I can’t believe we’re heading into the home stretch of the first quarter of 2021. On one hand, I’m grateful for the hints of spring & sunshine we’re having in Amsterdam. On the other hand, this month I was constantly overwhelmed with the feeling of time slipping away.
As we reach a year of COVID, lockdown is really starting to weigh on me – as I’m sure it’s weighing on you. Working from home, not seeing family, and being in the same space 24/7 have become the norm. And unfortunately, so have feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. But constantly trying to fix those feelings can be exhausting. So instead, I listened to them this month to understand the root causes. It’s been different (and difficult), but also resulted in a lot of reflection and growth.
As part of my goal planning in 2021, I started focusing on a “word of the month”. I choose a word that represents something I want to work on in my life. January’s word was balance, and February’s word was appreciation – two things I’m admittedly quite terrible at. But March’s word is – very appropriately – patience.
So, to anyone out there reading this: continue to have patience. While the economic & psychological damage from COVID will take a while to heal, we are coming to the end of the worst part of this long journey. The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, which makes the road ahead is brighter, and my hope is that summer will bring some sense of normalcy to the world – and with it, more creativity, more camaraderie, and more happiness.
xx,
Mercedes
What I’m reading: this nostalgic horror book
I just finished My Best Friend’s Exorcism, which is an awesome cross between The Exorcist and Beaches. It’s a little comedy, a little horror, and a grown up version of every 80’s coming of age story. Even though I grew up in the 90’s, I loved the 80’s nostalgia (the references to VC Andrews really hit home… lol). Every chapter is named after a song, and bonus if you listen to this fan’s playlist while reading it!
What I’m wearing: this sustainable French brand
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that Sezane is one of my favorite french fashion brands to get that “effortless chic” look. Their styles are quite affordable for the level of quality, and surprisingly easy to wear. I’m petite so some of their sizing can be big on me, but their pre-spring collection is so pretty. Find some of my recent favorites below. And I have some good news! They’re offering a denim recycling program with $15 off a pair of jeans – the codes are DENIM (Europe), FRENCHDENIM (US), and PARISDENIM (UK).
US LINKS
EU LINKS
What I’m listening to: this podcast
In my intro to this post, I talked a bit about the feeling of time famine – having too much to do, and not enough time to do it. I learned about it from this podcast episode, recommended to me through my work’s mental health resource group. If you’ve struggled with that feeling, I really recommend listening to The Happiness Lab. Here are my two favorite episodes:
- The Happiness Lab: For whom the alarm clock tolls
- The Happiness Lab: Reconnect with the moment
What I’m using: this organic beauty brand
I don’t follow a ton of influencers on Instagram. But one of my favorites recommended this facial oil. I love her beauty recommendations (that’s how I fell in love with the LED mask I wrote about last month), and I’ve since become a convert to the brand Living Libations. My most recent purchase was this rose mist (available here in NL). I always thought “mists” were a stupid way for beauty brands to upcharge you for water in a spray bottle, but I. am. telling. you. this one is worth it. It moisturizes, gives me a glow, and sets a great base for makeup. Also… it does kind of feel chic & luxurious to spray your face with rose mist. I use it a few times per day, and it’s definitely going to come in handy when the weather gets warmer.
What I’m watching: films
The idea of committing to yet another TV show is overwhelming, so I’ve been much more into films recently – everything from Tenet, to Soul, to Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (actually all really good… I promise). Also finally watched What We Do in the Shadows, and the movie is just as good as the spinoff TV show. If you have any recommendations for good movies, drop them in a comment on this blog post below!
Outfit details
- Fluffy puff sleeve sweater: US link / similar EU style
- Boucle skirt: US link // EU link
- Sunglasses
Leave a Reply