Journal

Journal | 1.15.20

Alyssa is standing on the sidewalk in black skinny jeans and white shoes. There are cat or dog paw prints embedded in the concrete

Happy… Wednesday?

Sure, why not.

It’s been a kind of weird, gloomy week here in Charlotte – weirder still because it immediately followed a beautiful, 70°F Sunday that we’re told is highly unusual in January. I’ve been trying to take it easy as much as possible to get ready for our trip to Baltimore this weekend. Well, my taking it easy interspersed with daily walks and activities out and about in Charlotte, because there’s always something to do here (and many of them are firsts for me!).


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On Friday night, I attended my first improv show, hosted monthly by Improv Charlotte. Last night we cheered on the local team at our first hockey game, all while eating our first meal of Bojangles, which calls Charlotte home and is practically a religion here (we’ll be back for more hockey, but probably not for chicken). But mostly I’ve just been crossing my fingers watching the weather forecast for Baltimore (please no rain/snow – it just makes it so much easier when you’re flying without a suitcase) and searching for Charlotte-based airline jobs.

Oh, and reading lots of blogs and news sites, of course:


Travel

Did we make a mistake moving here?

My dream travel destinations list is pages long of course, but I’m bumping Quebec City a bit higher after reading this guide!

Starting with January, we are going to be visiting one place within driving distance per month (mostly within our new home state, but considering South Carolina is only fifteen minutes from our house, we’ll probably visit some of our neighbors too!). Up first is Greensboro, an easy hour-and-a-half day trip from Charlotte. To get ideas for our day away, I’m checking out a lot of blogs. What are some of your (other!) favorite travel blogs?

Lo’s Palm Springs packing list is a great formula for weird-weather destinations! [site closed]

What?

Food

Take another look at that “compostable” container.

I’m excited about this announcement. A year of brown cheese recipes? Yes, please.

Some healthy brekkie ideas.

This spicy honey is on sale right now and I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle to try.

Life & Home

I’m grateful we were able to snag this design-darling chair secondhand for much less than its sticker price. Have you had any secondhand shopping wins recently?

I struggled to find a microfiber mop with a wooden handle, and I finally did. It’s the little things, you know?

…Does everything have to be comfy-cozy?

Style

As if I already haven’t had a camel coat on my wish list for ages, Andrea’s recent post makes me want one even more. I’m trying to be patient in my search for a secondhand beauty, but it shouldn’t be this tough!

Okay, the new Nordstrom Pop-In is amazing. Not just because Eileen Fisher is the sustainable fashion OG, but because it’s refreshing to finally see a non-gendered collection that actually offers a skirt.

I think I’m ready to swap my usual Zoya polish for something else – I love the color, but it just doesn’t last long on my busy hands. What are your favorite long-lasting formulas (non-toxic preferred!)?

I think I just don’t get the Rothy’s trend.

things I bought this week

product photo of the Modern Loafer from Everlane
img: Everlane

I bought something I already own this week.

Is that weird? I don’t think so.

Everlane announced yesterday that they are discontinuing the Modern Loafer – a longtime staple – and marked the remaining stock down to $90. Although I’ve just recently begun tracking my outfits in the Stylebook app, I can say with confidence that these are my most worn shoes. They’re easy to slip on, pair well with most outfits, and are great for both work and travel. I love them with a dress, but they shine brightest with jeans, a tee, and a blazer. And while Everlane is probably raking it in using scarcity as a marketing tactic, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them re-released at some point (à la Disney Vault), I never want to not have these shoes as an option when I’m running out the door. My current pair has taken a beating over the years, trudging through rain, snow, mud, and over cobblestone streets – and I know they won’t last forever. When they finally kick the bucket, I’ll be ready with another pair. If that isn’t the sign of a wardrobe staple, I don’t know what is.


Cover photo outfit details: jeans, shoes


What item(s) have you bought in duplicates?

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