Happy New Year everyone! We just got back from a ski vacation in Vail, Colorado (although we are still there on Instagram) and like usual, I am both sad that our winter break is over and excited to get back to my daily routine. Namely, this newsletter, which I feel like I have been semi-neglecting over the past few months. I think I neglected it for three reasons:
This made me so happy to read! A slightly larger peek behind the curtain so we can find out how everyone seems to be doing and the current going-ons in the Wiles world. Not everything can be told in photos, so while it's great to see Mazzy and Harlow growing up, it's wonderful to know what they're enjoying while they do it.
I love a good newsletter! It’s a great way to catch up and get questions answered that I didn’t realize I wanted answered--like how Mazzy is doing in school, and how’s the toy shop doing financially. Good stuff! (Can’t wait to go through your kitchen reno. So exciting!)
My daughters were both in Matilda Jr. during the Spring! L (9 at the time) played Hortensia, one of Matilda's friends, and R (13 at the time, Mazzy's near birthday twin) was Miss Trunchbull! She was AMAZING and I can send you a video if you want to see. It's really funny when your child who could NOT be nicer and sweeter and kinder gets to be the villain :)
I know it's not the same thing, but I send monthly google photo albums of our family to a select list of family and friends -- I don't like sharing all of the details of our lives on social media, so it's my way to, not only, archive our memories for myself, but also share with the people that mean most to us. After October, I felt like it was almost... inappropriate to send them for a while? I only recently started to send them again at the end of December, catching up from August.... so I know that weird feeling of wanting to keep doing the "normal" stuff, but being afraid that it comes off as flippant?
But you being, essentially, a social media personality/professional and not a rando yelling into the internet ether, I totally understand the paralysis you must have been feeling. I would focus on the fact that you are providing a service to people -- a window into your exciting life and adventures in NYC. You provide a good distraction for people trying to get through the sludge that is the world right now. And it sounds like you're also raising 2 incredible kids. You're doing alright in my book..
Happy new year to you and yours, Ilana! And just a note to say you are not alone on your newslettering journey. I, too, started mine thinking it was one thing and now it’s another. And walking that privacy line with adult kids is tricky, I haven’t figured that one out yet for myself. But we’re all getting there, and making our way together, right? Here’s to being open to new things, and noticing/trusting what’s working.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been along for the ride since your blog days, but the length of your Substack posts don’t bother me. I like reading all of your updates!
I think I much prefer this format of newsletter updates. I felt over the past year as a subscriber I had been missing out on the special element of being apart of your close group due to your DITL (not TikTok savvy), but I appreciate these small tidbits. Please don’t feel too overwhelmed. Your core audience will follow wherever you go.
As a long time follower, I appreciate the family update. If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd love to hear more about your decision to place Harlow in a different school and how everything is going. My daughter (in 3rd grade) has a similar diagnosis and we've been struggling with rather to leave her in a mainstream/public environment or switch her to a private, specialized school, and if we decide to switch, when to do it.
I purchased one of the Holiday boxes from March Hare and while it was cute, I did find it very expensive for what was given as a surprise. Also, you mention there was a Smurf Figurine in it!?! We did not get that so now we overpaid and didn’t get all the gifts!? Yikes.
Excellent update and look forward to the next! Love a good old-fashioned newsletter. With regards to your point #1, I wanted to recommend The Free Press. Their coverage has been absolutely brilliant. www.thefp.com . Thinking of you.
Thank you for all of the updates. I loved getting a little more insight into each area of your life I unknowingly wanted updates on - seriously! It was the perfect amount.
I've been a silent follower for many years, and my eldest is the same age as Mazzy. I love the read this evening and getting to hear more detail on how the family is doing, growing, and progressing. A remodel after your last experience can be scary, but keep positive thoughts you will have a beautiful (cat cabinet free) kitchen to enjoy for the summer! Also totally jealous of your outdoor chair 😅
It would be great if in addition to the toys, you did some sort of NYC/March Hare themed ornament for the Christmas box each year. We’re currently transitioning our tree away from Disney figurine heavy (my MIL loved buying a new princess each year) and I’ve definitely been on the look out for cool ornaments that go with the vintage Bloomingdale’s ones she gave us (think Santa in a taxi etc). Feel like this aligns with your TikTok vertical too.
I love old-school blogging! It's one of the reasons why I started my Substack too. I love getting a little peek into what excites others, what they're up to and the things they feel comfortable sharing. Excited to read more of your posts!
Yes please to a Valentines box! I wanted to purchase one last year but I waited too long. For Christmas I didn’t purchase one because my daughter asked for specific things, so I focused on that.
Considering what you’ve been through with renovating, I totally understand your reticence on renovating your house! Feel free to reach out if you need a voice of reason/deal breaker/sounding board. I’ve renovated 3 whole houses and GCd massive projects myself and it nearly drives me to madness every time I renovate. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for someone outside the industry.
This made me so happy to read! A slightly larger peek behind the curtain so we can find out how everyone seems to be doing and the current going-ons in the Wiles world. Not everything can be told in photos, so while it's great to see Mazzy and Harlow growing up, it's wonderful to know what they're enjoying while they do it.
I love a good newsletter! It’s a great way to catch up and get questions answered that I didn’t realize I wanted answered--like how Mazzy is doing in school, and how’s the toy shop doing financially. Good stuff! (Can’t wait to go through your kitchen reno. So exciting!)
My daughters were both in Matilda Jr. during the Spring! L (9 at the time) played Hortensia, one of Matilda's friends, and R (13 at the time, Mazzy's near birthday twin) was Miss Trunchbull! She was AMAZING and I can send you a video if you want to see. It's really funny when your child who could NOT be nicer and sweeter and kinder gets to be the villain :)
I know it's not the same thing, but I send monthly google photo albums of our family to a select list of family and friends -- I don't like sharing all of the details of our lives on social media, so it's my way to, not only, archive our memories for myself, but also share with the people that mean most to us. After October, I felt like it was almost... inappropriate to send them for a while? I only recently started to send them again at the end of December, catching up from August.... so I know that weird feeling of wanting to keep doing the "normal" stuff, but being afraid that it comes off as flippant?
But you being, essentially, a social media personality/professional and not a rando yelling into the internet ether, I totally understand the paralysis you must have been feeling. I would focus on the fact that you are providing a service to people -- a window into your exciting life and adventures in NYC. You provide a good distraction for people trying to get through the sludge that is the world right now. And it sounds like you're also raising 2 incredible kids. You're doing alright in my book..
Heather (violina23)
Happy new year to you and yours, Ilana! And just a note to say you are not alone on your newslettering journey. I, too, started mine thinking it was one thing and now it’s another. And walking that privacy line with adult kids is tricky, I haven’t figured that one out yet for myself. But we’re all getting there, and making our way together, right? Here’s to being open to new things, and noticing/trusting what’s working.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been along for the ride since your blog days, but the length of your Substack posts don’t bother me. I like reading all of your updates!
I think I much prefer this format of newsletter updates. I felt over the past year as a subscriber I had been missing out on the special element of being apart of your close group due to your DITL (not TikTok savvy), but I appreciate these small tidbits. Please don’t feel too overwhelmed. Your core audience will follow wherever you go.
Super excited about the crewnecks with hot air balloon design. Love a good crewneck! And my husband loves hot air balloons.
As a long time follower, I appreciate the family update. If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd love to hear more about your decision to place Harlow in a different school and how everything is going. My daughter (in 3rd grade) has a similar diagnosis and we've been struggling with rather to leave her in a mainstream/public environment or switch her to a private, specialized school, and if we decide to switch, when to do it.
I purchased one of the Holiday boxes from March Hare and while it was cute, I did find it very expensive for what was given as a surprise. Also, you mention there was a Smurf Figurine in it!?! We did not get that so now we overpaid and didn’t get all the gifts!? Yikes.
Excellent update and look forward to the next! Love a good old-fashioned newsletter. With regards to your point #1, I wanted to recommend The Free Press. Their coverage has been absolutely brilliant. www.thefp.com . Thinking of you.
Thank you for all of the updates. I loved getting a little more insight into each area of your life I unknowingly wanted updates on - seriously! It was the perfect amount.
I've been a silent follower for many years, and my eldest is the same age as Mazzy. I love the read this evening and getting to hear more detail on how the family is doing, growing, and progressing. A remodel after your last experience can be scary, but keep positive thoughts you will have a beautiful (cat cabinet free) kitchen to enjoy for the summer! Also totally jealous of your outdoor chair 😅
It would be great if in addition to the toys, you did some sort of NYC/March Hare themed ornament for the Christmas box each year. We’re currently transitioning our tree away from Disney figurine heavy (my MIL loved buying a new princess each year) and I’ve definitely been on the look out for cool ornaments that go with the vintage Bloomingdale’s ones she gave us (think Santa in a taxi etc). Feel like this aligns with your TikTok vertical too.
I love old-school blogging! It's one of the reasons why I started my Substack too. I love getting a little peek into what excites others, what they're up to and the things they feel comfortable sharing. Excited to read more of your posts!
Yes please to a Valentines box! I wanted to purchase one last year but I waited too long. For Christmas I didn’t purchase one because my daughter asked for specific things, so I focused on that.
Thanks for your updates!
Considering what you’ve been through with renovating, I totally understand your reticence on renovating your house! Feel free to reach out if you need a voice of reason/deal breaker/sounding board. I’ve renovated 3 whole houses and GCd massive projects myself and it nearly drives me to madness every time I renovate. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for someone outside the industry.