I am deeply honored that Mimi has invited me to share with you, and to be included in the illustrious group of beautiful, amazing, interesting women. I have known Mimi literally since DAY ONE. She is my cousin/sister/BFF and neighbor! We have been clowning together our entire lives and the adventures continue today. As a Guest of Tens, please enjoy just a few of the things that get me through the day, the week, the month….. in this crazy, crazy world.

Things that keep me sane:

1. I’m not a high-tech gal. I am in fact very low-tech. And I will never, ever substitute any app for paper and pen. I have notebooks for days and always have one in my bag, generally a monogrammed Shinola. I also love, love, love a planner. After years of trying a variety of planners, I have found THE ONE! I was initially gifted the Appointed planner last year by my sister, and I had to order one for 2024. It is well-organized and has ample writing space. Perfect for someone who wants to jot down everything from vacation packing lists, weekly meal schedules, quotes etc. all in one place. It comes in two sizes. Bonus: It can also be monogrammed! 
2. Disclaimer #1: Historically I have never been a morning routine girl, largely due to not being a morning person. Most of my life, my “routine” has been to peel myself out of bed, get dressed and race out the door on an empty stomach and maybe a cup of coffee. But somehow this year I’m getting it together! My morning essentials include: Glass of water with lemon to start. A bevy of face products – Exfoliating face wash: Apothecary Fairy (My absolute favorite natural cleanser, made from blue agave but somehow magically foams), Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Face Wash, Toner by La Roche Posey Effaclar Micellar Water, Aloe Vera (I added this step this year due to dry eyes and it has been a game changer!), and Moisturizer also via La Roche Posay Double Repair with SPF. Once I’m dressed, I make a green smoothie for the road and I am out the door. My smoothie essentials are Your Super Skinny Protein in my nutribullet with frozen fruit, a banana and milk of choice.

The things that make me happy:

3. My husband and I recently renovated our house. We moved over the summer and got fairly settled before the holidays. My Christmas tree by the fireplace completely warmed my heart. I love so many, many things about our new home, but one of the things that makes me smile every day is my growing antique collection. Almost every room in my house has something gifted, collected, or found. Most of the pieces are from my grandmothers. A few were picked up at antique shops. I love these pieces not only for their sentimental value, but the quality and style simply cannot be replicated today. But we still love new things too! Like this gorgeous rug by Justina Blakeney for Loloi and our wine and beer fridge, which how did I live without before?  
4. Somewhere in my mid-30s, I apparently went through early menopause and became an incredibly hot sleeper. So finding the most comfortable, breathable pajamas became a mission for me. Insert Cozy Earth. In addition to the comfort, the simplicity of their designs is top-notch. I have PJs and a robe, and have gifted sets to my loved ones.
5. Memphians go hard for Memphis. Like really, really, really hard. And I 100% fall into that camp. Over the last few months, I have taken the time to visit some local spots that are not in my regular rotation. It has been so fun to have new-ish experiences in a place you know so well. Recently, I attended a University of Memphis basketball game. It was sooooooo much fun. Not surprisingly, but the energy of a college game is dramatically different from an NBA experience.  Unfortunately, the U of M was playing my alma mater and Vanderbilt lost. Nonetheless, a time was had (by most). March Madness will soon be upon us, so get to a game and eat the popcorn!

Bonus: Memphis Botanic Gardens – This is truly a gem I didn’t appreciate until recently. Obviously, it is absolutely gorgeous. It is also massive yet tucked away, and therefore great for a morning or afternoon stroll on a nice day. Even if you are not a Memphian, I would recommend checking out your local Botanic Garden, as I imagine it is a true treat!

A Few Current Obsessions 

6. Tennis: Throughout my entire childhood, I never played competitive sports. I dabbled. We had a basketball goal. I took swimming and tennis lessons. But I never once competed in a team or individual sport. So naturally, as an adult I decided to scratch this off my bucket list two years ago by joining an adult tennis league. And now, ball is life. I love playing tennis! My weekends often revolve around my practice and match schedule. And I really love a good tennis fit on a spring day. Of course, it’s all fun and games, but you might as well give it your all and look good too. My go-to: Anything from Naomi Osaka’s Nike line. My splurge: Eleven by Venus. This collab with Lacoste is everything. I’m just really into the preppy look this spring, on and off the court. 
7. Disclaimer #2: Apparently, I have a bit of a dark side. I do not consider myself to be crime/true crime obsessed, but I do find it quite fascinating and recently have two semi-obsessions.
   • My Favorite Murder: I don’t really do podcasts, but I’ve been rocking with MFM for over 2 years. It’s light on the scary, gruesome, and disturbing (although there’s a bit from time to time) and heavy on the good feels, laughs, and mental health advocacy. For me, it’s a great escape.
   • The Sopranos: 25 years later, and I’m all in! Of course, there’s all the expected mafia stuff. But the family dynamics, relationships, tackling mental health issues (again) and early 2000s lewks are why I keep watching.

8. Cornea Care Eye Masks: Initially purchased as a dry eye remedy, these masks are now an essential part of my bedtime routine. They are self-warming and disposable (sorry Mama Earth!) but you do not have to worry about mascara remnants or microwaving. Just put it on and drift to sleep!
9. Jones Road Miracle Balm: I first started tried Miracle Balm last summer, but tragically my newly purchased tub was left behind in my move. I hadn’t repurchased yet, but Mimi got me a new one for Christmas (a true real one) and I love! Perfect for light moisture before applying make-up or shines as a stand-alone with a brow and lashes for more low-key days.

Treat, Yo Self.

10. As Miley said, “I can buy myself flowers.” Or whatever the hell I want. In her spirit, my last items are a few of the little luxuries I have treated myself to just because.
    • Post-Christmas and NYE getaway to NYC and DC – 10/10 recommend post-holiday travels. I mean what’s better than destressing from the holidays while everyone is getting back to work? Plus we saw MJ The Musical also 10/10 recommend.
    • “Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life”– Where is the lie, Dickens? And what’s better than champagne? Champagne from black-owned wineries. My favorites: Duppy the Conqueror from the Brown in Napa Valley and B. Stuyvesant headquartered in Brooklyn. 
    • The Arts – The one thing we have not done yet at our house is hang pictures and art. We have a few pieces but I definitely want to collect some more. I have been eyeing prints and pieces from: Uzo Art, Where is Frances, and Thee Bouffants just to name a few.

Well, that was fun! Hopefully, Mimi will have me back– I am her A1-Day 1, after all!