Current Mood


Reading...
Sex and Vanity: A Novel
I had been looking forward to Kevin Kwan's followup to the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy and it does not disappoint. The plot of this book is essentially a modern retelling of E. M. Forster’s  A Room With A View and features a love story wrapped up in wealth and excess not unlike CRA. There is an interesting commentary on class and racism and the plot at times is a little predictable especially if you've read A Room With A View which I have but I still find it a fun and breezy summer read.

Watching...
The Umbrella Academy Season 2 & Three Meals A Day Fishing Village 5
As in the first season of The Umbrella Academy, the Hargreaves super-siblings are once again trying to stop an apocalypse that they have caused only this time they've been transported to the 1960's. This season felt more cohesive in it's storytelling. Three Meals a Day Fishing Village 5 reunites Cha Seung Won, Yoo Hae Jin, and Son Ho Jun as they spend time living in a remote fishing village, using the food they find there to create three meals a day. They had some fun guests this season like Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Kwang Soo. This is my type of reality show as it is a joyful escape without any drama.  It's relaxing to watch people just making food and being considerate of each other.

Buying...
Stamps
I wrote about this before but the message bears repeating: The United States Postal Service is in crisis and urgently needs our help. If half the adults in the US purchased a book of stamps it would raise $1.5 billion. If you are able, go and BUY SOME STAMPS. This is the best and easiest way for the general public to directly fund the USPS as it relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to run its operations. You don’t even have to physically go to the post office, just visit the online Postal Store. I'd recommend this beautiful set honoring the work of acclaimed artist Ruth Asawa who escaped persecution and became known for her nature inspired intricate wire sculptures that challenged the traditional definitions of sculpture. These are so pretty I don't think I'm even going to use them.

Eating...
Sweetgreen
I cut down on cooking in August because of the hot weather and to help my neck/shoulder rehab. We  still wanted to eat healthy and ended up having Sweetgreen fairly often since my physical therapy appointments would end right before lunch time and a Sweetgreen is located nearby. Their revamped menu has many tasty new options though I miss my old fave Hummus Tahina. I do really like the Green Goddess Avocado and Vegan Caesar. My husband is partial to the Crispy Rice Bowl.

Rediscovering...
Wardrobe Pieces I Had Forgotten About
I had to put off my closet cleaning and organizing projects because of my neck/shoulder pain but now that I'm feeling better, I've started slowly working on it and found some great pieces that I hadn't worn in awhile like these shimmery Corso Como sandals that are like new even though they're at least five years old. This is where leaning towards elevated classics that don't go out of style pays off. I'm glad I never messed up my feet with heels and bad shoes so that I can wear cute sandals like these.

Coming To Terms With...
Missing Our Vacation This Year
If the pandemic didn't happen, we would've been headed to London and Paris later this month. We had actually planned this trip and a warm weather destination for the winter for this year but it's not meant to be. At least we didn't book anything so we didn't have to deal with cancellations. I was really looking forward to revisiting two of my favorite cities. I took this photo of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus at dusk on our last trip there 13 years ago. I don't know when we'll go leave home to go on vacation again but with all the money we're saving now, we're going to travel in style. Our trip to Hawaii last year is even more meaningful now.

Shopping...
Strategically
Being in the midst of a pandemic and not being well has a way of putting things into perspective, rendering material things unimportant. My beauty spending has been negligible since I have a skincare stash to work down and I don't need makeup. I do still buy some clothing because it's more practical and will last. This Rebecca Taylor Top that I snagged for 80% off the original retail price was a too good of a deal to pass up. I had actually considered this at a sample sale last year but didn't end up buying it. It worked out since I got it at an even better price. The metallic rose clip design is lovely and yes this counts as an elevated classic investment piece that I can still wear in the future.

Enjoying Our...
Airfree Air Purifier*
I had been looking at getting an air purifier even before Covid-19 and now that we're home all the time, it's important not only to make sure surfaces are clean, we want to keep the air clean as well since we have our terrace door open sometimes. Airfree recently sent me their Iris 3000 air purifier and we've definitely noticed a difference in our air quality using it daily. I'm not sneezing from allergies at all anymore for one. The small profile which works silently is perfect for our living room. The best thing has to be the low maintenance as it works with a filterless patented Thermodynamic TSS Core Technology system that uses heat to kill chemical and organic allergy causing microorganisms such as mold spores, fungus, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, pollen, or pet hair dander.

This post features complimentary products sent for editorial consideration (denoted with a *) and may contain affiliate or referral links.

15 comments

Jackie Harrison said...

Great way to do what you enjoy and collecting Stamps is unique and you have to love it to do that hobby.

Doctor Anne said...

We just finished Umbrella Academy Season 2 - I loved the setting in this one, the 60s are among my favorite season fashionwise, although I was reminded multiple times through the episodes why I am very happy to live now rather than back then.

Rakhshanda chamberofbeauty said...

I didn't read 'Sex and Vanity' but I have heard great things about this novel. I would love to buy it. Collecting Stamps is really unique and interesting. Take care girl and stay safe <3
Have a nice day <3
Kisses :)
https://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

Kinga K. said...

I'll check them ❤

R's Rue said...

I’m off to order Sex and Vanity. I want to eat Sweetgreen so badly. Have a beautiful day.

Paola Lauretano said...

Delicious salad, I want to eat only healthy food!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself


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Eli Dou said...

I love this kind of "Current Mood" posts. I didn't know about the book nor that USPs is near to bankrupcy... thanks for sharing all of that!
have a beautiful weekend!
xx

Eli | Curly Style

Corinne said...

I really need to watch the umbrella academy! I've heard such good things about it.

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Ivana Split said...

Sex and Vanity seems like an interesting novel. I yet have to read Crazy Rich Asians but when I do, I'll look up this sequel for sure. Air cleaner is a great thing to invest right now.

Sakuranko said...

I wanted to read the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy but haven't done it yet. is that I saw the movie and I kind of got discouraged.

Mica said...

While I haven't read the book I did watch the Crazy Rich Asians movie on the plane last year and I loved it! I really need to read the books. I am glad we had our big trip last year even if we don't know when we will be able to have another one! It was nice to have had the opportunity!

Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

Away From Blue

Paola Lauretano said...

Have a blessed Sunday Rowena!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself


My Instagram

The Exclusive Beauty Diary said...

That AirFree look so modern and cool. I like design.

New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/09/vichy-ideal-soleil-velvety-sun-cream.html

Omaye said...

Love you advocating to buy stamps! I think it is imperative at this time to show ways we the public can help, even in the smallest ways. It truly makes a difference!
xxxxx

ALLIE NYC said...

Ah yes I watched this series. It was fun. s&v does indeed sound liked a great read I could see this being made in to a movie too. I use to eat at here sometimes, back when I had a job and worked in the city. And I did indeed buy a book of stamps.

Allie of
www.allienyc.com