Did

We finished all the packing and moved (though we are still slowly unpacking at the new place)! My goodness, there’s nothing like having to pack all your worldly belongings to make you see how much you have (and how much you’ve over-bought). It led to a significant decrease in purchasing this month (the things in the “Buy” section below were mostly purchased at the very tail end of last month or the first week of this month). Ironic to think at one point (pre-pandemic) I tried to be minimalist. That’s been completely thrown out of the window at some point, but I know in my bones I need to find my way back. I may never be a minimalist (I know this by now), but on the spectrum of more and less I need to have less (or actually use up all that I already have— I’m looking at you make-up and stationary collection).

I’m back on the Netflix K-drama train this month and I binge watched Love to Hate You (starring Teo Yoo of Past Lives fame—which I still need to watch, I know I’m so late to the game). But even without watching his latest movie I’m officially a Teo Yoo fan 😆. And I also loved this goofball comedy series since there were zero times I cried, which is so refreshing in a K-drama. I’m also watching Miss Night and Day, which is being released every Saturday and Sunday. I’ve been loving these romantic comedies. They’re like a favorite comfort food during an especially stressful time. Any other K-drama romantic comedies you guys recommend?

I went for a much needed massage and spa day at Burke Williams to celebrate a friend’s birthday (my right arm has been weak and tingly since an especially grueling day of packing). It’s been years since my last massage and wow it was so nice. So great in fact that I signed up for the membership, committing myself to a massage a month for six months. It’s an indulgence to be sure but something this old body needs.

Buy

Secondhand Hermes Constance 24: I actually got this in June but I forgot to add it to that month’s list (🤦🏻‍♀️ a sign that I’ve purchased waaay too many bags this year). Honestly I wanted to try the bag out because I was trying to scratch a “going-out bag” itch (even though I never go out). And lo and behold I have I only used it once because I never go out lol. I used it for my friend’s birthday lunch and found that I could work the clasp fairly easily as long as I used two hands (one hand to steady the bag while I pull the clasp up with the other). This Constance was made in 1979 so it’s quite old and needs to go to the Hermes spa soon (there’s some cracking on the box leather). But considering I got it for less than half of retail I don’t think it was a bad deal.

Andie Swimsuit in white: As I mentioned in my Andie Swimsuit review, I decided to get the white version of the Malibu since I kept staining my black one with sunscreen. The white is opaque (but you definitely need to keep the bra inserts in if you don’t want to show nipple), but I still prefer the black one since the black one seems to show less bumps/lumps in general. But if I’m swimming at home, I end up wearing the white one more.

Secondhand Bottega Veneta Hobo in sea foam green: I saw the color of this bag and just fell in love. I remember seeing a lot of these bags in the 2000’s but I always thought Bottega was for “old ladies.” Well guess I’m an old lady now since I’m really in love with the brand these days. And as much as the newer styles are fun, I find myself gravitating towards the classics. I think this one is called the Veneta hobo, and it’s so easy to carry. It fits everything and then some, but feels lighter than my usual bags since it sits so close to the shoulder. If I see another one of these in a great color I might be tempted, but for now this bag is hands-down a current favorite. I’ve worn this for 15 days straight so far and haven’t felt the need to switch bags yet.