Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: April 22-28, 2024

“Karma’s a relaxing thought…”

In hindsight, it really is. But it’s also a serious ass-kicker.

As I write this intro this week, I’m laughing at my “self-care sermon” I wrote last week. Shortly after thinking I had it all together, everything snapped, including the muscles in my neck.

Isn’t if funny how our body is just goes “Nope! Not holding it together anymore!”. Like it’s reminding you that pushing yourself to your limits isn’t going to bite you in the butt later. At least I learned that I internalize stress WAY more than I thought I did, so maybe, just maybe, this won’t happen again.

That’s karma.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Trends: Dupe the Vibe, Not the Look Pt. 1 (The Creative Pragmatist)

Like last week, I spent the majority of this week staring at two large computer screens, heads down in work. So taking time to read anything, was a bit of a stretch this week, especially reading anything on a computer. My Substack app on my iPad once again was my reprieve, and there’s no one better to get you out of a funk than Amy Smilovic. If money was no object, my closet would be filled with her Tibi line, but in the meantime her Substack, The Creative Pragmatist, is great inspiration to get that cool-girl Tibi look. She shows how to lean into the vibe of spring trends, without having to buy the whole look. By focusing on the trends elements, instead of the literal pieces of clothing brands and influencers are trying to sell. Her outfit formulas are a great start at reimagining my own closet, and I can’t wait to get started.

Trends: Dupe the Vibe, Not the Look Pt. 1 by Amy smilovic

Diving in to key trends without losing yourself. Of the moment, not lost in it.

Read on Substack

Eating

Buttermilk Banana Bread (Two Peas & their Pod)

My buttermilk banana bread. c 2024.

Good intentions me bought bananas early last week, with every intention of having them for a healthy snack. Stressed out me noticed they were almost brown on the counter over a week later. What does one do with a bunch of over ripe bananas? Why make banana bread of course! Having tested a few different recipes in the past, I find the banana bread I enjoy most has buttermilk as an ingredient. This banana bread recipe from Two Peas & their Pod utilizes the magic ingredient, and it couldn’t have been easier to make. Oh, it’s delicious too.

Playing

Taylor Swift and the Tortured Poets Aesthetic (Culture Study)

Swiftie is a word I have a hard time categorizing myself as. I love Taylor’s music and have seen her in concert multiple times, but the obsessiveness that comes with that moniker isn’t for me. With that said, I love a good pop culture deep dive on Taylor’s immense power, and this podcast fit that bill perfect. Joined by Sarah Chapelle, of @taylorswiftstyle, Ann Peterson’s latest Culture Study pod dives into how Taylor does, and doesn’t, use fashion to promote her music and image. Some favourite parts of the episode for me were chats on Taylor’s inner cringe, her street style, and is she the ultimate cheugy millenial? It’s a fun super listen.

Obsessing

White Velodrome Cat Eye Sunglasses (Le Specs)

image courtesy of Nordstrom

I’m not sure when it happened, but all of a sudden I’ve been obsessed with white cat eyed sunglasses. Maybe it’s a desire for La Dolce Vita, maybe it was this B-list substack - I don’t know, but I can’t get the idea of this frame out of my head. And of course, Le Specs, one of my favourite sunglasses brands, has the perfect pair. I love how sharp the lines are on these Velodrome style, they look more like the Prada version, and less like the other trending rounded shapes. Now to resist that ever prevalent “add to cart” button.

Recommending

39.25 in. Stainless Steel Weeder Aluminum Handle (Fiskars)

Homeownership is great, isn’t it? Am I officially a lame homeowner because I’m recommending a weeding tool? I was seriously debating on whether or not to put the Fiskars Stainless Steel Weeder in the obsessed column this week, that’s how much I love this thing. Dandelions, be gone! Stubborn weeds, goodbye! I won’t stretch and say weeding the yard is actually fun, but this tool helps prevent hours of frustration and pain and really does remove those big suckers.

Treating

Dylan Clog (Crocs)

My new Crocs! c 2024.

In 2024, I officially joined the Crocs crew. But don’t worry, I’m no where close to dipping my toe in jibbets world. Having just waxed poetic about a weeder above, it made sense that I needed to add a shoe to my gardening ensemble. But not just any shoe, something that I can hose down at the end of the day, but also something where mulch can’t creep between my toes. These Crocs Dylan Clogs are perfect. And even better? They barely look like Crocs!

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: April 15-21, 2024

Don’t pour from an empty cup. Put the oxygen mask on yourself. We’ve heard all the sayings for taking care of yourself.

And then exhaustion hits you like a freight train.

To say this week was tiring would be the understatement of 2024. But thank goodness I found myself relying on “muscle memory” of sorts, activities I’ve tried that have helped reset my brain in the past. I leaned heavy into my Daily Burn subscription this past week, punching out frustrations and forcing my brain to tap out with rounds of yoga. My kdrama obsession came to good use this week too, the subtitles alone force me to pay attention, and I always love escaping to another world. Lastly, nature is always the greatest escape. From lunches outside on my new front chairs, to long walks around the neighborhood to calm down.

Those sayings wouldn’t be sayings for a reason. Just another reminder to take care of ourselves.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Is It Even Fun To Constantly Want Things? (Totally Recommend)

Ever find yourself nodding in agreement when you devour an essay? That exactly what I noticed I was doing when reading Total Rec’s substack Is It Even Fun To Constantly Want Things? She writes about our brains confusing wants with needs, relating to a vintage buy she (almost) regretted. I also love her callout of the lack of “third spaces”, of places where we could gather without having to buy, and the lack thereof in this day and age. Wanting doesn’t always have to be good - this read makes it okay to not hit checkout on your cart.

Is It Even Fun To Constantly Want Things? by Totally Recommend

Indulging Desire Vs. Letting It Go via Rick Owens fur

Read on Substack

Eating

Marinated cherry tomatoes with “Drizzle”

When the temps hit 80 degrees this week, the last thing I wanted to eat was anything heavy. Craving fresh vegetables in April is tough, their not yet in season, so grocery store will have to do. Turns out a little patience, and a tip from Pinch of Yum does the trick. All you need is a handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a good tasting olive oil. Slice the tomatoes in half and marinate them in the oil and spices for at least half an hour, if not more, and the tomatoes will come out nice and sweet, with a great little tomato sauce as well. I ate these for lunch at least three times this week, twice with kale and avocado in a giant salad, and once over ricotta and rosemary bread for a toast lunch.

Playing

The Tortured Poets Department (Taylor Swift)

Who wasn’t listening to this album this past weekend? Anticipation ran deep for Swifties for this release, with theories about who, and what, would make the album. Two of the tracks are standouts for me, loml is so achingly sad, and the beat on I Can Do It With A Broken Heart makes it easily my favourite of the whole album. The Anthology songs are fine, but in my opinion, largely unneeded, Taylor has yet again cemented herself as the poet of our generation.

Obsessing

This Colorful Mississippi Home Has the Best Affordable Art (Cup of Jo)

image via

Saturday morning I spent an ungodly amount of time clicking through every artist linked in the feature while drinking my morning coffee. The art in Erin Austen Abbot’s Mississippi home is so finely curated, and so expertly placed, its a joy to scroll through the paragraphs and discover artists I’ve never heard of. Artists like Frances Berry Moreno, whos humour and boldness are in every work, to Heather Sundquist Hal who’s nostalgic pieces and 4x4 mini prints reflect on golden hour, that magical time of day.

Recommending

Diamond of the Season Wallflower (Bath & Body Works)

I normally don’t fall for gimmicky partnerships like this, but when you’re at the Outlet Mall, a strange sense falls over you. After striking out at the Pottery Barn outlet, a stop by Bath & Body Works was in order, mostly to check out their viral TikTok body sprays. After striking out on locating the sprays, I moseyed over to the Bridgerton display and started sniffing. I can’t speak for the rest of the scents, but Diamond of the Season is a great spring scent, especially in a wall flower. It’s subtle and fresh, and perfect for perking up my bathroom.

Treating

Aurora Earrings (Jenny Bird)

It’s been awhile since there’s been a Jenny Bird mention in this space, but alas, that break has come to an end. When Miss Jenny threw a four-hour-sale last week, I pounced, purchasing a pair of earrings I’ve had my eye on for awhile. I picked up the Aurora earrings in silver, an oversized sphere stud that lays flat against my small ears. I love how modern it looks, with plans to wear it all summer when my hair is pulled back.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: April 8-14, 2024

On Monday, I lost count on how many times I said “I’m so glad we did this.”

Nature is awesome. And witnessing a total solar eclipse was extraordinary.

I’ll never forget the temperature drop, seeing the stars in daylight, the eerieness of the horizon, and most of off the complete awe of staring at the rings of the sun while the moon passed.

Just as impressionable was the collective experience of watching the eclipse in a county park. The cheering, then silence, the birds freaking out, and the overall appreciation everyone had for the moment was awe-inspiring, it’s so rare now to experience things at the same time with the rest of the world.

I’m so glad we made time for it and so glad to witness a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Canadian Home Decor Magazines (Libby)

My Libby app, and my iPad, got quite the workout this week once I discovered Libby carried my favourite Canadian home decor mags. Current, and past, issues of Style at Home and House & Home are both on the app, and I flipped through them ravenously during down time this week. My screenshots grew exponentially and I already have a bunch of new stores to hit up in a couple months when we make our trip back home.

Eating

Lavender Oatmilk Latte (Starbucks)

Lavender is one of those herbs that I love in candles and essential oils for it’s calming effects, but it’s not really something that I’ve tried in baked goods or other food items. So with time to kill, and desperate need of an afternoon pick-me-up, I stopped by the Starbucks drive thru between meetings downtown and picked up a Lavender Oatmilk Latte to try. I’ll be honest, the latte had more of a lavender essence than a lavender flavour, and upon finishing it I noticed the syrup had congealed to the bottom on my cup. While the latte tasted great, with better execution, I’m wondering if it’s something I’d enjoy again.

Playing

Only God Was Above Us (Vampire Weekend)

Vampire Weekend’s sound reverts all the memories for me. Memories of my twenties, when I was making a gazillion mistakes, but they didn’t matter, because I was young, optimistic and having fun. Their latest record, Only God Was Above Us, is like a grown up version of that famous sound, it’s floaty, it’s buoyant, and most importantly, it’s really, really fun. It’s been especially great to listen to as the weather warms up, on blast from speakers all around the house.

Obsessing

Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask (K18)

If I’m being honest, Queen of Tears is the number one thing I’ve been obsessing about all week, the Episode 10 epilogue and ending was everything. But in between obsessing over that, I’ve been noticing how smooth my hair has been lately after using K18’s Molecular Repair Hair Mask for two weeks. My hair is thick, so it can handle a sturdy product, and I love that this is a leave-in that I don’t have to rinse out. I really notice how soft my hair has become when I blow dry it straight, but even after wearing it curly for a few days, it looks a lot healthier than it has in the past. I might have to spring for the full-size here soon.

image courtesy of Sephora

Recommending

Clue (Broadway Columbus)

Laugh out load funny. Better than the movie. If I had to write a marquee length summary for Clue on Broadway, those two phrases still wouldn’t do it justice. Running just under and hour and half, Clue was full of every kind of humour you could think of, from dry to slapstick, deadpan to physical, all of them were there. The cast was small, but insanely talented, and I’m still laughing at the chandelier scene.

Treating

Vana Flat in Silver (Franco Sarto)

I love the look of the higher vamp mary janes that some designers are doing (The Row, COS, etc). But I’m not convinced that mary janes are going to stick around for much longer, and have been looking for something similar to what Rose (@The Creative Classicist) has been wearing, but at a lower price point. I finally found this pair of silver Vana Flats from Franco Sarto that hit all of my requirements. The vamp comes up to the middle of my foot, but the square/almond toe leaves plenty of room for my toes. And there’s even padding on the insole! Not a lot, but even some is better than nothing. These are on sale at Nordstrom right now if you’re looking for a pair yourself.

image courtesy of Nordstrom

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: April 1-7, 2024

How many weather apps is too many?

Ask me at the beginning of this week and I’d tell you “the limit does not exist.”

But after this week, even my weather nerdery was tested and I can confidently say, you really don’t need more than three. Somehow I had one that shouts at me where there’s lightning, another that tells me it’s raining after it starts raining, and of course the Apple weather app telling sending me notifications for the weather in Toronto.

Needless to say, there was a mass deletion this week.

(Speaking of nerdery, I’m just now realizing this entire intro was about weather apps. Oh my goodness).

Anyway, here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

March/April Issue (HGTV Magazine)

I can’t tell you the last time I read a magazine, cover to cover. In an age of on-demand digital publications, it’s been a long time since I flipped through a magazine start to finish. It’s also been a long time since I’ve watched HGTV having cut cable years ago. But after a recommendation from my Mother, and a ffree Libby download, I dove into the April issue of HGTV magazine and devoured it. Midcentury modern birdhouses? Totally fun. Landscaping a 1950s home? Exactly what I’m trying to do right now. A black and white house? My dream. If modern and mid century is you style, this issue is totally for you.

Eating

Baked Ziti (Two Peas and Their Pod)

Sunday night dinner is a tradition in our family, its the one meal where make something substantial and gather round. Harboring a craving for a baked pasta dish, I came across this Baked Ziti recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod to solve it. It couldn’t have been more easy, nor more delicious. With an almost lasagna-like texture, the filling was cheesy and tomatoey and kept the pasta from drying out in the oven. Plus it made a TON of food, and with a busy week ahead of me, its perfect to reheat for leftovers when I’m short on time.

Playing

Queen of Tears (Netflix)

This kdrama hit me like a freight train and I’m obsessed. I haven’t even finished the last kdrama I recommended because this one has consumed all of my tv watching. Queen of Tears has everything you could want in a kdrama, two wildly popular leads with phenomenal acting, really great villians who you want to punch, family members that range from ridiculous to loving spanning both sides of the family, but most importantly is has a couple you actually want to root for at the very center. Plus an epic Vincenzo cameo, it’s an all-timer.

Obsessing

Heads of State (Gavin Benjamin)

Is there such a thing as an art stalker? Because if there is, I’m totally guilty. After stalking Gavin Benjamin’s Heads of State artwork for months, I finally headed down to Brandt-Roberts Galleries during Gallery Hop to check them out in person. To describe them in one word would be breathtaking. Each piece is a collage of black and white photography, paint, and intricately laid jewels, resulting in a baroque-like portrait that feels modern and fresh. You have to see them in person.

Recommending

Glasting Melting Balm (rom&nd)

As someone who has way too many tinted lip balms, its a big deal when I find a new favourite formula. Rom&nd’s glasting melting balm mirrors a lipstick, in a bullet, but the balm formula is up there with Summer Fridays when it comes to how moisturizing it is. But the glow is the best part of this product. Glossy but not sticky, sheer and not to goopy, it matches perfectly with the shade collection for the softest look you could hope for. I picked up 04 Kaya Fig, a your-lips-but-better mauve shade that’s great for every day wear.

image courtesy of rom&and

Treating

Oval Sunglasses (Simply Vera Wang)

The small, oval sunglasses trend of the last few years has always scared me. As a card-carrying member of the large melon club, thin, east-west glasses have never looked good on me, often looking like their too small for my face shape. If you were given the opportunity to try on all shapes of sunglasses in an empty store, wouldn’t you take it? That’s how i ended up with this pair of Simply Vera Wang Oval Sunglasses from Kohl’s. Oval in size, they’re also an oversized shape which I prefer, and give me the opportunity to try out the trend, at a price point I can easily justify.

image courtesy of Kohl’s

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: March 25-31, 2024

Have you ever been a regular somewhere?

The kind where someone knows your name? Or your drink order?

I’m stumbling to think about when the last time I was actually a regular somewhere. I’ve been a frequent plus one of someone else who’s a regular, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually been a regular, singular, for a long, long time.

I got to thinking about “regulars” as I was shopping and eating my way through my neighborhood this week. And how comforting it might be to have a “second family” at a local establishment. On the flip side, I think I like trying new things too much, new places to eat, new coffee shops, even local retail, to ever really become a regular at any one place.

Here is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

The 2024 Trend Report (SSENSE)

Montreal-based SSENSE is one of my favourite retailers. I can afford like 20% or less of it, but their point of view is second to none in the fashion world. One glance at their 2024 Trend Report and you can see why. Before you even scroll through the words on the page, the layout catches your eye, (view it on your laptop if you can), but the intro really sets the tone for the whole thing.

“Style hacks, GRWM videos, algorithmic SEO recommendations, shopping newsletters optimized for affiliate revenue—it’s just noise...with each merciless refresh of the feed, one truth becomes clearer. The trend is in you. ”

— SSENSE 2024 Trend Report

SSENSE, of course, is an online retailer, so they do have actual product to push. So while the beginning is all about you, and their staff’s recommendation for trends, the rest of the report has eight different archetypes for anyone to identify with. If you’re especially sick of “what the cool girls are wearing” TikToks, you’ll love browsing through SSENSE’s picks.

Eating

Easy Real British Mint Sauce (The Spruce Eats)

Growing up in with a British Father, Easter Sunday Supper was always a roast of lamb. Non-negotiable. And with said roast of lamb, there was always a bottle of Mint Sauce on the table. Sauce, usually by Crosse & Bromley, is the key word here, usually vinegar based, not the god-awful sweet mint jelly that seems to on the shelves around here.

After scouring the local groceries for the sauce variety I came up short, so turned to the internet to find something similar for this Easter, something that resembles what I had as a kid. This Easy Real British Mint Sauce came pretty darn close. It was minty and tangy just as I remembered, the next time I’ll probably reduce the amount of a water I used to steep the mint. Highly recommend.

Playing

COWBOY CARTER (Beyonce)

Pop-diva spring is in bloom, y’all. COWBOY CARTER by Beyonce is here, and boy does it live up to the hype is rode in on. You can’t turn on the radio or scroll through TikTok without hearing TEXAS HOLD ‘EM, and it’s a highlight to be sure. But after listening to the album top to bottom, AMERIICAN REQUIEM and YA YA are the two standout tracks to me. Lots of folks, rightly so, are in love with Beyonce’s cover of JOLENE, but it’s her cover of BLACKBIIRD that might be my favourite on the album.

Obsessing

The Full Glass Set in Haze (Material Kitchen)

On the left side of a built-in bookcase, I’ve started to build out my home bar. The CB2 wine racks keep my wine bottles stacked neatly and this West Elm acrylic try corral my bottles I want to display. There’s something missing in the corner though, and I think Material Kitchen’s Full Glass Set in Haze might be it. There’s a lot of clear glass already on display in this corner, which I why I think gray toned glass will help provide the visual heft that I’m looking for. Plus that glasses are the perfect size for summer’s mixed cocktails, they’d be the perfect holder for a Paloma or G&T for the warmer months.

image courtesy Material Kitchen

Recommending

Lilac Fields Candle (Sonoma)

Lilacs are my second favourite flower, but might be my favourite floral smell. (Daffodils are always my #1). Our house in Wisconsin growing up had multiple lilac trees in its backyard, and every spring the smell would fill the house when it was warm enough to open the windows. I’m always on the hunt for a candle that can replicate that fresh lilac smell, and Sonoma’s Lilac Fields might be it. The three wicks burn very evenly, but the throw on this candle is unrivaled. It makes any room in the house smell dreamy and fresh, the perfect spring scent.

Image courtesy of Kohl’s

Treating

Avila Barrel Leg Pant (Banana Republic)

Barrel shaped pants intrigue me. On one hand, they seemed like something I’d hate, adding extra fabric to an area I’m self conscious of, the hips. But the length was something that I wanted to try, hitting at the ankle, meaning they could work for cold and warm weather climates. I bit the bullet on the barrel-leg pant trend with this pair from Banana Republic, the Avila. First, I like that they’re a mix of cotton and nylon, meaning they’ll be light enough for summer, but not made of dreaded polyester. I also like that they have a high waist, the high waist makes these office appropriate, but can also be perfect for weekends with a cropped tee. I’m still trying to figure out what shoes to pair with these, a slim loafer and mary janes are what I’ve tried so far, I’m thinking a pair of Vans might be my best sneaker option with this style.

Image courtesy Banana Republic