For all of us remote workers out there, you know that “work from home” doesn’t have to mean being glued to your home office desk (or, let’s be real, couch) all day long.

Remote work has opened up the “work from anywhere” possibilities, which includes everything from local cafés, to parks (that actually have decent WiFi!) and beyond. Here are my favorite work from anywhere locations in Philly to enjoy the fall ambiance, great coffee and focused vibes to get a hard day’s work done:

Work from anywhere: the best spots in Philly to get remote work done

Manayunk. My neighborhood, Manayunk, is my favorite spot in Philly for a lot of reasons (and I’m likely biased because I live here), but among those are the gorgeous fall leaves that line the canal every autumn and the abundance of great coffee shops dotting Main Street. Mama’s Boy Cafe, specifically, has an awesome ambiance and super cost-effective, yummy coffee, and a nice, quiet setting that always allows me to tune in to the work I’m doing and focus on the task at hand. Plus, a nice fall walk of the canal on my way out is always a bonus!

Old City. Another gorgeous fall spot ripe with cafes and boutique lounges, Old City has tons of parks (some even with WiFi!), coffee shops, and lounges (like the amazing smoothie and sauna joint, The Wellness Refinery) that you can visit to set up shop and get some work done.

So, where do you like to work? From home, from the office, or from another location?

Let’s discuss,

Xoxo, MM.

I have to admit, I’ve been going through it this last six months. From a hormonal imbalance triggering anxiety, to my job and work duties ramping up like crazy, to buying a house and beyond, things got intense for a second there.

In the last week or so, though, I’ve remembered why it’s just as important to play hard (if not more important) as it is to work hard, and that I shouldn’t feel bad for setting aside time for me and what I enjoy right now, even in the midst of it all.

Then it hit me— I’m firmly in my “me” era right now, and I don’t feel bad about it. Here’s why you should be cheering on you right now, too, and why you shouldn’t feel bad about doing so.

Life is hard— give yourself a celebration

Guess what? You’ve survived 100% of your worst days. And that’s amazing! Life is hard, for everyone, and for some more often than others— but you’re here. You did it. And, for that, you should be celebrating.

So, have that glass of wine tonight. Take that warm bath. Eat that dessert you’ve been craving. Say “no” to something that isn’t serving you. Go out with your friends. Make that risky phone call. Do what you’d like to do, for a change— and don’t feel bad about it.

It isn’t selfish to set aside time for ourselves. It isn’t selfish to refuse to overextend yourself for others. It isn’t selfish or vain to pat yourself on the back and celebrate the beautiful being you are. People are going to be mad either way— so let them be. You keep doing you, and give yourself the credit you deserve for making it this far.

You’re crushing it, bestie. Keep doing you.

Xoxo, MM

It’s not easy to find recipes that are both delicious and ridiculously simple, but when I heard of the two ingredient pumpkin spice cake I knew I had to try it.

The recipe claims that by simply mixing one box of spice cake mix (literally, just the store bought cake mix!) and one can of pumpkin purée, a pumpkin spice cake mixture is born. No additional water, eggs or flour— just mix those two, bake for about ~25 minutes at 350F, and that’s that…

And it works!

My husband isn’t even a pumpkin fan but really enjoyed this cake, as it’s reminds you of a lighter, coffee cake texture full of cinnamon and other fall spices. I highly recommend trying this for yourself, and here are some photos of how it turned out:

As a die-hard Anne Rice fan, I must acknowledge that AMC’s new Interview with the Vampire series obviously changes some of the book’s context. However— I loved it anyhow. Why? Because the spirit of the work is still there, and cannot be ignored. Let me explain in my review of Interview with the Vampire (2022), here:

New Orleans, Queer Love Stories, and Vampiric Musings: Why IWTV Still Speaks to the Soul

When I first read Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire (and all subsequent books from there on, all 13 of them) in 2020, I was enchanted. I had never adored a book series more, save Tolkien’s works. Rice, in her works, had tapped into something golden. Something true. Something raw. Something— human, through the lens of inhuman subjects: vampires.

To say Rice’s Vampire Chronicles are simply vampire stories would be a folly— they’re no Twilight, lacking substance— they’re human stories, discussing life, love, and the pursuit of pleasure, purity, and everything in between in a world that is but (in Lestat’s words) “a Savage Garden.” And now, though the TV series differs in many aspects, the core of that story, those themes, remains. So I adored it anyhow.

The decision by the casting directors to make Louis a black man in New Orleans was one made with great care, and great responsibility, for one. The care and nuance with which the writers crafted Louis’ experience as a black (and homosexual) man in New Orleans was incredibly well done, and well expounded upon— it added depth to his character that, with other changes to the story, he would’ve lacked. This was a choice that was, like I said, made with great care— and it plays heavily and effectively therein.

Lestat is on point. He’s not been changed, really, at all— and not to spoil anything, but there are MANY Easter Eggs here in that Lestat drops that book readers surely will love and appreciate—

But, most of all? The queer love story is there. The genuine LOVE story between Lestat and Louis is not only subtext— but context. Lestat and Louis fall deeply, truly, in love in this series, as they did in the books— and that is no mistake. Anne Rice wrote these characters as men who fell in love despite the era; despite religious ideology; despite it all— and she immortalized them, with all the raw, visceral nuances of “love” in the modern world— and she nailed it, as I believe the show did, too.

Yes, things are changed— timeline, Daniel being older, etc— but the core is there, and I cannot wait for more. The core of a queer love story, of the misfit wanderers, of those who wonder “why?” at the Savage Garden that is this world are there— with beautiful, eternal New Orleans as its forever stunning backdrop.

Please watch this series, but more importantly, please read these books; they changed my life, as I’m sure they will yours, as well.

Xoxo, MM.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for official medical advice and any formal diagnoses.

Lately, as in the last six months, my anxiety has been the worst it’s been in years. Everything is my life is going well— I’m generally happy. Alas, episodes of near debilitating anxiety and panic attacks have taken me backwards, I fear, and I’ve been scratching my head at what may be the underlying cause (and how I can find some relief).

I thought and thought, then I realized— a while ago, around early 2022, I switched up my birth control a bit. I began skipping the last few pills in my pack to avoid having PMS— but I’ve felt out of whack ever since. I’m still awaiting test results, but as nothing else has changed, I wanted to share with you all what it may feel like when your hormones get out of whack (or, imbalanced) and how you can find relief from common symptoms caused by hormonal issues.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

According to experts at Chapel Hill Gynecology, an estrogen-dominance driven imbalance can particularly cause the following symptoms:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Mood swings

• Worsening PMS

• Bloating and digestive issues

• Weight loss or gain, unexplained

• Hair loss

• Fatigue

… and I’ve had all of these symptoms in recent months!

If you suspect you’re dealing with this, too, get your hormones checked with lab work by your trusted physician.

Treatments for hormone imbalance

Luckily, if an estrogen dominance (or any other hormonal imbalance, which can include thyroid disorders and more) is the culprit, there is help and treatment is available. Treatments include a wide variety of options, and the best course of action will be determined by your physician.

Anyhow, I hope you all always remember to advocate for yourselves and take your health seriously. If you suspect something is off, always get checked out by your doctor. I’ve been super vigilant about my health this year and I’m hoping my results narrow down options soon to aid in easing my anxiety and stomach symptoms. We got this.

Xoxo, MM.

Sometimes, they’re unavoidable. Toxic people (though we should try to create boundaries and hold space) can crop up in many areas of our lives— our workplaces, our social circles, even in our own families. Though it’s best to love these types of people from a (very healthy) distance, sometimes you just can’t avoid dealing with them— and when you can’t avoid it, here are some tips on how to deal.

How to Deal with Toxic People You Can’t Seem to Avoid

If you can’t avoid coming into contact with toxic individuals, there are some steps you can take to protect your peace (both in the moment and in the long term) either way.

Boundary setting.

The first step to dealing with a toxic person is to set immediate and firm boundaries. (More later on what to do if said toxic person violates your boundaries, but—) Boundary setting 101 tells us that the sooner we set up boundaries and the more we stand by them, the more effective they will be. Begin with the green, yellow, red method— set a boundary in the green, something gentle and asked politely, and move on to yellow and red only if someone continues to violate those boundaries. A “green” boundary may be something like “Hi, it makes me uncomfortable when you do that. Could you please stop?”, where as “yellow” may be a bit more firm, and “red” may look something like, “I’ve asked you to stop. You haven’t. So, I’m going to ask you to keep your space from me and not contact me any longer.”

Diffusing the situation.

Sometimes, even before boundary setting is engaged, you can diffuse a situation if someone isn’t necessarily toxic, but maybe just having a bad day or acting a bit cross. Asking someone if they’re alright or what’s making them lash out can work at times— really, some people just want to be heard and it can make all the difference in their demeanor and behavior.

Disengaging (respectfully).

This goes back to the “green” boundaries, but it looks a bit more like this. You can simply say, “Listen, I’m not comfortable with what you’re (doing/saying/etc.) and I’m going to take a step back.” Sometimes, removing yourself from the situation quietly and politely is the best course of action when dealing with a toxic person.

Disengaging (period).

This one is more in the “red.” If the toxic person continues to bother or engage with you, you might need to put your foot down. This may look something like, “You have to stop. You’ve hurt my feelings and I won’t tolerate it any longer. Don’t contact me again until you’re ready for a civil discussion.”

Unfortunately, some people aren’t great. However, we are responsible for our own actions and reactions, and learning to deal with difficult people is part of life. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your peace.

Xoxo, MM.

This post is for my 21+ readers only. Thanks!

It’s that time of year again! As Labor Day winds down (and I practice a day of self-care with a glass of wine in hand), it’s time to turn our focus onto the wines of fall (as a follow-up to the wines of summer I spoke about in a previous post). So, whether you have a dinner party to attend or you simply want to wine-down on a Wednesday after work, here are the top wines I recommend trying this fall:

The wines of fall 2022

Kendall Jackson Low Calorie Chardonnay: Just because you can’t wear white after Labor Day, doesn’t mean you can’t drink it. Kendall Jackson’s low-calorie Chardonnay keeps its flavor profile in check (buttery, mid-dry), while keeping carbs and calories low. This is my wine-down day go to, and it’ll be yours after a simple taste and try, too!

Wonderful Wine Co. Red Blend: fall means a shift to red wine, and this one does not disappoint. Organic wine with all the flavor, this wine is all the goods without the dreaded “wine headache” afterwards. It’s clean, tasty, and cost-effective, too.

Vampire Wine: a Halloween favorite, Vampire Wine is my go-to for Halloween BYOBs or hosting in the fall. A crowd pleaser and a seasonal nod, this wine is worth a taste (and then some).

So, what wines do you go to in the fall? Any fun pumpkin wines you enjoy this time of year? Let’s discuss!

Xoxo, MM.

Check out photos from Miranda’s swimsuit shoot with photographer D.onniie in Philadelphia, PA.

I’d been wanting to try IV infusion therapy for years, and today, I finally did!

Upon arriving at City Hydration in Philadelphia (right in midtown, on 13th and Walnut), I met with the front desk to consult about my scheduled appointment. The nurse guided me through the waiver process, then took me to a relaxing lounge area full of complimentary beverages (like water, herbal teas, and coffee) and relaxed me back into a super-comfy recliner with lots of pillows. She then gave me a menu of vitamin cocktail options, which I perused eagerly.

I had so many questions, and the on-staff nursing team had a wide array of knowledge about each vitamin and vitamin infusion available. I wanted to up my hydration with a basic saline solution, sure, but I wanted to solve some hair and skin dullness issues I’ve been having lately. The nurse recommended Biotin, which we agreed she’d add to my IV cocktail.

Then, I got a bit clammy. I do not like needles. The nurse, sensing this, was so sweet and gave me a glass of water, extra pillows, and ensured I was as comfy as possible before she began my IV. She mixed it up, mounted it, then got ready to place it in my arm— and guess what? It didn’t hurt at all. I was so at ease and wrapped up in conversation with the nurse that I barely realized she’d done it, and viola! I was off to the races, relaxing with some magazines and my phone in a cozy recliner in a trendy lounge while my IV infusion dripped away.

It was that easy. 30 minutes passed and I was done! IV out, no bleeding or bruising, and I’m already feeling the positive effects. The extra hydration boost I could feel immediately— the biotin I’ll report on the effects of soon.

Long story short, if you’re a healthy individual with no vitamin or latex allergies and want to try this, I suggest you do it. It was 10/10, and I will be back!

Xoxo, MM.