#90. Everything about May.
Pavlovas, Vespas, Palm Springs, Lash Lifts and more Girly Things.
Hi friends!
We’re well into June (sorrrry), but I’m here to talk about everything I did and loved in May. I hit 4 months of being pregnant in May. In April’s dispatch I recorded a cheeky 20+ minute voice note to paid subscribers letting them know the news, and giving them a detailed update on how my first trimester was going. Go back and listen if you haven’t and are interested.
I’m starting to feel like I’m finding my groove again after all these big life changes that happened to me all at once. The dark cloud that was hanging above me for a bit there has lifted. I would not go so far as to say I experienced antenatal depression in my first trimester, but this video hit me hard and I resonated to a lot of what she is saying in it.
May was a good month. I started getting some solid energy back and even noticed that I’m now able to lift the same pre pregnancy weights I would lift at the gym. Running still feels a bit awkward and uncomfortable, so I’ve taken a few spin classes instead. May had a good balance of social events and solitude and my interest in engaging in pop culture/consuming media resumed a bit in a nice way. In other words, we are so back, baby!
Summer is just around the corner, and we’ve got some fun upcoming plans, but let’s take a second to reflect on May, shall we? I’m feeling generous and made this post available to everyone — enjoy xx.
15 things about May
READ 📚 - I finished The Tell in just four days—which, for me, is unusually fast. From the start, I was fully drawn into the story and found myself relating to many of the author's struggles with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and compulsive exercise. The book is about a very high achieving woman who, through a guided MDMA therapy session, uncovers memories of past sexual abuse. While I was engaged throughout, I did have a few issues—mainly with the overly mature dialogue between her young children, which felt unrealistic, and some questionable portrayals of how memory functions. Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 but I would definitely recommend it.
He found it boring but I devoured this book. EAT 🥗- I made a Pavlova on a Saturday for no reason with my friend Eliza and it was deeeeelicious. We used the Food52 x Tess Madalyn recipe. Our meringue didn’t quite puff up as much as we’d like (suggestions, anyone?) but it still tasted incredible. It’s going to be a Pavlovian summer, folks, just you wait.
Raspberry compote Pavlova WATCH 🎬 - After a few failed attempts to get into a new series (Latebloomer among them), I landed on Normal People. I’d loved the book and had heard good things about the adaptation. It took a few episodes for me to fully settle into it, but ultimately, I found it to be a beautiful and deeply moving series. I still can’t believe Paul Mescal was only 22 and Daisy Edgar-Jones just 20 when it aired—their performances were so mature and emotionally nuanced that it’s hard to reconcile their age with the depth they brought to their roles.
The other show I finished was The Pitt. I’ve never been a big fan of medical dramas, and while this one didn’t quite win me over either, it served as an easy, low-effort (albeit very graphic) watch to unwind with after a long workday.
WEAR 👡 - I've been super fortunate over the years to build a strong relationship with Poppy Barley. I genuinely admire what the brand stands for, and their products are consistently exceptional in both quality and design. That said, their latest launch might just be my favourite yet — I absolutely love the new Paloma Heeled Sandals. They will be coming with me to Portugal as my “nice shoes.” If you're thinking of picking up a pair, feel free to use my $25 off code: KAROLINA25.
instantly feel chic. BUY 💸 - The most exciting purchase I made last month was a one-of-a-kind vintage travertine console from none other than The Found Studio. I first spotted this beauty at a market hosted by Morgan and was instantly drawn to it—I immediately made it known that I was interested. The piece was new to her collection, and she planned to refinish the marble before listing it, but I told her I’d buy it as is. It now lives in my living room. I originally pictured it in our entryway, but it turned out to be a bit too bulky. As it happens, it fits perfectly in a spot I’d been struggling to style, and I finally have a place to display my Perla Valtierra ceramics from Mexico.
She is beauty, she is grace. Did I mention that Havaianas were everywhere in Copenhagen last summer? People in BUSINESS SUITS were wearing them. No man, woman, or child was spared. Naturally, I jumped on the bandwagon and ordered some for myself, Chris, and a few friends. I especially loved the Gigi Hadid x Havaianas collection and picked up the butter yellow pair, but now I’m eyeing the brown ones too. I’m also really into the slightly elevated square-toe sandals—they’re chic but still feel super easygoing.
It’s Vespa season! I brought Wilhelmina out of hibernation about a month ago, and she’s been my primary mode of transportation ever since. She spent the fall and winter months tucked away in a friend’s garage, snowbirding if you will, but now she’s back on the road and better than ever. Riding a Vespa is hands down the fastest way to feel like you live Italy or Portugal—and it’s incredibly economical too. A full tank costs me $10. I’m soaking up every ride while I can, knowing I won’t be able to use her as much once the baby arrives.
Hyperfixated on bagels. During my first trimester, I became completely obsessed with this gourmet frozen pizza from a Vancouver-based company called ‘Common Good’. My favourite was the Sweet & Spicy—it cooked up perfectly in under 10 minutes and tastes like a wood fired oven pizza. And yes, I absolutely ate the whole thing every time, while rotting on the couch - this is what the first trimester is all about.
You can find it at The Root Cellar. I used to always opt for an almond croissant over anything else at the bakery but these days I’m leaning more savoury and if there’s a ham and cheese croissant on display, theres a good chance its coming home with me. My three favourite ham & cheese croissants in Victoria are:
Working Culture
Goodside
Union Pacific
…in that order
So good, you have to eat it immediately in the car. My latest pregnancy obsession has been toasted Rye bread with cottage cheese and heavily salted cucumber slices. Or, if I’m feeling fancy, a bagel with Boursin cheese and those same salty cukes. The salted cucumber is imperative.
Rye not pictured, but it was my preferred type of toast. I went to Palm Springs for a girlfriend bachelorette at the end of May. It was my first time visiting and I liked it more than I thought I would. We honestly mostly just stayed in our airbnb, hung out by the pool, snacked and yapped. We had originally planned to hike in Joshua Tree, but with temperatures pushing 40 degrees, we decided to skip it. I’d love to go back sometime and explore more of the area.
While in Palm Springs, my friends stumbled upon a gem of a store called Big Bud Press, right in the heart of town. They specialize in unisex, everyday basics—mostly cotton, and all super comfortable. A few of my friends went in while the rest of us hung back and got ice cream, waiting outside for them to finish. But five minutes turned into fifteen, and we all started to suspect something good was happening in there. Eventually, there were nine of us packed into this tiny shop, completely taking over the two fitting rooms. I ended up finding the oversized plain white cotton tee I’ve been hunting for forever. I passed on a pair of pants I really liked—buying pants when your body’s changing this much just isn’t smart. If you’re in the market for well-made, responsibly produced basics, definitely give them a look.
Still thinking about the pants… Every year, the Times Colonist hosts a used book sale at the Victoria Curling Club, and people absolutely lose their minds over it. Honestly, it’s like a full-contact sport. I’ve heard stories of people camping out overnight just to be first in line. I thought getting there 45 minutes early would be enough—turns out, I was wildly mistaken. I ended up waiting an hour and a half just to get in. Once inside, I threw up my hoodie, popped in my headphones, and got to work. The line alone had already drained me, so I gave myself a strict 30-minute window to grab what I could and get out. Check out my haul below!
Which should I read first?? My friend Joy recently debuted her latest collection, Sand & Sky, at her new studio space. It was so cool to see where she’s now creating. The collection is absolutely stunning (no surprise there—Joy is incredibly talented). She had coffee and treats set out, and the vibe was relaxed and welcoming.
another Poppy Barely lover I see! I got a lash lift for the first time ever. The only beauty treatment I routinely get outside of going to the hairdresser, is a brow lamination. But I decided to switch it up. I hate wearing mascara, mostly because I hate taking it off (it’s straight up WORK). I thought it would be nice to have them done for the Palm Springs trip so I could go totally sans make up. Of course Holly at Studio Meraki did a fabulous job (no one else will ever touch my brows, or lashes now!).
10 things on my June Wishlist
actually 11, cus im feeling shoppy.
This Monday Swimwear bikini, which I initially saw and loved on my friend Keren. This colour is so good.
I’ve been targeted by Flamingo Estate and now I can’t escape. I’m a sucker for this label.
This $20 apron cut tank. I got it in grey and now I want it in blue.
This leather cord necklace is just unexplainably cool and a must for this summer.
I really want the navy one but it’s sold out.
I actually bought this in small and thought it was adorable but it was too tight around the arms for my liking. Medium is sold out right now but I’m keeping my eyes on it.
These silver hoops. I have no notes.
I saw a girl I follow wear this dress 6 months pregnant to a wedding and now I’m on the hunt for it (or something close). It’s from Ba&sh. Vestaire Collective has a few for way out of my budget.
Ok drumroll for the next few items all from… The Gap! I saw these pants on a friends recently and looooved them.
Jelly shoes are still alive and well this summer.
This vegan suede bag is too good, and the price is right.
5 grab links
Hailey Beiber on the cover of Vogue, but first listen to this podcast episode about it.
Summer McIntosh smashes the Word Record in 400 Fr, in Victoria BC.
I thought Emma’s latest YT video of her making herself a 3-tier cake was quite funny.
Lena Dunham has a new Rom-Com series coming out called, Too Much.
Such a great roundup and BIG congratulations to you, sweet mama! Bring on all the pregnancy content... I'm here for it. 🩷🪿