I’m Not Arguing With Anyone Until Mercury Leaves the Chat

Retrograde Soft Life Diary: Music, Shows, & Snacks I’m Surviving On

Hey. It’s me.
Still here. Still not engaging.
Mercury’s in retrograde for two more days and I’ve chosen the path of least resistance: I’m not fighting back. Y’all can have it. The last word? Yours. The weird text? Left on read. The delayed package? Divine timing. I’ve been letting the universe do what it’s gonna do while I mind my business, hydrate, and snack aggressively.

This is not a focus on productivity era. This is a peace preservation era!

So while Mercury’s out here spinning the block on all our tech, communication, and patience; I’ve been spinning the block on things that always brings me joy. Here’s what’s been getting me through:

Playlist: My Soft Shell Era Soundtrack

• Sade – “No Ordinary Love”
  That timeless smoothness that reminds me love is complex, deep, and worth every feeling.

• Chaka Khan – “Ain’t Nobody”
  The most played song in my library since iTunes came around because some jams just never get old.

• Faith Evans – “Love Like This”
  Because honestly I lost my mind hearing it during last rounds in the club circa 2008 NYC .. Shout out to Mansion!

• Erykah Badu – “On & On”
  A soulful mantra that’s like a warm hug and a wake-up call all at once.

  

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Comfort TV is straight-up medicine. And guess what? There’s real science behind it! When life feels unpredictable, watching a story you already know helps regulate your heart and mind, cookie. Here’s what I’ve been rewatching lately:

A Time to Kill – An emotional roller coaster! The deep connection and contrasts between Samuel and Matthew never fail to move me.

Sex and the City – All the seasons, even though I painfully suffer through Season 5 with Burger (I DETEST THAT MAN WITH MY WHOLE SOUL). What a waste of a relationship! But Carrie’s outfits—especially that full Prada look in Brooklyn—still make my heart smile.

Living Single – Always. No notes.

The Green Book – There’s something about how they place a Dr. Donald Shirley’s hands gently on a soft pillow in the back seat like those hands were insured. Plus, his regal ways? Top tier. And yes, it’s blasphemy that an Italian white man taught him how to eat fried chicken, but their dynamic and mutual lessons on humanity get me every time.

Gilded Age – I’m a full-on fanatic. MR. RUSSELL, MR. RUSSELL!!!! OH and I love Bertha too lol, even though she’s done pissed everyone off in her family this season.

Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon

Snacks I’m Absolutely Chomping On:

(aka: the things standing between me and an argument)

• Kettle Brand - Apple Cider Vinegar Chips

• De Ruijter Chocolate Milk Sprinkles on Buttered Toast Old Dutch Childhood Snack I used to eat growing up in Aruba

• Dang - Mango Sticky Rice Cakes (Whole Foods carries them, sold out on Amazon)

• Blood Oranges …. even though they're “out of season” If I see them, I’m grabbing them and throwing them in my granola bowl or just eating them while I edit.

• Iced oat lattes with vanilla and coconut syrup (less sweet) when I need to feel like my day is going right. Kona Roasters in midtown always seems to get it right for me. All of the Baristas know my order.

Things Holding Me Down (In the Best Way)

• Merit Skin Tint with SPF: Lightweight, skin-like coverage that plays well with my natural glow and everyday hustle.

• Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: Yes, it’s a splurge, but the 15ml lasted me nearly 5 months, so I just restocked with the 50ml during Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (RIP, sale’s over).

• Ripley Radar Knit Pointy Set: I feel straight-up invincible wearing this. It’s my go-to power move outfit for working from home or running errands.

• Bottega Orbit Sneakers: Chic, cute, and comfy. I’m on team “get your money’s worth” because yes, these sneakers cost someone’s kid a Harvard tuition, so I’m making them count.

If you’re curious, I’ve linked all these and more in my shop because sharing is caring when it comes to what really moves me.

Catch me Outside with my Ripley Set!

I’m not rushing clarity. I’m not forcing momentum. I’m just here trying to stay grounded, fed, and vibing through it. Because I do also believe in the shadow Mercury RetroHateraid leaves behind. A nasty residue of time to pick up the pieces it left behind after obliterating our neat systems and what were thought to be peaceful relationships.

If Mercury’s been spinning you, too, I hope this gave you a soft landing. Let me know what you’ve been rewatching, replaying, or chomping on.

We’re gonna be alright.
xo,
Carolyn