For the first time in 8 years of blogging, I’ve allowed myself to lean in to laziness. Prior to the end of 2018, I had never permitted myself to go more than 2 weeks without posting to my blog. As of recently, I just haven’t cared enough to write. I have nothing urgent to say! I am tired of pouring my heart and soul into something that isn’t providing any kind of financial gain. I would never— EVER discontinue my blog. I value this outlet and all of you who have been reading since the beginning– but I can’t treat something like a job, when it doesn’t pay!

So, instead of sharing with you a spread of early spring jackets that you *literally can’t live without*, i’m just going to tell you what I have been up to in 2019.

I’ve been reading a lot of thrillers. I was so book-hungover after reading Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” that I’ve been on a trash-read streak ever since. I read YOU by Caroline Kepnes before watching it on Netflix– which you should also do if you have not yet. Next I devoured Verity by Colleen Hoover in 48 hours. The Wife Between Us was just as good as everyone said it was. Paul Pen’s The Light of Fireflies crushed my soul in a way no book has since Room. I’m currently reading The Likeness by Tana French. Next i’ll probably choose something that doesn’t involve a murder, as I think it’d be enjoying the book i’m currently reading a lot more if I hadn’t just read 4 psychological thrillers beforehand.

We moved into another apartment in Astoria. It felt like a major defeat. We spent the entire month looking at apartments in Williamsburg, only to have 3 fall through. We wasted a lot of money in application fees, and somehow ended up down the street from where we started. Our current apartment is very nice, and quite inexpensive– but we are at the same subway stop and it feels like a huge loss. NYC: 1 – Ben and Mackenzie: 0.

I turned 26 + threw the best birthday party of my life. Last weekend I invited 13 close friends to Hot Pot and (private room) Karaoke. The catch? I made them all dress up like they were in the 7 Rings music video. My bitches turned up in their best Ariana Grande looks. Once they arrived at the restaurant they were presented with the goodie bags I made with tequila shots and a premier selection of party city candy. I wore space buns and totally forgot to take any photos, so this is the best I have to offer you guys.

I became a Bumble rep with my sister! Taylor and I have been having a blast in our new roles as Bumble City Reps. We’ve made several new friends who I suspect will become very close to us in the next year. We’ve attended some really fun events– though i’m definitely not responsible enough to handle the open bars. We even worked the door at a gay men’s Valentine’s Day event (so. much. fun.) Overall we have really enjoyed being part of an empowering community!!

I started my 2019 New Years Resolution. I’ve never been a “movie person” and i’m really trying to change that. I don’t want to be left out of the culture. So, my goal for this year is to watch 50 movies. So far I’ve watched:

• Bird Box (D)
• First Wives Club (B+)
• Dumplin (B)
• Garden State (B+)
• Silver Linings Playbook (A+)
• Blackklansman (A-)
• We’re The Millers (D)
• A Fish Called Wanda (B)
• Despicable Me (A)
• A Star is Born (A-)
• Bohemian Rhapsody (B-)

What should I read next (not a thriller)? What should I watch next? LMK in the comments!