weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #56
healthy food that doesn't taste healthy & how to survive in this damn heat
Happy Monday! I spent the weekend upstate with my husband catching up on work and playing around with Fable.
Whiskey is his first passion (he works for a whiskey distillery!), but Pokémon has been an equally dominant passion as of late. I went to a Pokémon show in Albany with him on Saturday and got a close-up look at this exploding economy. Everyone from five-year-olds to 75-year-olds are in on the game…and they’re making massive profits.
Hats off to Cinnabon for some excellent marketing. This treat is a new addition to their menu and is marketed as “Center of the Roll.” However, it’s really just extra pieces smashed together with cinnamon filling and frosting. What a genius (and delicious) way to tackle food waste.
Last week, I dove into beauty & politics, an inventive sun-protection brand, and some incredible summer steals. This week, a juicy book recommendation, protein-packed recs that don’t taste healthy in the slightest, and hot weather survival tips.
weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #55
Happy Sunday and belated July 4th! I spent the weekend in the Hamptons with my family swimming in the ocean, lathering on sunscreen, and laughing a lot. I hope you had a great weekend no matter how you spent it!
I’m not in the parenthood stage of life just yet, but I’m freezing embryos with my husband later this year…so everything surrounding parenting is definitely on the mind.
I just started this book, which dives into societal portrayals of mothers throughout history. It’s by one of my favorite NYMag writers, so it’s super sharp, witty, and really makes you think about how women are so often beaten down by society. Whereas a man simply holding a baby is glorified! An absolute must-read.
I binged THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND (on Peacock) over the past few days, and it was such a fun and fast watch. So I absolutely loved this New York Times feature on Elin Hildebrand’s gorgeous Nantucket home. Every corner is stunning. I didn’t know that she wrote books with her daughter until reading this piece…goals!
I was recently on a flight to San Francisco from NYC, and naturally, I reclined my seat. I immediately got a shoulder tap from the man sitting behind me. He calmly explained that he had very long legs—and that having a reclined seat in front of him was super uncomfortable. I decided I didn’t want someone angry sitting behind me for six hours, so I relented (plus, I can fall asleep pretty much anywhere / in any position).
This New Yorker article digs into this very question—what are the ethics of seat reclining? What should we be (or not be doing) on planes?
What are your worst secret reclining horror stories? I’m curious to know. A few years ago, I was on a flight from New York City to Dubai to visit my aunt and uncle, and paid extra for the Emirates aisle seat. There was a mother who was separated from her 10-year old special needs son, and she abashedly asked me if I would switch to the middle seat so she could tend to him the entire flight. I decided to make the move, as I felt it was the right thing to do. But when I shared with some friends, some felt very differently. What would you do?
I’m a sucker for mac & cheese, and this brand has long been a favorite. It’s protein-packed (45g in each box!), and is way tastier than Annie’s (a high bar).
All of the flavors are insanely good, but the cacio e pepe takes the crown for me. To make it even more protein-packed, I’ll fold in some chopped broccoli and grilled chicken. A healthy meal that truly doesn’t taste healthy!
I’m also currently writing this from Impact Kitchen, one of my top spots for NYC clean eats. Impact Kitchen was founded in Canada, and brings that Canadian niceness to every customer touchpoint—everyone is super helpful and cheerful.
The baked goods are out of this world (the chocolate sea salt cookie is better than Levain!), but the bowls are just as incredible (I personally love the Island Jerk and Tuna Poke). There’s currently two NYC locations (Flatiron and Williamsburg), but I’m hoping for an uptown expansion soon.
I ate the chocolate sea salt cookie four days before my wedding last year…so it really had to deliver if I was putting my tight-fitting wedding dress at risk.
Some healthy-ish treats to savor if there’s not an Impact Kitchen near you—these lightened-up Almond Joys, protein pretzels, and chocolate-coated lemon almonds.
Last week, I shared about how I met the founder of a UV clothing brand…and was immediately obsessed. I’m 75% Irish, translucently white, and have a history of skin cancer in my family. She stumbled upon her perfect customer!
I convinced them to share a discount code, which is JULIAE15 for 15% off sitewide.
This clothing is an investment, but I’d much rather spend $250 on a purchase like this rather than a random designer shirt that delivers absolutely no utility.
How good is this striped one-piece (which also doubles as a bodysuit?) Looks very reminiscent of Christopher John Rogers.
I also love this wide-brim hat (which many of you have already purchased!), and this chic long-sleeve tee (also doubles as a rashguard…the founder was wearing this when we met and it looked very high fashion).
During the summer, I try to prioritize natural fabrics as much as possible. Do you really want to be walking down the street in 90° heat and sweating your way through a polyester shirt? We’ve all been there...and absolutely not.
Natural fibers are so much more breathable and allow you to stay cooler for way longer. Maria de La Orden is a new-to-me brand that is delivering gorgeous natural fiber clothing at a great price point. Made in Spain, the brand has a very Veronica Beard-esque feel to their pieces.
I already own a few (and will certainly be adding more to my closet). Some of my current favorites (many of which are on sale)!
This 100% wool dress comes in a beautiful burnt orange shade, but I love the blue hue just as much.
A Southern charm dress with a bit of edge! 100% linen and perfect for summer.
A white shirt with a little something extra is my love language. The bell sleeves on this one are so good.
Military jackets were very much trending last fall, and the trend is slated to continue this fall as well. A great way to get on the fun at a low price point.
Pink and green is always a fun combo! Such a versatile throw-on jacket.
Puff sleeves make any ol’ tee look just a bit more elevated. This one is 100% cotton and so comfortable (have it and love!)
I personally own this gorgeous green set, which always makes me feel pulled-together every time I throw it on! Great for work events.
Hard agree with this (via Emma Beames). If someone doesn’t respond well to your well-intentioned honesty, they’re not for you. Or don’t want to face the truth.
As Hitha Palepu recently reminded me, I absolutely love a party pant (defined as a fun, printed pant that sparks joy any time you slide them on). I recently picked these up and was immediately smitten. (And not as much of a party pant, but these tailored silky pants are calling my name).
As the temperatures climb in NYC (but I want to savor summer & soak up as much outdoor time as possible!), this little gadget has been a godsend.
ELLE (the LEGALLY BLONDE reboot) is a total delight. Full of whimsy and CLUELESS-era nostalgia, it’s absolutely worth watching.
So many of you loved this $40 blue-and-white toile dress that’s a Reformation lookalike. My sister wore this on July 4th with a red Fendi baguette, and it was such a cute patriotic look (although it’s absolutely an evergreen summer dress!)
The pieces worth your time this week:
Loved, loved this take by Michael Easter—which explains how busy moms have more stamina than Navy SEALs. I’m all for it!
I’ve fallen off my workout routine a bit, so Fedora Abu’s piece about how five ridiculously fit people stay in shape was just what I needed.
Much has been said about Tory Burch’s comeback, but the best thinkpiece I’ve read about it is courtesy of data, but make it fashion. Once a brand best-known for its logo-stamped flats (not anything innovative!), its tune has completely changed in the last few years. Now it’s a true fashion darling…all thanks to the power of marketing, branding, and a completely refreshed design team.
I’m a huge fan of these sculptural wedges, these studded, BDSM-y flats, and these barely-there hot pink sandals.
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I would have kept my seat but brought in a flight attendant to assist the woman—I didn’t think a flight could legally separate a parents from a minor like that? At least, I would think the flight attendant could figure out a way to move them to two seats together without you having to give up the aisle seat. Also, just wondering if you are going to bring back the career profile articles!
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