Random - Notes from May
Fighting to the end, and searching for purpose in beauty.
Randomness is never truly random. I open my feed, and voilà — the algorithm serves me a buffet of everything I can’t stop poking at. Fashion. Politics. Dating. Lake Como (specifically — not lakes in general). Sex. Hosting People. Food. Beauty. Business. Color coordination. And occasionally, whatever new piece of tech promises to trim the fat off my absurd P&L.
The other day, I had one of those properly good conversations with a fellow entrepreneur - the kind that makes you want to transcribe it just to steal a few lines. She said, “I’ve decided that everything I do is about beauty. I do it best!” I loved the arrogance. I mean — the clarity. It struck a chord. Mine’s phrased a little differently, but it’s close: I’m turning taste into business. (Though part of me panics every time I say that. Is it too vague? Not punchy enough? Does it demand an appendix? And yet, I want it to be bold. No footnotes. Just BAM.)
Anyway, May was looong. The kind of long that makes you want to either cry or get a blowout and double down. And here’s the thing: I’m terrible at quitting. So, here we go. The round isn’t closed yet, the fight’s not over, and the feed is still feeding. Let’s see how this one ends.
Articles, that caught my attention:
Dries Van Noten Snaps Up Famed Venice Palazzo for Cultural Project by Richard Whiddington (artnet)
Our Favorite Gardens (T Magazine)
Profile of the Taylor Jenkins Reid (author of ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’) by Scott Heller (NYT), followed by Everything You Need to Know About Taylor Jenkins Reid
Koyo Kouoh, whose vision for the 2026 Venice art biennale is being realised after her death by Debika Ray (FT)
Director Halina Reijn On ‘Babygirl’ (CultureMag)
Spaces
Hunting for objects is, quite literally, my job. No wonder that observing, and admiring, spaces is just as fascinating to me. Crafts, ethnics, baroque flourishes, historical references, art, textiles - these are the threads of my ongoing personal research (zoom in, always). Recently, Ostra Practice in Lisbon hosted an exhibition by the Tiny Art Gallery (The Hague) and now I’m convinced I need to recreate one at home. Honestly, you can - and should - do the same. But the objects I love most? The ones that truly make a space sparkle? It’s the unexpected garment - an extraordinary piece of clothing casually hung or draped, like in the far-right picture. And the only thing more intriguing than the room itself - Knowing who lives in it. This piece on New Yorkers nails it right here.
The only thing that could be more interesting than the room, to know how it belongs to - perfect artictle about New Yorkers is here.
Wild Cat Inside
I’ve returned to the so-called big game of dating. (Seriously, who had the nerve to call it a game?) And while I wouldn’t say I’m mastering my seduction techniques (that’s a bit ambitious), I’m definitely learning. Studying, even. Treating it like research as usual. I’m learning about my own sexuality, and more importantly, how to broadcast it or at least whisper it just loudly enough.
According to Vanessa Van Edwards, men pick up on a woman’s availability and interest based on 29 different signals (Twenty-fucking-nine!!!) That’s a full dashboard of cues before they even decide to engage. So yes, the confidence level required is somewhere near Cate Blanchett as seen in the picture on the left.
Lake Como
That one’s easy — somehow, Como became my grounding place. As soon as the first round of this fight is behind me, that’s exactly where I’ll go. Two days of sleep and quiet watching, and then: white linen suit, a good book, and a terrace. I’m sure that will empower me just enough to come back and kill the rest of the battles.
Styling and Color-Matching
It’s no secret I’m a bit obsessed with fashion and styling. I think my curatorial background helps to notice small trends or details that set the mood, the ones that really catch my eye. Things like mismatched prints that somehow work, long silk socks, a great color combo, or a short, well-cut jacket. I’m always picking up on these little things and slowly weaving them into my own wardrobe.
Little Jars
I wouldn’t call myself a beauty junkie (though a few of my friends might strongly disagree). I’m more of a fragrance girl, really. Usually, I find a few brands that work - and then I commit. My entire skincare routine is Biologique Recherche. Makeup? Mostly Nars — with a few loyal, long-serving extras. Body care? Aesop. Hair? Kevin Murphy all the way. But now… Westman Atelier has totally stolen my heart. It looks like I’m leaving a long, stable relationship with Nars for something a bit fresher, shinier, and very possibly long-term. Also, Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag bundle actually works. I keep about six masks in rotation at all times, I’m forever hunting for a perfect cleanser, and I’ll try any serum that promises miracles (or even just mild improvements). Surprisingly, I have high hopes for Megababe Bust Dust, Forah Sunscreen, and Nuxe’s Oil Roll-On. Let’s see if they earn their shelf space.
Screenshots, Books, Texts and Other Letters
Check your own screenshots - you might be surprised by how much you’ll learn about yourself.
Ridiculously Unnecessary Things That I Urgently Need
Okay, let’s admit that consumerism is a horrible concept. It builds all kinds of bad (and budget-destroying) habits. I don’t really fight those urges anymore. I just acknowledge them for what they are: ridiculous, unnecessary, and oddly entertaining. Most of the time, I’ll watch something on-screen for way too long… and still never buy it.
…Unless, of course, the Saint Laurent tote bag — or maybe both pairs of sneakers — somehow make their way into my cozy Tel Aviv apartment.
Gardening and Feeding
I used to think gardening was something you pick up in retirement. But honestly, nothing gives me a quicker hit of dopamine than flowers, fresh vegetables, and fruit.
For a while now, I’ve been looking for a female founders’ community to join - and surprisingly, I haven’t found any. The idea of starting something myself keeps popping up, but if I do, I’d want it to be intimate. Preferably around my table, because, let’s admit it, I really do love hosting.
Meanwhile, I watched The Better Sister (perfect for a weekend); Mountainhead (billionaires are still stupid people); 2E3S of And Just Like That (Sima is amazing!). I went through the history of DOAC and enjoyed episodes with co-founders of Airbnb (Brian Chesky, the only billionaire I’m charmed by and would not mind to date) and Netflix (Marc Randolph, who is mentoring now).
Enjoy the week and I hope for some progress in my fights!
Yours,
Miri