I’m back on Substack after a brief hiatus and in preparation for the return I scrolled down and read my lastest post: “I’m having my favorite summer ever.” I smiled the whole time reading it. What that version of me didn’t know then was that the best summer of her life was going to get even better. Talking about yourself in third person is weird, I know, but right now calls for it.
I think what I’ve appreciated most about this short period in my life is how one call, one text, one email can actually change the course of your future. And, surprisingly, I got quite a few of those.
Let me start with the most fun update: I fell in love. Like the kind of love that I truly didn’t think existed. The kind of love that fogs up your brain and makes you go insane. The love that has thrown out everything I thought I understood about feelings or men or monogamy. The kind that feels sacred. I mostly thought people we’re kinda lying about being happy in relationships, but now I get it. I’ve talked about this in many edits now but I want and strive for the very best out of life and love was no exception. I’ve dated some great men, some not so great ones, and as a girl who really thought she was going to be single forever (by choice), that what she had envisioned in her mind maybe didn’t actually exist… this experience has given me a whole new perspective. I can’t wait to tell you the whole story and I’ll dedicate one full edit to that. I am so, so happy.
I also had some of my favorite memories ever — took a trip to Salt Lake City with my best friends. Some people meet their lifelong best friends in diapers, some in high school, but mine are all from college. And I’m biased, but we have the most special, supportive, fun, adventurous relationship. And if I put money on it, I think having this core group is a big reason why my life always feels so fulfilled. We went hiking, sipped wine by the pine trees, went to some amazing dinners. I appreciate them more and more every year.
I also got to go to the US Open twice — once with Kevin and once with one of my other best friends Collette, who flew up for the weekend. If you’ve never been to the US Open, make it a point to go. You dress up, you sip on nice drinks, you appreciate these incredible athletes in a unique environment (everyone stays quiet during the match). I’ve been to a lot of experiences I’ve enjoyed and this is consistently at the top of the list.
Collette and I also got to go to a party with one of my favorite brands ever: Bardot. They make the coolest dresses at such affordable rates. Mine was this knit ribbed fabric that was so sexy and slinky and chic. Linking it here!
I spent a weekend in upstate New York and then the following flew to Vegas with my co-workers who I love. Working with people you enjoy spending time with really does make all the difference in the world.
I said goodbye to one of my work families, E! News, who wrapped their final broadcast show last Thursday. They’ll still continue online and on socials, but it’s the nightly show that’s coming to a halt. This really was a dream come true for so many reasons and it really did surpass all of my highest expectations. I’ll miss that so much. I also am not sure what I’m going to do with all this free time now. lol
I know I’m giving you the highlights, but it wasn’t all this celebratory and fun. I’m learning to take the highs with the lows. I was running a bit on empty a few too many times and really hit my breaking point. I call those ‘dark days’ when I don’t get out of bed, barely text back and mentally decompress. I’m working on a better balance so it doesn’t get to that point regularly.
And I don’t want to get too heavy on you in this edit, but I had someone close to me get diagnosed with cancer and spent a large amount of time learning cancer lingo, going to appointments, and to be honest, worrying. Anyone who has been affected by cancer, both directly and indirectly, I’m so sorry. It is one of scariest, most challenging things I’ve ever had to witness. And I’m so thankful to all the doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to helping other. It’s nothing short of heroic.
Next week I go to the beach with my family and I’m so excited to unplug, read, make martinis with my mom, play casual pickleball with my sister, walk in the sand, keep my phone inside. ah.
Like I said earlier, I wish I could go back to that girl who posted in July about her summer she was having and let her know that the ride was truly just getting started — and I’m glad you’re on it with me.
Let’s get into the recs!
My stylist Catie Kill and I had a blast getting looks ready for Vegas and oddly enough the two we landed on were both from the same brand. They’re called Khela the Label, and Cates found them on Wolf and Badger. I am absolutely obsessed with their stuff and don’t think I’ve had more fun wearing a dress than this absolute belter.
and then Catie paired these two together and it was just so cool-girl laid back vibes. It’s different from what we normally do and I loved it.
You know I’m always watching TV and there’s three things you need to see:
Love Thy Nader — a reality show about the four Nader sisters living and working in New York City. As someone with sisters, it perfectly encapsulates that dynamic and I find myself just smiling at the tv. It’s the perfect amount of fun, of dating or arguments. I love it and think this is the next Kardashians.
Dancing With The Stars — I know you’ve heard of it but trust me: it is SO fun. You find yourself rooting for certain characters, appreciating choreography and genuinely enjoying watching them get better week after week. It also makes me so nostalgic at the live voting aspect and I miss when we all collectively watched TV together at the same time. Remember voting for your favorites on a landline phone for American Idol?! Same thing. I also still think about this routine Iman Shumpert & Daniella did.
English Teacher — Season 2 just dropped and the whole thing in my opinion is a masterpiece. It’s funny, light-hearted, relatable. If you love Abbott Elementary, you will LOVE English teacher.
You must dine at…
Emilio’s Ballato in Soho. We did a ‘Celebrity Eats’ piece on them a few weeks back with E! and I cannot say enough phenomenal things, not only about the food, but the family who runs it. Chef Anthony was so lovely and generous and personable and the whole family has such an incredible story. They deserve all the success in the world. It’s a celebrity hot spot and one of the hardest reservations in the city but so, so worth it.
I am behind on my monthly Pinterest boards (but then again I’m behind on everything lol) so I’ll leave you with one of my favorite ideas from this summer:
Here’s to a really peaceful, grounding fall.
See you in two weeks! xx
Em