It has been four weeks of training and onboarding my staff due to contracts being delayed. Four weeks of being on, giving presentations, squeezing in extra interviews, setting up computers, and not even wanting to look at my computer when I get home at night. I had two (?) days where my hip was in so much pain that I had to stay home for a few hours and just try and recuperate. My sleep has been absolute trash from the pain, which means I’ve been up at 4:00 most mornings.
I’m spending this weekend in a hotel (with a spa!) to try and get some rest and detach from everything. I’m also trying to see if buying a new mattress could help. I’ve spent the last month or so in our guest room because I think our Sleep Number bed has become a trigger for my pain. I tried to sleep there this week and I didn’t make it all night. It was really great after my hip surgery, but it’s not working anymore.
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Eating:
Last night I ordered room service – a filet with peppercorn sauce. It was one of the best steaks (and arguably the best room service) I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been on a low-carb diet for about a month now. I have integrated fasting days as part of that. It has helped with my energy level, my focus, and keeping me feeling pretty good despite all of the stress. I don’t feel like it’s ever a long term solution though because I do really enjoy carbs. The trick is balance, I suppose.
I really need to learn how to make peposo. My favorite version is the peposo at Cinghaile Bianco in Florence. Maybe it’s not as good in the summer, but I am absolutely anticipating enjoying this in the winter. I’ve tried a couple of recipes but none of them have turned out well.
I keep thinking that I’m going to try an anti-inflammation diet when we return from our anniversary trip, but the amount of meal planning that requires just feels too daunting in the middle of a busy month.
Drinking:
We found a few bottles of my favorite Brunello di Montalcino wine, so I opened a bottle of that with my steak last night. My brother-in-law and his wife came to visit us last week and we introduced them to the wines from Castiglion del Bosco as well. While it is definitely a splurge and an extravagant bottle of wine for us, it really is that good!
Beyond that, I’m focused on drinking a gallon of water every day.
Reading:
Lots of books on Italy! There is not a lot of information on Piedmont, so I brought every book we had this wekeend. So far the Frommers Day by Day Italy and the Back Roads of Northern and Central Italy books have been the best!
We are planning to take an anniversary trip to Piedmont and explore the Nebbiolo wines. Tom has recently gotten into Barolo. We found a great Barolo wine resort, as well as a Relais & Chateaux property, that we’re excited about trying, too. The goal is to split the trip and spend time in the countryside, as well as spend a few days in Torino.
We are flying to DFW-JFK-MXP and back, so we may try to squeeze in a visit to the Last Supper as part of this trip.
Enjoying:
The quiet comfort of a nice hotel room. I’m really glad I did this for myself, even though it felt very self-indulgent. I’m actually staying in the same corner room at the Four Seasons Dallas that I did in February 2020 when I did this same thing, which honestly feels both very strange and very perfect.
I am currently on the waitlist for a massage (boo), however, I brought foot masks, face masks, and everything I need to do DIY spa nights in the large soaking tub. (I love buying these random face masks from TJ Maxx to try!) I have access to the jacuzzi and sauna, so I’m going between my room and the spa every couple hours.
Last night I sat out the balcony and watched the sunset. The silence is amazing for me.
Wearing:
It is still very much summer here, so I am very focused on things that keep me cool and comfortable. When I say that I’m in love with the Oscar de la Renta shorts, I’m in love with them. They are so comfortable. I’ve literally been scouring every summer clearance sale and second-hand site to find the last remaining pairs of them. When I figure out what to wear with them, I instantly feel put together. (I am really terrible at this – it’s why I wear so many dresses.) I need to figure out how to find more of these Ann Taylor shells because I love them, too. I paid less than $20 for the ones I own, and they are workhorses!
I took advantage of the Summersalt sale earlier this summer and picked up a few more of the Sidestroke long torso swimsuits. This is still my favorite swimsuit, though I still might have a tailor sew cups into it. I have it in several different colorways, and I think its very flattering. I’m keeping some put away for the day when I wear it out. I think it’s timeless and it’s one of my favorite influencer purchases.
I am still getting a ton of wear out of my Hillhouse Ellie nap dresses (Save 20% using my link!) They are great for putzing around the house, wearing down to the spa at a hotel, and of course, napping and sleeping. I brought out one of my favorites for this weekend’s staycation – my light blue with metallic threads. It reminded me how I kept setting off airport security when we took our trip to Croatia with it, lol.
Here here to everything you said about student loans. Also – I love the Ellie nap dress too! I was influenced (lol) to buy it this summer for an event and it was perfect. Can’t wait to wear it again.