5 things I'm thinking about this week

Oh to be back in college again. 

I’ve been reading college scholarship applications for my alma mater’s alumni association this week. Some of them have been standouts and some have not, but they have me reminiscing about the opportunity that college was. 

Granted I don’t think I could survive college in this day and age. Facebook was still The Facebook when I was on campus and we could be silly with shenanigans without having to worry about it ending up on social media. Maybe I'm a bit naive, but the world also seemed a bit more civil back then. 

But enough with the past. Looking forward, here are 5 things I’ve been thinking about this week.

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22: my running shoe saga might finally be over. The Nike’s I purchased a few weeks back didn’t end up working out and when I went to return them in-store, I got a $20 off coupon to use for the next 3 hours. Naturally, it was burning a hole in my hand and I had to go check out the shoe selection. After 5-6 try-ons, including the HOKA’s, and a very patient and informative salesperson, I came home with a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22’s. They’re not the most stylish shoe out there my sister called the all-black version geriatric and my Mother thinks they look like golf shoes, but I’ve been taking them for a spin the last few weeks and my knee pain has decreased quite a bit.  

2. PKLR tote bag: Speaking of looking athletic, but being anything but, I came upon this tote bag on the Saks site earlier this week. It fits my requirements for a tote, black, sleek, and light, but i had no clue who/what PKLR stands for. Turns out it’s a pickleball line! AND, the tote is even more affordable on their website. But don’t fear, I’m not taking up pickleball anytime soon (the coordination gene missed me in the family tree), but this would be a fabulous spring/summer tote for the office. 

3. A favourite blogger is back: ! I still have an old “Dailies” folder in my chrome browser, a folder I used to check religiously before blogging mostly moved to Instagram. For a bit of nostalgia, (and to avoid doing my taxes) I took a venture through this folder to see what I used to read and was so pleasantly surprised to see one of my blogging OG’s is back! Check out Victoria McGinley’s latest blog here.

4. Kirkland Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: I’m willing to admit I have an addition. A candy addiction. Whenever I’m stressed or bored, I find myself reaching for chewy candy. Gummy stars, hi-chew, jujubes, they’re some my faves but my biggest vice? Jelly Belly’s. And they’re back at Costco in the giant 64oz container. Run, don’t walk. 

5. Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean: I love a good YA series. They’re escapist, optimistic and an easy read perfect for a cold winter weekend. After a year break, I finished the second novel in the Tokyo Every After series, thanks to my Libby app. This novel picks up where the last one left off, with Princess Izumi getting used to her new royal life and royal duties, and all the expectations that come with them. Her journey throughout the book is a satisfying one, as was the read. If you’re looking for a royal, but not european, escapist read, this series is perfect. 

5 things I'm thinking about this week

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Longer Days are here. And so is the return of cold and snow. Go figure. 

When temps dip below freezing like this, I turn to fashion and beauty wanderlust, browsing through page upon page of fashion inspiration for times a little more fabulous when temps are even a little bit warmer. 

It’s this wanderlust that has me thinking about these 5 things this week. 

1. Becky Malinsky’s Fashion Week recap: I haven’t made my way through the FW23 collections yet, but from what I have, I’m really excited for fashion this fall. Long, unfussy silhouettes, gorgeous draping, and a general sense that the gimmicks and Y2K trends of recent years are on their way out. No one sums up the FW23 collections better than Becky Malinsky in her newsletter this past Sunday. Like her, my vibe can lean “uptown girl” and her take on the trends of next fall are second to none. 

2. Khaite vibes without the price: Speaking of fashion week, there’s no hotter brand in fashion right now than Khaite. I’m always drawing outfit inspiration from their looks, but the price point of this cool-girl brand is quite a bit more than I’m willing to pay. That’s why I couldn’t click this Who What Wear article, What to Buy From Nordstrom If Your Vibe Is Khaite But Your Budget Is $100, fast enough, especially since it features one of my faves, Nordstrom. You can bet the Ganni belt featured here is already in my wishlist. 

3. David Shrigley Limited Edition Posters: Copenhagen is on my bucket list. From the art, to fashion, to food, to views - I’m dreaming of a trip to this Danish cultural center. One of the places I can’t wait to visit is this Shrig Shop, the shop from artist David Shrigley. The art is contemporary yet whimsical, quirky yet cute, and I love the simplicity of it. Sunday the shop dropped another set of limited edition posters and I finally was able to get my hands on one. Be Nice to the Sharks (above) will soon be mine, I’m thinking I might put it on the wall in my office.  

4. Soma Bra Sale: Why is underwear shopping so frustrating? I wasn’t really in the market for any new bras but was served an Instagram ad for Soma’s $29 bra sale and figured since there’s one near me I’d go check it out. I’m so glad I did. I ended up grabbing 2 of the enbliss racerback bralettes, it’s so comfortable (i’ve already worn it!) and it’s perfect for WFH days where I’m most likley wearing a sweatshirt or tee and don’t need full support. Highly recommend, especially if you can snag one on sale. 

5. Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes Sterling Silver Ear Cuff Stud Earrings: it’s only fitting that my final entry this week is the most wanderlust of this list. These earrings are everything. They’re a modern, contemporary ear cuff that manage to be cool and elegant at the same time. In sterling silver they are perfection.

What I’m buying from Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

This isn’t super well known, but I am a beauty junkie. Get me started on a chat about favourite moisturizers or lipsticks, and I’ll apologize in advance because I never shut up.

That’s why I love when Ulta has their 21 Days of Beauty events. It’s a chance for me to stock up on some of my beauty faves at 50% off, and a chance to try some new products at a low-risk price.

Below are some of the products I’m thinking about purchasing during this year’s event. If this is your first time shopping one of these, keep a look out for their surprise steals, but also checkin early on Sephora’s site - they often price match the same items during the event.

Monday, March 12

Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Creme

I really don’t need another moisturizer right now, but I might spring for this one. I’ve heard really good things about this antioxidant creme, especially considering how lightweight it is, and might stock up now so I can use it this summer. 

Tuesday, March 14

Nudestix Nudies Bloom

Nudies Bloom is a really pretty creme blush. Instead of applying this directly, I love to apply these with a slanted blush brush, putting the product on the brush first and pushing the product onto the high points of my cheekbones. Poppy girl is the perfect summer shade for this red head.

Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask

This is a gorgeous winter, nighttime moisturizer. If your skin is feeling parched or tight, buy this. Trust me. 

Thursday, March 16

Strivectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Corect Vitamin C Serum

This serum has been in my saved items for awhile, but with all the deals around the holidays for Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley, I stocked up on those vitamin C serums instead. The combo of vitamin C and retinol has me intrigued, will it keep my wrinkles at bay even better?

Friday, March 17

Clarins Double Serum

I am actively looking for a non-vitamin C serum for days I give my skin a break from actives, right now I’m using up a bunch of samples to see if anything stands out from the others. Given the reviews on this one, this might be 

Saturday, March 18

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

I don’t really need another concealer right now, but when Fenty goes on sale I pay attention. I might consult Tiktok for my final purchase decision here, since they love Fenty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation. This steal also might make me step in store for the first time in awhile given the shade range the Rihanna provides. 

Nuface Mini

I don’t invest in a lot of beauty tools, but I did invest a few years ago in this one and have never looked back. I’m convinced that this little device is keeping my jawline from falling quicker, and I’m a huge fan of how it carves out my cheekbones after each use. I rarely see this at 50% off so it’s a great time to spring for one. 

Sunday March 19

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Ulta offers Brow Wiz every 21 Days of Beauty Events and every time I always purchase one of these. I know there are other, better reviewed brow products out there, but I always come back to this one. The taupe colour is a better summer shade for me than a lot of other brands, so I’ll be stocking up now before the weather gets warmer.  

It Brushes for Ulta

If you’re searching for a new brush to apply cream bronzer, It foundation brushes are some of faves to do. I especially love the angled ones, they help keep product near the top of my forehead and help me carve out above my cheekbones with ease. 

Sunday, March 26

Tula Cult Classic Cleanser

I love buying fancy cleansers during the Ulta event. It’s such a treat to use these in the morning, and this one does a great job of cleansing my skin in the morning, without stripping it and making it feel parched. 

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Gloss

If you didn’t pick these up when they went viral last year, these plumping lip glosses are already half off during Ulta’s event. I love that the shade range is all nudes, and honestly haven’t had the application issue that some of the reviewers say they’ve had (full disclosure: I haven’t finished mine yet). 

Monday, March 27

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion

Shiseido sunscreen half off? I’m pumped. I’ve never tried this cult classic formula and might stay up late to add this to cart so I don’t miss out. 

Tuesday, March 28

Grande Cosmetics GrandeBrow

I’ve seen a lot of success with the GrandeLASH, I’ve even had to reduce my frequency of application because my lashes have gotten so long. Despite the resurgence of skinny brows, I still love the feathery look, and might pick this up to help fill out my own.

Friday, March 31

First Aid Beauty Jumbo Ingrown Hair Pads

*whispers* Summer is coming. Time to get prepared. IYKYK. 

Saturday, April 1

Lancome Lash Idole

I can’t believe this mascara is part of this sale! The waterproof version is one of two mascaras that I’ve found that keep my lashes curled and doesn’t smudge and fallout below my eyes. 

StriVectin Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller

I’m currently using this as part of my night routine and love how easy the roller makes it to apply. The twist cap also alleviates leeks and messes, and there’s not pot to put a scoop or finger in. The product itself is hydrating and helps to keep me seeing my tech neck.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

I just had to google “what’s the opposite of daylight saving time?”. Standard time is only the time that more than 60% of the world uses. #facepalm

As I was leaving Sunday dinner last night, it dawned on me that this was the last time for awhile that I’ll be leaving in the dark. Six-thirty sunsets will soon become seven-thirty, and I’m excited to feel like I have more time in the day starting soon.

In case you’re (not) curious, I did not end up buying the necklace I had my eye on last week with my Jenny Bird coupon. I did stick with the mixed metals theme and picked up the 70’s Wave Hoops, above. They’re chunky, yet modern, and I love that you can choose between featuring gold or silver by switching up what ear you put them in. I’ve even seen Jenny herself wear them backwards, all these options make me pretty happy with my purchase.

Speaking of new things, here are 5 of them that I’m thinking about this week.

1. Onitsuka Tiger Shoes: I didn’t end up getting the Hoka’s I mentioned last week. The $10 shipping was a huge turnoff, and I found a pair of Nike’s on winter clearance from Dick’s that I splurged on. But speaking of sneakers, Meg Stratchan mentioned these Onituska ones in her Harper’s Bazaar profile, and consider me influenced. Given how quickly Adidas Samba’s are aging, these seem like the perfect, light summer sneaker. Now to choose, black or white?

2. Lancome Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner: this has been on my vanity all winter, and I swear it’s one of the only things keeping my skin from drying out. A little goes a long way, this toner has a milky texture that instantly re-hydrates, without leaving skin icky, and I love that it’s alcohol-free. I pour a small drop in my hands and pat on my face, its the perfect start to my morning skincare routine.

3. Saarinen Dining Table: I am on an investment furniture buying freeze until I solidify a more permanent housing situation, but man if I had the space, I know exactly what I’d buy: a Saarinen Dining Table. I’ve been dreaming for years about one the smaller rounds in a sunny breakfast nook, or one of the oval shapes turning a formal dining room super modern. I blame DWR’s Semi-Annual Sale for reminding me of my wanderlust, they’re even offering free shipping! Someday….

4. West Elm Beatrix Table Lamp: while I can’t( won’t) splurge on furniture right now, I can continue to refine my entry way console and purchase decor and I think this lamp might make the shortlist. It’s footprint is super small, and I love how a super traditional linen shade looks modern with its smaller shape juxtaposed with the lamps slim profile. The height is perfect too, it’s tall enough to balance out a large piece of artwork on the other side of the console.

5. ela x Sasha Exeter Frame Clutch: ever since this collab dropped I’ve been eyeing this clutch. I love how oversized it is, it’s perfect. I don’t think I’d carry this with the shoulder strap, but love the option, instead I’m obsessed with the hinge and how much stuff this can hold. Even better? This is a Canadian brand and I love to buy Canadian whenever I can.

What I'm looking forward to this March

Looking back on February, it seemed a lot more eventful than I anticipated. At one point I found myself asking “is mercury in retrograde?” (it wasn’t), as February threw a bunch more curveballs my way than I expected. “Good” curveballs included some events at work and a surprisingly mild month (outdoor walks saved my anxiety), while some of the “bad” curveballs also included some work events and some unanticipated repairs needed to my home. I don’t know about you, but when my work life and home life are unstable at the same time, it throws me off my equilibrium. 

I’m looking ahead and putting this month behind me - and looking forward to all of these things for March.

1. The Killers Concert: I’m so freaking excited for this show this month. The Killers are one of my favourite bands and I can’t wait to dance and sing my face off at their concert later this month.

2. Daylight Savings: the daylight after I come home from work does wonders for my psyche, decompressing after I get home with a walk outside helps me reset my equilibrium. I’m so excited for this to be permanent in a week.

3. School Spring Breaks: everything slows down in our office during Spring Break season, and I’m excited to get some “heads down” time to tackle some of the big ideas I’m been brainstorming and plow through my to-do list. 

4. Ted Lasso Season 3: FINALLY my favourite tv show is back! I already have it on my calendar. 

5. Daffodils: my favourite flower starts blooming this month and Trader Joe’s has them for CHEAP. I love the pop of yellow they bring to my home, a true sign of spring.