When I have been guilty of neglecting this ‘once in a while’ newsletter and I feel the urge to SHARE but don’t have all the headspace to be as thoughtful as I want I fall into the fool-proof ‘listicle’ format.
Today I am sharing a grab bag of delights that I hope you can find some time to enjoy.
Five Spring Things:
SIGNS OF SPRING Spring in the Riviera Nayarit means allergies, leaves falling from our almond tree and blossoms sprouting on our mango and avocado trees. The yard upkeep this time of year is akin to fall in the PNW. The leaves on our trees are about the size of my face and each day it is no small task to clean them up so the property stays presentable and instagram ready! Thru-out the rest of Mexico a welcome sign of spring are the jacaranda trees blooming in late March and April. Similar to cherry blossom season in Japan or Washington DC it is beautiful to take in their light lavender hues thru-out the less tropical climates of Mexico.
SPRING BREAKERS Spring break is fast approaching. Momo gets two whole weeks off down here in Mexico- Semana Santa (holy week) and Semana Pascua (Easter week). This year we have loads of family coming to town for the first week, Mike and I might even sneak away for a few nights (!!!) Still need to plan and book something. And for the second week have rented our whole property so are planning a trip around Mexico to check out the solar eclipse. Also still need to plan and book something. Wish me luck…
SPRING FOOTWEAR My friend Jackie came to town last week from NY and sweetly offered to bring anything down we might need. I have been in a bit of a sandal slump… My crocs have been in too heavy of a rotation this year. I was looking for something a little more elevated style wise but not precious. And after a quick search found THESE (pictured above) that I have been wearing non-stop. Wish I had sized down half a size and might even order another pair for when our next carrier pigeon/guest from the US arrives.
In addition to the shoes I ordered some new jammies for Felix, a rash guard for Momo and some peanut butter cups to hide from them and eat alone by myself after their bedtime. Living large!!!
THE PERFECT TANK After working at Nike for a dozen years it was frowned upon purchasing/wearing competitor product. Plus the discount made shopping the swoosh all the more accessible. While in Vegas recently for a work project I did pop into Lulu to browse. I picked up three items, went to the register and got immediate sticker shock. So I put back the dress I had been eyeing for nearly a year. I told the woman working the register that I couldn’t do it. It was against my morals to spend so much on three items. Later that day I did my workout in my new sports bra and then found myself walking back to the mall and Lulu and ended up buying the dress and THIS tank on a whim. In the warm and sometimes humid weather here in San Pancho I am always looking for a tank that can comfortably wear without a bra. This is the first one I have found that is both flattering & supportive *note I have small boobs.
I wore it with jeans to dinner one night, even slept in it and then to the gym the next morning. So versatile. Lots more wears to be worn. Sadly no fotos of how great it looks on my bod.SPRING CLEANING often means swapping out seasonal clothes, refreshing our outdoor spaces and re-evaluating what systems in professionally or personally are working for us a quarter way into the new year.
On the topic of clothes however, I am regularly (quarterly if not more) sorting thru my boys clothes and discarding the stuff that no longer suits them and donating to neighbors or passing along as hand-me-downs to family or friends. It is a fun little cycle. Especially in a small town recognizing pieces that were once ours, living a new life on smaller kids in town.
When shopping, second-hand is always my favorite way to shop for my home and especially for my boys. Good news in the clothing department as my friend Justine is launching a new way to shop second-hand and vintage edits or ‘drops’ of curated pre-loved & quality kids clothes. This will not be your typical IG stories sale. Justine, a Harvard MBA and fashion industry veteran, along with her fashion industry stylist friend Annie are curating and styling the pieces. I am excited to follow along and see what I can scoop up for my kids, nieces and nephews too. Follow them on IG HERE or sign up for their waitlist HERE.
I hope spring is springing wherever you are. Thanks as always for reading. Planning to be back soon with a mini deep dive in my drafts on how ‘home content’ on social media is toxic. What a lede!!! I am also exploring some interviews with friends doing interesting and unique things. Even toying with the idea of audio based (don’t call it a podcast) interviews. Would love to hear your level of interest in those. Likely 20-30 min chit chats with friends I want you to know.
One piece of bonus content: This lil agua de jamaica tutorial we shared on Casa Madre this week. Hasta luego.
xx Ly