Watching, Reading, Loving and Life Lately (and a Discount Code for Furtuna Skin!)
March 13, 2023
Right now I’m sitting in the kitchen of our beach condo, watching a storm roll over the ocean outside.
It’s our spring break week, and while we don’t have any fancy plans (just plenty of beach and pool time for a few days), I’ve found myself pausing with such a deep sense of gratefulness on more than one occasion.
I watched as the kids splashed in the (way too cold for me to enjoy) ocean this morning, squeezing in some precious swim time before the storms rolled in, and I was so deeply moved by gratefulness. Watching your children grow–and moreover, enjoy each other and laugh and be silly–is truly the greatest gift I’ll ever have received in my life.
These little humans, I get to watch them grow; I get to give them advice as they muddle through problems; I get to watch these gorgeous little lives unfold.
It’s true that the human species stays with its parents longer than any other recorded mammal. But it’s also true that if we measure our gifts by time, we are the luckiest damn creations alive to watch our young grow.
Watching, Reading, Loving and Life Lately (and a Discount Code for Furtuna Skin!)
Anyhow, because work life has been crazy–I just launched a podcast production company!–it’s been a banner couple of months for good old fashioned easy-watching, low-brain-power TV. I wanted to run through some favorites that I’ve been watching, as well as talk some good books that I’m working my way through, and also shout out some new-to-me products that I’m loving.
TV
You, Season 4
Yes, it’s still that weird, gravelly narration through the mind of a serial killer; but it’s still must-watch TV for me. While Joe has always been somehow partially likable, even as he slashes his way through various neighborhoods, this season he gets a rebrand as “victim.” So he’s the target, in addition to being still, well, the same old Joe that he’s always been. Don’t want to spoil anything, but if you started the series and got into its inertial pull, you have to round it all out by checking out this season.
Sex/Life, Season 2
The writing in Season One was hardly Emmy-worthy, but the characters this season get some much-needed nuance and it somehow feels a little deeper this season than just the standard middle-aged-woman-needs-spice storyline. We see Billie navigate the reality of separation and divorce, and some new interesting characters (a new boyfriend!) are introduced. It was really well done and I powered through it. And yes, still has steamy sex scenes, so, ya know, bonus?
Books
The Housemaid and The Housemaid’s Secret, by Freida McFadden
These books are an easy, thrilling read. While not totally unpredictable, there are a few twists and turns that keep these books as fast-paced reads that are great if you just want a juicy read. Millie, a young and beautiful convicted felon, is looking for a job, and when she lands a spot as a housekeeper and nanny for a well-to-do family, it feels too good to be true. It is, but you’ll probably never guess why. If you want a fast-paced, fairly superficial read for the beach or plane, these books are it!
Products
I know I have been posting nonstop on Instagram about this, but it’s that good. So good, I get comments on my skin when I wear it. Let me start by saying this: It is ridiculously expensive; I realize this. The Dr. Lara Devgan BB Cream SPF 44, though, has been my only daily sunblock since I first bought it when I visited Dr. Devgan in NYC in October of last year. It has the sheerest tint that looks so like my own skin, but better. See below:
Tip to save: Sign up for their newsletter so you’ll get notified when they have sales, which isn’t too infrequent. They’ve had about three sales since last November alone. One bottle lasts me about 2.5-3 months, and I use a lot daily–from my face, to my neck and chest.
The Best Long-Sleeve Swimsuit
I thought of this since I’m writing this from the beach, and one of these suits is currently in my bag in the closet. The Mott50 Mila long-sleeved swimsuit is the best investment I’ve made for vacations.
When I wear this I only have to wear sunscreen on my face and legs, which is a total game changer. So good, I’ve gotten matching ones for the girls, too! (We all have this print.) And these suits last season after season. I have three total, and the oldest is 5+ years old and still in great shape. Get this! You won’t regret it.
Oh! And one more thing. If you’re a beauty and skincare fan, don’t forget to check out my new podcast miniseries, the Healthy Skin Series. I just interviewed Kim Walls, one of the cofounders of the amazing, Sicilian-sourced skincare line, Furtuna Skin, and we talk all things skin.
From the organic farm in Sicily where their ingredients are sourced, to the power of olive oil for the skin, to why gentle skincare is the best, it’s an amazing conversation. Check it out below, and–DISCOUNT ALERT!–use code WEGOTTATALK for 20% all purchases on their website. Start with the micellar water or the Due Alberi olive oil and olive water-infused skin oil. Diviiiiine.