books I can't put down, new Costco finds, and fixing my under eyes.
The Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T
What is the Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T? I wanted to create a fun weekly format to share food, reads, hobbies, items, shows and more that I’m currently loving or making my life easier. I also want to hear from YOU. What are you enjoying? Comment on the post anything you’re loving in a R.E.P.O.R.T category.
ICYMI, I wrote about the book club that I joined last year here. It has been one of my favorite social events in this season of life. I love hearing recommendations from friends in their 20’s to friends in their 70’s. Books can bring so many people together.
The past two weeks I have been completely captivated by The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. There are eight books total in the series and I am on book six right now. The series follows an upper middle class orphan, Emma M. Lion, in Victorian times through a series of journal entries. Don’t worry, it still very much reads like a narrative in the first person and is so easy to binge with short chapters. She has unlikely friendships (which wouldn't have really happened then but they make for a great story) and it follows her as she navigates between the lower and upper echelons of society.
If you enjoy Jane Austen’s banter and wit but don’t want to read a two hundred year old book, you will enjoy this modern day written series. The author states that there will be twenty four books in total with several coming out a year. I would bet money that this book series will be turned into a TV series at some point. Each book covers two months of Emma’s life and they are intended to be “episodes.”
They are a quick, fun, light read. As a mom who is constantly being interrupted right now, these are perfect because you can read in short five or ten minute chunks without having to find your place again in the book.
(The books are also on kindle unlimited, which I’m using the 30 day free trial to read them all hopefully.)
Amazon | Libro.fm | Kindle Unlimited
I absolutely loooove La Fermiere yogurt. It’s more of a dessert or treat as it has a very rich flavor and texture. I’ve found it at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, and now COSTCO!! If you’ve had it before, you know it’s pricier, so I usually only grab one or two from the store.
The other thing I love about this yogurt is that I reuse the jars for bulk spices. I got some lids off Etsy, and they make perfect jars for holding small items.
Last year I also took up needlepointing. I have been working my way through making signs for each kids bedroom doors. (They are so cute but I have to keep their names private!) I am VERY excited about my upcoming projects. I got a few canvases for Christmas and can’t decide which one to start after I finish this child’s sign.
Which one should I do next?
If you’re wanting to get started in needlepoint, I have found a couple of easy kits from Alice Peterson. They are under $30 and are completely self finished. A great project to dip your toe into needlepoint and see if you like it without the full investment.
If you’re anything like me, your weight can fluctuate for various reasons, so investing in clothes in the season with little kids, pregnancy, peri menopause (ha!), can feel really daunting. I’ve been loving the Ellie Nap Dress and the Louisa Dress from Hill House for the last few years. (I also like the Scarlet for a less full skirt)If you saw on my Instagram stories, I wore my normal size all the way to 40 weeks pregnant. I didn’t want to buy any maternity clothes and they have been amazing for postpartum. I love them because they are as comfortable (or more comfortable) than yoga pants, but I feel put together.
They aren’t cheap, but they have great sales. I am personally obsessed with this Valentine’s Day capsule print as well as a few of the new spring collection. I made a decision last year to try to invest in natural fiber clothes and many of their prints are in 100% cotton with a poplin weave. They wash really well, and I just hang them to dry.
I got this cute 100% cotton sweater from Amazon that I’ve worn with my dresses once it got chilly. It’s super comfy and affordable.
Right before my baby was born, RMS Beauty reached out to me to see if I would try their new ReFresh Eye Brightner. It could not have come at a better time. I am not gonna lie, I was skeptical. I really like their UnCoverup concealer but this completely refreshed my VERY tired eyes. It’s really light weight and dewy, which is great because my skin is so dry right now due to hormones and the winter air. It also has SPF in it which is a bonus for summertime when I can never seem to get good SPF coverage under my eyes.
Give it a try here.
Having a newborn means not much time to myself… I’ve found a little luxury in these Hu Chocolate Bars. I got them in my latest Thrive Market box and they are the perfect individual portion. I personally loooove their milk chocolate. I know that dark is “better” but I’ll always be a milk chocolate gal. I love that their chocolate doesn’t have that waxy taste from lecithins etc.
Ohhhhh I love this format! I have to say I’m a sucker for anything good on Kindle Unlimited. It’s my favorite subscription I have