Do you ever feel like you resonate a little too much with Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’? “It’s me— hi! I’m the problem— it’s me.”

You can’t see me right now (obviously), but I’m definitely raising my hand. Whether you’re like me and your anxiety likes to remind you of every cringe-worthy thing you’ve ever done, or if you’ve recently actually really messed up and hurt someone’s feelings or made a mistake somehow— stay calm. That’s life. Mistakes happen. It’ll be okay. Because here’s the important piece to remember: you’re trying your best, and that’s what matters most.

Why intention is more important than perfection

None of us are perfect. Let’s just get that out of the way first, alright? We’re all going to make mistakes— even massive ones, sometimes— and that’s just life. Part of the human experience is making mistakes, learning from them, and trying again.

However, what are you intentions? Do you generally try to do and be better? Do you actively try to learn from your mistakes, even if it takes time? Do you believe that you have the capacity to keep learning, keep trying, keep striving to do and be better as long as you live? If so— you’re on the right track.

Long story short— you’re gonna’ mess up. Sometimes majorly. But if your intentions are pure, and you’re genuinely trying your best, that’s all that matters.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, or on one another. Let’s have some grace for ourselves, and for others. You may find your capacity to love, understand and forgive yourself (and everyone else) expands exponentially once you do.

Xoxo, MM.

If you research and adhere to the tenants of cycle syncing, like I (try to) do, you may think of your “follicular” phase (i.e., the phase following your period, when estrogen rises and you’re supposedly starting to feel better, more energized, and more alert post-period) as the “inner springtime” of your cycle.

You may think that the entire follicular phase is the “sunshine and rainbows” phase– but is that always the case, for everyone? Let’s dive in.

Why do I get anxiety at the start of my follicular phase?

I did some research, and it turns out that some people (like me!) can actually experience the most severe spikes in anxiety during the first few days of their follicular phase. It made me feel validated, because since I’ve been tracking my cycle and trying to sync my day to day life and activities with it more, I’d been feeling somewhat discouraged that everyone seemed to equate the follicular phase to pure bliss– when they felt their best. 

According to floliving.com, everyone’s cycle is different, and if you experience anxiety more typically during the week after your period you aren’t alone. Flo Living states, “if you experience anxiety during your follicular phase, that is the week after your period has come to an end, then you are experiencing low estrogen levels or estrogen deficiency.” Essentially, your estrogen has bottomed out while on your period, and now your body is trying to play catch-up. Luckily, estrogen levels will rise during the first few days of your follicular phase, and eventually level out pre-ovulation. 

So, if you’re like me and the follicular phase doesn’t make you feel instantly amazing, you’re not the only one– you’re not “messed up” or “out of whack”, you’re just more sensitive to changes in estrogen levels than some other people who menstruate might be.

Know you’re not alone

Everyone reacts differently to hormonal changes. Everyone’s cycle is different and unique, with its own quirks, peaks and valleys. And that’s okay! Just know if you aren’t immediately on the “sunshine and rainbow” train following your period, that’s okay, and no, nothing is wrong with you. You’re probably just more sensitive to estrogen than other people, and that’s perfectly alright.

Take time to care for yourself and your mental health at all phases of your cycle, and be especially gentle with yourself on rough mental health days.

Xoxo,

MM.

Recently, USA Today published a hot-take article about “friendship anxiety.” USA Today notes that, although friendships don’t usually have all the intricate emotional complexities romantic partnerships typically have, they still require work, commitment, understanding and empathy, and– as such– can cause anxiety.

I have a hot-take of my own about this, and it goes a little something like this: if someone gives you anxiety, they might not actually be your friend. 

Does that sound harsh? Maybe it is. But let me explain why, even if friendship anxiety is a thing, you may need to reexamine your friendships if you’re experiencing it on the regular–

What to do if you’re experiencing friendship anxiety: Re-evaluate

Sure, some of us (like myself) have generalized or social anxiety that can make us anxious about, well, almost anything– however, if you’re getting anxious right before seeing or speaking to a specific person… is that person really your friend? 

For example, if you’re around a group of people who are supposed to be your “friends,” but they’re always violating your boundaries, making jokes at your expense (the kind that actually hurt or embarrass you), or expecting you to overextend yourself for them when they wouldn’t do the same… are they your friends, really? 

Not everyone you know or spend time with is your friend. Some people are just acquaintances. Some people are energetic vampires (seriously), and may be better loved from a distance. And guess what? That’s okay!

Getting out of a toxic friendship: It’s all about mutual respect

If you have identified a toxic friendship or relationship in your life– be it with friends, a romantic partner, or family member– you don’t have to put up with it forever. You have a right to express that you expect mutual respect from a human being you’ve poured your time and energy into. Period.

We’re all human, and if someone is treating you like garbage you don’t have to stand for it. You have the right to walk away– to ask for mutual respect, to set boundaries, and to explain that if they don’t want to give you that, you’ll have to simply walk away. 

Sure, it’s easier said than done– but you know what’s harder? Being surrounded by people who constantly mistreat you and drain your energy.

Final thoughts: Be good to people, and be with people who are good to you, too

Essentially, sometimes you may get anxiety– but if a specific person seems to be causing your anxiety, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with them. It’s well within your right to do so, and don’t let them tell you any differently. 

So, what do you think? Is “friendship anxiety” a real thing? Is it worth it?

Let’s discuss,

Xoxo,

MM.

Nestled on Main Street between the many restaurants and bars of Manayunk, Philadelphia, is the spacious, sun soaked building that houses the neighborhood’s newest art gallery— The Look Listen.

As I walk inside for a Saturday afternoon viewing (this particular showcase on view is a series of Earth Day themed pieces, featuring work from various artists), I’m immediately greeted by the warm, friendly co-owner Mike, and welcomed into the bright, airy gallery. It feels serene, open, and well set up for taking your time browsing various pieces of art at your leisure.

The upstairs strikes me the same, with even more light pouring into the gallery space in the loft-like area at the top of the staircase; the walls lined with works by various artists, both mixed media and more traditional paintings, photos, and the like. It feels like art at my own pace— not stuffy or too sterile like some ultra-modern galleries— and I feel that I could spend hours here just losing myself in the beautiful works of art all around.

That said, I do spend a long time browsing the pieces at my leisure before heading back downstairs, and asking Mike, the co-owner, some of the questions that came to my mind while I browse the bright, open spaces.

A Q&A with The Look Listen Gallery

First, I ask Mike a series of more introductory questions, such as:

Q: What is your background, and what drew you to the art world?

A: “I actually have a tech marketing background, which is why I came to Philly in the first place— for a job in that industry. Prior to that, though, I got into the art scene in the Chelsea neighborhood in NYC as a side-gig, and helped multiple galleries out in different capacities. So it was always a passion of mine.”

Q:What inspired you to open up shop here in Manayunk?

A: Well, I live here, so giving to back to the community was important— I looked at some places in Chestnut Hill and East Falls, but ultimately when this space became available it just felt right. Plus, finding the pulse of the art scene in Manayunk that used to be here in the 80’s feels like a welcome addition to Main Street, and my partner, son and I want to create an accessible, artist-friendly space for multiple people to showcase art in various forms right here in the neighborhood.”

Q: What sort of artists do you seek out? What is that process like?

A: A lot of it is organic, then outreach through some local avenues and people we know. We also lean into the E-commerce and digital space, so we find some artists that way. Our main goal is to be as flexible and artist friendly as possible, so that gallery to artist relationship is really important to us.

Q: What can the public expect to see happening at The Look Listen over next few months?

A: Actually, one of the artists that has a few pieces here currently, Jake Dombrowski, is working with us on another showcase called “Legacy.” It’s all about the things we leave behind— so that will be really cool. We also want to get into the music and live performance space, and we’re working on a Chris Staples live show here in the gallery. Actually, we were at a Chris Staples show when my partner felt our son kick for the first time— so that’s a neat connection we have to him as an artist.

Why you should visit (or work with) The Look Listen

The familial connection— the artist-forward philosophy— the welcoming atmosphere and the gorgeous spaces; what’s not to like about The Look Listen? I will certainly be back to view the next showcase, and you should check it out, too! Plus, if you’re an artist, you’d be hard pressed to find a locally-owned gallery as dedicated to artists and their craft.

Xoxo,

MM.

Ready to live like Carrie Bradshaw, without the NYC prices? Then these hotspots, tips and tricks, and style inspo will help you live your best city girl life right here in Philadelphia, PA. 

The happy hour hotspots (for those GNOs)

If you’re a working girlie (perhaps you’re a writer, like Miss Bradshaw and myself, or a nurse, marketer, accountant, recruiter, teacher, or anything in between) who often finds herself in Center City, these are the happy hour hotspots perfect for your next GNO (or, “girl’s night out”) after a long shift:

El Techo

The upstairs rooftop bar and lounge counterpart to the popular Mexican eatery Condesa, El Techo is the rooftop that has everyone in the city buzzing all spring and summer long. Reminder to go early if you’re in the mood for their out-of-this-world margs, because El Techo is usually packed and poppin’ by 5:30 for happy hour on the weekdays.

The Dandelion

Perhaps something of a hidden gem, The Dandelion gives you British gastropub vibes right here in the birthplace of the U.S.A. Featuring an impressive beer and wine list and light English bites, this spot is another great happy hour pick right in Rittenhouse.

a.bar

Also in Rittenhouse Square, a.bar is the upscale bar counterpart to the sleek and ultramodern eatery a.kitchen– and in my experience, it serves up some of the best craft cocktails in the city. 

Twenty Manning

Middle eastern fare plus a fantastic wine list (even during happy hour)? Sign me up. This trendy-but-casual spot is a great go-to for those girl’s nights out that turn into dinner, because the food here is truly top-notch.

The style stops you need to know about

Many people may not know, but Philadelphia is home to (nearly) just as much high-street shopping as any other major U.S. cities. Visit Walnut Street for some higher-end brand experiences (read, Apple, Allo Yoga, Free People, etc.), or check out Manayunk (my favorite neighborhood) for some upscale resale and RemixOnMain, and beyond!

Caffeination stations

Vernick Coffee Bar

Nested in the lobby of the (gorgeous) Comcast Technology Center, Vernick Coffee Bar is a nice casual spot to enjoy craft Vernick-inspired light bites (and your morning joe, of course). Plus, the vibe here is just right, with modern design elements all around, so it’s worth a work-from-cafe stop for sure.

La Colombe

With multiple locations all over the city, you can’t miss La Colombe. From popularizing the draft latte game (and boasting the best nitro cold brew I’ve ever had), La Colombe is a convenient and can’t-go-wrong coffee stop every time.

Passero’s Coffee Roasters

Another Philly favorite of mine, Passero’s has various locations across the city, too, and always offers service with a smile. Plus, their non-dairy options are always on point, and their fresh roasted beans make every cup taste super crisp and refreshing!

Mama’s Boy Cafe

A one-man run coffee shop in Manayunk, Mama’s Boy has some of the most creative lattes (and the most heart!) of any coffee shop I’ve ever visited. Try the signature Lil’ Zooz, for sure– you won’t regret it. 

The (new) workout plan

The Wall Cycling

I’ve sung the praises of this Manayunk hotspot before– but it’s always worth a mention. This is the gym I go to most regularly for group fitness classes, and it’s simply the best. The staff, the vibe, and the space are all top notch, and a barre session with Cate, Elaina, or Sarah is sure to whip you into shape in no time!

Ripped PHL

If you’re in Center City and in need of a pick-me-up workout, the HIIT sessions at Ripped PHL will get you sweating. If you want major calorie burn, this is it– trust me.

Rumble

Looking for a workout that’s a little less traditional? Rumble is a boxing gym (frequented by celebs like James McAvoy when he’s in town, BTW), that offers cardio boxing workouts that help you burn calories and build strength while boosting your confidence, too!

Barry’s Bootcamp

Yes, Philly has a Barry’s Bootcamp location for all you dedicated fitness queens– you’re welcome!

So, where do you like to spend your time in the City of (Sisterly) Love? Let’s discuss,

Xoxo,

MM.

Sweet, sweet summertime is upon us— which means more time spent out having fun in the sun, sipping on an Aperol Spritz, and sweating it out at our favorite rooftop pools and bars. That said, all of those activities have one thing in common— they’re (not so) sneaky dehydrators, and that doesn’t just mean for our insides.

If you’re like me and you deal with dry, dehydrated skin from time to time (but don’t want to spend big bucks all the time on professional hydration facials), don’t panic just yet. There are plenty of high-quality, budget-friendly drugstore products I’ve found (that are also vegan + cruelty free!) that can give your skin the routine hydration it needs in the hot summer months. Let’s dive in—

Don’t sleep on the classics: Aloe Vera

Some of my favorite quick perk-ups for my skin incorporate this classic natural ingredient— aloe vera. Whether it’s using an aloe vera sheet mask, or using pure aloe vera harvested from one of my plants (and diluting it just a bit), aloe vera is a tried and true way to hydrate and protect your skin. Remember when your mom would lather you in it after you got a nasty sunburn? Yeah, that stuff. It works— don’t sleep on it!

Pair your sunscreen with your moisturizer

I’ve recently hopped on the trend of using an all-in-one sunscreen and moisturizer, and I’m digging it. Instead of using a greasy, messy 100 SPF on my face all summer, I’ve found tons of lightweight products with high SPF content plus key moisturizing ingredients (like vitamin E, watermelon, etc.) that cost less than $20. My favorite by far is the sunscreen and moisturizer line from Neutrogena, which only cost about $10 – $15ish a bottle and come in a variety of SPF ranges. This stuff really works, and it’s super cost efficient— it’s a win-win!

Have a hot girl summer, babe!

Skin care doesn’t have to be hard or expensive to be effective, despite what certain TikTokers and celebs might have you believe. Stay moisturized and have fun, babes. Cheers!

Xoxo,

MM.

Recently, Andrew and I (amidst the chaos that’s been our life lately) committed to setting aside at least one night a week as our designated “date night”— and it’s been great! Spending time together without thinking of anything else (work, the dog, family stuff, blah blah blah—) is always enjoyable, but it’s become exceptionally enjoyable since we started hanging out at Fat Lady Brewing— our new favorite spot in our favorite neighborhood, Manayunk.

The scoop on Fat Lady Brewing— Manayunk’s coolest neighborhood hangout

Nestled right along Main Street, Fat Lady Brewing is a multi-story brewery bathed in sunlight from its large, vanity windows and decorated with circus flair— and once you enter in through its doors, the fun has just begun.

From themed nights, trivia matches, board games, table games, live music and other live entertainment being hosted on the regular, Fat Lady Brewing has tons to offer Manayunk residents and visitors even before you take a sip of their delicious, craft beer.

Recently I caught up with the team at Fat Lady (including the owner, Jane), and asked them just how they came up with this awesome spot— and how they keep the fun going week after week:

Q: What inspired you to get into the beer business?

A: It’s kind of a funny answer. I had a tenant in the building, Bald Birds Brewing, and unfortunately they couldn’t survive in the space during Covid. After talking with the owner one day, he said to me maybe that I should try my hand at getting a brewers license since I was very creative and I’d probably do well. So, I thought about it and I did some research on what it takes and it seemed like it could be a fun and wild ride. It took nearly 8 months to get the license, but I really haven’t looked back since.

Q: Once you decided to open a brewery, what drew you to this location?

A: My family bought the building here on Main Street in 1986 and I have loved working in this district ever since that year. It was a natural feeling for me to want to have a taproom in this building and then of course open my own taproom here when it was my time as Fat Lady Brewing. I love Manayunk and I love main street and I love my building, so why not?

Q: I love the circus theme. What inspired that decision?

A: So this is a great question! Back before it was a brewery, I operated a coworking space in the building and part of the mission for the coworking space was a community building space. And I always felt that whatever happened here should be community-based but the little fun piece to the story is that one night while cruising through cable movies, The Greatest Showman came on. It’s a movie I have always really enjoyed. After the movie, I turned to my friends and I said, “I love the circus because everyone’s welcome there. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what you look like or what gifts you do or don’t have.”  And that’s when I decided that Fat Lady Brewing had to be a circus themed space. I like to say that Fat Lady Brewing is a big tent and there’s room for everybody here!

Q: What inspires your signature brews? Who comes up with them and how?

A: So, I really didn’t brew much except for a little home-brewing with my brother when we were teenagers. Even though I didn’t have a lot of brewing experience, I did know that I wanted to make “good beer”, and that’s a very different thing to a lot of people at first. I was thinking of lagers, pilsners and any easy drinking beers. After learning about the industry a little bit more, I realized there is a huge demand for IPAs and pale ales. So then it became about finding recipes that could work for us. Giant Jim was the first beer that we brewed and canned, and it’s a very successful IPA in our taproom. As I am slowly learning this process, I’m also realizing that it’s about looking at the time of year and  making sure that we have a balanced menu of styles of beer at all times. I have a great staff and we love to sit, debate and talk about beer, taste other peoples’ beer. That really informs our decision of how we’re going to move forward and what the next style of beer might be.

Q: What can people look forward to at Fat Lady in the months ahead?

A: Oh boy, that’s a great question, too! We’re doing a lot of work to make sure that Fat Lady Brewing is a comfortable and nice place to hang out in. We love hosting events, we love doing tastings, we love music and the performers, but most of all we love for our guests who come in here to have a great time. There are some really amazing changes coming to our second floor. We’re also putting in a new private room for smaller groups to have a tasting or a small party of 25 people. We want guests to have a private and intimate space and I think it’s going to offer a whole new dimension of possibilities for our customers.   In the end, that’s what it’s always about for us – our customers whether they’re regulars or new to our space. We just want them to know that we want them to have a good time here and they are not only just welcome but they’re always wanted!

As you can see— Fat Lady Brewing is a welcome spot for all members of the Manayunk community (or those just passing through).

If you’re in the area, Fat Lady is a must-try. Cheers!

Xoxo, MM.

As you may have noticed from my social media, Andrew and I spent 48-ish hours in Miami for my 27th birthday! It was a whirlwind trip, but we had a blast— and though we didn’t get to see nearly everything that’s available in Miami (where a friend of ours had been staying for a while, and absolutely loved!), we hit some highlights that are definitely worth doing if you only have 48 hours in the City of Magic.

Do: parasailing. Don’t: try yachting on a tight schedule.

One thing we did try was parasailing, which I was terrified of at first, but it ended up being so worth it. We went from South Beach with FlySOBE, and it took only about an hour (so didn’t eat up too much of our time!) and still included a boat ride before and after the parasailing was up, wherein we got the chance to see more of the Miami Beach coastline and some adorable sea turtles hanging out in the ocean.

We skipped yachting, as most of the trips take multiple hours (if not all day)— which isn’t a bad thing per se, but if you want to make the most of your time, you may not want to spend it all on a yacht, and that’s because…

Do: dining and nightlife.

… You want to have enough time in the afternoons and evenings to try the authentic Cuban food, and experience Salsa live and up-close! Some places we dined were particularly great, including Old’s Havana (which also allowed us to see more of the Calle Ocho area), and Mangos in Miami Beach for drinks and dancing was definitely a hit. You can’t really go wrong with bopping around in either area, but both offered great prices for authentic food and drink, as well as live Salsa music and entertainment.

Other than that, we mostly spent our time relaxing poolside (because the weather is too good not to!)— we stayed at The Gates Hotel South Beach, which was gorgeous, and included poolside dining (provided by Ola restaurant, whose Mix Ceviche was 100000/10 delicious), poolside salsa lessons and games, as well as music pumping through the speakers all day long on the weekends, which kept the vibe fun and hopping no matter what time you decided to spend time by the pool.

We saw a ton of other things around Miami Beach (like the old Versace Mansion), but the activities and spots listed above were definitely the highlights of the weekend. If you’re on a tight timeline you can still have a ball in Miami Beach— so don’t shy away!

Xoxo, MM.

Lately, I’ve been looking for new hobbies and ways to get out of the house (considering I work from home most of the time)— however, I wanted to find something that would stimulate my mind and body all at once and keep me moving, since remote work life can get a bit sedentary at times.

Enter, barre— a sort of Yoga, Pilates and ballet bar fusion workout that sounded utterly different than any workout regimen I’d tried before. I was hesitant at first (since I hadn’t worked out in a group setting in a long, long time), but after attending my first barre class at The Wall Cycling Studio in Manayunk, I knew I’d found the new fitness regimen and social hobby I’d been looking for!

The class began with a gentle warm up and allowed everyone to take it at their own pace (which was great for a newbie like me!), and I felt right at home. The music was upbeat, the instructor was kind and knowledgeable, and the other class members were so supportive. The space at The Wall is a gorgeous, converted row home with a giant skylight in the ceiling that lets in a ton of natural light. I felt totally relaxed and then worked my muscles and toned my entire body in a way I hadn’t since my hey-days of doing intense yoga back in college.

Barre focused on small muscle groups and the body overall, targeting specific areas then honing in on a full-body burn. Overall, the technique is amazing, the class was so much fun, and the space is welcoming, open and beautiful.

I will definitely be back to barre at The Wall— and you should try it, too!

Xoxo, MM.

Recently, dtXfy Me sauna studio opened on Main Street, Manayunk (my local Philly stomping grounds), and I had to check it out.

I’d been eager to try infrared saunas for a while— since the benefits an infrared sauna session touts range from easing muscle strain, boosting mood, enhancing metabolism, and beyond— and when I saw this studio’s $25 introductory session offer I was persuaded to give it a shot. Here’s how it went (and how I felt during and after the session.)

dtXfy Infrared Sauna in Philadelphia, PA

The studio is gorgeous, first of all— upon entering, you’re ushered in with a warm welcome and a smile among the smell of Palo Santo burning at the front desk. You’re then asked to remove your shoes (a common spa practice), and you’re guided into the spa area, where you’re then checked in to your individual “sanctuary”— a calm, dimly lit room full of pink Himalayan salt lamps, the scent of eucalyptus oil, and calming music and visuals. Once in your sanctuary, an attendant turns on the sauna, which you can step in and out of as you need, and the sweat session can begin in your own private little haven.

The atmosphere was amazing enough, but once I was in the sauna itself I was even more impressed with the infrared sauna’s efficiency. Within mere moments I was working up an intense sweat, and I could feel my body purging excess water out of my pores. I also felt completely at ease and fully relaxed, basking in the warmth and quiet repose of the sauna.

After the session, I felt relaxed, rejuvenated and definitely like I’d had something of a workout. I highly recommend trying an infrared sauna session if you’re healthy enough to tolerate heat, as it did relax my muscles (and my mind), and made me feel much lighter on my feet afterwards (sort of how you’d feel after a brisk workout.) Additionally, the peace of mind I felt after spending a half-hour session in such a calm, quiet place was well worth the (amazing!) price of $25 for my first session.

I’ll definitely be back to try this treatment again— and maybe step it up next time. So, have you tried infrared sauna treatment? Let’s discuss,

Xoxo, MM.