I spent the month of February feeling like I was perpetually five minutes behind, a feeling that likely started when I was trapped in Nashville for a week in January. I thought I’d return to New York and find my footing, but instead, I hit a sheet of ice. Between the storms, the back-to-back birthdays, and the general “bleakness” that defines New York in late winter, I’ve been running on adrenaline and Magnolia Bakery buttercream.
As we pivot into March—my “No-Travel Month”—I’m finally catching my breath. Here is a look at the chaos and the three things that kept me grounded.
The Birthday Gauntlet
February is “Birthday Season” in my house (we are a house divided: 2 Aquariuses and 2 Leos). First up was my husband. We rented a private karaoke room, invited his inner circle, and sang our hearts out while one of the coldest cold snaps in recent memory settled over the city. Tip: Write a list of go-to karaoke songs in your notes app. Our leadership team went to karaoke once a quarter so I started tracking the songs that get everybody moving.
The very next morning—hungover and wondering why I ever thought “Don’t Stop Believin’” was a good idea at 1:00 AM—I took my daughter to see a live production of Gabby’s Dollhouse. If you have never watched a psychedelic, high-decibel children’s show while nursing a karaoke-induced headache, count your blessings. It is a specialized form of torture that requires a very specific kind of maternal fortitude.
Then, my mom arrived, and we transitioned straight into my daughter’s fifth birthday, KPop Demon Hunters Themed (link). We hosted it at Space Club, which is arguably one of the coolest kids’ spots in NYC. If you’re a fan of the Australian artist CJ Hendry (the genius behind the viral flower markets at the Navy Yard and Rockefeller Center), you know the vibe: aesthetic, and slightly whimsical. I’m such a fan that I actually have her Jenny’s Ice Cream collaboration tucked away in my parents’ freezer like a holy relic. Tip: A Rumi braid is not that difficult to recreate. Use this hair and this tutorial for a hairstyle attendees will be very impressed by.
The Strategy: How did I survive two major events over two weeks on the back of flight delays followed by a trip to Mardi Gras? I booked them 2-3 months ago. I found locations, created invites on partiful, and ordered supplies in early December. In my world, planning isn’t just about being organized; it’s a form of self-care. By the time party week arrived, the invitations were long gone, the venues were secured, and all I had to do was buy snacks, pick up the cakes, and show up. As for our Mardi Gras trip, I don’t claim to do it all. My husband was the lead organizer and planner.
Three Things
One to Read: The Long Game by Rachel Reid
I will note that Heated Rivalry was one of my three things last month. But… I’m still locked in. Lately, the New York Public Library has been my best friend. I’ve been tearing through Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry series. I just finished The Long Game, and it’s stayed with me.
I’m typically a plot-driven reader—I want to know what happens next, not necessarily how the character feels about it. But Reid’s character development of Ilya and Shane forced me to slow down. It’s a masterful look at the juxtaposition of success: What does it mean to make sacrifices for the person you love? Can you truly have everything and nothing at the same time? It’s a heavy question for a “sports romance,” but it hit home. I’ve already pre-ordered the next installment, Unrivaled, which drops June 1st.
One to Think About: Is Love Blind, or is the Economy Just Broken?
Yes, I binged Love is Blind: Ohio. And yes, every time I watch, I ask my husband if we would have found each other in “the pods” (he usually gives me a look that suggests he’s glad we met the old-fashioned way, OKCupid).
But what’s more interesting than the “I do’s” is the discourse surrounding it. As someone who has lived in Chicago and Dallas, I can confirm: the casting department nailed the regional archetypes. But the real tea is in the financial commentary. I love Your Rich BFF’s take on how this season parallels the broader economy. From the “Bitcoin Bros” to the men who think day trading is a personality trait, it begs the question: Are the men okay? The show has become a fascinating look at modern masculinity and financial anxiety. I’m less interested in the weddings and more interested in the Substack thought pieces analyzing why these men are the way they are.
One to Buy: The Great Fitbit Homecoming
A few years ago, I fell for the Apple Watch hype. I thought I needed a mini-computer on my wrist. I was wrong.
I hated it. I don’t want my wrist buzzing with emails; I want to know if I’m actually hitting REM sleep and if I’ve walked enough blocks to justify that Magnolia Bakery cake. I’ve officially moved back to Fitbit, specifically the Fitbit Inspire 3. To make it “NYC-chic,” I swapped the rubber strap for a gold link bracelet band so it blends into my daily jewelry stack. It feels good to be back in a routine that prioritizes my physiological data over my digital notifications.
Looking Toward the Light
Usually, this time of year, we’d be heading to Playa Del Carmen to escape the “grey” of New York and live a slow, sun-drenched life for a few weeks. We didn’t do that this year, and I’m feeling the lack of Vitamin D in my bones.
But as the first days of Spring approach, I’m finding peace in the “No-Travel” mandate I’ve set for myself. I’m ready to stop snowballing and start walking. I’m basking in routine, NYC spring, and the sun staying up past 7pm.
Love & Light,
Imah
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How far do you plan out to keep your peace of mind? Any rules or tips for birthday party planning?