March 2025: things I did, bought and read

March, which I know is not technically over yet, has very much felt like a waiting game. Waiting for the weather to get warmer, waiting for some ongoing family medical stuff, waiting to plan anything because of said medical stuff, just waiting, waiting, waiting. We have now had a few 60 degree days, and some answers (well, a surgery scheduled for my dad. remind me to write a post about taking care of aging parents who do not live nearby…), which for a planner like myself is somewhat of a relief despite the circumstances. Historically over the last few years, I’m usually looking forward to some kind of trip right now. I love traveling to Europe in the spring, before summer crowds and prices get crazy, but that just wasn’t in the cards for 2025. It’s tough not having something to look forward to, to help break up the inevitable monotony and stress that comes with adulting.

Anyways, the highlight of the month was celebrating my (our) four year wedding anniversary on the 6th. My husband and I got married during COVID, on our building’s rooftop with two of our friends and an officiant.

(we took the masks off once the ceremony started. it was so cold!)

We chose the date, March 6, totally at random while on a walk with Peanut a few months beforehand. I was never one to want a big wedding, and it was a perfectly imperfect day during such a strange time. And with that, here is a monthly run-down of sorts.

Noteworthy things I did

• Went to Monkey Bar. I usually avoid midtown like the plague, but have been wanting to try Monkey Bar for a while and our anniversary felt like the perfect time. The atmosphere was cozy and fun, people watching excellent, but the food was just ok for the price. The carrot cake, however, was spectacular. I’d go back just for that.

• Tried SLT. There is an SLT right by my pilates studio, so I figured I’d mix things up and try that one weekend morning. Ha! SLT is very different from classical pilates! It is fast moving, kind of cult-like, and quite hard. The instructor was not very helpful to newbies like myself, and I left feeling like I got a good workout in but also wondering what the fuck was that? I got a buy one get one free intro offer, and tried again with a different instructor this past weekend who was great. I’ll probably take her class again sometime soon.

• Visited the Stephanie Gottlieb showroom. One of my friends from work and I love Stephanie Gottlieb jewelry, and had the chance to visit her showroom during a friends and family sale a few weeks ago. Trying on jewelry always improves my mood, and they even provided a complimentary ring cleaning while we shopped. I picked out these earrings to mix things up from my usual diamond studs (a sale plus a gift card I had = girl math).

I’ll also note that my husband and I tried our luck at Tatiana one Saturday after the opera (he went to the opera, I did not), as it’s right in Lincoln Center. Basically, you stand in line starting at around 4PM and hope you get some bar seats or one of the few tables that are not spoken for because reservations are impossible. There were maybe 15 people ahead of us, and while we missed the bar seats and immediate tables, we were offered a table at 8:30PM that night. Me being the delicate flower that I am, and Peanut needing to be tended to, we had to pass but had a great meal at Friend of a Farmer instead. Key learning: get in the Tatiana line no later than 3:45PM, or try a weekday.

Some things I bought

Diptique candles: I am a big fan of fancy scented candles and aromatherapy, and Diptique Baies and Roses candles are my favorite. Bloomingdale’s was having a friends and family deal so I did a little restock.

On Cloudswift: these are my favorite sneakers for work (we wear scrubs), and I go through a pair every six months or so. So comfy.

Creme de la mer: I’m still on my quest for the perfect rich moisturizer, and Bloomingdale’s friends and family got me again here and I purchased a 0.5 ounce container to try (so far, I like it but maybe not the scent?)

Lululemon Love tank top: my favorite tank top style from lululemon and great for Pilates, plus the pink haze color was too good to pass up.

Read
I haven’t read as many book as usual and actually had to DNF one book that I couldn’t get into, which rarely happens (because I force myself to finish, lol). Anyways, here are the two that I loved:

A Forty Year Kiss - a decades old love story with a few modern and more predictable challenges. An easy, sweet read

Blue Sisters - explores the dynamics of three sisters following a tragedy. I loved this one.

I also thought I’d share a few Substacks I’ve really been liking lately:

• The Lemonade Stand - really great insights, both generally and around working in healthcare. I love her writing style and openness

• Dumb Rich - a female in finance sharing her advice and tips on all things related to money

• Scratch Pad - for fashion and home-related posts, with some more personal ones thrown in there too

That’s all from me. Take good care,

Kelly