5 things i love right now

1. this album by maxband, on ice

the sort-of title track from this record, “slipping on ice,” popped up on my discover weekly spotify playlist, and i immediately 1) loved it and 2) recognized the vocals, but didn’t know from where right away. later, i clicked into the band’s bio and realized that maxband is a side project of max savage, the drummer from indie rock band parquet courts (most of whose stuff i love). and while max’s voice is remarkably similar to his brother adam’s to my ear, for some reason, i’m enjoying this album more than most PC records — i feel like it’s more consistent, melodic, upbeat, and listenable overall? it also could have to do with the fact that max is trading off vocal duties with this band’s bassist, patrick smith. along with “slipping on ice,” “labor day” in particular is sososo good and (spoiler alert) will probably end up on my list of favorite songs of the year.

2. this movie, the idea of you

a movie about a 40-year-old mom who has a secret dalliance with a 20-something boy band member that’s based on harry styles fan fiction? do NOT threaten me with a good time! even though i knew my fangirl ass was probably going to enjoy it to some degree based solely on the premise, i was pretty surprised at just how much i loved it! i should have known since anne hathaway hasn’t had many duds in her career, but it was well-acted, entertaining from beginning to end, and the perfect lighthearted little rom-com escape. it’s streaming on prime if you’re so inclined!

3. keeping sugar cubes in a cute jar in my kitchen

i recently saw this advice for adding a bit of luxury to your every day life — something i am ALL about doing — and was like “oh, yeah, i definitely need a fun little mushroom jar to put chunks of demerara sugar in” (that’s right, i’m a sugar in the raw girl).

along with my #1 tip to romanticize your life (buying $3.99 trader joe’s bouquets and putting them in a mason jar in your kitchen), this is right up there in terms of simple ways to elevate your every day.

4. this diptyque fragrance, tam dao, that my friend in paris gave me

when i was visiting my friend cassidy last month, she mentioned that she had been subscribing to receive samples from this french perfume company, diptyque, but wasn’t crazy about the latest one, tam dao. i took a sniff and was like “umm, i LOVE it!” so she sent me home with two little vials and i’m in love and moving through them at a frighteningly rapid rate. trying to pace myself because i ain’t ready to shell out $230 for the full bottle, as much as i want to. it has notes of sandalwood, cedar, cypress, and coriander, and smells like you’re a sexy, spooky witch wandering through a dewy, magical forest at dawn.

5. this tiktok that’s an embodiment of my life goals

@alwayssitatthebarMy mum and her twin on their 60th birthday last year dancing to something and being completely fabulous

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speaking of witches! this is giving midnight margaritas in practical magic meets stevie nicks realness. if this ain’t me in 30 years, i don’t want it.