Greetings, Ramblers!

I hope you’re having a great week. Might I remind you, summer is very much NOT over? As the kids say, “Don’t rush me, bro.” That doesn’t mean you can’t be excited and anticipatory about fall—and for me personally, fall fashion! We don’t have to live in extremes: Team Summer vs. Team Fall. We can co-exist!

I this current era of political polarization, I think we could all (myself included) use a little practice remembering that we don’t always have to pick an extreme. Sometimes you can love summer AND be excited for fall. Sometimes you can just…exist somewhere in the middle. Crazy! I know.

But remember, when we’re in the depths of November, sitting in darkness at 4:45 p.m., low on vitamin D, and wishing for a UV 10 (with sunscreen, of course), we may wish we didn’t rush these days. We may wish we didn’t wear rollneck sweaters during a heatwave. But maybe some won’t regret it at all—and honestly, I do love that for you.

I’m trying to embrace the crap out of these last few weeks of my summer before I go back to work. The end-of-summer dread is creeping in. I’m reminding myself to continue living slow for as long as I can. It’s truly the way my body was manufactured to function—a life with zero rushing.

Unfortunately, I don’t get that during the school year, when it’s essentially like a Mack truck hits my peaceful months of pure zen. But I remain optimistic that, yes, the Mack truck is coming and I can't stop it. Maybe it can just hit me slowly this year.

My teacher friends are reading and either shaking their heads thinking good luck with that, hysterically laughing, or wide-eyed saying, “SHOW US THE WAY.”

The thing is, I’m entering year 17 in education and still don’t have it figured out. But I sure hope I can find it!

Let’s dive into some great August fits. I hope these inspire you to get dressed, be creative, and giggle.

Affiliate links are included below.

LOOK 1

This is a newer shirt to the arsenal, and I really love it! I wore this for a family dinner, and it felt quite fun and romantic. I added these green ballet flats to the fit to add a touch of color—and do I dare say, a tiny bit of suede fall?

🏅Unsung Hero: HOMEMADE LONDON FOGS

I’m in my WHAT IS CAUSING MY LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX ERA (oh god, not another era!), and I’m trying to take a break from coffee. I’m not okay. This is my attempt at drinking tea.

LOOK 2

After watching Night at the Museum, we decided it was time to take the kiddos into the city for a Day at the American Museum of Natural History.

It was awesome. I particularly loved the river valley civilizations and had zero interest in the dinosaurs. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT HIEROGLYPHICS! I tried pre-teaching my son about his ancient civ social studies curriculum for next year, but he shared, “I do not learn in the summer.”

Quick lunch at Sarabeth’s afterward, then off to the smoldering-hot subway and, finally, home.

🏅Unsung Hero: CLOTHING DRYING RACK

Maybe it’s because I’m still finishing Yesteryear (literally slugging through), maybe it’s because I like to save electricity. But hang-drying your clothing during a heat wave feels like I am really adulting.

LOOK 3

Wore this little number for a coffee date with a friend. Considering we stayed and yapped wayyyy too long, it was the perfect balance of comfort and polished.

P.S. Please read ’s You Should Date Your Friends - which fully inspired me to get off my butt and be social.

🏅Unsung Hero: STRAW SHOULDER BAG

I had been eyeing the J.Crew version for a while, but couldn’t stomach the bill. I saw this cutie at H&M and she’s equally as great.

LOOK 4

Alright, don’t laugh, but this is my “what I wore to go to Target and buy school supplies” fit. Which, mind you, on August 10th (most NY schools in my region start September 1), Target was completely out of FOLDERS. I know I’m a last-minute human, but I felt this was me actually being PROACTIVE!

In all fairness, us teachers cannot think about school in July. It’s sacrilegious. Therefore, our kids will have the weird folders, I suppose. My son put a hard “no” on the only remaining folder, a cute cuddly kitten, for middle school….lame.

🏅Unsung Hero: VOLUMINIZING EYEBROW GEL

When I do a quick no-makeup/makeup look, it’s usually tinted moisturizer, a brow tint, and a little bronzer if needed. This brow brush (gifted) has officially defeated my old one in the Battle of the Brows.

LOOK 5

Here is my “What I Wore” to see the live-action Moana movie. My daughter completed the summer reading challenge at our library, and the reward was tickets to see this movie. Our library consistently goes above and beyond for local families. We're a small town, but our library is mighty.

I don’t know where in my star chart it explains this, but I loathe children’s movies. But an opportunity to celebrate a reading champion (10/10 of her books were about sharks)? I’m all in!

🏅Unsung Hero: REALLY Great Adult Book Recs

There have been so many awesome recent posts about good books to read and I have to highlight a few: ’s 20 Recently Read Books I Reccomend, ’s Beach Reads, ’s A very special July Books & Looks, ’s Summer Reading in Review, and ’s The Books People ACTUALLY Read this Summer 2.0 and gosh, I definitely missed some folks, FORGIVE ME!

LOOK 6

Last-day-of-camp-pickup fit. This tee still reigns supreme in my closet. I snagged these red flip-flops and they’re solid. I just feel like they’re loud (?)—which usually isn’t something that agitates me, but this one does on my hardwood floors only.

🏅Unsung Hero: PRIZEFIGHTER | MUMFORD & SONS

I know I’m pretty late to the party. And I should still be stimming to Gracie Abrams, but this Mumford & Sons release is DOING IT ALL for me rn. Plus, I stan Sierra Ferrell.

Anyway, wear the shorts. Wear the sweater. Wear the ballet flats. Wear whatever the hell makes you happy. Summer is still here, fall is coming, and we are allowed to enjoy ‘em both!

TEAM SUMMER, TEAM FALL, TEAM I JUST HOPE ALL TEAMS HAVE FUN!

Love ya, mean it!

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Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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I snuck away from the pool with my fishing rod tucked under one arm and a tackle box in the other.

After a week of hauling overstuffed beach bags, making three different lunches because apparently no one in my family can agree on a sandwich, and keeping everyone entertained, this was my hour.

My chance to be alone.

I quickly power walked away from my family before someone could ask, “Mom where are you going?”

I’m tired. A bit burnt out. Always everything to everyone. I go to the dock to escape responsibilities, clear my mind, and remember who I am as an individual.

I walked up to the dock and noticed there were no cars there. I felt my smile widen. A perfect sign that I’d found solitude.

I walked up and saw an older man sitting at the picnic table with a fishing rod resting beside him. I’d be lying if I said my first thought wasn’t, “Ugh, I have to share this space. I have to share my quiet. I have to make small talk.” I was tired of giving pieces of myself to everyone except me. I wanted time with the version of myself I rarely got access to.

There was part of me that considered turning around and finding a different spot. But that meant risking my family spotting me first and pulling me back into referee duty.

I walked up to the picnic table, smiled, and said hello. He was well into his mid-80s. He wore two knee braces, an American flag hat, sunglasses, and was slowly rolling a cigar.

I set down my tackle box and started casting. Within minutes, he felt a tug. He reeled in a panfish with a grin.

“You ought to try live bait,” he said, eyeing the lure I’d tied on. “I’ve got some worms if you want.”

I laughed and said, “I’m terrified of worms.” I launched into an overexplanation about how I couldn’t even look at them without feeling physically ill. He inspected me for a minute and then belly laughed. “Bring your rod on over.”

I walked to the picnic table, and together we sat on the bench while he carefully threaded a worm onto my hook. He looked at me and said, “We’re going to get you a fish.”

It was in that moment I realized I wasn’t going to spend the rest of the afternoon alone. I was going to spend it with Jim.

As we talked, he looked out toward the massive lake. I couldn’t see exactly where he was looking because his dark sunglasses covered his eyes. “My family’s all out on the boat,” he said. “I don’t go out much anymore.”

I smiled and shared that it seemed we had both escaped our families that afternoon.

We made small talk about the lake and the different fish that we’ve caught and lost. I joked with him that he probably wanted to fish in peace, but now he was stuck with a Chatty Cathy. He laughed and said there’s nothing he loves more than telling stories.

We continued to chat about the small stuff — where’s your house? How long have you been here? — and he shared that he was, and still is, a farmer. He farms fields of cabbage and other fresh vegetables. He shared that life on the farm is a bit harder now that his wife passed away two months ago from congestive heart failure.

Her last few years were spent on oxygen and frequent hospital trips. Two weeks before he lost her, his family was preparing to celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

But instead, he had to call everyone and share that he didn’t think she was going to make it to the party.

And she didn’t.

Instead of celebrating sixty years together, he was busy planning her funeral.

He shared that everyone still came, and they had the most beautiful celebration of life. Exactly what she would’ve wanted.

He said to me,

“I miss her every single minute of every single day since I’ve lost her.”

My heart sank. It took me a minute to respond. Then I asked the only question that felt right: “So tell me how you met.”

He shared the story of her growing up on the farm next to him. He said he used to sit behind her on the bus and pull her curly hair in elementary school. Finally, he gained the courage to ask her if she’d go get a milkshake with him. The rest was history.

He shared that, if it were up to her, she would’ve had twelve kids. However, the doctor cut her short after she had five back-to-back. He is both a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

We took a pause as I felt a tug on my rod. He coached me through it as I jerked the rod up and reeled in what felt like a cat that fell in a bathtub. Surprisingly enough, it was a bullhead catfish.

We continued talking as he grabbed a blue microfiber towel to grip the irritated fish. He showed me where the venomous parts were, and I ducked down close to him as he used pliers to remove the hook. He could sense my nerves and assured me the fish would be okay.

He shared that he also has a daughter who couldn’t hurt a fly. He said he could see how much I loved and feared fishing. He grabbed another worm from his cup and hooked it on accordion style.

My next question was, “Sixty years is impressive. What’s your best advice for the rest of us?”

He said, “I know it may sound cliché, but it’s true. Never go to bed mad.” He said to kiss, make up, and move on. Let every day be a fresh start to move forward. He followed with, “You never know what the next day may bring.”

It made me think about all the times I’ve done exactly that. Times I’ve gone to bed angry with my husband, let the frustration sit overnight, and woken up unsure of how to find our way back to each other.

His second piece of advice was to retire early if you can. His biggest regret was waiting until 78 to retire from his business, which he eventually passed down to his sons. He shared that at 85, after losing his wife, he wished he had taken more time to travel and live life together at a slower, more beautiful pace.

I thought about the conversations I’ve had with my husband — me dreaming about retiring early, him reminding me to plan responsibly.

The difference is, right now, I have the luxury of tomorrow.

Jim was sitting across from me in grief knowing that there are moments he can never get back.

As the afternoon went on, the conversation wandered into the deeper stories of our lives. I shared our family’s story and my husband’s service. We talked about raising kids, working full time, and the hard parts of life. He shared that he was a Vietnam War vet, and I told him how much respect I had for him.

He said being drafted was a part of his life he hated to talk about.

“I don’t like talking about ‘Nam. I had no business being there. I was a farm boy. I didn’t wanna fight.”

He shared that the only things that got him through Vietnam were marijuana and warm beer.

But I had a feeling he wanted someone to listen. So I did. He told me about basic training, where they went down the line asking what everyone knew how to do.

“Anybody have medical experience?”

A few hands went up.

“Anybody know how to handle a gun?”

More hands.

He laughed as he remembered sitting there thinking, What the hell am I going to contribute here?

Then came the question that changed everything.

“Anybody ever drive a tractor?”

His hand shot into the air.

We both burst out laughing.

Except when he got to Vietnam, he wasn’t driving a tractor anymore. He was driving a bulldozer, clearing miles of jungle around roads, trails, and military bases so there were fewer places for the enemy to hide.

He shook his head. And then he repeated what he had said earlier,

“I was just a farm boy,” he said. “I had no business being there.”

He had complicated feelings about his time there. He was grateful he didn’t suffer from PTSD like many of his friends, but he didn’t want to revisit those memories.

The conversation paused perfectly when yet another tug came on my line. I reeled in a beautiful perch. After each fish I catch, I like to take a picture of it. So millennial of me, but there’s something about documenting each one of these accomplishments. I asked him if his kids do this, and he said not his kids, but his grandkids.

I asked Jim if we could take a picture together, considering it was “our fish.” He told me absolutely not — it was my fish — but of course he’d take a picture with me. He laughed and said his kids would get a real kick out of these pictures.

I heard a golf cart zoom into the lot.

“Mom!”

I looked up and saw my kids and my husband pop out. They saw the fish and came running over. I introduced everyone to Jim and referred to him as our new uncle. He laughed.

He went to add another worm to my hook, but I stopped him. I remembered he had mentioned he hadn’t eaten lunch yet, and it was already 3:00 p.m.

“I think it’s time for you to go take care of yourself and grab a bite to eat,” I said.

He nodded and packed up.

I told him that I hoped our paths crossed again, and he agreed. I watched him slowly walk back to his car.

Two knee braces. An American flag hat. Sunglasses. Fishing rod in hand.

Earlier that afternoon, I had walked onto that dock disappointed that someone else was sitting on "my" spot. I wanted quiet. I wanted an hour where nobody needed anything from me.

Instead, I found Jim.

And to my surprise, the thing I thought was interrupting my solitude filled my cup in the most beautiful way.

I came looking for alone time, an empty dock. I left holding the stories of an 85-year-old farmer, Vietnam vet, fisherman, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and storyteller.

He reminded me to slow down. To listen. To notice the stories that are sitting right beside me.

Because the stories are everywhere if we’re willing to stay long enough to hear them.

Thanks for being here. I hope you find your own unexpected dock conversation soon.

And next week, we’ll get back to some fun fashion content. I live in waves of multitudes.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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More RaMbLiNg you may enjoy

To set the stage, a quick reminder: an A.B.C. party stands for “Anything But Clothes.” You show up wearing an outfit made of caution tape or perhaps a fit crafted from old CVS receipts. I’ve even seen Target reusable bags repurposed into a skirt or a deck of cards turned into a dress. My personal favorite is the person who made a dress out of junk mail. This would absolutely be my choice simply because one of my toxic ADHD traits is that I do not open mail. Like... ever. It’s concerning.

Perhaps you attended one of these in high school, or maybe you’re a youngin’ who sees it as something us “olds” did “back in the day.” Either way, you’re invited to the party.

I asked the following incredible humans one simple question:

What’s the product you irrationally love and simply cannot live without? One rule: it could be anything BUT clothes.

Their picks astounded me, ranging from a vacuum cleaner to a GOATed mascara.

Images and descriptions are from your favorite writers, while the mildly hilarious captions (because no one makes me laugh like myself) are from yours truly.

Enjoy the super scroll, my friends!

Some affiliate links are included below.

(Always Overdressed) - Breville Milk Café Electric Frother

Other than Aquaphor, the item I can’t live without is my Breville Milk Café Electric Frother. My morning (and midday, and afternoon) caffe au lait is an essential part of my WFH ritual, and it must include freshly frothed milk. It’s easily my most used appliance, froths milk at the push of a button, and it’s a little luxury that makes my coffee - and day - that much better.

(Take Care Of Yourself) - Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner

Crown Affair’s Leave-In quickly became one of my ride-or-dies, and at this point it has earned the title of my most consistent beauty product for the past few years. Air dries, blowouts, honestly aromatherapy - I am reaching for it every. single. time. I don’t know (or particularly want to know?) who I’d be without it.

(Just A Splash) - Brumate Rise Water Bottle

I’m obsessed with... my water bottle! I love it because it’s dishwasher-safe and is all metal inside (even a metal straw!) which is perfect as I try to limit my plastics. The 25 oz also fits in my car’s cup holder, which is essential.

(The September Edit) - Jiffy Clothing Steamer

I discovered Jiffy steamers while working at Anthropologie (many moons ago!), and the first time I used one, I knew I had to have one someday. As someone who hates ironing, it’s been a game changer. I found mine on Marketplace for under $100 about 4–5 years ago and have used it constantly ever since. I really can’t imagine life without it. Mine’s an older model, but I’m sure any Jiffy steamer is just as great.

(Megs Mail) - Tineco Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

I’m the friend asking you to take your shoes off before you walk in and I have zero shame about it. Most people know the drill by now. But on the rare occasion I pretend to be a chill, type B host, my vacuum mop picks up where my cleaning obsession leaves off. Rice, kinetic sand, sticky toddler goo? Gone. I use it twice a day, and if it ever dies, I’ll be ordering a replacement through tears in my eyes paying for overnight shipping!

(Semi-Sustainable) - Solbari Driving Gloves (UPF 50+)

As a dedicated year-round sunscreen wearer, all of my blazer cuffs are smudged with the mineral formula I use on my hands. I finally decided enough was enough and bought Solbari’s UPF 50+ gloves this May. Best decision ever. I’m no longer leaving sunscreen behind on everything I own and they have convertible fingertips so I can use my phone - genius! My blazer collection and I regret not getting these sooner.

(The Glow Down) - Revision Brightening Facial Wash

This cleanser is easily my most used and loved face product for the past 5 years. One of my desert island picks. It’s the perfect cleanser keeping my skin clear and bright. The salicylic and glycolic acid help exfoliate, while the vitamin c helps brighten. Acne who? If I don’t use it my skin suffers.

(You Look Great) - Dreamy Coconut Iced Coffee

I am a Coffee Junkie™, and most days, I am living for my Nespresso or the artisanal cappuccino. BUT, when the weather gets a hair warmer, I want that iced coffee hit. I used to drive all around the Hamptons, desperate to find a market that carried Dreamy Coconut Cold Brew until I discovered I could just order it. I signed up for the subscription so I always have coffee on hand. They are known for the “Dreamy” blend, but the coconut has just the right hint of sweetness. You’re welcome.

(Intuitive Style) - Dr. Athleta - 345 Relief Cream

345 Relief Cream is my holy grail skin product. I introduced it after a terrible bout of hormonal acne mixed with accidental skin-barrier damage. After only a few days, my skin was noticeably clearer and healing. Since then, I still use this product every day and never want to be without it!

(Not An Influencer) - Recess Infused Sparkling Water

i’ve been trying to skip weeknight wine (hello, late 30s), and this magnesium + adaptogen sparkling water has become my nightly ritual. it gives me that blissed-out, floating-on-the-lake feeling without the hangover. strawberry rose is my favorite flavor.

(All The Above) - Crown Affair’s The Clips

I can’t express how much I adore these claw clips! I own two pairs, one in tortoise and another in carrara. These have been a game changer for me as someone with finer hair. The small prongs on the inside make them extra secure when they’re clipped. I also like to use them to create soft waves as my hair dries. Here’s one of my first attempts (skip to 0:40 for results) from over three years ago!

(Nothing To Wear) - Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler & dryer

I am very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. Up until about four years ago, I was still using the hairdryer I bought when I moved to London in 2009. Spending that much on a Dyson Airwrap felt completely ridiculous... until I tried it. I totally get the hype now. It has cut my drying time in half, gives me a polished finish, and if I finish with a loose braid before bed, I wake up with mermaid hair.

(The Point) - Sun Bum Kids SPF stick

Trying to get sunscreen on a toddler is a wrestling match I don’t always have the energy for, so I am obsessed with this stick: it’s technically for faces, but I 100% swipe the clear, non-sticky formula all over my kid’s whole body. Takes 2 seconds, feels like nothing going on (so he doesn’t fight it) and has a really nice coconut smell.

(The Hardware Store) - Bananas (Yes, the actual fruit)

You know, when I think about what I can’t live without right now, the first thing that comes to mind is bananas. Random, I know, but I’m pregnant, so my answer is allowed to be random. The easiest, low lift, life-sustaining snack on-the-go!

(You Didn’t Ask) - Art Life Practice: The Guided Sketchbook

I can most definitely live without this, but I don't want to. This book is my little creative escape that I can use alongside my kids, or on my own. I'm not an artist but I totally want to be, and this book teaches me art history and skills. It is wildly fulfilling and relaxing! (And FYI, these are blind contouring sketches, where you draw without looking at the paper. My new favorite form of doodling!)

(The Middle Thread) - Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara in Before Dawn

Are you the kind of person that swears they look like a puffy-eyed, older version of themselves without mascara? Me, too. I’ve tried so many over the years and this mascara is the only one that doesn’t give me raccoon-eyes throughout the day. I may be decades late to the brown mascara party, but as a natural blonde, it’s a game-changer.

(Bang Voyage) - Scripto Folding Candle Lighter

I light a candle every single day, including when it’s 90 degrees outside, because I’m committed to romanticizing my stay-at-home mom era, rain or shine. This foldable rechargeable lighter makes the ritual ridiculously easy, especially when you have one strategically placed in multiple rooms around the house. Yep, to brag, I own several. Paired with my favorite candle of the week, a random Tuesday suddenly feels a little more cinematic. (TBD whether it’s a comedy or a drama, but probably the latter.)

(Musings of a Merchandiser) - Nespresso Vertuo Up

For 35 years, I thought Folgers Instant Classic Roast was perfectly acceptable coffee. It was procured monthly from Duane Reade, and I saw absolutely nothing wrong with this arrangement. Then I met my husband.

For our first birthday together, he gave me a Nespresso machine. I took one sip, thanked Folgers for its loyal service, and never looked back. Since moving to California, we’ve upgraded to the Vertuo Up, and she’s proof that good things come in small packages. Monday mornings are still Monday mornings. They’re just infinitely better with a Golden Caramel pod. I’m still no aficionado, but Nespresso, I have been changed for good.

(Elle Dresses Well) - Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish

I’m irrationally obsessed with Expressie rapid dry nail polish. I’m not a patient person, and this is the only way I can do my nails at home without crashing out. It takes 10 minutes max and lasts about a week (give or take depending on how many dishes I wash). This navy ‘left on shred’ was my July color of the month.

(Fashion Soup) - Apple Earpods (with wires)

I walk and run a lot in NYC, so obviously I need my own personal soundtrack to accompany my pretend movie montages. I’ve gone through my fair share of pricey AirPods, but recently I was out and about and had forgotten them. I popped into the Apple store on Madison and snagged some old-school wired headphones for $20. I’m obsessed. I can stock up and stash them anywhere I need them, and I really do feel like Harry Styles as I walk down 5th listening to American Girl at full blast.

ME, Traci Landy! (Rambling In Style) - Audio-Technica LP60XBT Record Player

I’m getting back from a trip to a random, groovy record store just yesterday. We love browsing the used records and finding hidden gems (ahem: Pink Floyd, Elton John’s Greatest Hits, Olivia Rodrigo... eclectic, right?). Our record player, which we got after Christmas, still brings us so much joy. This turntable is perfect for me because there are literally three buttons: play, pause, and stop. The needle drops automatically, thank God, because if I had to lower it myself, I guarantee this thing would've been broken within a week.

More RaMbLiNg you might enjoy:

I mean, what a lineup! I am leaving the editing process with a gazillion tabs open and a deep admiration for this brain trust, who have an impeccable skill for identifying the good stuff.

A HUGE THANK YOU (!!!) to all the writers who took the time to participate! Looking forward to volume three in the near future.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Subscribe now

Hi Ramblers! Are we “Ramblers?” IDK, but maybe? I’m here for it. What a whirlwind of a week it’s been. I’m still trying to calculate whether it was a great week or whether feelings, my luteal phase, and impulsivity simply got the best of me.

got vulnerable…

I wrote a post, the girl with the messy backpack, essentially sharing my struggles with ADHD from childhood into adulthood. As someone who received their diagnosis in adulthood, it’s been a long journey of unpacking years of not understanding and appreciating myself and my differences.

I have a lot more to say on this topic, and I hope you don’t mind if I sprinkle in some full-length personal essays amidst the giggles, fashion, and life chats.

What I learned from hitting post on the most terrifying Substack article I’ve ever written is, holy crap, I’m really not alone. So many of us are struggling with feelings of inadequacy, rejection sensitivity, neurodivergence, feeling like we’re falling apart while the weight of the world is on our shoulders. Many of you have your own messy backpacks (or, perhaps, your own atomic-bomb work tote. Not just me, right? Pens have exploded, and I didn't even know for weeks until my hands were blue from digging around for a rogue piece of gum).

It sounds cliché (cue the best MGK song ever) and really lame for me to say damn, we’re really not alone.

But, DAMN GUYS. WE ARE NOT ALONE.

I am literally IRL the “crying girl” from the movie Mean Girls who gets called out for “she doesn’t even go here!” and responds by saying, “I just have a lot of feelings.” and I feel like if you're here reading or writing on Substack, there's probably a little piece of her in you too.

Sometimes I wonder, Trac, why don’t you just journal about this? Is this necessary to publish to the world? But the deep-rooted belief that women need to talk about the messy and the ugly is central to my values. I want to challenge the idea that we should always appear perfect, polished, and like we have everything figured out. It’s the kind of world—and the portrayal of women—I want both my daughter and my son to see.

changed my profile pic…

I changed my profile picture. Not really that big of a deal, but I decided to make it little Traci. A reminder of who that ray of sunshine and beautifully messy little girl was, and that she’s always with me.

a random rebrand…

We also had a random rebrand on a Saturday at like 2:00 p.m. I was sitting on a lounge chair as my kids beat each other with pool noodles. And I’ve been toying with changing my publication name for a while. I wanted it to be something more expansive, a name that gives me more latitude to talk about all the things, not just fashion.

So, a drum roll please, welcome to GOOD RAMBLE. It was between that and The Goodest of Good Rambles out of my love of dogs — which sounded more like a golden retriever convention.

I mean, who doesn’t love a “good” ramble? Probably not many people, but in my mind, my chronic oversharing, overexplaining, and desperate attempts at showing the good, bad, and ugly are what makes the perfect, GOOD RAMBLE.

Not much is going to change around here. It’s still me, Hi! It’s still my quirky voice that laughs too hard at my own jokes. But it gives us some breathing room to chitchat, dress cute, and touch on other topics that feel important.

I am excited, and I feel a bit invigorated for the first time in a while. Things were feeling boring and a bit stale to me (stop being so nice, my outfits sucked and were, as my son says, “mid”). I’m excited for this next chapter and so grateful you’re still here and haven’t blocked me.

So, RAMBLERS unite… let’s get this party started.

We took the trip to the Bronx to watch a Yankee game. It was a smooth ride until a new rage-baiting experience was unlocked for my Four-Shirted-Husband™: Uber delivery bikers. I am so grateful no one was harmed.

I’m a very strange sports person. I love sports. But I love fast sports. Baseball is a very long experience for me with an undefined ending. I don’t do well with that, just like I don’t do well with party invitations that do not have an end time.

The forecast for game day was torrential downpour. I pleaded with my Four-Shirted-Husband™ to sell the tickets as I exclaimed, “I am not poncho material!” But alas, he didn’t need to because the game was rescheduled for the following day.

Perfect skies. Perfect weather. Great!

My family began their shenanigans, begging me to break my tradition of joyously leaving after the 7th inning to avoid traffic, get home quickly, and snuggle into my jammies with some Sleepytime tea.

I wanted to do my best for them, but I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I needed a great outfit and the secret to all of my success: chicken tendies in a bucket.

Quick housekeeping: some affiliate links are used below.

First the really great non-poncho fit…

I created about 52 outfit ideas to wear and forced the Four-Shirted Husband™ to make the final call. He used his social skills to read the room and picked the one he deduced I wanted most

It was hot and sticky, so I went with a loose white embroidered tank (sized up). Linen white eyelet shorts made the vibe feel intentional. I added a pop of color with this Amazon red beaded necklace and tossed on a good ‘ole Yankees hat!

I knew I wanted to wear my favorite cowgirl boots (sized down .5). Everything in my soul told me, you cannot wear boots in NY 80-degree weather. But I said, SCREW IT, and I felt like SUCH a queen.

PLUS, it was HARRY POTTER NIGHT! I now have an Aaron Judge Gryffindor bobblehead.

I even got my first scuff on my Tecovas boots, and I’m feeling like a REAL RANCH HAND now!

Next, Operation Find The Chicken Tendies™

Finally, pure joy. Made it through the entire game!!!

And that’s how you do a baseball game as a non-baseball person, my friends.

A joy sparking accessory! I bought this “kindness is always fashionable” clutch 100 years ago when I was living in Memphis. I remember seeing it and needing it. Who doesn’t love a good PSA!

A good perfume spritz, even when you’re going nowhere. My go-to perfume trifecta: Jordan's Perfume, Daisy (both by Ranger Station—and yes, these are the two that strangers stop me to ask about), and this one by Jo Malone.

Grabbing dinner with your bestie in the “perfect” fit! I finally wore this perfect fringe top (sized up, influenced by )! I paired it with these FANTASTIC light green barrel jeans (color: “vintage seaglass”) and my feel-good clutch.

Then, of course, someone suggests "a quick walk" after dinner because you've barely scratched the surface of catching up. Somehow, that turns into an unexpected five-mile walk, a frantic search for a bathroom through a park, and doing it all in my DIY Amazon woven flats.

A perfect bacon egg and cheese. No notes. Eat the damn bagel.

Pet the puppies. Frequently. Often. On the good days and especially the bad ones.

When I get myself deep into a rejection sensitivity hole, it can be really hard to get out. I listened to this podcast episode, Are You Highly Sensitive? The Neuroscience of RSD, 12 Signs You Might Have It, and Why Logic Won’t Fix by and I found it super helpful.

I know there is discourse about whether or not RSD (technically not an official DSM diagnosis) should have a label and whether we are over-labeling people. For me, putting a name to these intense feelings I’ve experienced my whole life has been very beneficial.

In the episode, they discuss rejection sensitivity, the science behind it, why logic doesn’t fix it, the overlap with people-pleasing, and Mayim takes an online quiz to see if she, in fact, has it.

I also thought this article from The Guardian was really helpful in putting words to an experience many of us have struggled to explain.

• I often get my best ideas from either TikTok or Reddit. Highly reliable sources. But when you have a task you realllyyy don’t want to do (ex: dishes, folding laundry), pair it with something you enjoy! For me, that could be doing the dishes while listening to a podcast or watching the latest episode of The Valley. It makes the task feel way less mundane. Sure, I’m not fully present, BUT I’m actually doing it, which is nice.

• I had no intention of changing my daily moisturizer (gifted), but here we are. I like how light it is and unscented. You have to take the time to rub it in otherwise you may look like a mime.

• I did it. I got a pair of Salomon sneakers. I have ZERO REGRETS. You know I texted the queen of sporty dress, immediately.

Lastly, I wanted to round up some of the greatest comments from my last post. The ones that, if you’re on the edge about publishing something that you think could help someone else, hopefully give you the nudge to hit publish.

I was in awe of how many people responded with, “Me too.” The way you guys shared stories about being diagnosed later in life. About holding onto the shame for years. About forgetting things, masking at work, feeling like a failure at motherhood, replaying the ugly mistakes on repeat, and believing you were the only ones whose brains worked this way. Some people shared that they don’t even have ADHD, but the self-doubt, perfectionism, and pressure to keep it all together felt painfully similar.

These comments are perfect reminders that we’re all a work in progress. You’d be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you. Sometimes it just takes a few people to open up for the “Oh my God, me too’s” to come pouring in.

And then, all of a sudden, we’re not so alone.

Thank you again to this entire Rambling Community for your kindness, love, support, and for rallying around me and my story!

You are all truly the GOODEST OF GOOD.

Alright, that’s all for this week. And boy, do I have a treat for you coming up next! A roundup of your favorite writers’ favorite writers’ ride-or-die favorite things. We have an A.B.C. (Anything But Clothes) Party, ROUND 2 (feel free to catch up on the first post here)!

Onward we go,

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It’s been a while since I’ve hit a low this low. Over something quite ridiculous. The funny thing is I deal with way harder, way more difficult, and way more exhausting things on a daily basis. But why was this so much harder?

I was the kid who would come home from school every day with a backpack that looked like an atomic bomb exploded within it. One time, my mom actually cleaned out my backpack at the end of the year and found an actual food item (a Chinese steamed pork patty) from Home & Careers rotting at the bottom. My locker would start the year cute and fun and end the year a disaster.

I’d clean my room, or better yet, my Mom would clean my room, and by 5:30 p.m. it was a mess again. I couldn’t close cabinets, twist on drink tops, or put away food after eating it.

My poor mom would spend hours driving me around town after school and practice, picking up my missing belongings. I’ll never forget my lacrosse coach from middle school calling my mom, while I’m a senior in high school at this point, and saying, “I’m having my youth practice and I found Traci’s stick bag and a bag of her jewelry.”

My poor clarinet spent more time around town being abandoned than it did in the actual band.

In college, I had to take summer courses because of my lacrosse schedule and student teaching commitment. I’ll never forget lounging in my backyard with my mom sunning and then jumping up out of nowhere saying, “Oh my God, my classes started today, I need to get to Boston.” I literally threw everything in my car and drove from NY to Boston that night.

It took a while for me to get an official ADHD diagnosis. I feel like I was so supported growing up by my mom, my dad, and my coaches. They were the safety net that always prevented me from falling. I know it had to drive my mom insane to work all day and then have to chauffeur me on a collection tour around town, but she did it and did a great job of hiding her frustration.

I excelled and juggled so much athletically that I think it was easy for people to simply say, “She has a lot on her plate.” People rarely got mad at me. Even my teachers gave me grace when I didn’t have my homework done in time because they knew I was going to work my ass off to finish it as soon as possible with maximum effort. They could see the shame and terror on my face. My first grade teacher shared this tidbit about me with my mom: “She’ll never be a poker player.” Every feeling is always all over my face.

My mom and others didn’t need to get mad at me, because I would get so mad at myself.

I earned a scholarship to play lacrosse at Boston University. I walked onto campus with an entire team of academic advisors assigned to me with one goal — to get me across the finish line.

I honestly don’t know how I survived playing a Division I sport and managing school. I still have nightmares that I forgot my cleats for an away game. I still have nightmares that my locker was a mess and the team had to do a 20-mile Airdyne as a result. I still have nightmares I forgot to turn in my weekly journal to my coach and the captains were going to have a stern talking with me.

I ended up surprising a lot of people, not because I magically developed skills to overcome my undiagnosed ADHD, but because I had that underdog chip on my shoulder. One of the coolest yet most aggravating ADHD traits is when you tell us we can’t do something, we’re going to prove you wrong with every fiber of our body. And I did.

There were signs, and there were challenges. I remember getting out of practice and getting myself ready to attend my “History in Film” class on the other side of campus. I had to take the BUs (Boston University Bus, best name ever), and I wasn’t in a rush because the professor was super laid back and it was mostly classmates who were just taking grad classes.

I strolled into class and saw blue books everywhere. IYKYK, it was the day of the final exam. I was convinced it was the week after. I had to bring my own research and write a paper. I had nothing. I had research for a capstone I was doing in another class, and somehow I wrote a paper about nutrition and history. It made no sense. I got an A- which makes even less sense.

I continued to struggle into adulthood. Projects half completed, physical space a mess, but professional space always neat as could be. Personal mail that hasn’t been opened in weeks. Constantly needing reminders and systems in place because I worried I would forget something important.

Motherhood is where the masking and coping came to an end. Now I wasn’t only managing my own schedule and life, but I was in charge of two others (not including husband, he is very well capable of handling his own schedule). I was now a part of group chats with 30 other people and would come back to a phone with 62 missed messages. Paralysis. My inbox exploded with unread emails.

So much of my brain power is spent trying not to forget anything. The reminders, the lists, the mental checklists, the constant scanning of what needs to happen next. It’s exhausting to always feel like I’m trying to prevent the next mistake. And when so much energy goes toward remembering everything, there isn’t much space left for anything else.

My colleagues would actually tell you I’m very “Type A” and “incredibly organized,” and that’s because I have to be. Being the teacher my students deserve takes so much effort behind the scenes that most people never see. I put so much effort into my 7 a.m.-3 p.m. job that I am burnt out by the time I get home. I have no executive functioning fibers left in me to manage my actual family. And sometimes I fail. Sometimes I fail in ways that hurt the people I love the most.

I forget to RSVP to the party. I get confused with times and locations and show up late or am rushing because I’m in the wrong town. I miss the turn. I make mistakes that affect other people. I fail. And now it’s not just me being angry with myself, which is a battle I’ve had for 38 years. It’s knowing that my mistakes don’t only affect me anymore. There are people I love counting on me. And that is a pain deeper than any failure I’ve ever had.

It’s not easy being what feels like the “disaster” Mom. I try to wear it as a badge and make it my personality, or turn it into a joke. Sometimes someone will send me a separate message because they know I might miss something buried in a group chat, and I am genuinely grateful for that. But it also embarrasses me because it feels like proof of the things I already fear about myself — that I can’t always be counted on unless someone steps in. The shame hits differently when my mistakes don’t just affect me, but the people I love.

In addition to all of the fun inattentive traits I have, I struggle with rejection sensitivity dysphoria. It’s a phenomenon that involves sudden and overwhelming pain that is triggered by real or perceived criticism, rejection, or failure.

I will go to great lengths to avoid disappointing people. I will give up on hobbies (most recently watercolor painting, lol) to avoid failure. I know I’m not perfect, but I desperately don’t want to fall short. I’m constantly scanning and reading the room and conversations for subtle signs of rejection.

I also feel secondhand rejection sensitivity, or rejection by proxy, with my own kids. I internalize their exclusions and see them as my own failure to protect them or help them fit in. I get angry with myself. Suddenly, I’m scanning for every sign of exclusion, wondering what I could have done differently.

And that same fear doesn’t stop with my kids. It spills over into how I see myself as a mother and how I imagine other people see me.

I want my children to know that my struggles were never because I loved them less. If anything, they are the reason I work so hard to understand myself and become a better version of myself for them.

I worry, is it because I’m not in the PTA? Do they think I think I’m better than them? I wish they knew it’s simply because my plate is overflowing and I don’t want to burn out.

Sometimes another parent will ask, “Why weren’t you at the game?” And I never know how to explain that it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because by that point, I am running on empty. I’m trying so hard to remember everything and prevent myself from dropping the ball that sometimes there’s just nothing left.

After my formal diagnosis, I found treatment that has definitely helped in so many ways. Talk therapy helps with the negative self-talk, but I still struggle, and I still have really hard days.

I still talk negatively to myself and refuse to give myself the same grace. When my kids make a similar mistake, I can frame it to them as, “That is a really hard feeling. It’s okay to make a mistake. Let’s learn from this and move forward.” (Dr. Becky would be proud.) But I can’t offer that same forgiveness, compassion, and understanding to myself.

So much of my mental space can be easily taken over by feelings that I’m disliked, unworthy, and alone.

I’ve had ADHD coaches say to me, “But look at how much you’ve accomplished, there are so many strengths!”

I don’t see them. I see myself being viewed as a joke. I see the constant putdowns about myself to make my mistakes feel smaller. I see a little girl who masked so hard. A little girl who wanted to be accepted. I see the college student who tried to prove everyone wrong despite being exhausted. I see a new Mom who felt so much shame she couldn’t finish the dishes. I see mountains of laundry that was embarrassingly unfolded. I see a “veteran mom” who had a hard parenting moment yesterday.

I see a person who can give everyone in the world grace and compassion, but reserves nothing for herself.

Of all the great I have done in the past few months — a fundraiser for my daughter. Building my Substack. Reaching out to new people, trying to make friends. Hosting playdates. Arts. Crafts.

All I can see is the mistake I made yesterday. All I can feel is the shame of letting someone down. No need to be mad at me, because it will never measure up to the anger I already feel toward myself.

The first step was a diagnosis. The second step was/is support. The third step is to learn about myself and give myself the grace to reflect and grow. And the irony is, I would never want my own children to speak to themselves the way I speak to myself.

There’s no nice lesson to learn or ending here. Yesterday was a hard day. On the surface, it probably sounds trivial. It was one small mistake that opened up 38 years of feelings. But we all have layers.

The girl with the messy backpack was never the problem.

She was just a girl trying really hard to navigate a world where she spent years trying to prove she belonged.

And maybe reflecting on it here is a small step toward self-forgiveness.

But mostly, it’s a reminder to anyone who resonates with this: You’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re doing the best you can.

Onward,

A Note:

I also want to give a huge thank you to for the piece she published this morning that inspired me to finally write this. I’m not sure how she does it, but she always seems to publish exactly what I need to read at exactly the right time.

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Last year around this time I wrote one of my favorite posts, Outfits I Wore To Camp Pickup. It was all about not waiting for an event or specific plan to wear your special pieces.

With a few weeks of camp down, I decided to write the sequel! I kept in mind that same idea of getting dressed for joy and not caring if it’s a bit overdressed for the day.

A few weeks ago I published a post where I shared some outfits from a person who “claims they don’t get dressed” over the summer. Someone fairly asked, what does that mean, you don’t get dressed?

I answered it as follows: My default outfit is often basketball shorts and an oversized Comfort Colors tank (men’s XL) with rainbow flip flops. To be clear, I am not living in a nudist colony. I still wear clothes. I just happen to prefer the ones that feel like pajamas.

I still wear this outfit, especially when I’m at the lake, because it’s basically my unofficial uniform for life. Very Adam Sandler. Very much the way I like it.

Sometimes it’s my reward for having to get dressed professionally from September to June. A chance to rebel and choose comfort. Which will last for a while... until I get that itch to start exercising my creative muscles by putting together outfits that make me happy.

So here are the actual outfits I wore as a mom of two, a teacher on summer break, as I crossed the hot turf to bring my sunscreen-bathed children (which is an act similar to catching a greased pig) to rec camp.

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 1:

I snagged these track shorts on Depop, and you know when you absolutely nail it on the secondhand market? It has to be the equivalent of winning the Super Bowl. This is my Super Bowl. This outfit was heavily inspired by ’s post on casual summer fits!

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 2:

This fit served a dual purpose: camp concrete jungle runway and a seamless transition to a nice little date night with the Four-Shirted Husband™. Might I add it was a date night WITH a seasonal tasting menu. NEVER turn down the tasing menu.

The outfit felt a little bleh, so I added a few tiny pops of red: a cashmere sweater draped around my shoulders and a striped crochet bag.

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 3:

Trying to add more color to my daily fits (a la ’s post from last week). She confirmed that I’m not, in fact, a boring beige babe, and I realized maybe I’ve been maintaining a completely inaccurate personal brand.

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 4:

It was getting toward the end of the week, and somewhere between my irrational fear of lettuce1 and my refusal to breathe air that hasn’t first been processed through my HEPA filter, I found the courage to be bold(ish). For me at least.

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 5:

I really wanted a pair of Margaux flats, but the price was just not sitting right with me. I found a similar pair I liked and immediately had a vision that, with a few personal edits, I could turn them into the flats of my dreams.

So, I grabbed my scissors, sent myself thoughts and prayers and got to work…

…Voilà! Exactly the way I wanted them.

CAMP PICKUP LOOK 6:

This should be titled: What I wore to camp pickup and then to the medspa after. An easy B&W fit courtesy of ’s post. Low-key my stomach clearly never sees the sun.

BONUS - FAMILY PARTY FIT

Because sometimes it’s just too damn hot for pants. Wore this dress to my nephew’s pool party. Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids knows the deal (IYKYK).

RECENT UNSUNG HEROS

• THERMAL BRUSH - When Paige DeSorbo talks, I listen. She made the bold statement that this brush does what she wishes her Dyson would do. Naturally, I had to try it. It gave me that fresh blowout feeling and, unlike my Amazon thermal brush, I was really impressed by how well the style held throughout the day.

• HAIR OIL - I looked up my Amazon orders and realized I purchased this hair oil three years ago on Prime Day. I don’t even think I’m 1/4 of the way through the bottle. It’s a great product to finish any look with instant smoothness and shine.

• TANNING WATER + BRUSH - I saw singing the praises of this tanning water so when Saltyface offered to gift me one to try, I was all in. I consider myself a highly experienced self-tanner (St. Tropez, Loving Tan, Tan-Luxe, Isle of Paradise… I’ve tried ‘em all!) I laughed at the little brush because I thought, “I don’t need this. I’m a professional” Turns out, the brush was a game changer. I woke up with the most perfect natural glow.

More RaMbLiNg you might enjoy:

Anyway, the moral of the story: you don’t need a fancy occasion to wear the outfit. We know this by now! Camp pickup is an occasion. The grocery store is an occasion. Existing on a god damn Tuesday is an occasion.

Love ya, mean it!

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My daughter came to me a few weeks ago in sheer panic, asking me with her full chest:

“SO MOM, DID YOU KNOW WHALE SHARKS ARE ENDANGERED?”

I shared with her that I wasn’t exactly up to date with the most recent (ish?) whale shark news, and I was sad to hear this.

We went to the library and checked out some books on whale sharks. We read about why they are becoming endangered and what sweet, incredible creatures they are. She even made her grandfather read the book, and let’s just say she dropped a banger of a reading comprehension quiz on him.

She asked me, “What can we do to help?”

Well, as you know, I’m an Aquarius, and we are the humanitarian sign of the stars. So I said, “Let’s continue making our fuse bead art and have an end-of-summer sale. We can then donate our money to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project.”

While walking the beach together after she crashed out on a wave and swore she’d never enter the ocean EVER again (only to do it five minutes later), we started collecting shells.

We had the genius idea that we could make shell ornaments to add to our end-of-summer sale in hopes of making even more money to donate!

In honor of our love and desire to help whale sharks, and the upcoming phenomenon that is Shark Week (July 26–August 1), I told her we could create a blog post about “Outfits Inspired by Sharks” — but only if she would do the research and I would do the outfits.

She agreed, and here we are.

100% of our affiliate commissions from this post, along with proceeds from our shark-inspired creations, will be added to our donation to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project.

If you are not feeling in the shopping spirit and would like to donate on your own, please let us know and we’ll add it to our total!

Lastly, if you're local and would like an ornament, please feel free to DM or text me. If you're not local but would like one shipped, send me a DM and we'll see what we can work out!

Without further ado… the shark fits have arrived.

Some affiliate links are used below.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered1

Shark Bites: The biggest fish in the ocean! These guys are true gentle giants. They don’t hunt big animals — they swim around peacefully, filtering tiny plankton from the water. Each whale shark has a unique spot pattern kind of like a fingerprint!

We designed this fit to have a calm, gentle energy, with polka dots to represent the white spots on their dark gray bodies.

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Whale Shark

CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulernable

Shark Bites: Great white sharks are famous for being scary (thanks a lot, Hollywood), but we could argue they’re quite intelligent and curious animals. They use their senses to investigate their surroundings.

We designed this outfit to emphasize the confident CEO of the ocean vibe.

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Great White Shark

CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable

Shark Bites: If sharks had a personality, the nurse shark would be the pal cancelling all plans to stay home. They spend most of the day resting on the ocean floor (my kinda shark). They are gentle creatues and some even seek out human affection!2

We styled this outfit to feel like a deep sigh of relief. A relaxed fit with absolutely nowhere to rush off to.

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Nurse Shark

CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered

Shark Bites: Mako sharks are one of the fastest sharks in the ocean. Think the sports car of the shark world. They’re built for speed and can chase quick-moving prey.

We put together this fit to feel fast and energetic, just like the mako shark — a look prepared for velocity!

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Mako Shark

CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered

Shark Bites: Hammerhead sharks have eyes on the sides of their wide heads, giving them a massive field of vision. Their unique head shape helps them pin stingrays to the ocean floor before chowing down.

For this outfit, we leaned into the hammerhead’s unique look with a little extra funk, adding fun details inspired by this one-of-a-kind shark.

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Hammerhead Shark

CONSERVATION STATUS: Near Threatened

Shark Bites: Tiger sharks are the explorers of the ocean. They travel long distances and are famous for investigating almost anything they come across.

For this outfit, we decided to use a tiger pattern to represent the bold and curious nature of this shark.

OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Tiger Shark

Hope this post made a splash!

Remember small changes in our daily lives can help these sharks such as choosing sustainable seafood, reducing plastic use, respecting local beaches, and learn the facts!

We’re definitely not perfect over here, but we’re trying our best! We’re researching and absorbing it all. The local library may fine us for overuse at this point.

Which shark fit do you identify with the most? Let us know in the comments!

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This is what happens when your kid loves sharks and you love a theme. What started as a fun little outfit investigation turned into a reminder of how much these incredible creatures need our help.

And just to be clear: this isn’t a “look at me, mom-ing” moment. I don’t need a parenting trophy. This is simply what happens when you follow your kid’s interests and lean into the weird ass things they love.

A very fashionable little conservation mission, if you ask us!

Love ya, mean it!

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Does anyone else love those Just Ice Tea drinks? My favorite is the honey green tea which is true perfection. FYI: this is NOT sponsored, lol.

The drink also gives me a major dose of nostalgia because it reminds me of drinking Snapple Apple as a youngin’ (my teeth hurt just thinking about it) and immediately announcing the Snapple Fact printed under the cap to whoever was nearby and willing to listen.

Some of the most memorable Snapple Facts were things like1:

The Just Ice Tea version feels a little more adult. Instead of random facts, the caps offer tiny nuggets of wisdom.

Mine said:

“A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.”—Ancient Proverb

Because there are absolutely days when, if I can’t find a parking spot or there’s a surprise AM fire drill on a rainy day after I just straightened my hair, I immediately decide the entire day has been ruined. Full tragedy. AGONY!

But this little cap is a reminder that a frustrating start isn’t always an indication of what’s ahead.

My daughter recently came to this conclusion all on her own. While we were at the lake, my parents decided to take all six grandchildren to the “game room” in our community. A very generous grandparent activity. A beautiful idea in theory!

Three minutes later, they returned.

Two kids were screaming (one was just socially screaming due to secondhand despair). One child was bleeding. The rest looked confused. The game room was closed, and on the walk back, one of the kids (my kid, naturally) took a tumble and ended up scraped up.

For the rest of the week, my daughter treated this event like a true “day that will live in infamy.” She would randomly announce, “It has been 24 hours since…”

And I’d ask, “Since what?”

She would silently point to her cuts like she was fresh out of surgery.

This went on for days. Life was, in her estimation, permanently altered by what we now refer to as “The Great Fall.”

And then, things started to turn around. Her days started to improve. She eventually came to the shocking realization that just because you have one bad day doesn’t mean everything has to stay bad forever.

At one point she told me, “Mom, I realized you can have two bad days and then have one good one.”

Which feels like a pretty important lesson.

If your week feels off or if one bad thing has started to feel like the entire story, it’s worth remembering: it isn’t permanent.

You don’t have to keep counting the hours since your last setback or treat one rough moment like proof that everything is doomed.

Things shift. They really do! And sometimes, before you know it, you find yourself unstuck again!

Anyway, that was my accidental wisdom moment courtesy of an iced tea bottle cap. Now let’s get back to the important reports from the front lines of summer.

It’s rare that I get dressed in the summer, but here is photographic evidence that I did, in fact, put on actual clothing a handful of times.

Some affiliate links are used below.

A few packing essentials of a Substack civilian that I always bring and use at the lake.

• FACE SPF: Glossier, Invisible Shield - This face suncreen was gifted to me and I will shout it from the rooftops that it is worth every penny. Wore it at the lake and this face did not burn one bit.

• BODY SPF: Supergoop, PLAY! - I love that this sunscreen has a handle and comes in an XXL jug. With refill options. Excellent protection, no cast, absorbs quickly. No notes.

  

• HYDRATION: Harmless Harvest, Coconut Water - I’m really not a pulp girlie, but the chunks of coconut in this coconut water are divine. The perfect hydration station moment when my energy levels were running on E.

• MOISTURIZER: Kate McLeod, Sun Stone - This is proof that when you love something, you go back for more. I bought this version of my favorite Kate McLeod moisturizing stone (influenced by ) as a post-sun moisturizing ritual, and she lives up to all expectations. I might buy stock in the company at this point. That’s a lie. I don’t understand the stock market. I got a C in freshman economics as a senior. Traumatizing.

Things I tried, liked and am most definitely adding to the rotation.

• DINNER RECIPE: Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta - I’ve made this pasta twice. My Dad has mentioned on two separate occasions how delicious it was. The key: making sure you allocate enough time to soak the tomatoes! I also realized I’ve been pronouncing “Ina” incorrectly for far too long. (Sorry, )

• SNACK: Dots Honey Mustard Pretzels - Give me honey mustard-flavored anything, and I am a true slave to the product. Except honey mustard beauty products. That crosses a line and feels weird.

• HAIR PRODUCT: Don’t Blow It!, Bumble & Bumble - The other day, I let my hair go curly and wild, and my daughter said, “Your hair looks curly like mine!” I’ve struggled to manage these curls, but I’m finally finding some hope with this hair styler. It helps my hair curl in a more relaxed way. I shower, put it in, clip my hair back with a claw clip, air dry, and then release it.

Things I’ve been doing instead of whatever I’m actually supposed to be doing.

• FUSE BEADS - My daughter and I have been creating every Pokémon known to mankind with these fuse beads, and it has been so much fun for both of us. We’re planning to gift them to family, have a little summer sale (all proceeds going to benefit endangered whale sharks2), and eventually get neck massages because staring down at tiny beads for hours comes with consequences.

• COLOR BY NUMBER - shared a single-color coloring book, because sometimes picking different colors on my own requires more brain power than I have available. Before I invest, I started coloring in a color-by-number book that I love. Similarly, it takes the guesswork out of color choices, and I love watching the image develop over time.

When we take my daughter to get new sneakers (Skechers are her favorite, just like the great OG Anunoby), she does the thing that always makes me giggle — and low-key identify with her. She walks in, finds the exact pair she already had, and grabs them in the next size up. When you love something, you love it. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Here’s a recent refill that felt worth sharing.

• SNEAKERS: Asics, GEL-1130 - I can tell when this old D1 athlete’s ankles start to get wobbly it’s time for a new pair of sneakers. These are my ride or dies. This is literally my third time replacing them.

A brief report from the front lines of being easily influenced.

• BOATKIN BAG (secondhand exact options: 1, 2, 3): Did I need this? Am I succumbing to microtrends? Possibly. But ’s suggestions have literally NEVER let me down. I am completely obsessed with this. “Ours” is currently sold out, but this boatkin bag is very similar.

Here are some recent non-clothing related reads that are definitely worth your time.

1. Ever Heard of Normal-Maxxing? by

2. If You Don’t Want Your Kid To Become An Asshole, Then You Need To Parent Like One by

3. What To Make When It’s Too Damn Hot To Cook by

Last Week on Rambling In Style

Alrighty, that’s everything currently rattling around in my brain, my shopping cart, my hobby rotation, and my camera roll. A true summer grab bag!

Thanks, as always, for reading my very important reports from the front lines of figuring out what I’m into lately.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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Just coming off of the most lovely week at the lake with our family. I’ve shared my absolute love for the lake before, so I won’t bore you with it again here. I think I’ve maxed out my use of the phrase “in my ___ era,” so I’ll do my best not to declare this my fishing era.

A few weeks ago, I formally declared my love for fishing. At the lake, I stayed committed to the cause — one ultimate goal: catch a fish at all costs. I was willing to wrestle a fish out of the net of a five-year-old who caught one in my vicinity.

“At all costs” meant, at times, making it appear as if my Four-Shirted-Husband™ was a single dad who worked two jobs, and I was just some middle-aged grandma among the young children casting and reeling on repeat.

And then, it happened. I felt the tug, saw the splash, and had a mild panic. If I reel this thing in, then what do I do? I felt like I needed heavy-duty gloves! I wasn’t equipped for this task, and my husband was floating in the lake somewhere. I wondered, AM I BUILT FOR THIS? I whispered to myself, “You are an independent woman.”

Alas, it happened, and I reeled in my first fish. And a new hyperfixation slash nonproductive hobby was born.

Therefore, it only felt right to create an entire post dedicated to outfits inspired by the various freshwater fish in our lake. I reel-y hope you love it. 🎣

Some affiliate links are included below.

Fish File: Big, bold, and the undeniable main character. A perfect mix of athletic and dramatic, with iconic stripes!

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Striped Bass

Fish File: Quiet confidence. Prefers golden hour, minds its own biz and somehow always looks expensive without trying.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Walleye

Fish File: The outdoorsy bestie who says, "Let's just do a quick hike," and then somehow you’re scaling a damn mountain. Equal parts athletic, adventurous and incapable of sitting still.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Smallmouth Bass

Fish File: Sunshine in fish form. Bright, cheerful, and always looks like it's having a better day than the rest of us.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Yellow Perch

Fish File: Small yet charismatic. Gives "I'm just pumped to be invited" energy and somehow becomes everyone's BFF by the end of the night.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Bluegill

Fish File: Low-key slightly intimidating with those teeth. Serving luxury villain energy.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Chain Pickerel

Fish File: In my opinion, the “influencer” of freshwater fishing. Confident. Competitive. If fish had hair, this one would always be pretending there is an invisible fan blowing its hair back.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Largemouth Bass

Fish File: Bottom-dwelling legend. Doesn't care what anyone thinks. Prioritizes comfort over trends.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Catfish

Recently on Rambling In Style

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s fun to be enthusiastic about something. I shared with my husband that I want to get a vest, and he chuckled before realizing the degree of seriousness in my voice.

As we navigate life and try to find hobbies that provide genuine enjoyment, who cares if you’re a “try hard?” Who cares if you wear a t-shirt with the band to the actual concert? If you’re enthusiastic about something because you love it, lean in with your whole heart!

Even if that means wearing fish earrings, a bass t-shirt, and a Patagonia fanny pack for no apparent reason.

You only get one shot at this life, so you might as well have fun doing it.

Well, that was oh-fish-ally fun.

Which freshwater fish icon do you identify with the most? Let me know in the comments!

Leave a comment

That’s all for this week. Keep it reel, my friends. The dad jokes will not stop.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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Have no fear, we’re not having a preschool graduation party. I’m not sure if this was a niche experience of my own in a college town like Boston, but does anyone remember those ABC parties — as in anything but clothes? People would roll up wearing things like a trash bag, a sheet, newspapers… I mean, the possibilities were endless.

I decided to take a little break from all of our clothing rambling and instead investigate each person’s ride-or-die product that is anything but clothing. I asked this crew to share their favorite product that they irrationally love and that makes their life infinitely easier — something they are constantly refilling, repurchasing, and thanking the universe for bringing into their life.

Take out your cute little notebooks you bought on January 1st that may still be completely blank as of today (or maybe that’s just me and I’m projecting), and prepare to take notes.

Here’s PART ONE (yes, get excited another one is enroute!) of the holy grail lineup…

Some affiliate links are included below.

(The Seasonalist) — Turbie Twist Microfiber Hair Towel

One of my most-used items is the Turbie-Twist. It’s thin, wraps my hair up perfectly after a shower, and makes me feel glamorous, like a 1950s starlet. Pairs nicely with a robe and slippers. I love the TT so much that it receives a place of honor in my suitcase when I travel--and I’m carryon only. The TT makes the tiny packing cut of must-have items.

(An Unquenchable Thirst for Color) — Olio e Osso Balm

Olio e Osso balm has been an object of adoration for me for many years. It’s a sheer lip and cheek product made up of a handful of natural ingredients, like olive oil and beeswax. It’s my all-summer/ any weekend go-to; plus it smells citrusy and moisturizes my skin. I like the tea rose and berry colors — there are hues for anyone, but plum is my favorite because it has a hint of sparkle.

(Brands and Bobs) — L.L. Bean, Boat & Tote

The thing I can't live without is my $50 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. Bought as a spoof to DIY the Tibi version, it unexpectedly became my daily work go-to bag. It holds everything, zips up, stays on my shoulder, and handles wear beautifully. I have the all white version and it looks incredibly chic with every outfit. Seeing similar styles crop everywhere from Phoebe Philo to Toteme validates that this canvas staple is all I need.

(Usha Joy) — SM Nutrition, Vitex

Vitex is the one purchase I’ve been making for 30 years and never once regretted, which makes this a personal record. Simply to temper the intense PMS/PMDD rage that perimenopause has only sharpened, like a 2B pencil readying for an unwilling exam! I take a few pills when the temper flares, and I turn from someone best avoided into merely “difficult before coffee.” It is not a cure, sadly, but it offers just enough mercy and comfort for everyone in the house.

(Getting Dressed) — Sleep Crown Pillow

Sincerest apologies for recommending a $200 pillow, but the Sleep Crown is worth the hype. I am a very light sleeper. Couple that with a husband who snores, and you’ll do almost anything to muffle noise. This pillow is light and fluffy so it doesn’t feel suffocating when you place it over your eyes. It feels like a gentle hug for your head (weird, but trust me it’s very good).

(Dressed In Context) — Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation

Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation is really that girl 💁🏾‍♀️ I’m a mum of 2 cute, hellion toddlers and an angel kindergartener, so I’ve perfected the 5 min makeup routine, natch. This is buildable, easy, light touch, and I have multiple shades so as I tan through the summer I’m always covered, literally. My cupboard stays stocked and ready, always! Plus, I’m always happy to support Riri get her bag

(Anna Eleri Hart) - Koba Foot Cream

I wasn’t a foot cream gal at all until the Koba one came into my life. It’s truly miraculous. I’m on my 6th or 7th tube. What looks and feels like an ordinary cream, somehow makes my feet look like I’ve just left a salon. Strongly, forcefully recommend this to anyone and everyone!

(Le Petite Colombiana) — Flamingo 5-Blade Women's Razor

The item I thank the universe for, or whoever the genius was that invented it, is the razor. As a beautiful Latina, I have body hair. I'm progressive, but not that progressive, letting it all grow wild is where I draw the line. Baby skin is always the goal. This brand never irritates my beautiful brown skin.

(The Girls Column) — BÉIS, The Travel Backpack

As a gal who travels often, this bag was a game-changer. The trolley pass-through alone makes airport travel so much easier. I chose the backpack over the Weekender because it’s more comfortable for navigating terminals (and getting steps in before a long flight!). Other standout features include the lay-flat packing design, key leash, PVC outer bottom, and waterproof pocket. I will say that I tried a cheaper option, but this version can’t be beat IMO.

(Finds By Ginny) — Ember Mug

If you’re a busy woman or a mom like me, I can’t recommend this enough. I used to reheat my coffee or tea multiple times a day because I’d get distracted and it would go cold. With the Ember mug, my drink stays at the perfect temperature, so I can actually enjoy it whenever I get back to it.

Another unexpected bonus? I’m completely content with it. I don’t feel the need to keep adding to my coffee mug collection anymore because this is the one I reach for every single day. It’s one of those purchases that has truly earned its spot in my routine.

(Mad For) — Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

This is, without question, a ridiculous luxury I've become emotionally attached to. You're probably thinking, who needs a $70 silk sleep mask? (it was a gift!) Turns out... me. Unlike every other eye mask I've tried, it's oversized enough to completely black out the world, ridiculously plush, and actually stays put all night. If my little ones haven't tiptoed into my room yet, the minute the summer sun starts punching in before I'm emotionally available, this goes on. It has the aesthetic appeal of a tiny duvet velcroed to your face—which my husband never fails to point out—but you'll have to pry it from my well-rested hands. I even travel with it. No blackout shades? No problem.

(Stylé) — R.E.M Beauty’s Eclipse Blush & Lip Stick

A bit embarrassed to admit that I get anxious when I don’t carry a blush stick that doubles as lipstick with me. It’s one of my deserted island items—there is something in my brain that wakes up the second I put it on, like caffeine. Every year I become obsessed with a different one. This year it was REM Beauty’s; kind of under the radar, but I’m obsessed with its long-wearing brownish hue. Westman Atelier’s blush stick is pricier, but the texture is so luxurious—I use it for a natural-looking flush.

(Immensely Dramatic) — Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

I really love Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms, but I also am hopeless at keeping track of them. I like a lip gloss that has a bit of color and very little stickiness. I also need an emotional support lip balm/gloss with me at all times. The mini set saves me because I am constantly tossing them in my pocket, a desk drawer, a tragically unorganized tote bag. Having multiples means I always have one near-ish, for under $25.

(The Style Bulletin) — Wrinkle Release

This is one of those things that sounds too simple to actually work but LET👏🏻ME👏🏻TELL👏🏻YOU👏🏻 I use this spray on basically everything because you won't catch me ironing or steaming anything in advance. A few sprays, a light tug and shake, and it looks like I tried 💁🏻‍♀️

(Derm Views) — RMS Supernatural Radiance Serum

Is it trite for a dermatologist to choose a sunscreen as her favorite product? Absolutely. Do I care? Nope 😂 I love this so much because it’s a true multi-step hero. As someone who is redness/rosacea-prone, this gives me the perfect amount of coverage, glow, AND it’s my daily sun protection. I’ve been using this for 4 years straight and honestly am not even tempted to stray!

(Spilling The Tea) — Bloom Effects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sunscreen

Nothing is sexier than protecting your skin and this is a product I use year round. Summer is here babe and this sunscreen is your best accessory.

ME, ! (Rambling In Style) — Coslus Water Dental Flosser

Well, she always knows her place—she’s got style, grace, a winner, a lady. Is she my water flosser? You betcha. I asked the Four-Shirted-Husband™ for tips and he agreed: this is my most beloved ride-or-die (besides my dogs). Since my Invisalign journey (don’t get me started, I LOVE INVISALIGN), my teeth are straighter, but food gets stuck more often. This queen keeps me from unknowingly walking around with something in my tooth because approximately 98% of people would rather let me embarrass myself.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

BIG THANK YOU (!!!) to all who contributed, and if you’re looking for fresh, new content on Substack, I cannot highly recommend these writers more! I also specifically want to thank , because it was while I was contributing to her incredible post that this idea was born.

This was super fun and I have decided it needs to become a series. There are so many other people I’m dying to know what they’d pick. Plus I have FOMO’s cousin, FOLSO (fear of leaving someone out). Stay tuned for Volume Two - COMING SOON, when we need a sartorial palette cleanser around here.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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I’m in my summer Traci era, which also means meta Traci is fully online. And nothing captures that better than this ancient parable: “The Old Man Lost His Horse.”

This is one of those things that weirdly comes back to me in serendipitous times. It’s a reminder that events aren’t inherently good or bad in the moment we experience them. We tend to label things quickly based on immediate outcomes and a very narrow view—but those meanings often shift as life unfolds.

The horse running away seemed like loss, until it wasn’t. The injury seemed devastating, until it wasn’t. Sometimes we truly don’t have enough information in the moment to fix its meaning.

We live in a world that pushes us toward instant meaning (and instant everything).

We rarely see the full chain of consequences (good or bad) while we’re standing inside the moment!

With so many things in life, we just don’t know yet. So if you’re like me and tend to immediately label everything as either “this is the best thing ever” or “woe is me, LIFE IS OVER,” and then spiral into despair, repeat after me:

Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows?

Be patient and let the story unfold. You’ll never see it clearly in the middle of it.

Affiliate links included below.

LOOK 1 - worn to work

Aligne kindly gifted me this tank, and I immediately thought of the way styled it here (exactly how I envisioned it in my brain). I challenged myself to add a bit of my own flair.

LOOK 2 - worn to a celebratory dinner

Does a fifth grade graduation warrant a fancy(ish) steak dinner? Absolutely yes.

LOOK 3 - worn to work

The Knicks fits cannot and will not stop. Snagged this independently designed tee because what's more NY than Jalen Brunson x BEC?

LOOK 4 - worn to work

It's giving safari, but in the best way. Really in my longer-shorts era (personally prefer even longer than these), but then again, I'm not quite sure I (or Adam Sandler) ever left it.

LOOK 5 - worn to work

The fumes were running low on creative dressing as we neared the second-to-last day of work. I looked around and noticed at least 89% of teachers were, in fact, in their comfy clothes with Birkenstocks. Happy to be part of that statistic.

LOOK 6 - worn to the last day of school!

There is no day like the last day. It's full of gratitude, a collective exhale, and the excitement of finally getting to recharge. I told my pal that, as I've shared before, this shirt is the most superior tee of all time.

I also need to have a moment for these shorts. I ordered a few sizes to see which I liked best, and it was worth the hassle of returning the extras. The length is perfect, the thigh breathing room is exquisite, and there are no rips or distressing. WIN.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s the week. Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows? We’ll find out later.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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If The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’s Amanda Frances can manifest a husband, we can manifest the summer of our dreams.

I always spend time between Christmas and New Year’s creating a vision board for the year. I think I’ve realized one of the many reasons I don’t stick with it is that it’s too long-term. An entire year is too far ahead for me to think about. If you know me, I can barely think about anything beyond the next 48 hours.

Maybe I’m a seasonal mood board-er?

I wanted to sit down and think about this upcoming summer and what I envision it looking like, feeling like, tasting like, and more. This ended up being so much fun, and I’ve effectively trained my algorithms to become an echo chamber for my exact wishes.

The first part of this post sets the visual scene of what the perfect summer looks and feels like to me.

The second part takes that imagery and turns it into some fun outfits that feel aligned with the summer I’m manifesting.

Enjoy the scroll!

living

eating

drinking

listening

traveling

feeling

resting

passing time

connecting

simplifying

wearing

Affiliate links included below.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

Alright, the intention is set and I’m giggling with excitement thinking about the execution! Even if nothing in this post resonated or felt like something that matters to you in the near future, I hope it at least inspires you to sit down and think about your goals, wishes, and hopes for the future.

Don’t forget, next BBQ: hot dog AND hambuger! Get wild. YOLO. Dare you to document it.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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This week felt super booked and busy, which you’ll definitely see reflected in the outfits below. But despite the calendar, I’m finally starting to feel like summer is actually around the corner. I think even my nervous system can feel it.

My students are basically done, my own kids’ graduations are behind us (which, for the record, turned out to be a complete tearjerker after I spent the entire year insisting an elementary school graduation was NBD), the sunlight feels endless, and even our dinners are starting to look more like summer—cue a good watermelon and feta salad!

The record player has been spinning songs that scream summer (ahem, Creedence Clearwater Revival), and I’m writing this from my favorite spot with my now double-shot of espresso. Yes, if you’ve been here long enough, you know that coffee order doesn’t sound right. My gastroenterologist convinced me to cut back from three shots to two. Tragic. Don’t get me started.

Even my outfits start to shift this time of year. They become a little more relaxed and comfortable.

There’s something magical about that first moment when the summer feeling finally arrives.

For me, the perfect summer is a slow one. Camp drop-off and pickup. A few quiet hours to work on things I’m passionate about. Time to sit in complete silence and drink my coffee while it’s still hot.

I’m not a booked-and-busy summer person. I don’t want something on my calendar every day or plans made weeks in advance. When people (very kindly) start trying to schedule things with me, I almost shiver. The rest of my year is packed with commitments, appointments, deadlines, and obligations.

Summer, for me, is meant to feel spontaneous. Slow. Free. A little wild. The kind of season where there’s room to change your mind and let the days unfold instead of constantly trying to manage them.

Now for my favorite part of the week recap: the outfits!

Affiliate links included below.

LOOK 1 - DAYTIME

Can a basketball team be your entire personality? IDK, but watch me try. Broke out the OG Allan Houston jersey and, naturally, had to make it fashion.

🏅Unsung Hero: THE BEST Full Shabang Self-Tanner EVER

I swear by this self-tanner. I've probably talked about it here before, but I genuinely haven't found another one that comes close. And trust me—always use a mitt and this cute little brush for your hands and feet.

LOOK 1 - NIGHTTIME

A little outfit change! Alexa: play “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C. Elementary school graduation ceremonies are so special.

LOOK 2

I’ve been waiting an unreasonable amount of time to wear this beauty of a dress. Sizing didn’t cooperate, so I sized up and outsourced it to a tailor. Snaps for Traci for not giving up.

LOOK 3

The wrinkles are your proof that these shorts actually survived a workday. If HR has questions re: shorts to work, I’ll be citing my Substack readers as expert witnesses.

🏅Unsung Hero: Face Self Tanner & Brush

Trying a new self-tanner from a brand I’ve never used before is low-key terrifying. But this one was gifted to me, and I got good vibes, so I decided to go for it. It gave me the perfect subtle glow, and I was obsessed with the application brush.

LOOK 4

This is going to sound wild, BUT I have been influenced by . I’ve been watching Austin style this striped shirt with so much color and creativity that I had to try my own slightly less ambitious version. Please default to her for expertise.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

And that’s the week—outfits solid, schedule a little too busy for my liking, but optimism is quickly rising. If you work all summer and are reading this, I respect (& love) you, and also… I will not be adjusting my enthusiasm.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Subscribe now

I have to say it…it’s a great day to be a fan of the New York Knicks.

I actually deleted the intro I had already written for this post because it suddenly felt completely irrelevant to how I’m feeling right now.

There really isn’t much more to say than this: this team, this playoff run, and this series have brought so much joy to so many people. It’s hard…

Read more

Life has been booked and busy lately. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in that way where you have incredibly limited resources to devote to anything other than staying hydrated, fed, clothed, and sheltered.

When life starts to feel this way, I enter ultimate Aquarius mode. This is a unique trait of the rarest of horoscopes: we simply disappear for a bi…

Read more

A few weeks ago we had one of those rough, rainy weekends where all youth sports are cancelled. An introvert’s dream! We decided to go have dinner at The Melting Pot. It was my first time and it was wild.

If you’ve never been, it’s a moody little spot where you dip everything in cheese, cook your own meat (it required a food thermometer and a prayer), an…

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I had a funny moment with some youngins this week that sent me into full meta reflection mode. I showed them my high school lacrosse photo. Not exactly my most glamorous moment, but they very sweetly informed me that I’ve experienced quite the ✨glow up✨ since the early 2000s. Honestly, I think most of it comes down to getting Invisalign as an adult — a journey I enjoyed wayyy more than the average person.1

But it did make me wonder: what exactly is making me “glow,” per se? It’s certainly NOT a pregnancy glow, I’ll tell ya that much. I think it’s finally reaching a point in life where I understand myself on a deeply authentic level.

• In middle school, I wanted to blend in. No bling, no risks, just wanted to be like everyone else.

• In high school, I wanted to be comfortable. I usually had practice or a game after school and needed outfits that required minimal time spent in the rogue HS lockeroom.

• In college, I wanted to belong. It was the first time I really experienced my version of How The Other Half Lives (dramatic, but you get it). Going to a university where many people had a lot more than I did was the first time I remember longing for things other people had.

• Post-college, I wanted to look professional. Pencil skirts, button-downs, low heels — I was a grown-up! Or at least someone who owned a lanyard and an Ann Taylor Loft cardigan.

• My early 30’s were the age of reckoning. Enter the IDGAF era. I started learning how to actually do my makeup (aggressive smoky-eye years… oof) and wearing things that made me confidently stand out.

• And now? Late 30s feels like the sweet spot. The phase where I finally understand myself enough to love myself exactly as I am. The phase where I don’t care if you like my outfit, think it’s “too much,” or even like me in general. The phase where, if it doesn’t make me feel like a million bucks, I don’t want it. The phase where I can see something and say, “that’s so me,” and truly understand why.

So when someone — including me — shares something they love, a great deal, or something they wear all the time, pause for a second and think about your own journey. Be selective about the things that make you feel like a gazillion bucks.

Because the journey to truly knowing myself took decades.

I know what I like and what makes me feel my best. And I hope somewhere in this blog, you find a few things that help you feel like yourself, too.

Now that I’ve fully psychoanalyzed my personal style journey, onto the week!

Affiliate links included below.

MONDAY

A very average Monday. I decided to resurface my daughter’s recorder from the estranged cabinet above the stove. She has been snake charming us with her incredible renditions of “hot crossed bunz.”

Feel free to experience the live concert below. No refunds. ⬇️

🏅Unsung Hero: Sleep Stone

Does it help me sleep? IDK. Does this magical stone feel like an instrumental part of my nightly turndown experience? YOU BET.

TUESDAY

This linen dress was the showstopper of the week! It has this gorgeous tie detail in the back. The wrap style in the front took me very long to figure out — at one point it looked like a torture device. But practice makes perfect, and she’s perfect!

🏅Unsung Hero: Easy Hawaiian Chicken Dinner

I hate cooking dinner. Sometimes I think about the next 100 years of my life and feel a bit sad that I will have to share this responsibility with the Four-Shirted-Husband™ FOR-EVER (gender norms, who?). This easy dinner saved the day!

WEDNESDAY

I’ve learned there’s nothing I love more when someone writes me a little note. I love it in my Poshmark packages, on my Starbucks cup and most recently on my UberEats taco order!

Kelly is truly also an unsung hero, and I know in my heart she’d love the fit below.

🏅Unsung Hero: Astrological Necklace

This is my favorite daily necklace for a few reasons. First, my daughter and I twin wearing it, and we think of the iconic Space Snake™. Second, it’s waterproof, and I don’t have to use my fat fingers to take it on and off every day.

THURSDAY

Went on a field trip that did NOT warrant the fit I have on below. I wore a grey T-shirt, jeans, and dad sneakers for the trip. My coworkers immediately clocked that I was leaving the building because I looked like I was either about to mow the lawn or chaperone kids. This is what I changed into after.

🏅Unsung Hero: Stand-In-Hair Straightener

My go-to hair straightener is the grossly expensive GHD one. It died, RIP, and I snagged a new one until I could muster up the courage to repurchase. I think this $30 one is a VERY good alternative.

FRIDAY

I was told Friday’s look was “giving ice cream.” Has my Ninja Creami obsession gone too far? The shirt was a strawberry-vanilla swirl, the white sweater was the whipped cream, and the khaki pants were the cone. I did not design this intentionally, but I accept the classification.

🏅Unsung Hero: iPhone Alarm Dance

I’m not sure why I can’t stop watching this reel. Each dance he performs matches the iPhone sound perfectly. AI can never replace this level of creativity. BRB- changing my alarm to radiate.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

What a week! A glow up, my daughter dropping her first single on the recorder, and Kelly the Uber Eats driver making my heart so happy.

See you next week with a Midweek Snack!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Another week in the life! I have been having so much fun with these posts and I hope you’re enjoying them, too.

They’re a weird exercise in reflecting on the week—while you’re in it, everything feels absolutely insane, but from a zoomed-out lens, it turns into laughter and “did that really happen?”

It’s no surprise I have a lot to say, and I hope that these posts inspire you fashionably but also remind you that life isn’t that serious. We are all out here messing up, trying our best, terrified our kids and loved ones may need extensive therapy when they’re done with us, but ya know what? We show up anyway and we prepare to do it all again the next week.

Let these posts always serve as a reminder for you that while maybe the “looks” project as “put together,” no one really is. We’re all out here fighting for our lives, blissfully of course.

I hope you enjoy my week of cringe, clarinets squeaking, repeat songs, my need for ice-cream-anonymous, and more.

KEEP DOING THE BEST YOU CAN OUT THERE!

Affiliate links included below.

MONDAY

You know I love a good hyperfixation. The Four-Shirted-Husband™1 absolutely crushed the Mother’s Day game (thank god for his sake). I got a Ninja Creami. I tried to fight it for so long, but as they said in the iconic movie Coyote Ugly, “can’t fight the moonlight.” I succumbed.

I am literally obsessed. I’ve made homemade chocolate, vanilla bean, Dole Whip, cookie butter, and don’t even get me started on the mix-ins. Next on the agenda: frappuccinos, mocktails, sorbet. THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST.

There are some awesome Substacks like that drop really fun recipes like these!

🏅Unsung Hero: Ninja Creami

For all reasons listed above. She’s everything I hoped for and more.

TUESDAY

I feel like at some point someone is going to be like, “Why is this chick at the doctor every week?” Just know I’m very okay — just a bit of a medical mystery.

But here is, yet again, another doctor’s office fit. Also peep the new shades — another Mother’s Day gift picked out by our favorite Four-Shirted-Husband™.

🏅Unsung Hero: New Lip Balm

My sister gave this to me for Mother’s Day and said a co-worker swears by it. Not gonna lie, I REALLY love it. AQUAPHOR: YOU ARE STILL MY #1.

WEDNESDAY

I promised that I would do my best to stop saying MaYcEmBeR multiple times per day. And although she has granted me permission to keep using the cringe phrase (it gets the same groan as saying “6-7,” which is apparently SO lame now), I am fully living and breathing Maycember.

We had my son’s 5th grade concert. Have you ever been to an elementary school music concert? Just wow. A few key observations:

1. Shoutout to all the music teachers out there. I played the clarinet for 100 years, and I still want to collapse every time I hear that thing squeak.

2. The kids did a lovely job.

3. My head hurt. It was really hot.

4. I think at least one song in every set should be a millennial bop. Imagine if, out of nowhere, they started playing Destiny’s Child’s Survivor? The place would go wild.

🏅Unsung Hero: The Puerto Rico Song

Maybe it’s auditory stimming, maybe it’s because I love Puerto Rico, or maybe it’s because the song is a straight-up bop.

THURSDAY

The fun continued as we ran one kid to a softball game and the other was out biking in the wild. I was getting ready to do my nightly turn-down when I shared with my son that I didn’t think we’d make the art show. His audible despair was enough for me to literally turn off the shower, throw all my clothing back on, and go view their masterpieces.

But, as you would expect, it was so worth it. Their art looked fantastic! I still cannot get over my daughter’s “Space Snake.” HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE!

🏅Unsung Hero: Cream Blush (Color: Petal)

Cream products scare me. I can’t stop using this gifted blush after a week of trial. Also sorry to report that wearing Ariana Grande’s makeup line will not, in fact, unlock your ability to sing Defying Gravity like she does. WOMP WOMP.

FRIDAY

At work we were talking about how to get dressed in this weird NY weather. I shared with my co-workers that I look at the temperature on my weather app and add about 5 degrees. The building is always hot, and the PM is always warmer than expected. Someone called my strategy “brilliant.” Perhaps I have a budding career as a meteorologist in my second life. Or perhaps they were just being nice.

The students were big fans, and before I even started the lesson, I was told, “Mrs. L, I like your fit today!” Name a better feel-good moment…I’ll wait.

🏅Unsung Hero: New Sunglasses!

Love these new sunglasses. They’re small enough to give “cool-girl vibes,” but wide enough to satisfy my oversized-sunglasses-loving millennial heart.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s it. Another week of functioning(ish) in society. We shall regroup and do it again next week. Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Subscribe now

It’s been a WILD week—busy, heavy, and exhausting. I’ve been trying to intentionally choose joy as much as possible. AP anything teachers know it is literally a sprint to the finish line, and we are deep in it right now with AP exams. We is tired.

So I made my Four-Shirted-Husband™ build a fire so we could have s’mores. In class, we learned about the Space Race while I played outer space ambiance videos on YouTube and floated through the classroom like I was in a NASA-adjacent dream sequence (next year I’m getting an astronaut costume)1. I listened to my new Kacey Musgraves vinyl on repeat, baked cookies on a weeknight, took a eucalyptus epsom salt bath, walked my pups, called a friend, moisturized, ordered tacos for takeout, and chose humanity over anger more times than I can count.

I read the news with caution. I somehow got my hair to survive three full days sans wash. I watched the WNBA. I wore a matching pajama set. I (mostly) chose empathy over rage. I went to bed early.

I did the things! I hope you will too.

Here are some fits and unsung heroes from another very average, very ordinary week of a very tired AP Gov teacher.

Affiliate links included below.

Monday

All I’m going to say is this fringe shirt was a stunner. People literally stopped me in the hallway to compliment it, which led to me shimmying the fringe in agreement. I will say there were some challenges involving restroom logistics, but all was okay.

My seniors took their AP Government exam and felt great. College Board hit them with a fascinating argumentative essay prompt: develop an argument as to whether social movements or congressional actions have done more to expand voting opportunities.

Anywho, here’s the fit…

🏅Unsung Hero: Body Wash

What on earth is in this that makes it smell so incredible? This was gifted to me (bc I harassed them), but honestly I’ll go right ahead and continually gift it to myself with my own damn money. For the record: this is coming from a HUGE scent snob.

Tuesday

After work, I had to get lab work done. Fine. I booked online, looked cute, felt cute, and entered a waiting room with no desk, absolutely no human authority structure, and a ton of confusion.

They called my name and the phlebotomist immediately complimented my outfit. Good sign. Then she started making phone calls, googling things, and I sat there long enough to make myself anxious just looking at the vials and needles in the room. SOMEONE GET ME AN APPLE JUICE.

She came back and said they couldn’t run the test. I begged to let me call the doc, but with 20 minutes until closing and a room full of increasingly hostile walk-ins, I was released into the wild.

Malice toward none, but I cried real tears in the car.

All this to say: I took this outfit off so fast in a fit of rage, a flat lay is all I have for you.

🏅Unsung Hero: Fantastic Tortilla Chips

Let’s just say I was salty and needed some joy. These were great.

Wednesday

This color combo was fully inspired by the one and only in this post. I started the day with the sweater around my waist and spent the remainder of it wearing it 52 different ways, only to arrive at the conclusion that I liked the look better without it.

🏅Unsung Hero: Curling Wand

paid me the kindest hair compliment last week, so I’ll share with you my tool of the trade: this very solid, budget-friendly curling wand. I simply cannot figure out how to use a legitimate curling iron.

Thursday

I didn’t expect to channel a Salem Witch Trials x Country collab on your average Thursday, but here we are. And honestly, I’m not really mad about it. Someone redeemed the situation by saying they “love a monochromatic moment!”

🏅Unsung Hero: Matching Jammie Set (top | bottom)

I usually wear an XL t-shirt and basketball shorts to bed. This Target set is a massive yet easy upgrade for me. (I go up two sizes in the shirt for max comfort)

Friday

I was hesitant to wear this gingham vest with temperatures only peaking at sixty degrees, but it was a perfect fit for a human like me who always runs hot. I taught about the fall of the Berlin Wall and reminded my students that one year before this iconic moment a bouncin’ baby girl was born weighing 7 lbs 11 oz with blonde hair and blue eyes… dramatic pause… ME! Crickets.

🏅Unsung Hero: Tanning Lotion

I SWEAR by this stuff. Listen, if the “guns” are coming out but the sun isn’t really out yet, a tanning lotion I put on at night (with a mitt) that’s pleasant and gives me an AM glow is a non-negotiable.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s the week. Wishing you, your mamas and mom-like figures a wonderful Mother’s Day! I did the things, you do the things. We ride again next week.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) GOOD RAMBLE, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Subscribe now

It took a long time to get to a place where dressing myself had nothing to do with what anyone else might think. I remember middle school like it was a full-time surveillance system. Every outfit decision felt like it was being judged under a microscope that, realistically, only I could see. I wish mini-Traci understood that literally no one thinks abou…

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