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12.30.2024

the best of 2024.

 

Ah, the strange time between Christmas and New Year's where time stands still and my sluggery reaches an all time high. This is the first year in a very long time that I've taken extended time off from work around the holidays, and while it has been amazing, I think I'll be ready to get back into a groove on January 1st.

I'm currently in Quebec City spending my days eating croissants and drinking pistachio lattes but have felt a little retrospective about the best things of 2024. So, here they are:


Best Thing I Wore:

j.crew stratus pant in textured satin

I first learned of these pants via Emily's Instagram and they very quickly become the best item of clothing I purchased this year. I have them in black and and navy (and I might need them in green), and they are the most comfortable and chic pants in my rotation (think fancy pajamas). I love them with sneakers just as much as ballet flats, and I know they will continue to get a lot of wear in 2025, especially in the office.


Best Thing I Ate:


the artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street

I posted about this earlier this year, and I still can't stop thinking about it. The artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street was sublime: this restaurant is a Portland staple for a delicious meal, and the wood fired pasta did not disappoint. It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and I only wish they didn't change their menu on the daily so I could eat this forever.


The Best Thing I Read:

all the colors of the dark, chris whitaker

Gah, this book was so good. It's part thriller, part heartwarming/heartbreaking journey about old friends who experienced a tragedy. It follows their lives as they grow up and I loved every second.


Best Beauty Buy:

D.S & Durga - I Don't know What

Is perfume a beauty product? I'm going with yes. It's no secret I love to smell good and this is my new favorite (and I've never received more compliments on how I smell). It's multi layered and sophisticated and I also love that this company let's you sample multiple scents and then put the money you spent buying the samples towards a full size. This will be a repeat purchase for sure.


Best Show I Watched:

slow horses on apple tv

I was admittedly very late to getting into this, but it quickly became my favorite thriller. I loved every episode, and by the time I got to season four I could finally watch without subtitles (those english accents are no joke).

Here's to more good things in 2025!

9.23.2024

a summer well spent.


never enough beach days, but I tried. 

perfect summer dinner.


only one concert, but seeing The Head and the Heart at Thompson's Point never disappoints.
 

lots of golf meant lots of hot dogs at the turn.


outdoor dining friend.


the bug.


my favorite york harbor view.

This summer flew. We lucked out with pretty great weather, especially compared to last year, and I tried my best to soak everything in. I'm so lucky to live where I do.

But now it's officially fall, and while I've been burning this candle since September 1st, it's only started to really feel like the season has changed this past week. I put away my air conditioner, it's been getting dark super early (and I've been ready for bed at 8:00 which is not ideal), and the mornings have been perfect for runs around the neighborhood. I try not to wish seasons away, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't psyched it's fall: it's my favorite.


7.11.2024

the thursday special.

 

maya brenner's asymmetrical letter necklace

Since Olive died in 2021, I had wanted a little memento to remember her by. Tattoos are not currently my thing but jewelry is (and always will be), and the Maya Brenner asymmetrical letter necklace with the little "o" fit the bill perfectly. My parents gave it to me for Christmas, and I haven't taken it off since. I highly recommend it if there is someone you want to keep with you.

7.08.2024

weekend things.

 

scarborough beach.

I had a great beach day yesterday--it started off a little overcast but the clouds quickly burned off and I was able to dive into the ocean and get destroyed by waves. I had big plans of spending the day at the beach for the 4th as well, but Mabel had some sort of allergic reaction and broke out in hives (this has happened before and I have no idea what causes it but it's stressful and terrible and she's so uncomfortable). We ended up lying low and she was back to her old self by Friday, which was a relief.

Wimbledon has been on daily, I started Presumed Innocent on AppleTV (very good), and I've been reading Kevin Kwan's Lies and Weddings, which is the perfect beach read. I have also been living off of Hetty McKinnon's Dumpling Tomato Salad with Chili Crisp Vinaigrette: it is a super easy delicious summer meal.

Here's to July!

7.04.2024

the thursday special.

 

agolde parker distressed denim shorts

Happy 4th of July - because nothing says "America" like jorts, I'm here to recommend AGOLDE's Parker Distressed version. I'm admittedly late to the party with these, but recently snagged a pair and they are great--not too short, the perfect amount of distressing and a very comfortable rise. They're definitely on the pricier end, but worth it (I also recommend these, which are a tad cheaper but just as comfy).

7.01.2024

hi, july! (and what I've been up to, in pics).

 


I turned 42 in April, and after spending the morning at the DMV I treated myself to a delicious brunch at Ocotillo. I'm very glad they are now in the neighborhood.



My mom and I traveled down to Pittsburgh to cheer on my sister during the half marathon (I once again had an injury and had to bail) but we had such a great time and the highlight was dinner at Pusadee's Garden -- I am already counting down until I can go back and have the roti and khao yum again. 




I went to my parents' house Memorial Day Weekend and unofficially kicked off summer with hot dogs, ping pong, and a little sunburn. I also read Anita Monte Laughs Last, and very much enjoyed it. (Dress is Anthro's Somerset, which I have been living in for both work and play).


I grabbed some spray roses for my bedside table, and they made me very happy.



I was finally sworn into the Maine Bar and celebrated with my parents and champagne at Eventide.




My sister came up (for a week!) and we did all of the Portland things, including drinks and caviar at the newly opened Five of Clubs bar at the Longfellow Hotel, bowling at Bayside Bowl, and all of our favorite food and drink stops. After a visit to Massachusetts for golf and more family time we came back up to York Harbor for the weekend before she headed home. 




This picture doesn't do it justice, but I had one of the top 5 dishes of my life at Fore Street. It was their wood oven roasted lasagna that I kind of ordered on a whim but was absolutely insane: artichoke and nettle lasagne with swiss chard, golden raisin and pine nut agrodolce, parm and marsala sauce. It took all of my restraint not to go back for more the following night. 





And the bug has been living her best life, per usual.

So that's a high level view of life lately--I am so excited that is finally summer in Maine, which is, quite frankly, the best. I'm looking forward to Saturday farmers' market perusing and as much beach time as I can squeeze in. Here's to summer.