Beauty
I recently got the Lover fragrance, and well, I’m in love. I adore everything from The Maker—they truly can do no wrong in my eyes. They’re definitely one of my favorite houses. I love how this scent is fig-forward without being overly green. Figs symbolize abundance and prosperity in so many cultures and in my own life—luxury, essentially. I’m always drawn to their symbolism and enjoy finding ways to incorporate them into my life. I’m considering getting this travel set that comes with a beautiful box and three travel scents for my birthday. Adding it to the growing list of birthday gifts.
Listen, it’s gross—I know—but I get really bad chapped lips in winter, especially after wearing lipstick. I’m trying out the Jack Black NightMode Lip Treatment. It has hyaluronic acid and manuka honey, and so far, it’s pretty nice. When I remember to put it on at night, I do notice a difference by morning. The texture isn’t overly sticky or putty-like, which is my main gripe with other lip masks.
Also, a quick plug for this month’s nails by Gigi! The design was inspired by Art Deco architecture—specifically wall art and elevator metals—with added oxblood half-moons for an even more Deco vibe.
Experiences
This weekend, I went to Milwaukee and stayed at the Saint Kate Hotel for the first time. I usually stay in the Third Ward but ended up getting a great deal here. Honestly, before visiting, I never understood why the Saint Kate was so expensive for Milwaukee. But I get it now. They have two floors of art (with a substantial focus on local artists), an artist in residence you can actually meet and talk to about their craft, a great restaurant, and rooms with thoughtful artistic touches. They even had a face wash bar for makeup removal shaped like a bright pink eraser—a nod to the pop art movement.
While in Milwaukee, I ate at my favorite restaurant ever, Ca’Lucchenzo. It’s seriously so good—I’ve never had a bad meal there. Their menu changes often with the seasons, allowing for incredibly fresh ingredients. The team is spectacular and so knowledgeable. You can follow along on my Milwaukee adventures on YouTube.
Fashion / Style
I’m living in two things this month: my crewneck cashmere sweater from J.Crew and my waterproof Converse. I had the sweater monogrammed a few years ago, and I’m a sucker for anything monogrammed. While it’s not the highest-quality cashmere, it’s a great starter piece that has served me well. It can be dressed up or down, which I appreciate. The Converse aren’t the warmest, so I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking, but for city errands in salt- and ice-covered streets, they’re an A+. They clean up easily and have great traction, which is perfect for winter in Chicago.
Food & Drinks
Everything I ate at Ca’Lucchenzo.
I also tried Kāstra Eliōn vodka, which is a light and crisp Greek vodka. It pairs beautifully with olives for a martini—because in case you didn’t know, Greeks love olives.
Home & Lifestyle
I’m always a candle girl. This month, I’ve been burning Dark Rum by MALIN+GOETZ quite a bit. I received it as a gift from Merz Apothecary and have been in love ever since. It has notes of bergamot, plum, anise, milk, and amber. I mostly pick up on the amber and anise. It’s warm and fills my office nicely—keeping me sane.
For hard water stains in my shower, my favorite product is the Scrub Daddy CIF All-Purpose Scrub. I use an old rag to apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off. I finish with Windex, and honestly, it works so well.
I’m also in the market for new bedding—completely new everything. I’ll report back, but if you have recommendations, send them my way!
Media & Entertainment
Yes, I saw The Last Showgirl and cried. Was it perfect? No. Some aspects could have been fleshed out more, and I found myself wanting more depth. But maybe that’s the point—a reflection of Shelly’s character. She struggles with emotional nuance, whether due to self-protection, naïveté, or delusion. It’s survival, and I get it.
The cast was incredible—from Jamie Lee Curtis to Billie Lourd, Brenda Song, and Kiernan Shipka. Jamie Lee Curtis’s character Annette resonated with me deeply. I know Annette. I love Annette. I have many Annettes in my life—true hustlers until the day they die.
This film is a beautiful case study of the type of celebrity Pam Anderson represents: Hollywood’s forgotten angel. Dismissed as anti-feminist because of her hypersexualization, she was never taken seriously. Watching her come full circle is beautiful, and I’m particularly annoyed by her Oscar snub.
Things I Wrote/Created
The Honeytrap: Money, Sex Work, and the Price of AmbitionDecentralized Social Media 101
Winter 2025 Candle Edit
Exploring the Jim Henson Exhibit | Muppets, Labyrinth, and More *Youtube Vlog
My Favorite Outfit
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