weekly r.e.p.o.r.t c.a.r.d #4
a weekly download of the people, things, and ideas that inspire me
Happy Friday! I’m super excited to be headed out on the trip of a lifetime with my family later today.
My grandma is 88, and wanted to experience her mom’s hometown in Greece with all of us (my dad, his brother, my sister, aunt, and five cousins). My grandpa is coming too. He’s 89, and I’m blessed that both of them are in great health.
My grandparents (Helen and Jay) at my dad’s 60th / sister’s 21st birthday last year. They regularly clock 10k steps per day…which might be the secret to their sake chugging (pictured).
Excited to share bits and pieces of my trip with all of you! Unfortunately, my brother won’t be joining. If you follow me on Instagram, you’re used to his snark on pretty much everything I share. He’s an attorney in NYC and has a major trial in the next few weeks, so he can’t make it—but I have full faith he’ll be roasting me from afar.
If you’re new around here—welcome to the weekly r.e.p.o.r.t c.a.r.d! It’s a weekly grab bag of the ideas, things, and people that I’m loving. Check out the first, second, and third issues. It’s a fun, light addition to the VARSITY READER fold.
Let’s dive in!
Without further ado…
Reading: I’m a brand consultant (personal brands & corporations!) and content creator. Both spheres of my work are service-driven. I’m always trying to reinvent how I show up for clients and my audience. How can I deliver a best-in-class experience? How can I differentiate from other players in the space?
So when
recommended this memoir—about a maître d’ and his rise to management at NYC’s top restaurants—I was sold. I originally bought it for my trip, but I couldn’t resist breaking in early. The book mixes a gossipy tone with sharp management lessons. Highly recommend—especially if you’re a foodie or live in NYC!In parallel, I’m also reading Colin Cowie’s book about creating unforgettable customer experiences. If you don’t know Colin, he’s one of the world’s premier party planners (aka the go-to for all of Oprah’s parties). Another great playbook for anyone in the service industry. Which if you think about it…is really everyone.
P.S. This Bloomberg Businessweek article is a fun read on the world of ultra-luxury weddings (Colin and his team are quoted). I personally think that for every $20k you add to your wedding budget, five couples therapy sessions should be required. 😉
Eating: If you haven’t already tried Goodles…wow. A Gal Gadot-backed mac & cheese company, it is THE best boxed mac and cheese around. $19.99 for a variety pack of 4.
And this is coming from a die-hard Annie's fan. Mac and cheese will never be a health food, BUT I love the added fiber & protein and the inventive flavors (the cacio e pepe is perfection).
A quick, easy dinner that feels indulgent. Plus, it allows me to satisfy my inner bodybuilder screaming for MORE PROTEIN.
Obsessing: I am truly floored by this $15 tee that looks way more luxe. I learned about it via
on Instagram, and immediately purchased.I’m all for spending on good basics. But I’d much rather splurge on a cashmere sweater than a cotton tee. Or a beautiful dress (see below) I’ll have for years.
Is there really a difference in the $250 white tee vs. its $15 peer? Not really. I’ve bought and tested a few, and the minute differences between them don’t command a rip-off price. Go cheap and save your $ for unique buys!
Recommending:
Substack:
by . I’ve been following Kayla on Instagram for over a year, but only recently learned about her Substack. Kayla’s content is a true breath of fresh air—she talks a lot about making friends in your 30s, productivity tips, hacks for a cozy night at home, and more. Her last Substack was on her top organization tips—and I love getting a peek into other people’s processes. I know you’ll love subscribing!Instagram: @databutmakeitfashion. A delightful, newer-to-me account that shares fashion trends. It’s a fun way to see what’s *objectively* in style based on SEO and social media trends.
Treating: I’m always on the hunt for the perfect vacation dress. And two years ago, I found it. This black, flowy Abercrombie midi number fit the bill. Minimal wrinkling, easily transitioned from day to night, and just the right amount of flow for vacation eating.
But then…my dry cleaner lost it. An NYC rite of passage that I’d never experienced the true fury of—until now. I have scoured Poshmark for an exact match, but no dice so far. I even wrote an e-mail to Abercrombie HQ.
A replacement wasn’t going to come easily. After two months of searching, I finally found this dress…and immediately pulled the trigger.
At $475, it’s expensive. There’s no denying that. But the lacework is stunning—and I love how it’s a bit more elevated than my previous dress. I also have another dress from this brand that I’ve had for years and wear often—this handmade Colombian brand holds up.
I also found the previous season’s style on sale at Saks for $350 (only a small left). Dresses like these are worth the splurge!
Cutting: The primal urge to finish a book…even though I don’t like it / it’s not serving me. My time is precious. In previous years, the eternal optimist in me would push me to keep going.
But now, I’m proudly cutthroat about my reading time. If it doesn’t enthrall me within the first 80 pages, onto the next.
My list of recommended books are *only* books that I’ve loved and can’t stop talking about. Bs and Cs might get degrees. But they sure as hell don’t have a place on my public list of recommended books!
Admiring: This message from
about the power of consistency. Whether in business or in the wild world of social media, overnight successes seem to crop up every day. But in reality, that’s not the norm.Keep on going. And if something is bringing you joy…keep on doing it!
Referring: The Brightwood Skin on the Upper East Side is a true NYC gem. Facials and skincare treatments in NYC are damn expensive ($250 for a facial PLUS tip!) The Brightwood’s treatments are very well-priced and ultra-effective.
I’ve had two Diamond Glow facials there (45-min medical-grade resurfacing treatment that’s $195), and the results are spectacular. $195…and that’s it! As a medical-grade facility, they do not accept tips.
This picture was two weeks after my first Diamond Glow facial. No makeup (besides mascara). My skin continued to glow two weeks out from my treatment. And this was during my time in Argentina—so it was glowing despite copious amounts of sugar and meat.
I stopped by The Brightwood yesterday for their Aquagold treatment (24k micro-infusion that minimizes redness, pores and fine lines). The treatment has no downtime—and full results can be seen in a week (vs. immediate results with the Diamond Glow facial). I will be sure to share updates!
If you’re interested in trying out a treatment at The Brightwood, you can use the code JULIA15 for 15% off your first treatment. The Brightwood has locations in the UES and Ridgewood, NJ.
Daring: To end this e-mail here. I need to stop writing and start packing!
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I ready Your Table is Ready and I had a lot of mixed feelings about it. I've never worked in food service, so it was all foreign to me where it would be more normal to those who have worked in food service. I still think about it months after reading it, though.
That dress is so beautiful! Also +1 for Uniqlo shirts!! I just tried one also (now I need to add the u-neck to my list!) that I’m super happy with! Finally letting me replace some of my GRUNGY white tees that just need to be recycled!