Quality Time + Quality Things
No. 81
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Hi there, and happy unofficial start to summer!
This past week, I was in Martha's Vineyard for an annual family trip with my husband, Mark, and in-laws. This getaway is always my marker for the beginning of summer.
The island is not crowded this time of year, and the weather is fairly temperate. We oscillate between wearing sweaters and shorts throughout the day. Martha's Vineyard is a great place to be outside, read a book, sit on the beach, walk around, and eat lobster. In other words, we recharge.
When Mark and I were flying home earlier this week, we recapped the trip and asked each other what our highlights were. Both agreed that sitting on the beach, just the two of us, for a few hours without devices, watching the Roseate tern (a protected bird) plunge-dive along the coast of Edgartown Harbor, was the best part of our trip. Quality time with loved ones in nature is what we all need.
Our second highlight was the shopping...
First, Mark struggles to find clothing that fits him - he's 6'6" and has long arms, torso, and legs - you get the point. A lot of off-the-rack clothing doesn't fit most people instantaneously, and it definitely doesn't work for him. But he slipped on a pair of jeans from Teleria Zed at The Great Put On (found them online here in tons of colors) that are slim-ish, supremely soft, and long enough (!!). Winner. I recommend this denim for all men after this discovery (just take up the hem for the right length).
He also scooped up a classic vest that's both form and function. This newer brand, Holebrook Sweden, makes "windproof" clothing that is sporty and can be worn in most settings. The vest is lined on the inside to prevent wind from cutting through the outer material, so it's sleek, soft, and performance-driven. He got it in charcoal, but here it is in navy.
A sweater and a t-shirt in green hues also made the cut. This lightweight thermal crew knit in Sage is long enough (and it's machine washable), packs well, and wears well. Happy to see this sea green come into his assortment. My new favorite basics brand, Wheat, makes the softest cotton lightweight tee that again delivers the right length - Mark went home with the "Oil Green" crewneck. And I nabbed their long sleeve ribbed crew in white.
Not all things make us happy by any means. But these things, aka clothing, that fit and work for your lifestyle are worthy of calling out. It was the quality time and the acquisition of quality things that made it for us both. Intentionality was at the core of it all. These are very real attributes of living a full life and making the most of your experiences.
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🧖 For the Men in Your Life
A facial for Father’s Day? Why not?! A functional gift that’s two parts relaxing and cleansing.
Why men need facials: men's skin tends to be more oily, which can lead to congestion, enlarged pores, and breakouts, and can help with ingrown hairs from shaving. Men typically age slower but progress more rapidly once it begins, and men need pampering, too!
🌟 Self-Edit Your Closet this Weekend
Here are three easy steps to clean out your closet in preparation for the warm-weather season. To make it approachable and manageable, you can do these steps over days or even weeks. Your closet will thank you.
