Greetings from Philadelphia! I’ve been in town since Thursday for another round of live beauty segments with Manucurist Paris at QVC, and by the time you’re reading this, I’ll be making my way back to Los Angeles. Over the past year, this monthly rhythm of East Coast visits has become something of a comforting ritual. I now have favorite places to stay, a short list of must-visit cafés, and even a few shops I pop into each time. It’s funny how a city can begin to feel familiar so quickly when you visit it regularly, even if only for a few days at a time.
This trip, like many lately, finds me in a bit of an “in-between” season—not just with the calendar (spring clinging on while summer steadily approaches), but also with the pace of life. Grades for my semester’s courses are turned in, graduation ceremonies are just around the corner, and I’m mentally preparing for a lighter summer teaching load. At the same time, deadlines pile up, emails don’t slow, and I remind myself daily that rest deserves just as much priority as productivity.
In today’s post, I thought I’d share some highlights from behind the scenes at QVC, a peek at my current spring-to-summer beauty lineup, and a handful of sales I’m eyeing this weekend.
Behind the Scenes at QVC
This trip marked my fifth and sixth live shows with Manucurist Paris, and the thrill hasn’t worn off. Stepping into the QVC studio always carries a bit of magic—bright lights, buzzing energy, a small army of talented people making sure everything runs smoothly. For me, it’s also an extension of the classroom in a way: live television requires clarity, energy, and connection, the very same skills I emphasize when teaching public speaking.
I’ve been using Manucurist Paris exclusively for over a year now, so the chance to showcase the line on air feels both authentic and exciting. I only ever agree to work with brands I truly stand behind, and this partnership continues to be such a rewarding one. Between shows, I always carve out a little time to capture snippets for Instagram, partly for memory’s sake and partly to share the process with all of you who’ve been cheering me on from afar.
Spring-to-Summer Beauty Favorites
In keeping with this transitional season, my makeup bag has shifted toward lighter, fresher textures while still keeping a touch of polish for on-air appearances. For this trip, I leaned on a mix of glow-boosting staples and hardworking neutrals that hold up under studio lights.
One standout: Westman Atelier’s brand-new lip liners, which I finally swatched in full. The collection offers a spectrum of shades that move seamlessly from daytime definition to evening depth. I’ll be putting together a more detailed review soon, but the short version is this—if you’ve been searching for liners that feel modern, wearable, and flattering across multiple skin tones, these are worth a look.
Skin, as always, was kept luminous and hydrated thanks to a cocktail of my tried-and-true serums and moisturizers (the same “skincare wardrobe” I’ve been sharing here recently). And since I know many of you often ask about my on-camera foundation: I tend to mix a sheer skin tint with a medium-coverage base, blending until it looks like my skin—but better.
Balancing Work, Life, and Little Joys
I’d be lying if I said this season hasn’t felt a little overwhelming at times. Wrapping up seven classes this spring while traveling monthly has kept me moving at a near-constant pace. The silver lining, though, is the promise of a gentler summer ahead—just two sections of online public speaking, which I’m already looking forward to teaching. Meeting new students and helping them find confidence in their voices is endlessly energizing, even when my own schedule is full.
Between the hustle, I’ve been reminding myself to savor small routines: a quiet morning coffee before heading to the studio, an evening walk in Philadelphia’s early summer air, a book tucked into my carry-on for the flight home. These pockets of stillness are as essential to me as the high-energy bursts of work.
Sales I’m Shopping This Weekend
If you’re also in the mood to refresh a few things—whether wardrobe, skincare, or home—this weekend offers no shortage of sales. I’ve bookmarked a handful that feel particularly worthwhile:
- Beauty: Several retailers are running promotions on Westman Atelier (perfect timing if you’re eyeing those lip liners) and other clean luxury brands.
- Fashion: Mid-season markdowns mean timeless staples are more affordable—think blazers, wide-leg trousers, and silk blouses you’ll reach for year after year.
- Lifestyle: A few home goods brands I love are quietly offering discounts as they transition to summer collections; I may or may not have my eye on new linens.
I’ll share links on Instagram throughout the weekend so you can browse alongside me.
Closing Thoughts
As I pack up my suitcase and prepare to board yet another flight home, I’m struck by how these work trips have come to symbolize balance for me: part adventure, part routine, part responsibility, and part joy. They’re reminders that life often unfolds in the in-between spaces—the transitions, the liminal seasons, the moments when we’re both working hard and trying to slow down.
Wherever this weekend finds you—whether traveling, wrapping up a busy stretch, or carving out time to rest—I hope you find your own balance, too. And if it comes with a new lip liner or two, all the better.