Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: February 12-18, 2024

I don’t think modern St. Patrick’s Day decor is a thing.

Or maybe even tasteful St. Patrick’s Day decor? After all, I did find a discoball cup with a shamrock hat on it at Target the other day.

Outside of Halloween and Christmas, is there a way to decorate for holidays without a hint of tacky? Maybe that’s their charm, tbh. After all, it’s more fun to celebrate all the holidays than celebrate the aesthetic ones.

With that, here’s Valentine’s Weeks 2024 Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Would You Spend $860 on These Stretchy Pants? (The Cut)

You know that munching on popcorn meme? That was me this week reading all of the backlash to the High Sport pant think pieces dominating fashion coverage the past two weeks. $860 for a pair of pants? I’m having a hard time spending that on furniture! I love that The Cut highlighted the “newsletter girlies” influence on the notoriety of the pants and that they also called them out for all being size 4’s. Speaking of newletter girlies - I’ve also loved “The Scoop on the High Sport Dupe” from Totally Recommend - even thought we’re nowhere near the same height, I love the detail that she goes into describing all of the different dupes for the $860 pair of pants.

Eating

Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies (Bon Appetit)

Image via Bon Appetit

I think I’ve found my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Ever. Ever ever. This is the third time I’ve used Marcus Samuelsson’s and Tiana Gee’s Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, and the third time I’ve been blown away by the taste. The keys to these cookies are the bittersweet chocolate, which tones down the sweetness of the sugar, and the white miso paste, which adds this incredible umami flavour to each cookie. They’re ridiculously easy to make too. The recipe yields about 3 dozen cookies.

Playing

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (Viki)

I’ve found my winter comfort kdrama. Surprisingly this time it’s actually a cdrama, but the vibes are still the same. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is adorable, is sweet, the characters are full of green flags, and the lead actors have chemistry with a capital C. Even some cringey product placement can’t ruin all the feels of this watch.

Obsessing

Bucket Tote in Bourbon (Kaan)

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I wrote about these bags a couple weeks ago and I’m more obsessed with them now than I was then. It’s all because of their new colour drop, bourbon. It’s the perfect deep brown that goes with everything and a nice break from all the black that I wear. Sadly, it’s already sold out so finger’s crossed it restocks.

Recommending

Threshold™Woven Indoor Outdoor Area Rug Black/Beige (Target)

Sometimes a product is great, but it’s just not great for you. This outdoor rug from Target is one of those products. It’s a beautiful pattern, modern and well made, and the colours are perfect a great mix of beige and black. And for only $144 for an 8x10 it’s a STEAL. Please someone buy this rug, I’m so sad to have returned it. (Turns out my gray stone floor leans brown with this rug on it).

Treating

Hybrid Cocktail Shaker (Elevated Craft)

A snowy Friday night was the perfect night to break out my new cocktail shaker for a much deserved martini. I’ve been stalking this cocktail shaker on Amazon ever since the Cheese Gal recommended it on her TikTok. After a Thanksgiving mishap where my previous shaker froze shut, I was sold on this one’s vacuum seal, and that was before I found out that the lid had liquid measurements in it! Chef’s kiss. I was pleasantly surprised to see Nordstrom carries this shaker, and has it marked down as part of it’s President’s Day sale. You’re welcome.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: February 5-11, 2024

Was it me or were the Grammy’s actually good this year?

I swear, I had this conversation multiple times this past week. Queen Celine (!) made an appearance, Billie and Dua were fabulous in their respective ways, the In Memorium segment was gorgeous, and the Tracy Chapman/Luke Combs duet was everything. And, of course, Trevor Noah was perfect again as host. The only thing I missed from the show was last year’s hip hop tribute.

I’m still singing Fast Car, but for you, here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Tortured Poets’ or Poets? Taylor Swift Meets the Apostrophe Police. (New York Times)

Novels took a back seat to news and Substacks for me this week, and really that’s okay. My favourite piece I read was from the New York Times, a delightfully nerdy article debating an apostrophe’s placement in Taylor Swift’s newly announced album The Tortured Poets Department.

Eating

Natalie’s Wood Fired Pizza (Natalie’s Grandview)

Staying on the Swiftie train, Friday night I caught Saylor Twift (yes, you read that correctly) a Taylor Swift cover band at Natalie’s Grandview. The band was exactly what you’d expect them to be, young, adorable, occasionally out of tune (or forgetting words) but with an enthusiastic crowd, they were super fun. Even more fun was the pizza at Natalie’s, cooked in their wood-fired pizza oven, its was flavourful with pillowy crust and so, so yummy.

Funky Funghi pizza from Natalie’s Grandview

Playing

Bliss’ Kitchen Playlist (Spotify)

My time at home this week was limited, in-person work commitments, a haircut, a car recall and more had me out an about. When I was at home, it was all about cozy comfort for me, and a perfect soundtrack to match. All of Bliss Lundgren’s playlists are fabulous, and this Bliss’ Kitchen playlist was perfect for winding down this week.

Obsessing

Oversized Pearl Stud Earrings (J. Crew)

Pearls are my birthstone and anytime I can find a special piece of jewelry that includes them I try and add it to my collection. These oversized pearl studs might be next. Over an inch in diameter, these make a statement to any neutral outfit, and they’re lightweight too! Here’s hoping they don’t look super weird on my small earlobes.

Image courtesy of J. Crew

Recommending

Nanothermic 2 3/4" Brush (Olivia Garden)

Sitting in my hairdresser’s chair reminded me how much I love this hairbrush. After my previous cut, I marched down the sidewalk to Ulta to pick this up after she used it to straighten my hair, and I’ve been using it ever since. My hair is thick and this brush grabs and holds it without any issues, allowing me to hold it straight to blow dry. The thermal core is its best feature, the heat this thing holds is amazing, giving my hair bodacious volume every blow dry. I 1000% recommend.

Treating

GeoSupplyCo Valentine’s Earrings (Etsy)

Hearts are totally in fashion right now, and I can’t resist heart-shaped jewelry especially this month. I’ve been following this local maker, GeoSupplyCo, for years, and when I saw her Valentine’s Drop on Instagram, I knew I’d be adding to cart immediately. When you’re a red/pink girly or more neutral (oh, hey) her heart designs are whimsical and modern at the same time. And who doesn’t love supporting local?

Image courtesy GeoSupplyCo

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: January 29-February 4, 2024

It finally happened.

After more than a week of gloom, the sun finally made an appearance in our half of the country. It was all anyone could talk about - seriously - even the Department of Transportation got in on the joke.

The arrival of sunshine corresponding with the start of a new month was pretty poetic. And bright sun and cold temps is my absolute favourite type of weather. I’ll be soaking up the vitamin D for as long as it’s here.

Here’s my Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T for the last week of January.

Reading

The Idea of You (Robinne Lee)

After all the dragons, the magic and the angst of Iron Flame, I needed a reading palate cleanser. I’ve had The Idea of You in my Kindle app for awhile, and upon hearing that this book is going to be a movie, it was time to finally crack it open. Boy, was it a palate cleanser. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but I wasn’t as shook about the ending as the rest of the internet seems to be?

Eating

Chimichurri Salmon (Blue Apron)

Blue Apron and I have a love/hate relationship right now.

I love that it constantly exposes me to new flavours and new flavour combinations, even as a longtime (pre-COVID) subscriber. But what I hate is the constant price increases and the ever-more-frequent boxes arriving with missing items. This past week was one those love/hate weeks, my box came missing a significant ingredient, but the recipe above was absolutely delicious. Their seafood grain bowls are some of my faves and this one with chimichurri is a new fave.

Playing

French Cafe Lounge (PMB Music)

WFH vibes. When I’m hitting my mid-morning high, fully caffienated and ready to tackly the big task, I love to put on something loungy that I can groove around the house to. This French Cafe Lounge playlist surprised me on first listen, it’s full of covers that I’ve never heard of - yet top to bottom they’re the perfect soundtrack to a day full of good vibes.

Obsessing

B34 ceramic candlestick holders (Completedworks)

Image via Matches

The limit does not exist for the amount of times this pair of candlestick holders has been in my shopping cart. If it wasn’t for the $20 shipping charge they’d probably be in my house by now.

I love the unique shape of them and how perfectly un-perfect they are. The glossy black colour is everything.

Recommending

Mia Oversized Bag (Kindersalmon)

Image via W Concept

Earlier in the week I shared what’s been in my bag this January, but that’s not the only bag I’ve been toting this month. For my in-office days, this Oversized Black bag by Kindersalmon has been perfect. It’s big enough to carry my laptop, planner, notebook, pencil case, and computer accessories, and it’s light enough to carry all those things I just mentioned and keep its shape. It also gets bonus points for its full zipper and a strap that is big enough to fit over your biggest winter coat.

Treating

Come From Away (Broadway in Columbus)

This time I had the tissues ready.

Come From Away is easily in my top five most favourite musicals I’ve seen, probably even in the top three. It’s an hour and forty minutes of humour, fun, kindness, compassion and so much more. Sprinkled throughout the show are touches of Canadiana that only a Canadian would understand. It’s that taste of home for this Canadian that makes this show one of my favoes.

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

“Doesn’t January seem like it has 738 days?”

I’m might have joked about this in a presentation this week - thankfully it was well received.

Officially the fourth week of January, this week was when the holiday cobwebs finally seemed to recede. In good ways and bad.

Here is the R.E.P.O.R.T. from the fourth week of January.

Reading

Iron Flame (Rebecca Yarros)

I had no idea the sequel to Fourth Wing was 800+ pages. I’m so glad I gave myself more than a week to read it from Libby because it was A LOT. Violet’s relationship with her siblings and squad were a highlight for me, and it’s hard not to crush on the broken and brooding Xaden. Like the first book, the last two chapters left me reeling, it might be time to head to #Booktok to fully process them.

my read shelf:

Eating

Kale, Cannellini Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup (Food Network)

Image via Food Network

Nothing is better during #CozySzn than soup. Last weekend I drug out the dutch oven and made a big batch of this soup for lunches throughout this week. It’s super easy to make, and I love that it’s healthy and filling at the same time. I subbed a box of baby kale here, and added three stalks of celery that were hanging out in my fridge. Don’t skip the parmesan rinds - they really add to the soup’s depth, especially with leftovers.

Playing

The Coffee House (SiriusXM)

I was rushing to finish Iron Flame this week before my library loan expired, so didn’t really spend any extra time catching a show, listening to albums, or really anything else. My only time this week where I did accidentally discover something new was in the car, stuck in traffic and trying to reprogram my Sirius XM channels. The Coffee House is a new station to me and it’s acoustic vibes were perfect for the rainy, gloomy weather we had all week.

Obsessing

New Balance 1906r, Nike V2k Run, Asics Gel Kayano 14

The willpower has been working overtime. I’ve almost purchased three pairs of sneakers this week, three pairs that don’t actually need, but need. Metallic trimmed dad sneakers have had me in a chokehold these past few weeks, the silhouette is more substantial from my slim, low-profie Adidas sambas. The metallic trim is the game-changer here, these shoes are otherwise boring in the other colourways.

Recommending

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color - 423 Just in Wine

Between the cold, the wind, and all the hand washing, winter wrecks havoc on my hands and nails. To combat all the elements, I’ve been getting back into painting my nails regularly, digging into my stash of colours I’ve collected over the years. Wine coloured nails have been trending all over TikTok, and this Sally Hansen polish was the perfect drugstore polish to try the trend. Two coats held their staying power all week, for such an affordable price it held up beautifully.

Treating

U.S. Figure Skating Championships

We ventured down to Nationwide Arena for a different kind of skating this week, the US Figure Skating Championships. It was fabulous to see all the drama of skating that we normally see on tv in person, and it was even cooler to appreciate the sheer athleticism the skaters have up close. It was definitely a “OMG I’ve only seen this on tv” moment - if you get a chance to see these in your area, I highly recommend.

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

Brrr….winter finally arrived this week.

It’s been awhile since we’ve had ODR season in Ohio. This was a week where I broke out all the winter gear, and then some, as we never made it above freezing, once.

I kind of love the freezing temps though. The sun is shining and reflecting off the snow-covered ground, everything just looks gorgeous. And here’s hoping the the temps killed all.the.bugs come this summer.

Without further ado, here’s Weekly Report #3.

Reading

As Jason Kelce retires, teammates tell stories from his and Travis’ college days at Cincinnati (The Athletic)

Like every Swiftie, the New Heights podcast has become regular listening for me. I love how each week, regardless of what they’re talking about, Jason and Travis’ brotherly bond is front and center. This story from The Athletic is a third-person extension of that, sharing the brother’s shenanigans (and then some) during their college days.

Eating

Tuna Pasta Salad

Salad inspiration from Whole Foods

My lunch prepping continued this week, trekking to the office in sub-zero temps. This week’s lunch was inspired by a salad I saw at the Whole Food’s hot bar, turkey cranberry walnut salad. I subbed tuna for turkey, added some pasta, and used some leftover holiday pecans instead of walnuts. Here’s everything I used:

• 1 can tuna in olive oil

• 1 box Banza chick pea pasta

• 3 stalks celery, chopped

• Handful of dried cranberries

• Handful of chopped pecans

• Dressing: olive oil, italian seasoning, cracked pepper

Serve over arugula dressed in olive oil (I like Graza “Drizzle”).

Playing

Jazz Piano Essentials Playlist (Apple Music)

There’s something about jazz music that makes any room’s vibes immediately cozy. I’ve been trading my holiday big band for something a little more subdued, jazz piano. This playlist from Apple Music has been delightful this January, its a perfect cozy antidote to the freezing temps outside.

Obsessing

Bucket Bag (Kaan)

@kaan_bags ♬ Lofi Vibes - Gentle State

In winter, I’m always on the hunt for a shoulder bag that is sleek and can help me schlep all the extras that winter requires. I think this Kaan bucket bag might be it. I spotted it first on TikTok (of course) and have yet to pull the trigger because I can’t decide what colour to get. Part of me loves the mocha, but the mocha-black (currently sold out) is chefs kiss.

Recommending

Citrus Chamomile Tea (Mighty Leaf)

I’ve had a lot of screen time this week - a full week of work, reading Iron Flame on my kindle app, and catching the last two eps of My Demon. During week’s like these, I love a cup of chamomile tea at night to help unwind after all the blue light exposure. This citrus blend is especially lovely, its super fragrant and the perfect night cap.

Treating

Kung Fu Panda 4 Lip + Cheek Set (Tower 28)

Image via Sephora

I love browsing through beauty brands’ offerings for Lunar New Year. The brands that do it well always have an exclusive shade on offer that, in my experience, is gorgeous. Case in point: Tower 28’s Beach Please Cream Blush in Dumpling Hour. Tower 28’s formula is one of my favourites, this shade is the perfect “cold girl” blush for the winter months (it’s also gorgeous as a lip stain too). Their jelly gloss is another one of my faves, this clear version with gold shimmer is so flattering and so, so fun. I picked mine up at Sephora a few weeks ago, sadly, their sold out. =(.

Cover Photo by Arūnas Naujokas on Unsplash