Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: March 11-17, 2024
Alison Pegg
Being a redhead on St. Patrick’s Day has been quite a journey.
Growing up, the leprechaun jokes were unavoidable. My hair was a vibrant strawberry blond when I was younger, and kids were kids, and called it like they saw it. March 17th was as horrible as it sounds, and the lucky charm jokes were plentiful.
In college, the Irish jokes were still unavoidable, but at least I could play them for a couple free beers. It also helped that by that time, I was as tall as half the drunks in the bar.
Today, I still avoid the colour green. Olive is about as far as I venture, even though emerald hues really do flatter my skin. Those teasing remarks fade, but never disappear, whenever I reach for the shade.
I guess I should be glad my red hair is still natural. The grays are definitely sprouting, but as I age, I’m more thankful than ever that my hair as still kept a version of it natural hue. And, I suppose, for the Irish that runs through my family’s lineage, that blessed the strands I have today.
Here’s is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.
Reading
Why Stylists Rule the Red Carpet (Decoder Ring)
The Oscars were kind of entertaining this year, weren’t they? Thank goodness for Ken. John Cena’s costumes joke aside, I mostly watch the Academy Awards for the fashion, and this year didn’t quite deliver for me as much as year’s past. Which is why I found this episode of the Decoder Ring podcast so entertaining. Avery Trufelman explains the origin of the Hollywood Stylist, how they were born out of a broken studio system, and their rise to their own celebrity today. It’s a super fun listen.
Eating
Hot Pepper Jelly (Stonewall Kitchen)
I’ve come to realize I’m a toast person. Sweet toast, savory toast, breakfast toast, appetizer toast - i love them all. Which I why I think I’m on a kick that is a mix of all the toasts right now. It starts with toasted sourdough bread, continues with a ton of salted butter, and topped with Hot Pepper Jelly. The sweet, salty and spice are the perfect mix and I can’t stop snarfing these down to start my day.
Playing
He’s just Ken. In a fabulously sparkly pink Gucci suit. Trying not to laugh. And delivering the best musical number The Oscars has even seen. Everytime Ryan Gosling’s Ken Opus comes across my TikTok I stop to watch it, it’s the perfect homage and just so, so fun. Barbie was my favourite movie nominated this year, and this number was Kenough to cement it’s pop culture legacy.
Obsession
TikTok has been wonderful for discovering new artists from all over the world and appreciating their talents when their brush/pen/medium of choice strokes their canvas. It’s where I found Italian artist Roberta Boffo, who’s ink on paper masterpieces can only be described as “more than the eye can see.” Her meticulous creations are almost like wingdings on crack, from far away they look simple yet abstract, but up close is where the appreciation for her talent really comes to life. Watching her work is mesmerizing.
@robertaboffoart “LIFE OF A SYMPHONY” - limited edition prints available via the link in my bio #myart #arttok #painting #artprocess #robertaboffo ♬ Flower Waltz-Tchaikovsky(390671) - soundweaver (S.O)
Recommending
Blending Make Up Brushes (Sigma)
Washing my makeup brushes is one of those weekend tasks where you don’t really have to think. I think it says a lot about how great a product is when you can zone out while cleaning it. Sigma blending brushes are one of those products. Week and week I put them through torture, blending and applying creams, powders, and even liquid eyeshadows, and week after week they clean beautifully, like you’d never know they had even been used. I’ve had them for YEARS and there’s been no shedding, no discoloration, or wear and tear to be found. An investment well worth it.
Treating
Penguin Ice Bucket (West Bend Aluminum Company)
When Grandview Mercantile has a sale, somehow I always find myself taking a trip through their store. During their Spring Forward weekend, for Daylight Savings, natch, I spotted this charming penguin ice bucket along with their other vintage homewares. Thinking it was cute, I returned it to the shelf, set to think about it overnight before purchasing. A quick google search later that evening revealed it to be a “Barware Icon”, and I knew I’d be returning the next day to pick it up. It’s adorable, it’s quirky, and it will look perfect on my bookshelf next to my other treasured bar ware.
