tummy problems, cookie parties & things i like
5-4-3-2-1: outfits, updates, favorites, styling tips & 1 mildly festive plan
My Four-Shirted-Husband™ always jokes that hot girls all have tummy problems. It’s one of his weird ways of trying to make me feel better when I’m in distress. However, as a gal with tummy probz, I do not feel hot.
A few years ago, I saw my gastro for similar problems. He basically told me to calm the F down and see if things improve.
Narrator: She did not calm the F down, and things did not, in fact, improve.
I went back to see Dr. B, shared my recent struggles and he then congratulated me on earning an endoscopy. He also asked if I had the opportunity to relax or go on vacation anytime soon, in which I abruptly responded:
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO REST IN A CAPITALIST SOCIETY.
The first time I went under anesthesia was for my wisdom teeth. Everyone has a wisdom teeth story, right? Mine involved dry sockets, fainting, and waking up from anesthesia, speaking French… convinced I needed to high-five my oral surgeon. Cringe.
Since then, I’ve evolved—waking up whispering to myself: DO NOT SPEAK.
So this week, I’m off to l’hôpital for a very routine endoscopy. I am doing what I do best, which is assuming the absolute worst, reading books all about my gut microbiome, and preparing for my award-winning talent in fainting at any medical speed bump.
So once again, in my best Bernie Sanders voice—sending out a plea to the universe: may my hot-girl tummy issues be resolved with minimal intervention, short-term Pepcid, and unlimited hot cocoa.
What’s Inside: Here’s our gameplan for today - a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, you know the drill!
👗5 outfits
👚4 things lately
😍3 things i’m loving
🧘🏻♀️2 styling tips (with Anika Krueger!)
🫶🏻1 valentine’s day activity menu
P.S. - This may be too long for your inbox. Click “View entire message” at the bottom of this e-mail or read the full post here! 🔗
LOOK 1
I think the theme for this week was how to dress cozy for work: leggings, a wrap sweater, and my fave boots to kick off the week.
LOOK 2
I think if I had to pick an unofficial “uniform” it would be this right here. I love the way an oversized blazer looks with flowy pants and ballet flats.
LOOK 3
Had to style my new cords again this week. I’m so glad I tried them with that pop of red sock last week—it ended up being the perfect gateway into using red to accent this entire look!
LOOK 4
Little Western vibes to mix things up this week. Obsessed with these new earrings—delicate yet bold! Couldn’t wait to style this preloved belt from Poshmark and wear it out.
LOOK 5
Pushed myself to recreate a look using pieces I’d already worn earlier this week. The wrap sweater made a comeback with my favorite flowy pants!
1. READING 📘- FIBER FUELED
Yes, my hyperfixations are real—and now look, I’m back on my non-fiction nonsense. I do find the gut microbiome absolutely fascinating. This book is delivering. I was the kid who watched the Magic School Bus episode where Ms. Frizzle took the class into the human body—on repeat.
Biggest Takeaway: The importance of the diversity of plants you eat. I’m setting a little goal to try and hit 30 different types next week—TBD.
2. EXPERIMENTING☀️ - SUN LAMP
I really miss the sun. Earlier this week I felt like a crazy person when I bought this sun lamp from Amazon. I felt a lot less crazier when I saw Jen also has one! I’m going to try using it in the mornings to get my circadian rhythm off to a good start. I wish it gave me a non–skin-cancerous tan, too—but that’s asking a bit much.
3. PARTYING 🎉 - COOKIE PARTY
I’m down for any excuse to have a themed party. I invited my family over for a Valentine’s cookie party and I’m super blessed they roll with my antics. Everyone baked and brought their favorite two types of cookies. I made my fave chocolate chips from last week and this brownie cookie that was a hit!
4. EATING 🍲 - WHITE BEAN CHILLI
One of the few things I love about cold weather is eating chili. I made this delicious white bean chili for soup-ish Sunday and it was a hit! Bonus: It’s gluten-free!
1. ELECTROLYES
“Hydrate or die” is the saying, right? Well, I’m trying to do ALL THE WELLNESS THINGS—and I’m really enjoying pouring this electrolyte mix into my water in the AM, before coffee, to fuel the system. Alay Bowker has declared that the blue raspberry flavor is elite as well.
I’m clearly in my dehydrated-and-dry-era everything. I’m loving this lip gloss*—it gives a pretty glaze, smells delish, and also protects my lips against the deceivingly strong winter sun (when I’m actually in it).
Is it clear yet that I’m desperately longing for warmer weather? I promise I will try and remain “present,” but it is cold (my weather app says right now it feels like −9°F). I tried this straw hat on in store at Anthropologie in NYC, loved it & bought it. If I EVER complain this summer it’s too hot I give everyone permission to block me.
When I first downloaded the Indyx app to digitize my wardrobe, I went on a spree, styling everyone and everything in sight. I stumbled upon Anika Krueger’s closet (FYI: she’s a legit stylist) and was obsessed. I felt so cringe, but I pushed myself to style her! She couldn’t have been kinder and even returned the favor—proving exactly why she’s amazing at what she does.
I asked Anika to share two styling tips for the everyday gal, and lucky for us, she agreed to share her brilliant stylist brain with all of us!
Meet Anika Krueger 🤝
Two Styling Tips With Anika!
1. Buy pieces and style outfits like you would cook a really great dish: First, keep the ingredients simple but high quality. Then, have your outcome in mind rather than the different steps you take, and enjoy the process of getting there - adding the different ingredients one by one and check if you like it in between. I liked the outfit below because it blends the pieces together as a whole: Every piece has a great fit and color, the colors mix well together, and the leather adds texture (for extra flavor).
2. Always dress a bit cooler than you think you are. I think it’s the ultimate confidence booster and I hardly ever regret it when I follow this mantra in the morning. Also, define what ‘cool’ means to you - sometimes to me it’s to be brave enough to put on the simplest outfit and give a ⭐ in that way. Sunglasses and leather jackets will always work wonders, too.
If you’re looking for more wisdom and styling tips (because, let’s be honest, we’re all obsessed with Anika around here), you can find her on Substack—her publication is NO WARDROBE. You can also follow her on Instagram: @Anika.Ricarda.
The coolest way to connect with her is on Indyx. There, you can peek into her closet and even purchase her styling services here!
Not sure about you, but we’ll be spending the very overrated (IMO) holiday at home as a family unit.
Here is a menu of ideas you can pick from with your spouse, kiddos, or Galentines on how to make the day special when you don’t have plans or a babysitter!
And shout out to my valentine of 20+ years, The Four-Shirted-Husband™, who claims to be the central plot of this newsletter (🙄) and, whenever I can’t open a jar, serenades me with “I can buy myself flowers,” just to mock my fiercely independent woman persona.
Let’s Chat: What’s your go-to cozy Valentine’s Day move when you’re staying in?
Take care out there, my friends! As always, thank you for being here. See you next week 🫶🏻
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*Denotes the item was gifted, but rest assured I will only ever share items I truly love. Ain’t nobody got time for bad recs.
Let me make you feel better: when I went for an endoscopy I woke up in a ward and complained to the nurse about the person breaking wind loudly. Spoiler; the person was me.
Two of my favourite ladies in one post?! HEAVEN!!
I’m making valentines all about the kids this year, hidden love notes every where, cookie baking and I’ve got them little gifts too ❤️❤️