The Newsletter #1

cotton undies, plum paintings, taper candles

Hi, and welcome to ‘chal we — a small corner of the internet that is zero percent related to the news cycle.

Life is heavy right now, even by 2020 standards. Now more than ever, it’s important to enfold ourselves in small comforts. With that in mind, I thought I’d use this month’s newsletter to share some of the things I am finding solace in.

‘Chal we dive in?

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My favorite cotton undies 

When I see a clean, fresh pair of Lake Jane High Waist undies in my top drawer, I get a special kind of happy. A couple months back, I went on a quest for the perfect cotton undies and these emerged as my clear favorite. In addition to the company’s good values, they stood out for their comfort and style. They are practical and easy, simultaneously sturdy and so soft, classic and special. Not for the faint of high-rise, as they will hit your belly button, but feel like a nice hug. I own them in the Navy but think the Geranium color is fun, too. They fit true to size (I ordered a Small).

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Essays on color & plum paintings 

“Hue’s Hue,” Katy Kelleher’s column on color in The Paris Review, is one of my favorite reads. Her latest deep-dive into the history of russet, the color of “peasants, fox fur, and penance,” is perfectly autumnal. Also, all of the plum paintings in the Department of Agriculture’s watercolor collection.

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Japanese exfoliating towels

A few months before my wedding, I started getting bacne. Not a cute look, especially with an open-back wedding dress. My dermatologist pointed me toward these Japanese exfoliating towels and I’ve been buying them on repeat ever since. I keep two in my shower: one for my feet, and one for the rest of my body. I can’t imagine a world where I don’t use them. 

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Dinners by candlelight, every day

A micro-life upgrade I can’t recommend enough, Aman and I have started lighting taper candles every night with dinner. Much like setting candles atop a birthday cake or lighting a scented candle after a morning of cleaning, it’s a small ritual that makes a big difference. It instantly elevates the atmosphere. I recently bought some from The Floral Society that I am enjoying, though there are a plethora of affordable options out there, such as these spiral tapers or any from Danica Design Candles, a small business based out of Maine whose website may be rudimentary, but candles are of excellent quality. For a warm, honey aroma, and purifying qualities, opt for beeswax.

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An easy, delicious cup of coffee

This weekend, we had a sleepover at our friend Jon and Laurie’s. Laurie, domestic-goddess and self-proclaimed coffee snob, introduced me to Grady’s Cold Brew (the French Vanilla flavor, specifically). Here’s how I’ve been preparing it: one part cold brew, a smidge of water, two parts milk (whole, for me). Heat in the microwave for 2 ½ minutes. Enjoy!

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Birkenstocks in Shearling

Over the summer, I wore my Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals almost every day. For fall/winter, you’ll find me in their Shearling line. I bought the Boston Suede in Antique Port, but love this style, too, especially for slightly warmer climates. 

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Take care out there,

Marichal