Notes from the in-between
Finding the cute bits and silver linings in a time of transition
“You’re still here?!” That’s the line I’m getting when I run into friends around town the past week or two, because I’m very much one foot in, one foot out before this move to New York. You’re probably sick of hearing about it — I am, too! — but we’re 2 weeks until the move (read: road trip!) and everything’s feeling a bit piecemeal right now, so this letter probably will, too.
I’ve been reflecting a lot on what the last 5 years in LA have done to me, and realizing I’ve come to value routine so much more here than at any other point in my life. For the first time, I’ve had a morning routine. I wake, feed and walk Moonie, make my matcha with collagen, light my favorite incense, cook breakfast at home. I never had a semblance of routine or morning routine when I lived in NYC previously. I’ve been thinking about how I will take these new routines and try to stick with them in, or adapt them to, this next chapter in New York.
Since living here in LA, I’ve actually experienced what it’s like to not always be in fight-or-flight mode. I’ve slowed down a lot, and that’s been really beautiful, but has also left me antsy enough to move back to New York and kick it into high gear again.
I’ve done a lot of healing here (spurred largely by major heartbreak), but I’ve learned to take care of myself in such an actionable and intentional way that I never was able to before. In NYC I was always just scraping by, moving so quickly to subconciously blur the tough parts (which were plenty). My life here has been starkly the opposite. Feelings have come up, I’ve processed them, I’ve held myself, I’ve listened to what my soul wants and given it that.
Will all of this go out the window when I hit the pavement in New York? Or am I really older, wiser, and just plain different than the last time around?
I’m picturing my new mornings there, hopefully walking Moon to the dog park nearby (instead of driving there like we do now!). I’m scoping out the workout studios in the area to see where I’ll be frequenting. I’m plotting trips upstate and planning on surfing in the Rockaways (attempts to not lose nature altogether).
Until then, I’m packing a few more boxes each day, planning a going away party, and plotting our cross-country road trip. We’ll be taking our spin on the Northern route because it has more places we’ve never been. If you have any tips on cross-country-ing with a puppy, I’m all ears.
Yup — I’m still just in this transient state right now, and trying to find the balance, the meaning, and the fun in it all, relishing in my silly little routines and leaning into my support system. Below are some notes of things I’ve done, loved, and seen since we last spoke.
And next newsletter, I plan to dive into some home decor ideas I’m into since that part of my brain is really starting to light up again. I have so many ideas I want to share with you! We’re into that interiors stuff here too, right? (I keep feeling like I should niche down more on this platform, but also completely refuse to, so thanks for being along for the ride). Let’s get into it —
I bought this Alessi tea kettle that I probably didn’t need mid-move off of a friend who was selling it on IG stories, but has made my mornings a solid amount more enjoyable (I only heat water for tea and matcha, as I don’t drink coffee). The! Little! Things!
Still moments in Hakone In my Big Cleanout, I found an old pile of film and dropped it all off to be scanned. Aside from some unwanted photos of my ex boyfriend, there were some gems in there, like these shots from Hakone, Japan I forgot about.
Candle snuffers, dog bowl (!!!) Fell in love with these fancy candle snuffers from Fry Powers, a brand name I fully forgot about for a couple years, and this dog bowl I saw at Design.Space (I feel a DIY coming on).
Highly recommend Vasquez Rocks I shot some photos for a recent project at Vasquez Rocks, such a beautiful place where both Star Trek and Planet of the Apes were filmed. Even after 5 years here there are still so many LA gems I have yet to discover.
Said pasta, said sunglasses Made homemade pasta at Eataly for a work event, and though I could feel my Nonna rolling in her grave at the stuffing popping out of the side of some of my raviolis, it turned out amazing and was a suprisingly meditative process.
My friend Meeka designed these sunglasses and they truly deemed all my other sunglasses irrelevant.
Did a little shoot to remember my LA apartment by. *sniffles*
Wi Spa, Clyde, Patrick Taylor, Beck Jewels Had my first experience at Wi Spa, felt like a new person after hours on end in the saunas, a giant bowl of noodles, a face and foot mask (at the same time), and finishing my book while laying on a mat on a heated floor. Any comparable places I should know in NYC?
Did a lap of the Fashion Trust US nominees, already-favs included Clyde and Diotima, new favs were Patrick Taylor for innovative knitwear and Beck Jewels for modern heirlooms.
Crunchy matcha, Gimaguas pop-up The pandan matcha at Eyes Peeled has been my go-to little treat — there’s something to be said for a little crunch in an iced matcha (in this case, it’s topped with macadamia nuts).
Berniechella was everything to me. It was the first year in a while I didn’t go to Coachella, but I enjoyed watching favorite sets from my bed.
I checked out the Gimaguas popup, where everything I wanted was sold out in my size but I did snag this tote for the road trip.
I accidentally discovered the Phoebe Philo Drive bag which has become my latest hyperfixation.
Shopped the Sephora sale because I won’t pass up a good skincare deal.
Was eyeing the Juno sofa from Sixpenny, but my Togo is sticking around for now.
Ending Soon is officially in LA to stay, and the space looks amazing.
I’ve been sweating a LOT at Silver Springs, which I credit for my sanity throughout this time.
Matching Moon, Sneakerinas, softest jeans maybe ever The all-black-outfit New Yorker in me is already starting to come back out.
I went out past my bedtime with Louis Vuitton to celebrate the new Sneakerina, a slim silhouette that’s somewhere between a ballet flat and a sneaker (or you could always go the vintage route).
Recently discovered Halara (which kind of gives Uniqlo’s cute younger sister?) at their current pop-up at the Grove, and their jeans literally feel like sweatpants???
I chose out some gifting from the New Arrivals at My Mum Made It, which I’ve never had/worn before but am very excited for the two little dresses to come in time for an NYC summer.
‘til next time,
Alyssa
In case you missed it:
Loved seeing you in LA!