👋🏽 Hello There
Doesn’t it seem like it was just a little while ago, we were wiping down groceries with bleach wipes? I’ve been listening to my 2020 playlist along with 2021, and 2022 yearly playlists. Of course, it’s no surprise that my playlists are still top notch and have aged quite nicely.
Creating these newsletters has been fun for me the past couple of months, but it’s time for some more small changes to this newsletter. Going forward, I will put a * by products I have purchased myself and share some of the many recommendations I haven’t gone to yet and note that for clarity. I like sharing things so that someone else can enjoy them and spend their money on it instead of me spending mine☺️.
Not sure, if you have figured it out yet, but all the e-mail subjects for the newsletters have been song lyrics. Starting with this newsletter, if you scroll to the bottom I’ll include the song so if you want to listen to it, you can.
Now enough of the ‘housekeeeping’ side of things for the newsletter, onto the fun part. Although, I personally subscribe to the thought that everyday should be like Valentine’s Day. I know some people feel differently, and the BIG day will be here before you know it.
I’m going to share some recommendations since it’s about a month away. Cause it’s better to be prepared early vs trying to get something together at the last minute. Feel free to forward to friends, family and significant others. Thanks for subscribing!
Side note, did you know both Celestial and Yogi tea are made by cults? #shopsmallbusiness (you can Google and thanks me later for letting you know)
IN THE ‘MEWD’ FOR..
SHOPPING
Clothing
Stores
Washington, DC - Curated by Celia (W only)
Washington, DC - Upstairs on 7th (W only)
Manhasset, NY - Hirshleifers (M & W)
New York, NY - two:minds (M & W)
Soft and Wet - Undergarments
Ruve - EEVA Top
Shoes
Tory Burch - Mismatched Heel Sandal
Adidas - Sambae sneakers
New Balance - Carhartt WIP Sculpture Center (M sizing)
Accessories & Bags
Mila - Hand Beaded Accessories i.e. mini bags and ties (currently sold out but good to have on your radar)
Coach Bags — Coachtopia
DeMellier London - Large Tokyo
Carat London - Mimosa Drop Necklace
Drae Collection - U-Link Pendant Hoops
Miscellaneous
Louise Carmen Paris - Leather Bound Notebooks
Pacific Shoe Repair - Bag & Shoe Repair (Glendale, CA)
FOOD
Little Fish Echo Park
USA
Los Angeles, CA - Bohemia Cafe
Los Angeles, CA - Cafe Dulce
Los Angeles, CA - Baar Baar
Los Angeles, CA - Little Fish Echo Park
EUROPE
London, England - Bandra Bhai
London, England - Birley Bakery
London, England - Fortitude
Kraków, Poland - Kolanko No 6
Recommendations I’ll Share
Denver, CO - Table 6
Denver, CO - Wildflower
New York, NY - Atelier Jolie
READING
Photo from 2018, at the beach on the Big Island
Books
I am in the midst of reading two books now and will report back later.
Articles
Wall Street Journal - The New Office Status Symbol Holds a Lot of Water—and Has a Wait List
The Washington Post - Fun is dead.
Wall Street Journal - Buying Home and Auto Insurance Is Becoming Impossible
Modern Retail - After a slowdown, luxury brands are changing course
FUN
COMING SOON! London, England - F1 Drive London
Los Angeles, CA - The Yoga Expo (if you go on the 20th, take class with Samora!)
Salt Burn - WILD I tell you WILD. I could use these emojis 🧛🛀🪦 and IYKYK. I’m not sure what I watched but I kept watching. At one point, I said please stop thinking that it could stop what was happening. There are a solid couple of many WTF is happening moments. Overall, sick, wild, and twisted is a lovely way to describe this movie. Not for the faint of heart nor any kids should be awake or around.
American Fiction - This movie is reality for me, and so many other people. It’s about perception vs reality. Also, the realization of what people deal with in order for others to find them acceptable/palatable or even obtain success. It was funny move that had me thinking at the same time. I truly enjoyed it. If you can, go see it!
Candy Cane Lane - It’s past the holiday season but I thought this was a fun popcorn holiday movie. I watched this with my family when I was visiting them. I meant to include in the last newsletter but I forgot 🤷🏽♀️.
VALENTINE’S DAY
Floral Arrangement by Under New MGMT
Floral Arrangement by me (Mikala). Florals from DTLA Flower Market
Floral Arrangement by Bia Blooms
It’s 2024, and the options on how to celebrate with friends, loved ones or by yourself have been endless for a while. Because I’m kind, here are some ideas to copy or get your mind percolating on other ideas too!
A Treat To Give
Write a Love Letter - TBH you’re probably like ugh Mikala you’re so mushy but for someone whose love language is words of affirmation or super romantical (like me) this will bring joy in words that you cannot describe. Also, it’s a great way to really be open, vulnerable and honest with someone in a way that is unique because you are writing it and no one else is.
Baked Goods
Culver City, CA - Fleurs et Sel cookies (SO SO GOOD)
Washington DC Metro Area - Superbloom Cakes' Bento Cake (delicious and owner is a gem of a human)
Flowers
Los Angeles, CA - Bia Blooms, Whit Hazen and Under New MGMT
New York, NY - Oat Cinnamon Studio (dried arrangements can be sent to all 50 states)
Create A DIY Arrangement - This would be good for someone whose love language is act of service or gifts because you took time to select the florals and vase etc. Go to your local Flower Market and they should have everything you need
Events/Activities
Arts & Crafts i.e. Los Angeles, CA - Pinku DIY Studio
Pottery Class
Picnic at a park or scenic location i.e. The Point at the Bluffs (weather permitting)
Floral Arrangement Party (hi EBB!)
Going to Museum (Glenstone is my favorite!!)
Los Angeles CA - Street Food Cinema presents Romeo + Juliet with cabaret performance (Feb. 14 2024)
Staycation - Dinner + Spa day at favorite or fancy hotel
Wine Tasting - At home or at a winery/local wine shop (don’t forget the accoutrements if you do it at home)
Dinner - Instead of going to a restaurant, hire a private chef so you can really curate the night and dinner menu. If you’re on a budget and both enjoy cooking you could make your own sushi together. If have no budget and you’re the plug and/or have a referral, Shoku Los Angeles is the ultimate way to show love to a foodie
— If you do want restaurant suggestions, if you respond to this e-mail in the next 48 hours I’ll give you a few options. Just let me know the budget and vibe you are going for
Song Inspiration for Volume II - Issue 2: Refugee Camp All Stars ft. Lauryn Hill - The Sweetest Thing
Previously Used Songs:
Aaliyah’s Interlude - IT GIRL (Nov. 6 2023), Tyga, YG & Lil Wayne - Brand New (Nov. 20 2023), William Bell - Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday (Dec. 4 2023), Ari Lenox - Favorite Things (Dec. 18 2023), Soul II Soul - Back to Life (Jan. 1 2023)
