Life Lately ❤️

Let’s Catch Up

Lately it’s been feeling like everything is moving in a blur. Between the headlines and just the state of politics (not just at home… but the whole world), it’s hard not to carry a heavy heart.

I’ve been reminding myself that it’s possible to hold both things at once: to care deeply about what’s happening in the world and still show up for your own life. Feeling for others doesn’t mean you have to stop living; in fact, it makes ordinary moments with loved ones even more precious! That awareness has filled this month with an extra layer of gratitude for our family! 🫶 

September was such a perfect reminder of that. We kicked it off in Mexico celebrating a close friend’s birthday, surrounded by people who truly feel like family! It was only two days (how is that even possible in Puerto Vallarta 😭) but we made the most of it. Then, as soon as we touched down in LAX, Veeral was already checking in for his flight to Boston 😂. He got invited back to Harvard to teach his case on Agilon Health, and this time he brought Rian along with him! 🎓

Back To Harvard

Every time Veeral returns to @harvardhbs to teach his case on Agilon Health, it feels like more than just a lecture or presentation…it’s a full-circle moment for our whole fam. HBS is where he earned his MBA from, so going back to campus as a guest lecturer carries a special meaning ❤️. Last year he brought Mila to his lecture, but this year it’s Rian’s turn!

These sessions aren’t just a generic “talk”. HBS courses are designed using the "case method", which helps students learn through immersive discussions designed around actual companies and real critical decisions they have to make! Veeral covered:

• how Agilon was built

• why value-based care matters

• how new payment models can actually make healthcare more sustainable for seniors and physicians

If you’re in this field or studying to be, you’d probably find it fascinating 🤗! The material is complex, but Veeral explains it in a meaningful way rather than just numbers on a slide.

Bringing our kids into spaces like this isn’t about a random visit to campus ; it’s about letting them see how their dad operates outside of his home, and also give a little taste as to what he even does for work! Rian sat in on the lecture, took notes and watched his dad answer tough Q’s. He started connecting the dots between what we talk about at home and what it looks like in the real world! 📚️ 

These experiences plant seeds of curiosity and also a little courage… a sense that they belong in rooms like this too. Big ideas are for them as well, regardless of their age 😊. I’m so proud and hopeful that one day, when they chase their own passions, they’ll see how their dad led by example.❤️ 

It’s Kai’s turn next, maybe hubby can have the Saja boys explain big concepts so he pays attention! 😆😂 

Beauty Faves

A quick little roundup of what I’ve been reaching for on repeat lately ✨. These products have been helping me feel put-together without really trying that hard, you know? My mornings can be a mix of school drop-offs, work meetings and obvs errands, so my routine needs to be fast, to say the least 😅. Whether it’s a quick lip combo or a hair tool thats quickly gives my hair a nice refresh without spending like 45 minutes on it. 😂 

I’m strictly looking for things that make a big difference!

If you’re juggling a million things too, I think you’ll love how simple and doable these are. Read through, pick one to try, please let me know which one becomes your new go-to! 💛

• Amica hair & body mist: fresh, lingering scent (soft florals + grapefruit + warm vanilla and sandalwood). Perfect for a subtle scent layer when you don’t want a heavy perfume but still want to smell pulled together.

• Valentino “Donna Born in Roma”: amber, jasmine, vanilla: a feminine-but-edgy perfume for when you want something more substantial and memorable.

• T3 curling/straightening iron: curved heated plates let you straighten, wave, or curl all in one!; This is great for quick, versatile styling.

• Patrick Ta She’s Bronze (cream + powder): I am such a fan of this! A two-in-one bronzer system for buildable warmth; the cream gives that skin-like depth, the powder locks it in.

• She Glam blush (shade “Float On”): a beautiful coral that blends seamlessly for a fresh, natural pop.

• Jones Road skin tint (Medium): This has been on my weekly faves list before, all for the right reasons! It’s a light, clean coverage for “no-makeup” days, gives skin a smooth finish.

• Lawless “Forget the Filler”: clean-beauty option for medium-to-full coverage that still looks skin-like and wears well through the day.

• One/Size Bole Silk powder: the perfect midday pick-me-up to blur and refresh without looking cakey.

• Dual-ended brushes (Live Tinted / Makeup By Mario / Haus Labs): These are 👏 time 👏 savers 👏 ! One side for cream application, flip to set/blur with powder… great for travel and quick touch-ups.

• Pencil liners (Monica Blender-style pencil): creamy, rich color that stays put great for waterline and tightlining.

• Tower 28 Go-Go Sticks (colors Avalon + Whiskey): cooling cream shadow sticks that are great for quick eye looks!

• Maybelline Lifter Liners: used as a wash-of-color for lips under gloss or lipstick for comfort + color.

• Too Faced Cloud Crush whipped lip stains: cushions of tint that leave a soft, matte stain (shade “Headliner”).

Most Loved Outfits

A fun polka dot moment with this Zara jumpsuit. Something about this is giving playful but still polished enough where I can wear to dinners or events (like the Saltair one). Paired it with my yellow cult of coquette heels and opted for some simple earrings from Amazon!

This flowing red maxi from Revolve was perfect for our dinner in the resort. I found these clear stilettos from Amazon and honestly have worn these so much… but they never fail to bring the whole outfit together! Keeping the shoes to be clear and simple jewelry so the focus really is the red dress! Might have to repeat this one again for an event soon! 🤔 

A sweet two-piece set (also from Revolve) with a smocked crop top and bubble mini skirt. Thought this captured the vacation vibe fully, plus our theme was an all white for our friends Bday. The mint-green heels were the pop of color I decided to go with and a woven ivory bag. I love the texture of this bag too, really helped bring the whole look together!!