Hi friends! Happy Friday!
Life update: Last weekend, I watched my best friend Greer get married. I had the absolute honor of standing by her side. The wedding was so Greer, equal parts elegant and unforgettable, and I'm still on a comedown. We’ll let the newlywed (so insane) share some pictures when she’s back from her honeymoon, if she’s feeling up to it…I know you all loved the last issue we did together.
Today’s issue turned into an AMA after I threw a question box on our Stories and got so many fun, timely topics and questions — I couldn’t pick just one.
Inside the issue we dig into: How I get my D.O.S.E. (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins), if I’ll ever run a marathon, advice for anyone in their mid-twenties (how am I late twenties!?), a complete list of my favorite brunch spots on Ventura, casual fall outfits, and what I’m listening to.
I want to hear more about DOSE!! And how you’ll do that in the long winter months in Buffalo!! -Jamie
I love that you’re still thinking about D.O.S.E.! I come back to it a lot, too. I definitely lean on the activities I mentioned in our first issue, like taking on small interior design projects around the house. But what fills my cup daily are the simple things: getting outside for a walk, playing with my dogs, spending time with Josh, watching a great movie, and listening to music. I’m extra intentional about making space for these things in the winter months when it’s easy to go dark. I’m currently making plans to get back into my cooking routine (I love!). I've also been getting some show and movie recommendations from friends, too. I'm starting to collect ideas for when we really have to hunker down.
One of my favorite things in the whole universe is RUNNING. Do you run? Would you? I’m currently training for Boston, and it would be SO cool to see you at a race! -Caelan
Listen, I wish! I have always aspired to be the person who wakes up in the morning and goes for a run, but I'm just not her. I really prefer a brisk, long walk. I feel like my body responds to that better. (This is no excuse, but I get pretty bad shin splints when I run.) I know that runner's high is a real thing, though. Growing up, I played soccer, tennis, and basketball, so I was running nonstop for hours during games. But the point wasn’t to run, that was just a part of the play. I guess I like to be distracted!
But that said, I'm very inspired by runners! My hat's off to anyone who's training for a marathon, has run a marathon, or who loves and enjoys running long distances. And good luck at Boston!! Cheering for you!
What's a habit you do to keep you grounded? My plate's been so full lately, and I’ve been wondering how to manage everything. I admire you and your dedication and drive. I’d love to know how you keep up with life. -Kashie
One thing that always keeps me grounded is starting my mornings with intention. Even if my day is packed, I always try to give myself a quiet moment. Sometimes it’s journaling, deep breaths with some calming music, or spending my first few minutes awake outside with my dogs (while they’re doing their business — two birds, one stone). I try to carve out little moments of peace whenever I can.
Advice for your mid-twenties? -Maddy
My biggest advice for your mid-twenties would be to give yourself grace. You’re growing, changing, and learning in real time. You don’t have to have all the answers. The best thing you can do is invest in yourself. Try new things, travel, save when you can, but also don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s less about having a perfect plan and more about figuring out what feels true to you.
Favorite brunch spots down Ventura Blvd?? -Erika
I love this question! I love breakfast foods and any excuse to have them. Off the top of my head...There's a French restaurant called Petit Trois; it's great for any meal, but their brunch is phenomenal. Their pastries are a no-brainer. They have this omelette — and I'm normally not an omelette person — it’s this classic French omelette, and I can’t not order it. Sweet Butter is cute. You order at the front. It's super casual but quaint. They have homemade Pop-Tarts and I'm inspired to make them while I’m in Buffalo (brown sugar cinnamon, obviously). The Local Peasant is really cool. I went for a birthday dinner, and they have this great backroom that's dark and moody, and the food is amazing. I used to go to Cici’s Cafe all the time with my friend Sophie because her parents live close by. I don't think they take reservations, but the line wraps around the building, and everyone goes for the pancakes. You’ll see why.
What are your favorite casual fall outfits? -Lauren
My three outfit formulas for the fall are:
1. Jeans, chunky sweater, boots
2. Jeans, bodysuit, big coat, sneakers
3. Trouser, belt, cropped turtleneck, boots
Advice for dating/not settling in relationships? (Would love a series on this) -Viv
Yeah, don’t settle! Know that the right love will feel steady and safe, not confusing or conditional. When you know your own value, you stop chasing approval and start attracting someone who sees and celebrates you exactly as you are.
How to get over homesickness? Moving from home for the first time! -Rose
I've moved around a lot in my life, but my moves have always been shorter stints as opposed to going to college for two to four years. But one of my favorite things to do is take a candle that I’m really loving and bring it along to create a sense (scents) of home and warmth. Framed photos are a great way to bring home or family into a new space.
Beyond what you bring, I think you can consider the space as a whole. I remember one of the first apartments I lived in away from home was furnished. I walked in and reorganized the furniture in the room so it was more similar to mine at home. You don't have to walk into a space and conform to it; you can alter it around what feels comfortable to you. In that case, of course, I had to put everything back where I found it when we finished with the movie — but it really helped!
Also, if you allow yourself to think and feel and understand that you can go back home — maybe not at this very moment, but soon — it makes the move feel less daunting. Nothing is forever. Plus, if you're moving away from home for the first time for anything, that's a really exciting turning point in your life! It will come with a lot of emotions, yes, but it's really positive and exciting.
Who are you listening to? -Jacob
I haven't been keeping up with anything too new…I have been listening to Jack Johnson radio. The other day, someone mentioned they'd been listening to him, and it reminded me that I have childhood memories tied to Jack Johnson music playing and my cousin playing “Banana Pancakes” on the guitar as he was learning to play. The music is so peaceful and happy. With Jack Johnson radio, there's also a lot of Leon Bridges and Norah Jones. It's such calming music, and I've been loving that lately.
Any regular mindfulness/gratitude routines? -AJ
No, but I need them! I feel like over the years I've gained perspective, but I'm not practicing anything daily right now. I would love to! Send me your routines, it would be fun to know what works for you!
Fall nail inspo? -Alex
My go-to is always a nude. I sometimes lean into deep reds and deep purples in the fall. While I love fun nail designs when I see them, and I save them all the time, they're not for me. I know myself, and I’d get sick of polkadots so quickly. The one new development in my nail routine? Fingerless gloves.
TO READ: I was interviewed by my friend Issa Rae for Interview Mag. We talked about Beau <3
TO BUY: A sweet blue-striped pajama dessert plate! The perfect complement to a homemade Pop-Tart (or a bakery-bought croissant).
TO CHECK OUT: The Fast Company Innovation Festival happening in NYC next week. I’m speaking on a panel and will be announcing an exciting new move for Angel! I’ll tell you more next week.
TO TRY: Hosting a beading bar. These look so fun!
TO WEAR: A denim button-down. My go-to lately. P.S. I added some new stuff to my Game Day collection. Check it out!
TO TAKE WITH YOU: "Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place." -Ian S. Thomas
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Jen’s response to The Beau Society Shop.
“I love to see your vintage Bills pieces and how you dress for games! Because you're a California girl, I wanted to share a tip with you that will help you survive and stay warm during Buffalo's cold weather: Don't wear cotton against your skin. Smartwool is my fave.” -Jen
