weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #8
a non-fiction book you'll love, cute beach sets under $50, and healthy mac & cheese
Happy Sunday! Writing this from the Fort Lauderdale Airport tarmac after a wedding in Harbour Island.
A small island in the Bahamas, it’s a golf-cart only locale (barely any cars). As a timid driver to begin with, I stayed in the passenger seat. But even though I was iffy about the transport, the food was *fantastic.* We stayed at The Landing and loved every bite we had—especially this croque madame.
P.S. 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 last week’s issue here. It’s a fun, light addition to the VARSITY READER fold.
P.P.S. Want even more recs? I shared a separate weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. on Instagram this week. Things to read, eat, and watch you won’t find anywhere else.
Let’s dive in!
Reading (book): Loving this book. I’m not a parent (and won’t be having kids anytime soon). But I do have a 21-year old sister…and her childhood looked *way* different than mine due to the presence of screens and social media. This book dives into brain development, screens, and what the childhoods of tomorrow will look like. Sharp and well-written, it’s hard to find niche non-fiction books that don’t drone on and on. Very eye-opening…you’ll like this one!
Reading (article): I’m sure you remember the viral 2012 news story about when Target predicted a teen’s pregnancy due to her purchase history. Well this is the 2024 version…a New Yorker reporter tried to see how long she could hide her pregnancy from her phone. Lots of interesting discussions about privacy and data sharing.
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. After a full day of travel, I am so looking forward to a bowl of mac & cheese
Playing: The ebb and flow of fashion trends. I tied my sweater around my waist as I was making my way through customs, and it felt so very…middle school. Sweaters thrown over the shoulders have a hold on everyone now. So what’s the next frontier for sweater placement? Sweaters as wrap dresses???
Obsessing: This set that’s under $50—but looks way more $$$. I’ve seen very similar sets on Shopbop going for $200+. For a linen / cotton set? No way.
Save your money and get this version. Comes in multiple colors (from this adorable striped colorway to olive / black / yellow / and many more).
Recommending: Substack is a treasure trove of discovery for great content. Three Substacks I know you’ll love:
- ! I deeply trust Nan’s recommendations on all things fashion, beauty, and home. She is a PR consultant by day and a content creator by night. A great follow on Instagram for OOTDs as well!
- . Sarah breaks down the business of retail every week—from marketing fails to why The Row’s sandals are so damn expensive. I particularly loved this article she shared about Erewhon’s coveted smoothie collaborations.
- . I just subscribed this week—and this newsletter is already one of my favorites! Articles on random topics that you probably wouldn’t find yourself.
Treating: My full Mother’s Day gift guide can be found here and here! They’re all gifts I’ve given in the past to great fanfare.
But as I mentioned in last week’s issue, I’m up against the Mom Olympics—the combo of my mom’s 60th birthday and Mother’s Day within a few days. So a bigger gift is necessary.
My mom had a tan crossbody bag on her wishlist, and I delivered. She wanted something leather that was roomy, had no labels, and wasn’t a bag that *everyone else* had.
This bag from independent designer Sabrina Zeng delivered. At $350, it’s an investment piece—but far, far less than other designer bags ($10K for a Chanel classic flap!!!)
She already gave her stamp of approval, and I know this will be her new go-to bag.
Cutting: The habit of working in bed on my laptop. I’ve been doing this since high school—but recently, I’ve been trying to end this pattern. Yes, it’s led to lots of late-night productivity…but I wake up feeling sluggish. Any tips from those who have successfully done the same?!
Admiring: The fit and cut of these wide leg, high-rise black jeans. I ordered similar pairs ranging from $50 to $200, and this $28 pair won out. Also comes in cream, olive, and lots of other colors. Highly recommend!!!
These $139 silver sneakers also have my heart. Super cute for casual office settings, with the cotton set I shared above, a sundress…the possibilities are endless. Metallics are a neutral!!!
Daring: To put my goals out there. My goal is to get to 25K on Instagram by next Sunday (currently at 24.8K). I know these audience milestones mean way more to me than they do to you, but hey…might as well be vulnerable and make my ambitions known!
If you enjoy my content, I’d be so appreciative if you shared my account with a friend and/or shared a recent feed post to your Story and tagged me. And if you don’t already follow…do that first 😉. Much love and thank you for all of the support!!!
In case you missed it
Why you should throw an appetizer dinner party for your friends
The app that will instantly give you $ for your unwanted clothes
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***The fine print: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I use, love, and can’t live without.
Love your content, the A+++ sling bag and seeing you put your goals out there. Thanks for mentioning Sarah’s Retail Diary!!