8 Things | March 2024
A fun new bag, a damn good cookie and a new musical I watched 6 times in one week
Hellllloooooo world, welcome to my first Substack. I’ll keep this month’s intro short and sweet because in real time, I just wrote my intro post and I’d rather you go read that to learn the who, what, when and why of this Substack. So - go do that and then come back.
Now, let’s get started.
Plain and simple, I have not shut up about the new Wonka movie since I watched it. I also watched it four times in one week. So safe to say I loved it. If you didn’t know, the Wonka movie starring Timothée Chalamet hit Max earlier this year. I watched it and was instantly obsessed. I loved the story, the characters, the songs. It’s sweet and funny, so much so that I wanted the story to keep going. It’s fresh and new but in a way that feels nostalgic. The movie is definitely family-friendly but it’s fun for adults too. Basically, this is me saying: if you haven’t watched it yet, add it to your list.
I’m one of those people that has to carry “just in case” items with me at all times. Bandaids, advil, hair ties, phone charger etc. Need it all, just in case.
In my work or travel bags, I’ve always kept a zipper pouch of these items plus other essentials like a Tide To-Go Pens, hand cream, Kleenex, blotting sheets and a pen. I keep it loaded, moving it from bag to bag and adding other items as needed to fit my agenda. I’d been using a simple, black faux leather pouch for years but it grew old, the zipper was broken and it was literally peeling, so it was time to find a new one.
I wanted something well-made, durable and practical but clean and modern looking.
recommended Cuyana which is where I found this zipper pouch for $98. It was basically identical to the one I’d loved and been using but this one will actually hold up. It’s simple, beautiful and genuine leather. It’s flexible so it’s easy to stuff - it easily fits everything I need and has room for more. I’ve had it for over a month now and see no signs of wear despite daily use. While that doesn’t mean I’m set forever, Jenn has several Cuyana products that she’s been using for years so it’s looking good. But regardless, this bag was exactly what I wanted right when I needed it so I call that a win.After my holiday cookie boxes, I had two leftover ingredients with no plan to use: shredded coconut and Kraft caramel bits. When I googled recipes to use them both, these Levain Bakery Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies popped up. I’ve visited Levain Bakery every time I’ve been to New York City and their cookies are GOOD. Thankfully, these dupes are just as good. I’m not a loyal coconut person but I found myself unable to stop eating these, both fresh out of the oven and two days later. They stayed soft and chewy, and my coworkers loved them too. I’ve made them again since and confirm, these cookies are easy and delicious.
Note: I did make them half-sized and I recommend this. Levain cookies are HUGE. Just make sure to keep an eye on your cookies in the oven.
This goes beyond just Wordle, okay? I’m addicted to Connections (suck at it) and the Mini Crossword (great at it) but I play everything except Sudoku and Tiles. If I’m being honest though, Spelling Bee is by far my favorite - the hardest and the most rewarding. I really like to do these in the morning if I need a little time to wake up or throughout the workday if I need a little midday brain break. If I’m feeling smart, I’ll play Spelling Bee all day in 2 minute intervals until I reach Genius because my brain will not let me stop until I reach the top level. It’s the former high-achiever child in me.
Since hurting my knee in January, I’ve been stuck in flat shoes, which is neither my preference nor my norm - especially for work. I had limited semi-professional flat shoe options so I decided to get myself a nice, comfortable pair of flats and I was thinking about All Birds or Rothy’s.
Last August in Austin, I visited the All Birds store and tried on a few of their flat options but wasn’t sold and didn’t buy any so I knew I wanted to try Rothy’s before going back down that route. They have a store in Seattle so I popped in on a recent visit and tried on some shoes. I wanted something neutral that would go with a lot of my work clothes and ended up in these Chanel-inspired Point flats. Loved, sold. I also tried on the ankle wrapped flats which were cute but were a “not now, maybe later” item. But then I fell in love with these cherry red Mary Jane flats. Both red accessories and Mary Jane flats are current trends that I love so I thought they’d be a fun addition to my spring and summer wardrobe. Thinking they were the same price as All Birds flats - around $100 - I decided to get the red and the point flats. Imagine my shock when she said my total was $314 + tax?! Turns out Rothy’s flats are $150-160 each. Steep.
I loved both flats and knew I’d wear them so I decided to have them shipped to my house to avoid paying sales tax (thank you, Oregon) and she was able to give me a first-time discount of $20. This put my total at $294. Still crazy expensive for ballet flats, I know.
Thankfully, I’ve been wearing them and I have nothing but good things to say. I’m still stuck in flats and have been wearing both pairs to work weekly, at least. The red Mary Janes have been a staple in my personal wardrobe as well, making them even more worth it. Both pairs are comfortable for all day, more equivalent to a fashion sneaker than a typical ballet flat. I’ve even wore them to walk around the convention center for hours and had no issues, even with a bad leg. I’m even considering bringing them to Europe with me this summer.
It’s only been a month so I haven’t had to wash yet (they’re meant to be machine-washable) but I’ll be sure to update this if they fail me. But for now, I give you a full recommendation for Rothy’s.
Duolingo
I just hit my 75-day streak on Duolingo so this review is real and legit. I’ve been learning Italian to prep for my trip this summer and it’s been easy, fun and digestible. It feels like a game in a way that makes it more fun than your high school Spanish class. Thankfully, I was decent in Spanish in school and my high school Spanish class in actually coming in handy with the similarities in the languages. I think after my trip, I’ll begin working on my Spanish again but for now, arrivederci!
Instagram ads got me with this one. I saw these ads for literally months before I caved. They knew I’d give in if they kept showing me. I loved that this bag was casual and practical but fun and interesting. It’s also unlike anything else I have in my closet. It’s big enough to fit my Cuyana pouch, a book, a water bottle and my wallet, which makes it a pretty great day bag but it’s not so big that it’s in the way or your items get lost in it. It’ll be a great bag to throw on my shoulder with park, coast or adventure essentials this summer. I brought this bag on my girls trip to Palm Springs in February and two of my friends ended up purchasing it in different colors while we were there cause it’s really that cute. The bag also ships nicely with branded boxes and a dust bag. While this isn’t something you need, if you’re on the hunt or especially love this one, I can and do recommend it.
Side note: Do not buy this bag full price - it regularly goes on sale for half off! Expect to pay $50-60.
If you’re a reality TV lover at any level and you’re not watching Summer House, what are you doing? I watched a ton of reality tv growing up - Real World, The Hills, Project Runway, even Sister Wives (lol). But a few years ago, my best friend got me hooked on Summer House and I’ve been a Bravo girl ever since. The show generally follows a group of friends (20s and 30s) living in New York City, traveling to a shared house in the Hamptons every weekend. We’re currently on Season 8 so you get a great binge + the current season is the best yet, in my opinion, so you have something to look forward to. If you think this is up your alley, watch the mid-season trailer to get hooked then start from the beginning. I promise it’s worth the ride.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. If you have thoughts, leave me a comment or let me know if there’s anything you want to hear from me in the future. Otherwise, see you next month.
Talk soon,
Alina
Watched Wonka with my mom after you told me to, loved! I will not be watching Summer House though sorry not sorry
Have you played Strands yet? It’s not on the app because it’s beta but it’s another NYT banger!