Weekend Musings | January 25, 2025
In my heart and in my cart + other things
In My Heart -
Boy, what a week. It feels like it was particularly long, and yet - why? I know politics and the changing of the guard on Monday was stressful, but to me, it was the things I saw on social media that felt the most distressing. I often need to walk away from conflict that I can’t remedy, and this was one of those things. The nasty things we say to one another when we can hide behind a phone or keyboard. No side is without their zealots, it seems.
As for me, I spent the week sinking into seasonal sadness, like a too-soft couch that I couldn’t manage to raise myself from. It was beyond freezing in Michigan, the temperature barely reaching positive numerals, and I felt stir crazy, stuck inside the house. I ventured out for a couple of walks after work, with my nasal passages freezing with every inhale, and after only 20 minutes, the cold hurt more than it helped my mental state. I gave up and walked home. My kids had three snow days and I was hormonal. I am done complaining, I swear, but in synopsis, my head wasn’t right all week and I felt sad and discouraged for days on end. The winter is looking especially long from this view.
I don’t have a solution to offer, or a happy ending slated, but I am trying. This weekend I’m resting and indulging in the best bits of winter hibernation. I am on season 5 of a complete rewatch of The Crown, and have been able to largely watch it uninterrupted because my kids find it so so so boring. For once, they manage to avoid me completely and keep themselves busy. I thoughtfully picked up some fancy cheeses during my weekly grocery run and I’ve been enjoying slicing it with crackers, and pickles, and other whatnots in my cupboard. A baby sized charcuterie, if you will, and it’s sparking joy.
This morning, I’m writing a list of things I enjoy about being home and I’m going to do every single thing on that list this week. Bloom where I’m planted, I guess. It’s winter, so let’s do the best winter things. The short list, so far:
+Binge watch something, getting up only for more snacks.
+Spend as much time as you want in the kitchen, laboring over elaborate pasta dishes or anything else with plenty of carbs.
+Spend the afternoon in bed reading a good book.
+Scroll Pinterest. Save quotes, recipes, and outfits that I might never look at again, but feel good right now.
Here’s to making the best of the worst and maybe turning it all around. Attitude is just about everything, after all.
In My Cart -
An emergency Amazon order was placed this week in my fit to find anything to fix my sour mood.
+Light Therapy Lamp // I’m skeptical, but this is a cheapy and I’m willing to try anything.
+Lash Serum // A true impulse purchase, but could longer lashes fix me? Please. I beg.
+Cortisol Manager // See what I mean about literally willing to try anything? The internet likes these and I hope I will too. Will report back!
+Speaking of reporting back, I received this balaclava in the mail this week and I am loving it! A true bargain at $14, I’ve been wearing it everytime I leave the house and it really is so warm and cozy. I accidentally bought the white version - whoops! Wish I would have ordered the blue.
+Working on a little refresh in my home office, and I have this desk mat on my immediate list.
+Old Navy has really become a go-to for me lately and I did not see that coming. This crewneck was a best seller this week, and how good is the blue on this sweater!?
Other Things -
+About halfway through Stanley Tucci’s book, What I Ate in One Year, and I am just really enjoying it. It’s like tiny sips of a good cocktail. Not a whole meal, but really great appetizers. Most entries are short and sweet, and if you’re looking for a meatier memoir, I’d start with Taste. But for the Tucci initiated, this is a lovely follow-up that’s easy to pick up and put down.
+Yesterday, I did an at-home highlighting kit to much fanfare on instagram. Or more accurately, wide-eyed gasps of horror. You should have seen my DMs! People were concerned, but I was not. I’m not precious about my hair for a handful of reasons, but mostly because I perform the at-home kit 2-3 times a year and have it down to a science. I prefer this kit, and swear by a good wash with the Kristin Ess purple shampoo afterward. No harm, no foul!
+Really appreciated Kate’s vulnerable 2024 review over on Wit and Delight.
+Okay, you have my attention. On side quests.
+After listening to interviews with Jesse Eisenberg on Armchair Expert and Fresh Air, I finally watched A Real Pain (on Hulu!) last weekend. It’s excellent and Kieran Caulkin deserves that Oscar nomination. The premise is that two cousins who are like brothers, visit Poland after the passing of their grandmother to see where she lived. They understand each other fully, and not at all.