Noticing | Volume 25

On this week's bulletin board: thoughts on soulless efficiency, new hobbies, jam jars, J.Crew in Italy, a 5-minute rule and more.

On Wednesdays, I share a list of things I’m seeing, liking, thinking about, etc. This is my weekly bulletin board!

+ I used to get so frustrated with the daily upkeep of life. So many meals to prep, stuff to clean. I used to obsess over how I could optimize these tasks and return to what I wanted to be doing. I imagined that heaps of time would be added to my life thanks to my efforts to get it all over with. But a good life requires a lot of upkeep. Some things are much better unoptimized. I recall a moment that happened a few months ago. I had mastered my to-do list, hit the workout class, come home late, and prepared one of those Factor meals - 2 easy minutes in the microwave. I sat at my kitchen island on the phone with my mom and said, “Is this all life is?? Just trying to get stuff done and eating airplane meals?” There was something soulless about this level of efficiency. Since then, I’ve been on a long, gentle journey to discover what it means to take care of myself and live creatively (please read The Artist’s Way), and I noticed a new life within me this weekend. What was once my frustration has now become my hobby. Taking care of myself is my hobby. I repeat this as a mantra, and it helps me find delight in making myself dinner, going for a walk, packing my lunch, trying something new, getting dressed, and so on. Upkeep is a sign of a good life, and all these daily chores are often a form of creativity in disguise.

+ I’m hooked on the content coming out of the J.Crew Puglia brand trip. For extra BTS, follow my internet friend Sarah Crawford on Instagram! (I also love her Substack:

Sarah Crawford

!)

+ Speaking of J.Crew, I love this gingham suit (on sale), these boatneck stripes (extra 50% off), this breezy summer dress, or haltered basic, and this raffia bucket hat (also on sale). I'm eyeing this little, colorful straw bag. Perfect!!

+ Also in my cart, these target shoes. A high-quality dupe!

+ Has anyone else been seeing a new upcycling jar obsession? Specifically, the Bonne Maman jars. TikTok girls who make their coffees at home and pack beautiful lunches are inspiring me to buy pasta sauce just for the jar. This note from

Ashley Brooke

is an example. And this viral TikTok. I wonder if stores have seen a rise in jam sales? Niche.

+ Another thing that has been helping me is the 5-minute rule. Instead of rehearsing a task in your head (and therefore expending a lot of energy on it), get it done. If it takes five minutes, do it now. Freedom!

+ New favorite clean detergent that smells luxurious: Dirty Labs!

+ We’re hosting a happy hour tomorrow (6/19) at my office for women in Charleston. Fun! Casual! DM me on Instagram for the address. I would love to see you.

+ I’ve been wearing my Bala Bangles every morning on a walk and love them. They feel gentle and helpful.

+ Like Life merch is on sale! Hear my heart behind it here. I am imagining one of these banners in a shadow box with gingham fabric or a colorful wallpaper sample behind it. Might do that this weekend. Stay tuned!

Have a great week!

Sending love!

C