brain dump vol. 6
catching up + this weeks thoughts & favorites.
I have had ~the chillest~ day today after a really busy, tiring week. I woke up and went to workout class with one of my best friends, made a good coffee (anyone else try the cinnamon coffee cake chobani creamer? these flavors are both out of control and amazing), and have pretty much been cuddled on the couch workin’ on this! I can also add in some spurts of moving laundry around. It’s gloomy season in Michigan, and after one of the nicest falls we’re slapped back into reality with a nice mix of grey, darkness and even some snow this week. The only perk? I’m not feeling guilty at all about having a quiet catch-up day.
I have so many ideas for the evolution of After Hours that I’m determined to start making a reality. I’m endlessly inspired by the creatives on this platform! I’ve cut myself some slack as this space is really, truly created in my after hours and more times than not, I need a freakin’ break from my phone or laptop. But as I near my one year anniversary of being on Substack and a new year of new goals, I’m feeling excited about going all in and being a bit more dedicated. I just went three weeks without posting on here, and thats just not cool for you wonderful people who support me.
I’m dreaming up a bit of a re-brand? The creation of a true brand identity? A bit more of a strategy vs. wingin’ it? I wonder what would happen if I tried to post on more platforms and like, utilize social media? Plan (and manifest) some exciting guest features? Shooting more photos? Especially excited about that one.
I saved a pin today that said ‘follow your plan, not your mood’ and ooOeee, I felt that. Maybe what I end up with is better than what I wanted? I’m so happy to be on here with y’all today! Spewing my thoughts and things, catching up on the last few weeks. Thanks so much for joining me!
reading,
the night we lost him by laura dave: This one was on deck in my last brain dump and I’m glad I read it, I ended up really liking it and it had a story that kept me hooked. Was a bit confusing following some of the character names as it kept bopping around, but stick through it.
summers at the saint by mary kay andrews: I was in a lull where no books sounded good and I had this one downloaded from the summer, so I dove in. A good story in a picturesque setting, and the plot twist towards the beginning of the book was one I didn’t see coming. I’ve heard Mary Kay Andrews has a lot more like this so I need to check them out now.
first lie wins by ashley elst: I’m about halfway through right now and am pretty hooked. Nothing like a good thriller.
matty matheson: soups, salads, sandwiches: It’s been a second since I got a new cookbook and always love the approachability and simplicity of Matty’s recipes. Happily added this one to my cookbook stack.
It’s substack gift guide season, and although I’ve been seeing some hate in the notes section, I personally loveee them (and know how much work they are to create!).
, , , and have had some of my favorites so far. Still pondering if I’ll create anything like this this year!- has been my substack crush as of late. Do I love all of her posts? Mhm. Did I do the weekly crossword puzzle? Duh.
on deck,
wreck my plans by jillian meadows: My book club book this month! I haven’t read the past two books (sorry ladies, those were some crazy picks) so I’m excited for a good holiday read.
comfort and joy by kristin hannah: Did you know Kristin Hannah had a holiday book? I didn’t!
the cookbook of all time: Ok, I’ve never been to this restaurant but I’ve heard about it. Is it weird to get a cookbook from somewhere you’ve never been?
the guide to becoming alive by flamingo estate: Definitely more of a coffee table book, but I want to add it to my collection nonetheless.
I’m a kindle girl but definitely miss seeing all of the colorful book covers - thats like the best part! I scoped out the new kindle colorsoft and I want it, but I just got my kindle last Christmas (such a good gift) so that feels like a waste. Instead, I’m eyeing a new kindle case as mine is a little beat up. Love this simple personalized option, this minimal flower option, or this etsy shop has the cutest embroidered pouches (love the snake print, evil eyes, or colorful flowers).
eating,
the fed: Tucked away in Clarkston, MI, I took my mom here for a little birthday celebration brunch and between the gorgeous atmosphere and yummy food, it was great. I need to go back for dinner now! And learn how to make the vanilla cinnamon latte I had.
flyleaf: In Grosse Pointe, MI, this combination bookstore, coffee shop, cocktail bar is one of the coziest places you could possibly go. On one of my recent visits we indulged in their small bites, and I’ll dream about the steak flatbread until I have it again. Fresh bread topped with a brie, caramelized onion, and a thinly sliced steak situation? Say no more.
red hook: I’ve talked about my favorite coffee shop in Detroit in my West Village postcard, and I’ve been a few times in the past month and its reinvigorated my love affair. Pro-tip, put your name in at the newly opened Norm’s diner next door then indulge in a coffee and basil asiago popover while you wait.
the charlevoix: Also in Grosse Pointe, MI, this spot is in our favorite neighborhood and is such a classic. If you need a chill-yet-upscale spot for a drink and top-notch bites, this is it. Don’t sleep on the cod sandwich while they have it on their menu.
san morello: Next time you’re wondering where to go for a cute brunch with friends or family, don’t skip over San Morello. Although I’d suggest a bit nicer attire as this spot is in the ever-trendy Shinola hotel, the brunch is insanely good (arguably better than dinner). Split the eggs al forno and breakfast spaghetti and thank me later.
honey lime chicken thighs: Another evolution of my meal prep diaries, these have happily been added to the rotation.
Create a marinade by combining the juice of 2 limes, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1.5 tsp onion powder and paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, freshly chopped cilantro and parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Soak your chicken thighs in the fridge then grill em’ up!
rosemary orzo: One of my favorite recipes for when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Ball out and pair this with some simple steaks, a 10/10 pairing I promise.
proud of,
My commitment to showing up! Showing up at work, showing up for my family, showing up for myself, showing up for my friends. I’m prioritizing my time towards my people and am feeling really excited about whats to come. When I get through a particularly hard time - whether its work, or personal, or both - it also shows me that I can do the hard things! As much as I need to recharge and reset and relax, I’m also feeling a new round of motivation and energy to go after whats next because I keep proving that if I try, I can do it. Isn’t it funny how that happens?
obsessing and recommending,
Ok, so I admittedly went a bit hard during the Sephora sale. Not only did I re-stock some tried and true’s, I needed to try some new potential favorites. The girls understand having to take advantage of 20% off! Sephora’s marketing team should also take note of how well a sale does after a particularly stressful and challenging world moment, if ya know what I mean. We all deserved a treat.
hair
I had to take some advice from one of my favorite substacks to date, the hair edit, and snagged Amika’s plus sized body mousse.
I learned that I need to rotate my shampoos, so I got Purology’s hydrate sheer shampoo and strength cure shampoo.
Like so many, I love anything Crown Affair and snagged the leave-in conditioner. This is probably one of my favorite purchases from the bundle.
I also finally pulled the trigger on the Dyson airwrap after pondering for so long. It was either replace a bunch of my tools or try this out, so I shot for the stars. Still learning how the heck to use it, but when I get it, my hair looks goooood.
makeup
I went through what my best friends were loving and grabbed the fenty invisimate powder. Absolutely love that its a compact powder and think it replaces my previous favorite, the Kosas cloud set, simply because the Kosas compact has broken on every single one I’ve bought.
Needed to see what the Armani hype was about and ordered the luminous silk blush and eye tint liquid eyeshadow. Not trying to get ahead of myself, but these might be my new top makeup favorites.
When Kelli Anne Sewell says her favorite concealer is by Natasha Denona, you listen (and order). TBD if I ordered the right shade.
Replaced some of my makeup essentials with Makeup by Mario brushes - E3, F3 and F4.
Re-stocked my favorites from Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter and airbrush setting spray. I know everyone is talking about the one/size setting spray, but I don’t like a matte finish on my makeup.
The only other noteworthy tidbit for my Detroit peeps - y’all know that Eugenie in the West Village continues to be the most thoughtfully curated store in the city. You need to also go to their spot Archive, which is the same pieces from Eugenie but marked down. I scored the most beautiful coat that I can’t wait to wear as it gets colder. Stop by Periodicals (right below Archive) while you’re at it.
traveling,
No travels as of late, we’ve been hunkered down at home! But we’re heading to Cabo San Lucas in December to celebrate Christmas with my family. Cabo is our spot - have been going for years, to the point that my husband and I got married there. We’re sneaking away for a night to do a mini-getaway at Acre (where we got married - we’re staying in a treehouse!) which will be so nice after not really traveling much this year just the two of us. Where we stay the remainder of the week isn’t an all inclusive but it is walking distance to everything, so I’m excited to go to our favorite new and old spots. It’s going to be such a nice vacay to wrap up 2024!
Anyone else’s family do a trip for the holidays instead of giving gifts? This is our first year doing it after talking about it forever. I’m excited to have a full week of fun together vs. just a day.
listening to,
I’ve been back on my podcast grind, checking out some new recommendations. Did we also crank Kendrick Lamar’s new album while making breakfast this morning? The Sonos speakers throughout the whole house continue to deliver lol. One of our best investments (and a great gift idea!).
Ok, back to the podcasts - liked this episode with Arielle Lore. I used to listen to Arielle Lore’s podcast a bunch so it was nice to hear someone else interview her and her story. This was my first time listening to The Wellness Process, so I’m excited to add it to the rotation and listen more.
My husband was talking about Rick Rubin’s podcast, so I’m adding this one to my list for the upcoming week. I am definitely in need of some more recommendations - what podcasts are you loving recently?
on my mind,
The Ganni x New Balance collab - Two of my favorite brands! But why do I kinda hate the colorways? Its giving middle school (and maybe thats the point?). Although they get bonus points for the amazing illustrations + box design. Here’s links to the red/black and silver/pink if you’re like nahhh I love these.
Loeffler Randall is continuously targeted to me lately and I’m glad they are moving past shoes - the new arrivals section is pretty cute! Love this ornament (esp the brown gingham), this navy ruffle tote, and I’m eyeing this pink smocked dress for Cabo.
I am on the hunt for hoodies that I can style and wear to the office - comfy, but not sloppy; cropped, but not too cropped - and ended up ordering this one from Gap. I need more colors to come in-stock in my size, but excited to try these as the price is right. I refuse to spend over $100 for a hoodie (unless its really good).
A similar note, I think I need this CashSoft sweater, and potentially everything from the CashSoft line. Eyeing this set (top, bottom) for Thanksgiving. I wonder how it survives a wash?
If you feel like watching a movie that both makes you laugh out loud and sob your brain out, My Old Ass is for you. I love Aubrey Plaza.
I’ll let y’all steal this save - this housewarming gift is 10/10.
I love these prints from Emma Katherine Art. Her tiktok is so great.
one thing i’m going to get done this week is:
Order Christmas presents! I can’t let these sales slip away!
Always appreciate you listening to my ramblings! Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend! & If you enjoyed this, subscribe and you’ll get my posts right on your substack home feed or inbox.
If you liked this, check out my latest brain dump, if you want more.
Ooo really enjoyed reading this! Glad I've found your Substack 💐💓
this looks cool