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

Scrolling through TikTok has become my favourite social media distraction, I’ve picked up new recipes, found new outfit inspos, learned new makeup hacks, and laughed like a hyena at all of the funny pet videos. Late last year, a creator came across my FYP with a post chronicling things that inspired her and I loved how simple the format was. Called Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T, it shared the following:

• R = Reading

• E = Eating

• P = Playing

• O = Obsessing

• R = Recommending

• T = Treating

We’ll see how consistent I am with these weekly recaps, LOL. But without further ado, here’s my Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T for the first week of January.

Reading

Inc Magazine: This Marketing Pro Got Crocs on Every Celebrity From Bad Bunny to Justin Bieber. Now, He's Behind the Stanley Tumbler You Can't Escape

Given the hoopla and mayhem around the Target Stanley cup release, this article from Inc was perfectly timed from Inc Magazine.

Eating

Cabbage Roll Casserole (Eating Well)

The first time we made this casserole for family dinner, it didn’t sound like it was going to be something we’d like. Happy to be proven wrong, this casserole is full of flavour and is perfect for winter cabbage season (and your wallet). Bonus: it makes a ton, too.

Playing

A return to office this week meant a return to my regular NYT games. And now that I’ve downloaded the app on my phone, perhaps I’ll be streaking into the weekend.

Obsessing

Franco Sarto Ticada Knee High Silver Boots (Nordstrom)

I really should avoid stopping through the Nordstrom shoe department. During a quick return last week, I saw these on the sale rack and quickly became obsessed. I do not need them. But I do love the idea of these peeking out under midi and maxi dresses all winter long.

Recommending

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Broadway in Columbus)

The songs. The visuals. The charisma. Moulin Rouge was fabulous. The show grabs and holds you for well over two hours, and the finale will have you on your feet cheering with the rest of the audience. It runs another week at the Ohio Theatre.

Treating

Legami Milano Erasable Pens (purchased at Papersource)

New year, new planner pens? I love a slim gel based pen, but what I love even more is a slim gel based pen with personality. This are so freakin’ adorable and bring me so much joy, and did I mention they’re erasable?

My Ins and Outs for 2024

Ins and Outs has taken over social media this week and I had to jump on the train.

Here’s everything that’s “in” to me in 2024.

1. Hot Beverages

2. “Thank you”

3. Natural fabrics

4. Creating New

5. Mental health days

6. Handwritten notes, just because

7. Drugstore makeup

8. Rewearing your closet

9. Owning your IP

10. Authenticity

Here’s what I think is out for 2024.

1. Ultra-processed

2. “Thank you, but”

3. Plastics

4. Reacting to

5. Always on

6. Handwritten notes because

7. Luxury cleansers

8. Hauls

9. Complaining about social media metrics

10. Algorithms

5 things I'm thinking about this week

I saw a meme last week that said “I’ve been looking forward to Labour Day since July 5th.”

I laughed (of course) and commiserated (of course).

A three day holiday where everyone rests was just what the doctor ordered. I lounged around, did house stuff, shopped local and even had a draft beer on a patio before 4pm. With the exception of the temperature, it was a solid weekend balance of productivity and unplugging.

I wish I could say I’m ready to dive head first into the latter half of the year. But this year, I think I’ll just mosey. A stretch of ninety-degree days don’t really scream “go-time” for anyone I know.

And before I forget, it’s a four day week!

Here’s what I’m thinking about this week.

1. Banana Republic Abigail Silk Maxi Dress: i am completely and totally immersed in my maxi-length phase of fashion right now. Every other length is just way less interesting to me, the fuller the length, the better. This silk long-sleeve maxi from Banana Republic (!!!) is chefs kiss. Cut on the bias, long sleeves, and a gorgeous shade of black, I wish I had more fancy places to go to really make this dress shine.

2. Ela Vegan Leather Scrunchie: are scrunchies still a thing? When they’re this chic, I don’t think it really matters. I was scouring Ela’s Labour Day sale and came across this vegan leather scrunchie, its high quality leather is the perfect topper to an every day ponytail worn to the office this fall.

3. New Balance RC30 Sea Salt: I wasn’t searching out another pair of sneakers to add to my collection, but somehow the sneakers just find me. I spotted these New Balance RC30s on an Instagram scroll late last week and haven’t been able to stop thinking of them since. I love how they’re a lower profile New Balance shoe, similar to a Samba, but not overdone like Sambas are now. I also love the pared back sea salt colourway with the black, and of course, the gum sole. I really dont need another pair of kicks, but these are SO GOOD.

4. Reformation Ani Ruched White Loafer: just as I’m obsessed with silver ballet flats, I’m even more obsessed with a white loafer this fall. A true white, not an off white, ivory, or cream, the loafer has to be a true white. And while I still love and wear my chunkier loafers, a streamlined shoe in the white hue is just so sleek, modern, and current, its going to take all my classic looks and make them so fresh. This loafer from Reformation is exactly what I’m looking for, I love the ruching around the seams, and the low heel. Please come back in stock in my size!

5. Morning Jazz Playlist by Bliss: this weekend I had this playlist on every morning as I was brewing my coffee. Its perfect, easy, romantic listening while waiting for the french press to steep.

Morning Jazz Playlist by Bliss

5 things I'm thinking about this week

It’s almost time…

I put my Script Ohio flag up yesterday and my Block O wreath on the door.

I remember when the outcome of Saturday’s in the fall used to determine my happiness for the week. Now, I’m just excited for the humidity to drop, the temps to cool, and stores to fill up with the season goodies I look forward to all year.

That’s not to say I’m not going to savour this last unofficial week of summer. Late night walks around the neighbourhood, lazy weekends with a good book and col drink, I’ll miss the slower pace that summer affords us.

But I’m ready. (Especially to turn off the AC.)

Here are the 5 things I’m thinking about this week.

1. Prospect Jam Company Blood Orange Marmalade: lazy Sunday mornings are even more spectacular with great coffee and jam on toast. But not just any jam, this Blood Orange Marmalade from Prospect Jam Company. It’s sweet and tart and sprinkled with peel, it’s unlike any other marmalade I’ve tasted. I picked mine up at the farmer’s market, but they also have an online shop too.

2. Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar: earlier this summer I was looking for a portable sunstick that I could carry with me to use to reapply throughout the day. A quick TikTok search later and I had this Korean one in my cart, ready to try. It’s perfect. It’s not greasy, there’s no whitecast, and it layers GREAT over makeup for touchups throughout the day. But the thing I love most about it is the shape, it’s curved and matches the contours of my face perfectly for an even application every time. I can’t recommend enough.

3. Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Baseball Cap: baseball caps are part of my summer uniform, I’m always adding a new one to my rotation. Picking up this one is a no-brainer for me, it’s black and white (or white and black) and perfect for this oldest daughter to sport, especially in the vicinity of my younger sisters. Added to cart.

4. Louis Poulsen Panthella Portable Lamp: the chokehold these lamps have had on me, but especially this portable one. Spending almost $400 on a battery powered lamp does seem a little ridiculous, but when it’s a design this classic, it can be justified, right? What I love about this version of Louis Poulsen’s design is the ability to move it around freely, from a bedside table, to a bookshelf, and even a reading nook tucked in the corner of my home. Finger’s crossed for an upcoming sale?

5. The Row Claudette bow-detailed leather point-toe flats: these flats are GOALS. They would be an absolute dream to own, but there’s is zero way I could justify their price this upcoming season. The colour is exquisite, as is the bow detailing, and I love that pointed toe shapes, and flats (!), are coming back this fall. I will appreciate them from afar, and wait for a high street brand to pay homage to them in a slightly more affordable way.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

It’s been almost a month since I put pen to paper (or more specifically, keys to google doc) on this little corner of the internet. I wish I could share that I’ve been off galavanting around the world, but in reality, I’ve really been feeling the lazy days of summer.

The humidity and the heat always reek havoc on my productivity and inspiration, and instead of beat myself up about it, I gave myself the grace of taking a break.

That’s not to say I haven’t been doing nothing.

A whirlwind 36-hour trip to Detroit helped to get me out of my creative funk. Surrounding myself with good food and the masters of art at the DIA was fabulous, as was hopping across the border to stock up (again) on all my favourite tastes of home.

I know fall is hectic and I should be languishing these last days of summer, but I really can’t wait for a dip in the temps to really get my groove back.

In the meantime, here are 5 things I’m thinking about this week:

1. NYTimes The Women’s Magazines of 2023 Are in a Facebook Group and Your Inbox: i’ve written about Becky Malinsky’s substack before, but this article this week really resonated with my about everything I missed about fashion media. I love that trusted journalists are finding audiences on old-school mediums, one of the things I miss most about magazines is an editor’s curated point of view. I love this return to curated journalism, I miss the old days when fashion pubs were more about curation than affiliate links.

2. Mollie Jenkins Pottery Ghosts: I have almost purchased these ghosts 5 times in the last week, but I just can’t justify spending $125 on more Halloween decor when there are so many more pressing home purchases I need to make. Even this minimalist queen can’t help but adore these white ceramic guys, there’s the perfect size and shape to sit on my mantle for all of spooky season. Adding to cart, again.

3. Club Monaco Abhy Merino Wool Sweater: as much as I would love to pull out my chunky turtlenecks, the reality is our weather isn’t going to be #sweaterweather for at least another two months. Boo. In the meantime, this merino wool sweater would be a perfect in-between sweater for my closet. I’d pair it for the office with a pair of trousers or a long silk maxi skirt, or more casually with an a-line mini or even a pair of tailored shorts.

4. Madewell Greta Ballet Flat in Silver: this summer I actually ventured out into a mall (!!) during a free afternoon and was pleasantly surprised to come across these silver ballet flats at Madewell. I’ve been on the hunt for a silver pair for awhile now, but my biggest beef with the flats I’ve purchased and returned was their flimsiness. I’m happy to report the leather on these felt substantial, like most Madewell shoes, and I love the square toe and the black strap. Just waiting on a coupon code to snag these at a discount.

5. Bun & Pillow Tiptoe Sculpture Vase: Bun & Pillow has been another previous mention on this site; I just can’t get enough of their whimsical ceramic wares. While a lot of their items would add the perfect quirky kick to a bookshelf or desk, it’s this Tiptoe vase that is my current obsession. I’m currently trying to style a fireplace mantle and think I would look perfect next to a mirror and piece of art for a minimalist yet fun style.