WO: Weekly Obsessions
Even though I read all day long as part of my job, I find myself grasping for more content to consume during my downtime. Whether it’s a rainy bus ride or relaxing before bed, I’ve been voraciously reading more long-form articles and novels than usual. For example…
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- “Who Does She Think She Is?”: Acclaimed author Laurie Penny wrote this essay and I hope you’ll take the time to read it. Spoiler alert for my favorite passage: “…any woman … must find a way to dress which is neither too conservative nor too revealing, not too frumpy nor too frivolous, a way of speaking which is neither ‘aggressive’ nor simpering … It’s almost as if the problem weren’t the behavior or the voice or the clothes but the woman wearing them.” DAMN.
- “The Silence: The Legacy of Childhood Trauma”: You’ve likely seen this essay from renowned author Junot Diaz shared among your social networks already, so I’m not breaking any ground here by reminding you to again, take the time to read it. The detail and decades of masked pain are heartbreaking and infuriating and excruciating all at once.
- “Keep Your Head Up”: Some co-workers were discussing addiction to technology via smartphones and other devices, when one mentioned this article from NYT contributor Adam Popescu. Granted, you have to read it on a device, but the irony was not lost on us. As much as I love the ability to FaceTime family and stay connected to loved ones, it’s also eye-opening to see what physical damage we’re causing on a daily basis.
- Mark Zuckerberg on SNL: When you need a break from all that weight of the world, this Weekend Update bit from SNL is sure to win. My work husband used it against me in a meeting today and I full on had a giggle fit in front of 20 people. So yeah, you could say it’s a good one. POKE!
Images courtesy of: Longreads, New Yorker, NYT, TechCrunch
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Are you ready for some life-changing obsessions this week?! You are?! Hint: This will not include the anger-inducing “schedule” feature on WordPress, since it failed me so hard last week.
Anyway, get set — this is not a drill.
- Hoisin Chicken Stir-fry: I haven’t been shy about professing my love for Blue Apron. And despite some ingredient issues recently, including with this very meal, it’s my go-to for creating delicious dishes. I couldn’t give this any more than five stars, but I would if I could. Check out the recipe here and let me know if you’re as in love as I am.
- Silencing FB Live: If you’re suffering an endless slew of Facebook Live notifications, you’ve wondered, no doubt, how to make them stoppp. I was only seeing the option in-app to turn off individual notifications, but there’s a way to do it from the ol’ desktop that takes two seconds and will save a million headaches. Dramatic, much? This article explains.
- Magz’s Birthday: It’s my favorite mom’s birthday today, and as she celebrates (undisclosed number here), I have to reflect on how much she’s impacted my life. From keeping our family together during tough times to answering all of my “how to adult” questions, Magz is deserving of a gold medal and a fantastic year ahead. Cheers!
- “Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld & Grey f. Zedd: I heard this song on Spotify a few times without realizing how often it’d get stuck in my head after. You may recognize Hailee from “True Grit,” “Pitch Perfect” or the upcoming “The Edge of Seventeen.” Turns out, her pipes sound even better with a little pop-funk in the background.
Images courtesy of: Blue Apron, modified from The Country Caller, Family, Josep Vinaixa
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I’m so pumped for Friday, when I’ll finally have cable and Internet installed at home and can rejoin civilization! Exciting stuff, you guys. I’ve managed to keep busy sans-DVR, though, thanks to these four finds:
- “Gone Girl”: I devoured the book in less than 24 hours, so it’s no surprise I loved the big-screen version starring dreamboat Ben Affleck. It’s 2.5 hours of entertainment, so you can actually justify the $20 for a ticket and popcorn!
- Dim Sum Club: I stumbled upon this new restaurant in my neighborhood the other night, and “obsessed” is an understatement. The Shanghai Soup Dumplings (among others) are to die for. I’m drooling just thinking about them! #normal
- Breast Cancer Foundation Awareness: This brilliant campaign from DDB Singapore highlights what our generation’s priorities should be when it comes to checking things out — ladies, protect your girls!
- “All About that Bass” – Meghan Trainor: Ahh, it’s another upbeat pop hit that gets me in a dancing mood. Who am I lately? Answer: A happier version of me that’s all about that bass, no treble.
Images courtesy of: North Park Theatre, Yelp, Digital Synopsis, Spotify
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Back with a vengeance after one whirlwind week of squatting in the city, and 2013 is already proving to be a year of blessings. Here are four distinct reasons why:
- A New Cousin: My eldest cousin, her husband and their beautiful two-year-old welcomed a son into the world today. Congratulations to the first boy of their branch and many more firsts to come!
- An Old Bond: Alpha Omicron Pi celebrates 116 years of sisterhood today, and I’m thrilled to be in the city where it all began. We’re set to reopen our Alpha Chapter at Columbia University this month too.
- A New York Address: My roommate and I received word today that our application for an apartment in Manhattan was approved! All the stress and craziness was bound to result in finding a perfect place to start our lives in NY.
- A Florida Friendship: What little sanity I have left is all in thanks to my good friend from high school and his roommates, who’ve let me sleep on their couch till I get settled. My first tagged FB picture says it all — he’s a gem.
Man, it feels good to be back.
Images courtesy of: Pawleys Island Posh, AOII, Blog.Compete, Facebook
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Today marks my 10th straight day of work, and I’ve got to trudge through just ONE more before vacation! A few close girlfriends and I will set the high seas with Magz and her girls for three days of Caribbean bliss. Till that ship sails, here’s your weekly dose of dreamy:
Piña Coladas*: I am normally not a fan of frozen cocktails and will take my drinks on the rocks, thankyouverymuch. However, no island vacay is complete without this tall glass of frozen coconut and rum and deliciousness. Cheers!
Bright Nail Polish: Considering how clumsy I am, you probably didn’t peg me for a nail polish fiend. There’s just something I love about pretty polishes, especially in bright colors (before “fall” Florida weather arrives). I’m currently rocking blinding teal tips and kind of can’t stop staring at my digits.
“Freckles”: I’m a huge fan of Natasha Bedingfield’s unique voice, and this song is just too stinkin’ cute. My fair Irish skin is covered with “angel kisses,” so I’ve had a couple of decades to get used to what I’ve been given. I won’t return from the cruise with an awesome tan, but I WILL have approximately 800 more freckles. Wee!
Unplugging: One of my absolute favorite things about going on cruises is that you leave (most) technology behind. I won’t need my phone, email or Facebook for three full days — and that feels fantastic. Of course, I’m still bringing my iPod … how else do you expect me to sit in the sun without losing interest?
Here’s hoping I don’t have any catastrophes a la my travels to San Fran. I’m ready to be ON A BOAT (had to do it). Adios!
*I’m fully aware that the drink pictured is an Appletini. Just go with it.