brain dump vol. 8
back to business - this week's thoughts & favorites.
Happy almost-April! No need for a long intro this month as we have enough to cover and catch up on. Really just here to say hi and thanks for reading, hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday!
reading,
the berry pickers by amanda peters: 4/10, I’m the minority that didn’t love this one. It was missing a certain amount of intensity to keep me reading, every time a chapter ended I put my kindle down. Not my favorite.
we all live here by jojo moyes: 6/10, although the narrative was a bit slower, I liked the complexity and range of personalities of the characters. A very family focused story with a lot of up’s and down’s. Not a top recommendation but not a miss either!
broken country by clare leslie hall: 7/10, I liked this one. A mystery and love story wrapped together, this book had a lot of layers and character development. I didn’t see the twists coming which is always good.
back after this by linda holmes: 6/10, a definite rom-com where its easy and mindless to read and you can absolutely guess how it is going to end (happily ever after).
So many substacks this week! Loving
as always, I click with her style so much, here’s her latest. This menu’s from the past post from was really fun. ’s budget friendly farmers market posts are getting me excited for Eastern Market mornings. The ultimate no-plans weekend itinerary by was save-worthy. is one of my favorite follows, her latest strict list ft. 72hrs in josé ignacio, uruguay is 10/10. Loved this post from about her childhood home. continues the fun with the weekly, I loved this weeks ‘find your spring blush’ quiz (I used to freakin’ love those in magazines). i’ve shared before but sharing again as her space continues to be a favorite, this week she shared 48 hours in NY.
on deck,
wild love by elsie silver: I just started this after seeing a friend post that they loved it. So far its another classic romance novel, we’ll see how it turns out.
isola by allega goodman: Ok I started this after seeing good reviews and hoping for something different, Kristin Hannah-y (this was probably my fumble lol) after rounds of books that were just ok. I only got like three chapters in and was not loving it - anyone get through it?
happy hour snacks by bec vrana dickinson: I perused this look in Austin and thought it might be a good new cookbook addition. Anyone scoop this up and like it?
I’m obviously in need of some good recommendations, feel like i’ve been flopping a bit. What have you read lately that has kept you hooked, up late, unable to stop?
Also, remember those cute kindle cases from etsy I shared before? My friend got me the snake print one and its so cute (and nicely padded, like actually nice protection). If you’re in need of a new case, this is your sign.
eating,
oak and reel: IMO, in Detroit, you either are a Shewolf lover or an Oak and Reel lover. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy both, but your loyalties tend to lie with one. I’m an Oak and Reel-er, I love the more traditional flavors like the homemade focaccia, baby gem salad, bucatini pasta, etc. There is also a speakeasy downstairs called The Upright that is a great start or end your dinner, only opens on Friday and Saturdays.
ima izakaya: Ima is a staple and their expanded menu in Corktown is no exception. I hadn’t been to Ima in far too long and hit up this location with co-workers recently. The maitake mushroom dumplings and miso butter yaki udon will live in my head rent free for a while.
bar chenin: Tucked away in the alleyway of the Siren Hotel, this new 10-seat “wine cave” specializes in biodynamic and natural wines, cocktails, snacks, and house-made ice cream. The space used to be Albena, a lauded and shuttered chefs table restaurant. It is very much a vibe and I think this concept will do much better, although it is small, will people get over never being able to get in?
dirty shake: The team behind Freya has opened a casual, wing-slinging bar in a cute building I’ve always wondered about in Midtown. On a prime corner in the Cass Corridor, I’m excited for the pending outdoor space. The menu includes bar staples with the promise of thoughtful recipes and execution - “We’re not reinventing bar food, just paying attention to the details” the team said in a recent interview.
this potato-based-quiche (?) recipe: A recent tiktok save that looks so easy and sooo good - I need to make it!
proud of,
Well, you haven’t seen much of me since January after sharing how excited I was for my creativity in 2025, having big plans for a re-brand, etc etc. It’s safe to say that that wasn’t the case and not only did real life take over but I accepted that I was totally creatively burnt out. I was not feeling inspired or motivated to get inspired. And honestly I gave myself the time and grace to just let it be. Sometimes its hard when you are a creative in your 9-5 to create the space and excitement to be creative in your after hours - and I think content creation in particular falls victim to that rut.
I’m still not sure that I’m completely out of it, but I’m here, which is am improvement! What did I push myself to enjoy while in my rut you may ask?
burning the good candles
movement of some sort
focusing on eating healthy, easy, simple meals
in that same vein, meal prepping lunches
using the fancy linen spray
watching my tv shows (and not feeling like I should be on my laptop)
letting my body wake up when its ready on weekends
endless dog snuggles
buying fresh colorful spring flowers for the house
I’m starting another new freelance project for some good friends who are kind and trusting enough to understand when I tell them I lost my creative spark for a bit. Excited to get some creative momentum going again and show you where this project ends up!
obsessing and recommending,
I’ve stumbled upon some go-to pieces at Madewell recently! Shopping in-store vs. online made all of the difference.
I grabbed these jeans and they have quickly been added to my daily rotation and are on par with my rag and bone favorites (for a much better price).
They have some really cute, go with everything bags right now. I loved this one (especially in the dark denim fabric) but ended up going with the essential curve shoulder bag. I was on the hunt for something big I could throw a lot into and would look good both with comfies on my trader joes runs and dressed up for a night out.
I forced my husband to buy this mens denim jacket when we were in Austin as he was looking for a lightweight long sleeve. The dark denim, stitching and length is 10/10, it looks so good on him. He wore it over this ALD hoodie the other night and it was chefs kiss.
Zara is also coming through with some simple spring finds I’m scooping up.
This belt is giving designer but for $50, in both black and brown.
I wore this denim set in Austin and it was comfy and cute - love a set since i’ll be able to style the pieces separately too, top / skort.
Grabbing this semi-sheer midi skirt, will be so cute with a simple tank top or graphic tee.
Cropped trenches are the perfect layer, cinch this one with a cute belt for a elevated look. Noteworthy that according to
of the B List, your tan trench coat is holding you back. So while a neutral staple is always good, adding some color is always more fun.I’m in need of a little shoe update, loving these kitten heels, these suede sandals and these flower kitten heels for something a bit more maximalist.
I bought the ever-hyped dior foundation stick on a recent visit to Sephora (shade 3N) and although I am not a foundation user, I like that I can add a bit more coverage when and where needed. I have been using my laneige cream skin as a base (hailey beiber style) and applying the foundation stick with a brush. The light creamy coverage is noteworthy! The Sephora sale is coming and I have something fun planned, stay tuned.
95% of my saves are of home inspiration, so this always falls under the obsessing category.
Need to share this Etsy seller, their wall sconces are so unique and beautiful.
Eyeing this metal table set from Zara home for my living room. Feels pretty, functional and a simple-enough style that it can go anywhere in the future.
I’ve shared this before, but this Aesop hand soap/cream set perfectly elevates my kitchen sink. I love the scent, also noteworthy as the perfect gift.
Speaking of scents, my latest candle purchase after smelling it at a friends house (thanks Leslie!).
For some reason star jewelry keeps finding me! I haven’t bought any of these (yet) but I love them, necklace one / necklace two / kara yoo earings one / kara yoo earings two / star bolo.
This is so dumb, but my life has improved because of this iphone case. Who knew having a little kickstand would be the best thing ever?
traveling,
March was a good month of travel (and also a good month to get tf out of Michigan). I visited my parents in Tampa, FL and enjoyed days filled with sunshine, bike rides, beach walks and quality time catching up.
My husband and I visited family in Austin, TX last weekend and had the best time - I’ll do a postcard on everywhere we went and recommendations soon! The weather was 10/10 and a welcomed reprieve from grey skies and thirty degrees at home. Bopping around and trying new places really helped my mental health and creative rut. We also took Waymo’s multiple times which was both wild and enjoyable. Waymo’s are autonomous cars, jaguars to be exact, and they have a partnership with Uber in Austin right now (I know they are everywhere in San Francisco already). Honestly, a 10/10 experience - they are better drivers vs. the humans we got (lol), the car was clean, no weird small talk and you pick the music.
I’m also deep in planning a summer Scandinavian adventure, checking off Copenhagen and Norway! I truly cannot wait. Any must-know recommendations? I’ve been loooving following
. CPH is high on my bucket list and its about time I check it off.Some quick travel tidbits i’m eyeing,
Cadence is popping up everywhere, specifically the cadence travel pouch + capsules. My OCD brain loves the design and organization.
I’m in need of a new carry-on and will probably snag this one from Beis. I love my larger Beis checked-luggage.
We used the medium Monty bag that I’ve posted before as the perfect sized tote to throw in towels, sunscreen, hats etc. Love how lightweight it is and that it folds down flat.
listening to,
My typical rotations! Some good guests on Armchair Expert,
Liked this episode of The Wellness Process with Lindsey Metselaar from We Met at Acme - there was a time that Lindsey’s podcast was like the only go-to for the girls and I listened all of the time. Was nice to hear her voice again! Also Elizabeth just joined us on Substack, welcome
!Anddd my random favorite songs/artists at the moment,
on my mind,
I’m so jealous of the round top antique fair - I don’t know if my algorithm is algorithm-ing because I was just in Texas and love interior design but oh my gosh, I think i’d buy the whole place. I saw one of my favorite follows on Substack
found some treasures, I can’t wait to see her next post.
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The housing market is absolutely bananas. I know this is not new news, but as we’re on year two of house hunting and dealing with an insane market (in metro Detroit of all places), I’m a bit mind blown. We attempted an offer on a cute, modest home that was only listed for a day and a half that ended up having 55 showings, 26 offers, and they accepted one that was all cash no inspection. With Detroits sewer lines?! Nothankyou.
We all know the hype around the sweat pant jeans and in turn printed jeans - rag and bone is back at it with satin printed jeans for summer. Let’s just say I’m intrigued. Someone buy them and tell me if they are cute.
I was gifted two products to try this week (thank you!), the vegamour gro+ advanced hair serum and alpyn super sculpt serum for neck and face. The hair serum is lightweight and isn’t making my hair too greasy (esp if I apply at night). The alpyn serum is targeting tech-neck which I totally suffer from, so i’m excited to see how it works!
one thing I want to get done this week is,
More Substack writing! She’s back baby. Excited for what is coming!
Always appreciate your support as I go through the up’s and down’s of content creation! Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend & if you loved this, subscribe and you’ll get my posts right on your Substack home feed or inbox. Here’s my last brain dump, if you want more.
Cropped trenches get the OK from me! A recent runway fave! Loved this x
Thank you always!!💘