The To-Do List #01

My latest recs on what to wear, cook, watch and more.

I missed last week’s newsletter because I spent all my free time devouring Scandoval updates online. If you’re a fellow Bravo junkie and need to talk through the ongoing saga of this historic betrayal, slide into my DMs on Instagram.

Anywho… This week’s newsletter is a to-do list of sorts, but a fun one. It’s a short roundup of things I suggest shopping, watching and cooking this week. (Your college instant ramen gets an upgrade!) Plus a request for feedback on what books you’re reading lately; I need to retrain my brain to focus on something besides my phone before my brain melts.

Let’s dive in!

To Wear

Metallic silver platform sandals are stalking me around the Internet, and they just may be the unexpected basic we all need this spring and summer. I can’t imagine a warm weather outfit that won’t work with them.

I have my eye on two pairs that fit my budget for a seasonal trend purchase: these mirror-shine chunky platforms with a practical 2.5” heel (use coupon code GOODNEWS for 15% off); and these $40 Walmart platform heels with good reviews that — if you squint! — look like the cousins of a current style by Jimmy Choo.

The latter will pair perfectly with my new favorite $35 wide leg jeans.

(Honorable mention to these funky chunky Nine West slides.)

To Sniff

I received a sample of Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach perfume in my recent Sephora order, and ugh, it’s so good. I’m waiting for the spring savings event next month to snag the travel spray at a discount. It’s a lovely unisex blend of juicy peach, blood orange and subtle florals, grounded in warm pachouli and sandalwood. If you’re a fan of Le Labo Santal 33, this feels like it’s summery, fruity sister.

Bitter Peach has serious staying power with the tiniest spritz, so I think the travel size will get me through summer and then some.

To Cook

Ever since I watched this video of Bon Appétit pro chefs upgrading instant ramen, it’s become a staple in our weeknight dinner routine. It’s simple, warm, comforting, and super customizable with whatever protein and veggies you have on-hand.

Roy Choi’s instant ramen hack with American cheese + an egg poached right in the broth is my husband’s new favorite.

To Watch

I keep thinking about Eddy Burback’s recent YouTube video about the deceptive world of ghost kitchens. Not spooky specters haunting cooking spaces, but investor-owned industrial “virtual” kitchens masquerading as local eateries that are taking over food delivery apps. And how the rising prevalence of these ghost kitchens affects small independent restaurant owners.

I love an investigative deep dive into a niche topic, and Eddy does it so well. It’s an interesting look into the weird world of future industrial takeout operations; but it also delves into the safety and ethical concerns surrounding these setups. It will make you think twice about which ‘restaurant’ you choose on your next Uber Eats order.

To Read

Okay, I need your help with this one. I used to be an avid reader, but post-2020 my focus is shot and I’m lucky to get through three books a year. Please drop a comment with the books you’ve enjoyed recently, and I’ll make a list of all your favorites to share in an upcoming newsletter.

I’m interested in all kinds of recommendations, but for what it’s worth my personal favorite genres are: page-turning thrillers; coming-of-age fiction; a little sprinkle of magic or the supernatural; and celebrity memoirs/biographies. I used to like dystopian fiction, but that feels a little too close to reality these days, so I’ll pass on that. Ha!

Basically, give me all the satisfying/entertaining/junk-food type of literature that will encourage me to read something other than VPR updates and r/BravoRealHousewives - please and thank you.

Other Links I Liked Last Week

• I am very tempted by this Arket crossbody bag in the prettiest periwinkle suede!

• Thanks it’s from… is a weekly substack of very cool ebay fashion finds.

• Cupcakes and Cashmere shares a helpful post on how to do your own wedding makeup with tips that work for everyday, too.

• Hannah Louise Poston breaks down 3 easy outfit combinations to help you style your existing wardrobe in a new way.

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