Happy Saturday!
I’m typing this from the road as Michael and I head down to St. Petersburg, Florida, to attend a wedding. I’m not sure what else the weekend holds, but I’m looking forward to the chance to get away and spend time with friends!
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This is the perfect way to cap an extremely busy week at work. Graduation was yesterday, and as always, there was a flurry of activity (yet never enough time) as we scrambled to prepare for the ceremony. The students will be gone next week, and even when they return for the summer semester, things should be pretty laid back. It’s my favorite time of year to be in Gainesville.
Amidst lots of preparation, packing, and planning, here’s what I read this week:
Travel
One thing I noticed in Mexico City is that even during the hottest part of the day, the city still felt pleasantly cool. I attributed that feeling to the dense tree cover, and it looks like science agrees.
The makers of my hard-working suitcase have just released a weekender bag with nearly the same capacity as their carry-on bag, and it has some pretty cool features like a shoe pocket and laptop sleeve. Wheels are great for city travel, but they’re pretty impractical for heading off the grid. (P.S. You can save $20 off your first Away suitcase or bag purchase with my referral link – I’ll also receive $20 in credit).
Grechen (site closed) shared photos from her trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I’m dying to visit! I’ve spent very little time in the American Southwest (all of it in my childhood), and I’m ready for an extended getaway.
Last year on Wayward: I visited Pittsburgh, PA. To date, it’s one of my favorite urban places I’ve visited in the U.S.!
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Life & Home
Holly has written an eloquent essay on why cultural appropriation isn’t appropriate (site expired), specifically when it comes to spirituality. There’s a great roundup of indigenous makers and resources in her article, so there’s no reason not to support Indigenous people when making your purchases (rather than supporting white makers profiting off the labor of others).
Not all of Geneva’s DIY projects are my style, but this I can get on board with.
In case you’re on the fence about the U.S. healthcare system…
I had no idea that haunted dolls were so in demand (um, I’ll pass, thanks).
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Food
“NEVER NEVER EVER ASK FOR CHEESE ON A FISH DISH.”
I eat a primarily plant-based diet with fish added once a week at home (I do eat occasionally meat when we travel or go out to eat, however, I rarely cook it in my home), but lately I’ve been stumped for quick, vegetarian-friendly main dishes that aren’t pasta, curries, or tacos. These red beans and rice burgers may be the inspiration I need!
On my way home Thursday I heard this feature on NPR about Pujol’s Enrique Olvera and his new cookbook. We dined at his flagship Mexico City restaurant and I picked up this book from the library recently, but haven’t yet had a chance to read it. I’m looking forward to cracking it open!
The Jeni’s Ice Cream Truck (link expired) is making its way through the Southeast, handing out free ice cream. Is your city on the list?
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Style
Perennial travel-shoe favorite company Allbirds just launched their new “Tree Breezers” ballet flat. What are your thoughts on these? Stylish, or too sporty?
I think The Atlantic should have stuck with the phrasing used in their URL rather than what they chose for the actual title of this article, but it’s an interesting look at the use of backpacks as professional bags.
Things I bought this week
Clockwise, top left | Silk Bomber Jacket* | Striped T-Shirt | Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation | Linen Skirt | Summer Jean | Custom Hat* | Lighter |
Ouch, again. More money has been leaving my wallet lately than I’d like. I mentioned last week that I’d planned two purchases for this week and I made them (but sooner than I’d expected).
The Poshmark seller who’d listed one of the black silk bombers* I’d been eyeing made an offer of 50% off – and it seemed like a sign. The convertible jacket/vest arrived earlier this week and fits like a dream.
On Sunday, a linen skirt I’d planned to order popped up secondhand on NoihsafBazaar in the color and size I needed. Not only did I pay less than retail, but I also skipped over the waiting period. It arrived and the linen is gorgeous, but I think I’m in between sizes. I’m going to wear it for a little while and decide if I want to size down.
As for the unexpected purchases, a lot of them came down to timing and trying to fill other gaps in my wardrobe. I’ve seen this striped tee all over Instagram and finally ordered once I’d seen a few people stating that it’s quite opaque. It arrived and indeed is nice and opaque, but I think it’s just a bit too boxy for my frame. I debated sizing down, but I think I’m going to keep looking and return this one.
Once a year I have to replace my foundation, and I can tell that my current bottle is nearing the end. I went ahead and ordered the next bottle so I’m ready when that happens.
Everlane dropped their Summer Jean earlier this week, and I had no intention of ordering since I already own a pair of light-wash jeans. However, I didn’t realize they were releasing a pair in white so I ordered those using credit from previous returns. I’ve never had luck with 100% cotton denim (these curves need just a touch of stretch!), but I have nothing to lose.
Bespoke Post held a sale earlier this week, and I picked up one of these stylish lighters I’ve been eyeing. I don’t smoke, but I light lots of candles. Finally, my mom’s birthday is the day after Mother’s Day and I figured a custom hat* would be the perfect accompaniment to the towel/poncho I’m giving her. The phrase I chose? A cheeky, “Beach please.”
*this product is no longer available and a similar one is linked
What phrase would you put on a custom beach hat?
Have a great weekend!