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

I used to think I was an introverted extrovert. But after a very extroverted week, I think the opposite is actually true. I’m an extroverted introvert.

From work retreats and events to friend catch ups and evenings out, cocooning back in my own personal space has been glorious. But I’m also proud of myself for getting out of the house and experiencing things. It’s something I need to remember to work at.

Have you noticed your introvert/extrovert balance changing? Curious if I’m not the only one.

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

Reading

The Suffocation of Sezane (Totally Recommend)

Finding this substack, The Suffocation of Sezane, this week was like finding someone in a crowd dressed just like you. The amount of influencers pushing Sezane on social media seems to grow exponentially every day and Totally Recommend’s deep dive into the extraordinary growth of the brand made everything make sense. (Hint: private equity). It was a great reminder that what you see on social media is most likely a facade and if your gut is telling you something is too good to be true, it probably is.

The Suffocation Of Sézane by Totally Recommend

Maybe this is why the brand feels inescapable.

Read on Substack

Eating

Patacon (El Arepazo)

Two jobs ago, El Arepazo was an alley haunt that my coworkers and I used to frequent every couple of weeks. Tucked into Pearl Alley behind a colourful facade, it served delicious Latin American food that you just had to tell others about. Today, the “in the know” feeling has gone away, as has the alley location, but the food is just as yummy as it’s always been. I kept with an old standby, the Patacon, with extra cilantro sauce (of course).

image courtesy of El Arepazo

Playing

Illmatic (Nas & Columbus Symphony)

Hip Hop + the Symphony = a night of fantastic sounds. And Nas’ Illmatic definitely deserved the classical accompaniment. As part of the Columbus Symphony’s Picnic with the Pops series, Nas and the Symphony played all ten tracks of Illmatic, start to finish, to dazzling display. Nas proved throughout the evening why he’s one of the best MC’s ever, and the symphony provided a classical colour to one of the best hip hop albums of all time. After Illmatic was through, Nas’ took the mic solo to play some of his other greatest hits, bringing the crowd to their feet and the energy skyrocketing. It was definitely a memorable night in Downtown Columbus.

Obsessing

Artek Posters

Part of the reason I’m loving staying at home is I have a new room to try and figure out how to decorate. Freshly painted white walls are giving me all sorts of ideas and puzzling me with space configurations to no end. Art is one of those giant puzzles as well, trying to balance minimal with colour and potential for pieces of all different sizes. These Artek posters I just discovered fit the minimal, yet colour vibe I might be going for, I especially love the stool diagram. Hung with a black frame on a white wall, it might just be a perfect pop for this colour-phobic girl.

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Recommending

Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm (Eadem)

Tomato girl summer? More like lip balm summer. I’ve been on a kick buying tinted lip balms this summer and see no end in sight. Paired with nude lip liner, it’s the perfect unfussy combo for summer. My latest pick up, Eadem’s Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm might be my favourite I’ve picked up, it’s goes on and wears like a dream. The formula is full of peptides and AHAs, leaving your lips smooth and hydrated all day long. And the applicator is almost cooling, perfect for a hot summer day. I picked up the shade burnt malai, it’s the perfect red-brown that brings out my freckles and matches my hair.

image courtesy of Sephora

Treating

Missing Person (Phlur)

The last of my birthday coupons expired this week and I finally decided to see what the Missing Person hype was all about. And I get it. It’s your smell but better and a little sexier too. I’ve always been a big musk fan, and what sets this fragrance a part from my other musky fave, Glossier You, is the woodsy undertones, making the smell a more grown up and more mysterious. Like other Phlur scents, I wished this lasted a little longer throughout the day.

image courtesy of Anthropologie

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

Investing in a bike tune-up this summer might be my greatest purchase of 2024.

In just a few short months, biking has easily become my favourite mode of transport to get to and from neighborhood happenings. Frose on Littleton’s patio? Biked to it. Street fair south of Lane? Also biked to it. Fourth of July fireworks? Easily the fastest way to get to and from the show I’ve ever had.

Cheers to more two wheels adventures this summer (and hopefully more frose too).

And now this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Raiders of the Lost Heart (Jo Segura)

My book slump is over! Thanks to a small creator on #BookTok, I found the perfect read that I couldn’t put down. Raiders of the Lost Heart is funny, full of adventure and heart, and so, so swoon-worthy. It centers around two rival archaeologists and their expedition to find the remains of an Aztec warrior deep in the Mexican jungle. Its the perfect enemies to lovers read, it’s fast pace keeps you page turning, and the chemistry between the two leads leaves you wanting more. It’s super cute and a lot of fun and I highly recommend.

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Eating

Homegrown Tomatoes

Are harvest hauls a thing? This past week the fruits of my labour finally started to produce: my first home-grown tomatoes! Super sweet and super delicious, here’s to many more summer weeks full of my garden’s bounty.

#HarvestHaul

Playing

Alt2k (SiriusXM)

Early 2000s me has been thriving since discovering Alt2k on my Sirius radio. From Good Charlotte to Simple Plan, MCR to Green Day, the wanna be emo/punk of my youth is loving the mix this channel plays. If you’re a millennial craving some of that punk nostalgia, this station is totally for you.

Obsessing

Wobble Chess Set (Umbra)

Do I play chess? No. Have I seen The Queen’s Gambit? Sure haven’t. Why I’m obsessed with this chess set is beyond me. But one look at the wobbly pieces and you can probably see why I’m smitten. Or maybe it’s the natural maple and walnut wood which goes perfectly with my midcentury modern decor. I really have no need for this set except for as a decor piece, but that won’t stop me from swooning anyway.

image courtesy of Umbra

Recommending

Presido Traveler Maxi Dress (Athleta)

We’re hitting that stage of summer where it feels like we’re wearing an extra shirt every time we go outside. That sticky, humid air is here, uncomfortable as it gets. Fortunately, I discovered this dress from Athleta on a recent mall peruse, and it’s been a workhorse for me on those really awful sticky days. Breathable, yet light, midi length and breezy, this Presideo dress is a great-looking way to beat the heat. Watch for a sale before you purchase, I picked mine up at 40% off during a random weekend in June.

image courtesy of Athleta

Treating

Pekin City Candle (Diptyque)

Someday I’ll travel to Asia, I long to explore the streets of Tokyo, the food of Seoul, and the history of Beijing. In the meantime, Diptyque’s City Candles will have to do. Availably last week for a limited time, I picked up the Pekin scent this time around. Like every Diptyque candle, these are luxury at their finest, with throws that fill the entire room when lit. They’re a delight to collect.

image courtesy of Diptyque

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: June 21 - 30, 2024

This month I lost my momentum writing in this little corner of the internet.

This isn’t an apology or remorse, by any means. I’ve really been enjoying unplugging from the internet this last month.

It started with vacation, and then after being cooped up during the week of blazing temperatures, all I’ve wanted to do these past two weeks is be outside.

I’m looking forward to continuing a summer unplugged. That’s not to say I don’t have a million and a half ideas for this space. But time away from screens, riding bikes with the wind in my hair, enjoying fireworks as they burst above - all of those sound way better right now than a life online.

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

Reading

I won’t apologize for not having another recommendation in this space. Truth is I’ve been avoiding the news and online publications like crazy because of politics, and I just haven’t been in the mood to tackle a new book. And that’s okay. I’m sure there’s a giant reading binge around the corner.

Eating

Apple Brie Bacon Burger (Street Thyme)

Outside of a backyard barbecue, there might not be a better burger than that of a local food truck. Especially one that uses ingredients as good as Street Thyme. I lucked into their Apple Bacon Brie burger while at Seventh Son, and it couldn’t have been food-gasm inducing. A fresh potato bun, smashed burger patties, generous amounts of bacon, it was mouth watering and to die for. Don’t be cheap, order the fries too. You won’t regret it.

Playing

You Are My Glory (Viki)

When I’m actively ignoring the news, in the past it has always been easy to turn to kdramas to escape. But if I’m being honest, it’s slim pickins’ in kdrama land right now, especially after two of my all-time favourites aired this spring. In their place, I found another chinese drama that has me hooked - I’m almost halfway through You Are My Glory on Viki. The plot is right up my alley - famous actress reunites with her high school classmate, an aerospace engineer, and the two try and make their two very different worlds work. Fingers crossed this one finishes well!

Obsessing

Componibili Storage (Kartell)

I’ve been combing through the July 4th furniture sales of late, waiting to see if any of my house “want to buys” go on sale. (Dear Room and Board, please have a sale). This componibili storage unit from Kartell has been on my list for awhile, I’m picturing it near the door as a catchall for all those “grab before I leave the house” accessories. It is also the lowest price I’ve seen in awhile, I just might have to grab one while the timing is right.

image courtesy of Kartell

Recommending

Tangerine Boy (Phlur)

This time of summer, when the temperatures stay consistently above 80, is the only time of year where I’ll reach for a fruity fragrance. There’s something about the humidity and the heat that scream citrus, and makes me want to put all my other perfumes on the back of my shelf. I’ve been loving Tangerine Boy by Phlur this summer, the citrus isn’t too sweet which makes it a great unisex scent. and the amber and jasmine notes keep the fragrance from being a little too twee. My only wish is that it had a little more staying power, but an extra spritz or two in the afternoon is a perfect little pick me up.

image courtesy of Phlur

Treating

1906r (New Balance)

I did it. I bought the shoes. And they’re glorious.

image courtesy of Finish Line

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: June 10-16, 2024

I celebrated a birthday this past week.

I wish I could say it was a chance for reflection on another year around the sun, but that really hasn’t happened, yet. After coming off a case of heavy burnout, I’ve been trying to be more present than anything lately, and that’s exactly what I did on my day this past week.

The frozen margaritas on a patio helped too. =)

Cheers to birthdays (and frozen delicacies). Here is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Slump

I’ve been in the biggest reading slump as of late. I borrowed the latest Emily Henry from my library, couldn’t get past the first few chapters, and ultiately let my hold lapse. Aide from a couple home magazines via Libby, I just haven’t found the brain time to get lost in a book. Keeping up with my substacks have lacked too, maybe all my time outside in the last few weeks as contributed to my reading slump. I’m not too worried, I’m sure it’ll pick up here soon.

Eating

All my Canadian faves

People always ask me what I do when I go home to Canada, and the number one answer I always say is “eat”. That’s exactly what I did this past week and a bit, indulged in my favourite foods from up north. From ice cream to fast food, Montreal bagels to nostalgic restaurants, I came home satiated from eating my faves.

Mackie’s famous Orangeade

Playing

Columbus Arts Festival

Arts Fest is hands down my favourite summer festival in Columbus. Wandering along the river downtown exploring all types of different artistic expressions is so much fun, I’ve picked up quite a few pieces over the years that decorate my home. I especially love making time to stop by the Emerging Artists booths, the talent alone from these artists is incredible, and often times you can snag a fabulous piece of art for a relatively affordable price.

view of Downtown Columbus from Arts Fest

Obsessing

Marni Market Bags (Marni)

I don’t have much colour in my wardrobe anymore, investing in neutral accessories over the years has helped ease the need to purge my closet every few years. But the one soft spot I have for colour in fashion is summer bags, the bright pop they can bring to a summer outfit is ridiculously fun. Marni is a brand that has done colour so well over the years (their iconic wool scarves ring a bell?) and when I saw their Marni Market bags I had to hold myself back from purchasing more than one. The patterns and colours of these would make any summer outfit, and I love that the bags support Colombian artisans as well. Now which one to choose…

image via Marni

Recommending

Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer (Gucci)

I hate when luxury brands do makeup really well. I know we should expect it, given the price, but it’s super annoying when the product is so good you can’t justifying using any other brand. That’s how I feel about Gucci’s bronzer. For a pale girly like me, it’s hard to find a bronzer that isn’t too dark and isn’t too orange, they just don’t wear well on my fair, freckly skin. This one not only doesn’t streak, it also somehow magically blurs as well, and stays put all day. For $65 it should be magical, and sadly (?) it kinda is.

image via Sephora

Treating

Vacation!

Goodness, it was glorious to get away from everything for a few days. Getting out of town did wonders for my psyche, it cleared my head and took the suffocating pressure I was feeling and removed it completely. Even better, I ditched my phone as often as I could while I was away, staying off social media for the majority of my trip. Everytime I get away I tell myself I need to do it more, and this is me, again, telling myself to get out of town more often.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: May 28-June 2, 2024

I had my first estate sale heartbreak last weekend.

I’m still a relative newbie to the estate sale/antiques game. To me, it’s still kind of like HGTV in real life, part shopping for furnishings, part nosing around other people’s homes.

I still haven’t figured out the balance of when to pounce at a sale. Do you go the first day to scope it out? Get there first on the second or third days hoping to score a better deal?

the estate sale house that broke my heart

My heart was broken last weekend with a piece of art. I knew at the sale’s full price it was out of my budget, but thought I’d take the chance it might still be there, marked 50% off, on the third day as some sort of kismet situation. Alas, it wasn’t, and I was bummed, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

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

Reading

Detroit sees population growth for the first time in decades (The Week)

Finally, the world is discovering what we’ve known for awhile, Detroit is alive and well. After years of ruin porn from outsiders dominating it’s reputation, the articles this month about Detroit’s population gain were full of words like “comeback”, “hidden gem”, essentially everything the locals already knew. I loved the year I lived in Detroit, and still stop in frequently on my way up north. If you haven’t been - go - you won’t regret it.

Eating

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Who knows if it’s the new potting soil, the Miracle Grow starter, or the hot, rainy spring we’ve been having, the leaves on my basil plant are enormous. The plant is growing so well, we’ve been forced to pick it early this year, to keep it from flowering. Not that I’m complaining, it’s just means I’ve had an early start making my favourite salad that requires fresh basil, Barefoot Contessa’s Tomato Feta Salad. Freshly salted room temperature cherry tomatoes covered in ribbons of basil, mixed in with a healthy portion of cheese. For me, I sub mini pearl fresh mozzarella, it gives the salad a more caprese taste than the salty feta does. I can’t wait to eat this all summer long.

Playing

Lovely Runner (Viki)

I thought it would take me awhile to get obsessed with another kdrama after Queen of Tears. But I just knew once I started seeing clips of Lovely Runner on my fyp, that I’d eventually get sucked in. And I officially have. I’ve been a ridiculous amount of episodes in a very short time this past week and can’t wait to sit down and finish the rest. Lovely Runner is heartwarming, adorable, and everything you love about kdrama romances.

Obsessing

Lip Snuggle High Pigment Oil Balm (Half Magic)

I love a hydrating tinted lip product. From lip oils to lip jellies, glosses to balms, any time a moisturizing lip product contains a wash a colour, I want to try it. That’s not to say I outright avoid lip sticks, I totally think matte lipsticks are coming back in, but the ease of applying a lip balm is more my style. That’s why I’m so intrigued with Half Magic’s new Lip Snuggles. They’re the texture of a balm with a pigment of a lipstick, and I can’t wait to get to Ultra to try them out.

Recommending

Digital Countertop Oven (Kitchen Aid)

Now that the air conditioning has kicked in, the last thing I want to do is turn on the “big oven” to bake anything. I really can’t justify heating and cooling the house at the same time. That’s where my toaster/countertop oven comes in. I picked up this KitchenAid oven on Black Friday last year and it’s easily become one of my favourite kitchen appliances. Sure, it browns a mean piece of toast, but it’s size is large enough to roast a bag of mini potatoes for potato salad, bake two fillets of fish for weeknight dinner, and even french bread pizza for a Friday night. Plus, it looks pretty great sitting on the counter too. This thing is a workhorse and I highly recommend.

Treating

Tablet Floor Stand (Amazon)

This is the most extra thing I’ve ever purchased. It also might be the biggest game changer. The amount of times my iPad has crashed into the floor during the night is too high to share, and this tablet stand from Amazon might have fixed that. It’s also the biggest enabler of lazy there ever was. My tablet can be placed at the perfect angle to watch all my kdramas in bed, making for the comfiest weekend mornings ever. You don’t think you need one of these, until you get one.