write it on a post-it or it didn’t happen
5-4-3-2-1: outfits, underrated things, current loves, delish bites & an uplifting moment
I’m not an auditory learner. Tell me something once, and I’ll nod like I get it… then mess it up spectacularly.
At a recent appointment, the nurse explained what I needed to do, and I stared at her with the most confused blank face imaginable. I had to confess: I had literally no idea what she just asked me to do.
She broke it down step by step. I repeated it in my brain 100 times while getting undressed… and still somehow managed to put the gown on backward.
Meanwhile, my Four-Shirted Husband™ was giving me a little shoulder rub before leaving for work, trying to guide me on how to twist and contort my body for maximum trapezoid relief. I looked like a fish out of water, flopping helplessly on land. I finally screamed, “I AM SIMPLY NOT AN AUDITORY LEARNER!”
The number of times I miss the exit or get lost using GPS is overwhelming—especially for my robotic rule-following kids in the car.
Me, driving (with GPS on mute): This is fine. It’s fine.
BUT SERIOUSLY, WHERE AM I?
Later, my husband launched into a word salad about what time my son’s basketball game was this weekend. I stopped him: “I just need to know what time I have to leave the house. I don’t care when it starts, tip-off, jersey colors, or warm-ups…just tell me the exact time I have to leave.”
He did, and I added a safeguard: “Write it on a Post-It!”
One thing I’m learning as I age: you are your own best advocate. You know how you think, how you process, and what you need. People can’t help unless you communicate clearly. I used to be embarrassed by my struggles, masking them and failing silently. Now, I own it and am so much better for it.
So, a heads-up if you meet me—I may forget your name in 30 seconds, but I’ll remember your dog’s name, your astrological sign, and some random fact you mentioned once. Walk around the block with me and I’ll say, “That’s Jakey’s mom… oh! And that’s Snookie’s dad!” Meanwhile, the human names shall remain a mystery.
If you need me to do something, write it down (not in the abyss of a text or 97 message group chat I won’t read). And if there are multi-step directions, break that stuff down or give me a step-by-step list.
Otherwise, I’ll put the gown on backward… and we’ll blissfully miss the basketball game. See? Not an auditory learner… but at least I remember the dogs.
What’s Inside: Here’s our gameplan for today - a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, you know the drill!
👗5 outfits
⭐4 things underrated
😍3 things i’m loving
🍝delish bites
🫶🏻1 uplifting moment
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
Kicked off the week with an older Valentine’s Day–inspired blazer. Loved how it looked layered over a crisp white button-up!
LOOK 2
Decided to keep the color trend going by pairing this gorgeous cobalt blue sweater with my navy trousers. Yes, I unapologetically own these trousers in three colors - sorry, not sorry.
LOOK 3
Alexa: Play “She’s A Rainbow” by the Rolling Stones. Nothing stresses me out like making a simple decision. In shocking news, the Four-Shirted Husband™ had the final say on this look, telling me to add the blazer. Someone hand him a gold star!
LOOK 4
We had P.S. I Love You Day at school. It began in 2011, created by two sisters in New York after losing their father to suicide. Students and staff are encouraged to come together and wear purple as a symbol of love, support, and mental health awareness.
LOOK 5
Felt aggressively cool at youth basketball. Never underestimate the power of a great sweatshirt. These pants* were gifted1 and I’m literally obsessed. PS: there’s a cheaper version too (can’t vouch!), but worth a peek if it’s more your speed.
1. PLAYING A SONG ON REPEAT
Finding a song that hits in just the right way and playing it on repeat until it almost nauseates you is one of my favorite things to do. I think this technically qualifies as a self-care ritual, and I fully endorse it for you. (current repeat offenders 1 & 2)
2. RETREAT TO YOUR TINY SPACE!
I found this adorable note on Threads and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Sometimes you just need to retreat to your corner or nook, alone, where you can be just you for a few minutes. I work in an open-space, lofted office with 22 desks, which is lovely because I adore my colleagues - but it makes me really crave my tiny space when I get home.
3. KIMCHI
Have I been living under a rock? The answer is yes. I’ve been missing out on the fermented goodness of kimchi. Often describing myself as a sauerkraut girlie, switching up to kimchi for lunch has been deliciously satisfying. This is the one I’ve been enjoying!
4. TREAT YOUR PAST SELF WITH KINDNESS
First — let’s talk about how underrated therapy is. Period. CBT, EMDR, ABCDEFG, I LOVE & WILL TAKE IT ALL. And how underrated it is to own your therapy journey and actually talk it out with those around you.
My recent conversations have centered around just how important it is to treat your past self with compassion instead of contempt. That little girl is the one who got me here, and with work, time, and understanding, I can take it from here.
Now by now we know that SKIMS underwear are pretty elite. But let’s also talk about their actual clothing. I snagged this set during my epic underwear order and I cannot stop wearing the softest tee and sweatpants. They are ridiculously cozy for hanging at home or going out into the wild.
2. HAIR MASK
As I continue trudging through my winter dehydrated-era, my hair has been feeling the hurt too. I got this mask as a sample from Sephora and loved it so much that I ended up buying the full size.
I’m channeling my inner Amanda Frances from RHOBH and manifesting this collage. Stumbled on this beach set during the H&M sale and had fun styling it my way! I already own this swimsuit in several colors. Haven’t found another that compares for the price. Can’t forget my favorite sunscreen*!
When a coworker casually dropped that she made her kids paella on a random Wednesday, the entire office was shook. She nervously defended it, saying it was a fool-proof recipe that takes just 30 minutes. I put it to the test on Valentine’s Day, and the whole family gave it a 10/10! I also made some delicious bread to go with it.
2. GRANOLA
I didn’t realize making your own granola is ridiculously easy. Is this my year of great awakenings? Maybe. I made this granola recipe, bagged it up, and sent my parents home with some. Next time I’d use a little less salt or spread it more evenly, but still delish. Let me know if you try it.
Disclaimer: Not a Pats fan here - just a miserable Jets fan. But when I saw this video on the Patriots’ IG after the Super Bowl, and then I saw Dr. Becky’s take on it, it really stuck with me. Things don’t always go your way. Life can be really hard. But letting the people you love know they’re not alone is how we build resilience.
Let’s Chat: Are you a “write it on a Post-It” kind of person too… or am I just a faulty human? 🟨
That’s all for this week! I am enjoying the next week off from work with the family and cannot wait for some relaxation time.
Your fellow forgetful human,
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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.
I harassed Ruti about the cost of these luxurious pants and they kindly offered us a code to take 15% off - hope this helps! Code: TRACI15
If someone spells their name for me and I have to write it down I swear to god im hearing new letters in the alphabet. Like all I hear is gibberish. Same with numbers LOL!
ALSO im looking for a groutfit. I hate supporting skims but like the sweats look so cozy and perfect
If I see something written down, I’ll probably remember it. If I write it down myself I will never have to look at the reminder again. If you tell me verbally, it’s gone before you’re finished talking. Definitely a visual learner.