift for a cool kid you love, I like a watch. Feels symbolic.
A “calm blue” summer dress
She’s perfect.
Okay, that’s all because I have to get ready for the ballet!!! I have no idea what to wear, but my former coworker Eliza wrote a guide for dress code reference. She’s a star!
Love,
Megan