Downtown Diaries 005

Little Luxuries & Life Updates

Feb 27, 2025

Officially Six Weeks Postpartum!

This week marks six weeks postpartum, which I like to call phase two of postpartum. I find it so much easier to break it down into smaller phases rather than looking at it as an entire year.

As someone who loves working out, I’m so excited to slowly add movement and sweat back into my routine. But more than that, having my third baby has really shown me how much I’ve grown as a mom. There have been moments when Bear was fussy or things didn’t go as planned, and I handled them with such grace. I catch myself thinking, Wow—six years ago, this would have crushed me and ruined my entire day.

I was out to lunch with my best friend and husband for my birthday, and they asked me what I hope for myself in the next year. My answer? Forward mobility and growth. That’s all I want. Especially because 2024 felt stagnant to me.

I tend to measure success in numbers—whether it’s finances or follower count—which I know is ridiculous, but it’s part of my reality since my job revolves around it. And while I had my best financial year yet, I still felt stuck in every other way. I don’t thrive when I’m pregnant; I just do my best to survive and get through it as healthy and happy as I can. Surrendering to that is hard for me.

But now that I’m on the other side of pregnancy—seeing how well I’m handling the newborn phase compared to six years ago—it makes me wonder if I need to redefine my idea of success. Maybe growth isn’t just about numbers. Maybe it’s about how much stronger, more patient, and more at peace I’ve become. And maybe that’s worth more than anything I can measure.

Currently Reading

Apparently, I’m in my fantasy book era now—and I have a full-blown crush on a dragon rider named Xander.

Fourth Wing & Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Loving fantasy books was NOT on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are—I am OBSESSED. And TikTok knows it because my entire FYP is filled with Fourth Wing videos (not mad about it).

It all started when I got my Kindle. I was searching for my next read and saw that Fourth Wing was one of the best-selling books of 2023. I texted my best friend—who’s a hardcore fantasy reader—and she said she actually thought I’d love it. It took me about 200 pages to get into it, but after that, I couldn’t put it down. Now, I’m already halfway through Iron Flame and dying to see who they’ll cast for the Amazon TV series.

Also, I just have to say: GET A KINDLE. It makes reading so much better. And if you’re looking to get lost in a book (and develop a massive book crush), read Fourth Wing.

Add to Cart (and My Closet)

I had a menty b that nothing fits me, so I bought this cute set from Leset. It’s so soft, elevated chic, and the buttons make it perfect for breastfeeding.

Middle-of-the-night nursing shopping is so dangerous! So dangerous that I somehow blacked out and bought this overly priced Miu Miu top—next thing I knew, it was on my body three days later.

I tried mouth taping once before, and maybe it was the tape, but I didn't love it. People swear by it, so I figured I’d give it another try. I bought the one by Skinny Confidential, and although I’ve only used it for a couple of nights, the quality of the tape is great—and I love that I can still drink water in the middle of the night!

NYC Bites

I've been wanting to try Ito, and my birthday felt like the perfect excuse. It was meant to be because when I went to make a reservation, there was a 6 PM spot available.

If you’re not familiar, Ito is an omakase experience in Tribeca—an intimate 16-seat space with just two seatings, one at 6 PM and the other at 8:45 PM. It books up quickly, so I knew I had to jump on it. I love watching talented chefs in their element—it’s truly an art form.

Sadly, my husband was sick on my birthday, but canceling wasn’t an option. Lucky for me, my best friend was visiting NYC and stepped in. The sushi was incredible—each piece better than the last. And as someone who really appreciates great service, this was that.

Oh, and the playlist? Sushi and Lil Wayne. Obsessed. Can’t wait to go back!