Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: March 18-24, 2024

It’s Spring Break season in these neck of the woods.

Not for me personally (I much prefer to travel in Fall), but specifically my neighbourhood and for folks at the office.

I love how calm it already is and can’t wait for a week of hitting my favourite local spots while all the neighbours are out to play.

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

Reading

Style Section (New York Times)

Honestly, this week was kind of a blur in the reading department. Between taxes, work and social media spirals, I really didn’t have the brain power to dive into anything deep. Even my Sunday Substacks were full of a bunch of skims. Thankfully, the New York Times Styles Section continues to publish some of my fave weekly reads. This week I enjoyed:

• The Trumpification of Kristi Noem

• With TikTok under Fire, Brands That Rely on It Worry

• Hair That Puts Your Best Face Forward

• It Started With a Pink Kitchen. Then the Colors Got Even Bolder.

Eating

Pistachio Lemon Loaf (HowSweetEats)

The hunt for this recipe started out of panic that one of my sisters doesn’t really like chocolate desserts. Tasked with providing a dessert for a family gathering, I started scouring the internet for desserts for non-chocolate tastes. Thank good ness for citrus, especially this time of year when we’re craving freshness to shake off the cold. This Pistachio Lemon Loaf came together relatively easy, with mostly pantry staples. The greek yogurt kept this from being overly sweet and provided a nice density loaf cakes sometimes lack. Pro tip: buy the shelled pistachios. Don’t make the same mistake I did. (wink)

Playing

Wedding Impossible (Viki)

Episode 8. It’s always episode eight. It’s the episode where the biggest moments finally happen with the two leads in a kdrama, that sets action rolling for the last 6-8 episodes. Episode eight of my latest kdrama obsession, Wedding Impossible, lived up to the episode eight hype. I won’t give it away because this drama is too cute, and I think a lot of it has to do with the rising start status of the dramas two leads, Jeon Jung-Seo and Moon Sang-Min. They are adorable together making this drama such a fun watch.

Obesssing

2.1.1 OH NO (Kalle Lindeman and Wille Larsson)

Another week, another artwork obsession in this space. But boy am I a sucker for a Danish typography design. I love the offset type on this OH NO print by Kalle Lindeman and Wille Larsson. In black and white its even more stark, even if the blue and green colours are just as fun. I love the idea of placing this above a dresser/vanity in a bedroom, offsetting all the colours of a beauty routine with the starkness of the type.

Recommending

Pebble Keys 2 Slim TKL Wireless Scissor Keyboard (Logitech)

Total first world problems. A few weeks back my Apple Wireless Keyboard stopped pairing with my Windows work laptop. Did it still pair with my Macbook? Of course. But for the life of me, I couldn’t get it to pair when I needed it most, when I work from home. Fed up with trying, I splurged for Logitech’s Pebble Keys 2 Slim TKL wireless keyboard (also a Wirecutter recommendation), and honestly, I’ve never looked back. It paired in a cinch, it’s fits in my desk drawer, and most importantly, it’s easy to use for all of my marathon sharepoint sessions. Is two keyboards excessive? Sure is. But these are get the job done, and that’s all that matters.

Treating

Arizona Sandal in White & Silver (Birkenstock)

Who knows what’s happening with the future of MATCHES. I’ve always loved them as a retailer, especially when it comes to jewelry and homeware, their buyer’s tastes are exquisite. This past week they were running a 20% off sale on a lot a great brands, so I decided to take my chances and place an order. I purposely chose items with the least likeliness of returning, in my case Birkenstocks, and am happy to report that everything about my purchase was smooth sailing. I’m now the happy owner of a white pair and a silver pair of Arizona sandals, for just a little bit more than the price of one pair stateside at Nordstrom.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: March 11-17, 2024

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

I’m Just Ken (The Oscars)

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

Roberta Boffo Art

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.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: March 3-10, 2024

Can we all agree that in grand scheme of holiday candy, Easter candy remains supreme?

Mini eggs, creme eggs, Jelly Belly’s, there’s no greater trio of candy delights. Perusing through the grocery stores this weekend, almost of them were already sold out, three weeks ahead of Easter, further cementing their status as the very best.

How I wish we had the huge Cadbury eggs, the ones that are bigger than you had, that I grew up with at home in Canada. Stuffed with candy inside, the delight of smashing that huge egg open was one of many childhood memories.

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

Reading

Hi Everyone with Hillary Kerr (Substack)

Hillary Kerr’s substack, Hi Everyone with Hillary Kerr, is consistently one of my favourite reads of the week. Written in her signature conversational style, it’s like chatting fashion and beauty with one of your besties every Sunday. This week’s edition, You Can Only Have One, was so much fun posing the question “if you could only have one fashion or beauty item, what would you choose?. We all wish we could live a minimalist lifestyle, but that' wouldn’t be any fun, would it?

Eating

Vim & Petal Gin (Middle West Spirits)

Martini Friday might have to be a thing now. I’ve got the shaker, the stemless glasses, and my favourite local gin. Middle West Spirits’ Vim & Petal is herby and smooth and makes a stellar martini when super cold. The bottle is beautiful too, perfect for displaying on your home bar.

Playing

eternal sunshine (Ariana Grande)

It’s pop diva spring and I am here. for. it. All the superstars are dropping new music in the next month, starting with Glendola herself, Ariana Grande. Her new album, eternal sunshine, is fantastic (the critics are loving it too). It’s pop, it’s R&B, and still has Ariana’s signature runs. Standout tracks for me? The second single, we can’t be friends is easily my favourite on the abulm, as is the dancy first track, bye.

Obsessing

Theda (Birkenstock)

Calling it early - I think I might have found my summer sandal. Yes, snow fell on the ground this week, so it’s a wee bit early to declare this, but hear me out. First, it’s a Birkenstock. Wait, not those kinds of birks. This one is entirely leather, except for the patented birk sole. Second, there’s a platform, with a bit of heel, meaning this sandal has high potential to be dressed up or down. Lastly, it’s black. If there ever was a minimalist, quasi-dressy birk it’s the Theda, and I think I need to own it.

Birkenstock Theda Leather Sandal

Recommending

come hell or high water tubing mascara (caliray)

Holy grail. Life changer, Super fine. Words I never thought I’d use to describe a mascara, but here we are. Caliray’s come hell or high water tubing mascara is so good I almost want to gatekeep it. If you have hooded eyes AND oily lids like I do, buy this stuff. It doesn’t flake, it holds a curl, and it gives so much volume your lashes look miles long. Did I mention it’s a clean formula too? RUN.

Treating

Molten Ring (Missoma)

I’m always looking to add to my ring stack, and when Shopbop has a sale code, the first section I run to is jewelry. I picked up this silver Missoma Molten Ring last week in the sale, I love that it’s simple and of-the-moment silver, but with a little bit of character. The wave is the visual interest that I love that keeps this from being another boring, dainty silver ring.

Image courtesy of Shopbop

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: February 26 - March 3, 2024

I forgot how much of a luxury it is to have a weekday afternoon free. To go about as you please, with no one and nothing to really get in your way.

This week I was lucky enough to have a weekday afternoon free and it was glorious. I spent the day perusing vintage shops in Italian Village and Clintonville, taking my time to uncover every little nook and cranny that they had filled. Even more of a treat was the relative easy of parking, street spots were aplenty in the early afternoon.

It was a great reminder to take the afternoon off. To take yourself on a solo date. And to take the time to really enjoy your surroundings.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T for the last week of February.

Reading

First Flight, Final Fall (C.W. Farnsworth)

Alison's bookshelf: read

First Flight, Final Fall

by C.W. Farnsworth

Having an afternoon off early in the week was glorious, but it did make the rest of my work week a bit of doozy. By the time Saturday morning rolled around, I wanted something breezy to escape to First, Flight Final Fall by C.W. Farnsworth did just that. I love a good sports romance and this one featured two soccer players at the top of their game. I loved the peek into the life of an uber-famous footballer, but was equally charmed by the female lead, a confident U.S. soccer phenom driven to show the world she belongs at the top.

Eating

Rosso Pesto (Aldi)

No fancy milkshakes for me this week. Other than a breakfast at Timmy’s on Tuesday, I cooked from my own pantry for most of this week. I’ve been on a pasta kick of late, having discovered Aldi’s Rosso Pesto. It’s the perfect no-sauce sauce, not heavy and goopy like a traditional marinara, but light and flavourful on whole wheat pasta. I make my own “primavera” to add to it, pan frying a mixture of mini peppers, garlic, portobello mushrooms and halved cheery tomatoes to round out the whole wheat penne. It’s healthy and filling - I’ve been packing this for lunch for the past week.

Playing

Une Fille, Un Style - Pernille Tesibaek (Vogue France)

Talk about decor goals. The interior of Pernille Teibaek’s Copenhagen home is a modern, minimalist’s dream. From the marble to the vintage furnishings, it pays homage to Danish design, while remaining incredibly stylish, exactly what you’d expect from one of Scandinavia’s top influencers. It’s hard to believe her four children live there too!

Obsessing

Ganni x Ace & Tate Sunglasses

I’m on a fast of all-things fashion at the moment, but this new sunglasses collab from one of favourite brands, Ganni, might just break it. The Scandi cool-girl brand partnered for a second time with Dutch brand Ace & Tate to produce another line of colourful sunglasses, perfect for the Ganni Girl. I can’t help but gravitate toward the Twiggy in Tobacco Brown, but the cat-eyed Sadie might be the coolest shape of this bunch. Even cooler? Each of these shades is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp combined with bio-plasticiser instead of fossil fuels.

Recommending

Acrylic Desk Calendar (Appointed)

It’s become a ritual at this point. This flip of the cardstock at the start of a new month. A fresh start.

My Appointed Desk Calendar might be small, it’s only 5” square, but it’s minimal design makes it easy to fit into any decor style around your home.

Treating

Rules (ThirdFloorPrints)

I love the idea of a cheeky print or two on a wall of bookshelves. Something that’s not too big, nestled behind a vase or an object, that when found, gives the peruser something to smile about. This print is one of those prints. I also love the idea of putting this at the front door, almost as a pledge for visitors to read before entering my home. It’s positive, it’s fun, and it’s a great reminder to let loose a little and not take things so seriously.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: February 19-25, 2024

This was the second Saturday morning that we’ve awoken with multiple inches of snow on the ground. It’s been glorious.

Glorious because it’s gorgeous, but also because a clear, sunny, snow-covered ground day is my fave. I doubled my milage on my daily walk absorbing all the vitamin D, and it was just so refreshing.

I love it when nature tells us to pause for a moment and look around. Sometimes we can all use the reminder.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. for the third week of February.

Reading

A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men (New York Times)

I wish I had an article or book to share this week that was something cozy to match all the winter vibes. Sadly, I don’t, because the piece that stuck with me the most this week was this story about childhood influencing in the New York Times. It’s disturbing on so many levels (why do parents do this? what do men get away with this?) but it really got me thinking about my professional relationship with Instagram and how I use it for my job, and I’m honestly not sure how comfortable I feel about it. This is the Times’ investigative reporting at its best and well worth the read.

Eating

Shamrock Shake (McDonald’s)A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men

of course I had to document it =)

Some say it tastes like soap. Some love the nostalgia of it. On this corner of the internet, we are fully Team Shamrock Shake. I picked one up one of these delectible minty treats this week as a treat for surviving the car dealer, and it tasted just how I wanted to be.

Playing

Classical Motivation Playlist (Apple Music)

If I’m being honest, I spent most of my free time this week finishing off last week’s cdrama rec, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (it’s coming to Netflix this week!). But when I did need to dial in and focus this week, this Classical Motivation playlist was bomb. It’s momentum is perfect for cranking out a to do list, and it kept my brain firing on all cylinders when I needed it to. Highly recommend.

Obsessing

Canada Connect 4 (Etsy)

Canada Connect 4 from CuttsStudio on Etsy

Etsy has a black hole, I swear. The amount of time I’ve spent going to rabbit holes on the site is embarassing, and quite frankly, way too long. Yes, I do have some bookshelves I need to style. No, I do not need everything on Etsy’s website to do so. But wouldn’t this Canada Connect 4 look awesome on said bookshelf? Maybe next to a vase or in front of print, the options are endless. And with something this whimsical, how could this Canadian not add to cart?

Recommending

Hard Linen Journal (Shinola)

Shinola’s notebooks have become workday essentials for me. I was introduced to the brand when I worked in Detroit, and I’ve become a loyal fan of their products, their story, and their commitment to the Motor City. Its easy to be a fan when they make the best notebooks in the game. They’re not to small and not too large, fabric bound, and their paper is the perfect weight to absorb the gel ink ball point pens. It’s like the first day of school every time I unwrap a new one.

Treating

Boat and Tote Zip-Top, Medium (L.L. Bean)

Medium L.L.Bean Boat and Tote in Natural with Monogram

Blame it on the coupon. Or blame it on Tik Tok. Or frankly, blame it on a really well made product. This week I treated myself to a medium zip-top boat and tote from L.L. Bean and I couldn’t be happier. I purchased the large eons ago, but it’s comically huge for an every tote, so this time around I downsized to a medium with hopes of turning this into my work bag come spring. No surprise I kept to the all natural theme, even springing for the natural-coloured monogram too. Because you can never have too many neutrals.