Lovin' Lately no. 32
A new supplement, tv binge suggestions, and realistic self-care strategies
📺 “The Better Sister” on Prime Video: I’m completely hooked on The Better Sister, a new limited series streaming on Prime Video. Starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, this gripping thriller delves into the complex relationship between two estranged sisters, Chloe and Nicky, who are forced to reunite after the shocking murder of Chloe's husband—who also happens to be Nicky’s ex. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried family secrets emerge, leading to a suspenseful exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. With its compelling performances and intricate plot twists, it's a binge-worthy series that keeps you guessing until the very end.
🎥 Cha Cha Real Smooth on Apple TV+: A recent college graduate, Andrew (played by Cooper Raiff, who also wrote the movie) moves back home to New Jersey where he becomes a party pumper on the Bar and Bat Mitzvah circuit and meets Domino (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter, who is on the Autism Spectrum. Despite the fact that Domino is engaged, she and Andrew form a bond in this fresh and bittersweet love story set in that terrifying and limitless free fall of post-grad life.
📺 “Sirens” on Netflix: This five-part mini-series should appeal to “White Lotus” fans as another deep dive into the lives of the super-elite, with a killer cast. In it, a billionaire’s (Julianne Moore) uncomfortably close, culty relationship with her assistant Simone (Milly Alcock) unravels when Simone receives a surprise visit from her sister (Meghann Fahy).
Not to be that girl, but have you tried the new Cherry Chai latte at Starbucks!?? It's the perfect blend of cozy spice and sweet cherry vibes. My new go-to!
Creatine, not just for bodybuilders anymore.
I don’t know about you, but creatine has been showing up in my group chat, my algorithm, and all over my world lately. It’s like it’s following me. Whispering from podcasts, popping up in articles. It’s funny how something can be everywhere all of a sudden, isn’t it?
So much, in fact, that I finally bit the bullet and ordered these packets from Amazon to give it a go. The hype was just too loud to ignore. I mean, how often do you hear about a single supplement that promises better workouts and hormonal balance and improved brain function and—wait for it—support for women’s health in particular?
While at dinner with girlfriends last month, a few of them were absolutely raving about creatine. They had it in their supplement stack, and they couldn’t stop talking about how it was helping with muscle tone, energy, and even cycle support. They laid it all out for me: the benefits they felt, the shifts they noticed, the small but meaningful changes that were adding up.
I left the dinner curious, intrigued, and maybe just a little convinced. So I decided to do a deep dive of my own. What is creatine, exactly? And why does it seem like everyone is talking about it right now? Here’s what I found:
Muscle Recovery: Helps you bounce back faster post-workout.
Brain Health: Supports memory + reduces brain fog.
Aging Support: Fights age-related muscle loss (somthing that starts in your 40s).
Cycle & Mood: May ease PMS symptoms + support hormones.
Safe & Studied: One of the most researched supplements out there.
Easy to Use: 5g/day. Flavorless. Add to anything.
All in all, Creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders anymore. It’s officially entered the wellness chat. From boosting brain function to preserving muscle as we age, this tasteless powder is becoming a quiet staple in smart women’s routines. It supports recovery, mood, memory, and strength all for the price of a fancy latte. Think of it as your low-key power supplement for feeling sharper, stronger, and more steady.
Energy and Self-Care Strategies
(When You’re Running on Empty)
Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m running on fumes. Not in a dramatic way, but in that quiet, simmering way where you realize your brain is foggy, your body’s tight, and even the simplest decisions feel… heavy.
I keep telling myself I need to “take care of myself,” but that phrase feels so vague sometimes. Take care of myself how? Do I need a reset? A vacation? A digital detox? A juice cleanse? (Hard pass.)
What I’m learning, again, is that when I feel this depleted, the answer isn’t to overhaul my life. It’s to find small ways to come back to myself. Micro-adjustments. Gentle pivots. A little less “fix” and a little more “feel.”
So here are three things I’ve been doing this week that are helping. They're not revolutionary. They're not impressive. But they work.
1. Stillness, even for 60 seconds.
When I start to spiral, too many tabs open in my head, too many texts unanswered, too many things left undone, my instinct is to do more.
But what I actually need is to do less. Or nothing, ideally.
So I’ve been trying to take one full minute of silence. No phone. No notebook. Just a deep breath and a check-in:
“What do I need right now?”
Sometimes the answer is a snack. Sometimes it’s a boundary. Sometimes it’s to stop trying to be so damn productive. Either way, I usually find it in the stillness.
2. Eat (and drink) like someone who loves you.
I’m not on a health kick. I’m also not on a “let’s crash mid-afternoon and spiral into emotional eating” kick. I’m not on either but I do like to ask myself: Will this give me energy or take it away?
Water in any amount.
Protein before sugar.
A smoothie instead of skipping breakfast.
I’m not trying to perfect anything. I just want to stop feeling worse because of what I’m drinking or eating.
3. Create without sharing it.
This one’s been surprisingly hard. When your work is creative, it becomes really easy to tie everything you make to performance. To likes, to traction, to audience response. But lately, I’ve been craving something that doesn’t need to be posted or monetized or perfect.
So I’ve been recording voice notes I don’t share.
Writing things no one will read.
Putting together outfits with no intention of posting them.
It’s weirdly intimate, like reintroducing myself to a part of me that I forgot about. The part that just… likes making things.
None of this is groundbreaking. But it’s grounding.
And if you’re in a similar space, if your days are running together and your body feels like it’s lagging behind your calendar, maybe try one of these. Just one. That’s plenty.
The best Substack reads I loved this week:
Kayla Kleinman’s “2025 Summer Reading Guide” is a curated list of 35 new book releases perfect for your summer reading list. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a quiet evening, this guide offers a variety of genres to suit every reader's taste. From gripping thrillers to heartfelt romances, Kleinman's selections aim to enhance your summer with engaging stories. It's a thoughtfully compiled resource for anyone looking to discover fresh reads this season. |
In The Plant Diaries, Overbooked Mama chronicles her family's journey into backyard gardening, sharing the joys and challenges of cultivating their own green space. This series offers a personal glimpse into their seasonal planting efforts, from starting seeds indoors to preparing raised beds, all while balancing the demands of family life. It's an inspiring read for anyone looking to connect with nature and embrace the rhythms of homegrown living.
In this thoughtful post, Why Fresno Feels Like A Small Town, Mike Seay explores the unique charm of Fresno, a city that often surprises residents and visitors alike. He reflects on how the city’s tight-knit community, familiar faces, and distinct neighborhoods foster a sense of belonging that feels more like a small town than a sprawling city. Through personal anecdotes and observations, Seay paints a warm and nostalgic picture of what makes Fresno special. Highlighting its blend of urban life and small-town spirit.
Wendy from Ohhappyplayday offers a delightful collection of six ladybug-themed preschool printables designed to make learning fun and engaging. These activities blend play and education, providing young children with opportunities to develop skills such as counting, pattern recognition, and fine motor coordination. Perfect for springtime or insect-themed lessons, this resource is ideal for parents and educators seeking creative ways to support early childhood development.
In case you missed it:
The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication written and created by Danielle Wraith. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram. Please come say hi!
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