Currrent Mood

Personal Update, Life Update, Mood Board, rolala loves

Is it me or did January simultaneously feel like it lasted forever yet passed by in a flash at the same time?

Reading...
This book was recommended by a friend as a light read. It tells the story of a couple who've broken up  pretend that pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their friends. Having read Emily Henry's People We Meet On Vacation which I enjoyed, I knew that I like her writing style and skill at creating compelling characters. This book is good. It has emotional depth and a complex yet realistic story that is engaging.

Watching...
Starring Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik, Doctor Slump is a romantic dramedy about high school rivals who meet again as adults after they have both hit rock bottom in their respective careers. They end up striking up a friendship that will give them both a way to heal and maybe more. This started last week and it's pretty entertaining so far without being stressful.  A Shop For Killers is an action thriller in which a young woman raised by her uncle, inherits a mysterious online shopping site that he ran when he suddenly passes away. As she tries to wrap her head around the situation, she is targeted by dangerous killers. At 8 episodes, this one moves quickly with plenty of tension and suspense as well as action.  Lee Dong Wook is excellent and badass as the mysterious uncle and Kim Hye Joon once again proves why she is such a compelling actress as the niece.

Updating our decor with....
Accent pillows are such a fun and easy way to change up the look of a space which adding a flourish of personal style. This chevron-inspired pattern enlivens our living room with a touch bold color. Big plus, it's machine washable which makes it easy to keep clean.

Cooking with...
I had been seeing this olive oil in online ads for awhile and decided to pick up a bottle when I saw it on sale at Whole Foods. I was very pleasantly surprised when I started using it as it has a pleasant mellow flavor and a high smoke point which makes it perfect for all around cooking and stir fries. We're a Chinese household that eats a lot of stir fry dishes! Gotta say the hype is real with this oil and the squeeze bottle makes it so convenient to use. Totally love and recommend.

Drinking...
Collagen Matcha Lattes*
I was recently sent a tin of DōMatcha Organic Summer Harvest Matcha Powder from the brand and it makes the most delicious matcha lattes. Summer Harvest Organic is harvested in August instead of spring, which makes this matcha very high in catechins with powerful antioxidant effects. This matcha has a really nice earthy and smooth flavor. I will talk more about it and share my collagen matcha latte recipe in a post soon.

Warming...
My Candles instead of burning them
Candle Warmer Lamps are all the rage now because they let people safely enjoy their favorite candles by melting them to release a strong and pure fragrance that lasts twice as long as burning while eliminating indoor flames, smoke, and soot. Admittedly I started using candles less because I was concerned about safety but warming them is a much better option that doesn't involve fire or smoke hazards. I opted for a candle warmer instead of a lamp for space and I love it so much. It really amplifies the fragrance of my candles and they last forever now.

Wearing..
I've cut back significantly on clothing purchases and every item I've bought in the past few years has been a forever wardrobe staples like this chambray shirt with feminine details from one of my favorite brands. A.P.C. stands for Atelier de Production et det Création and this French brand founded by Jean Touitou  is known for their high quality minimalist style essentials I've been wearing this shirt under sweaters and sweatshirts and know it will look great in it's own when the weather is warmer.

Looking forward to wearing...
I had a pair of these shoes years ago and they were so comfortable that I totally wore them until they could no longer be worn. I was eyeing a blush pink pair but never got them because I was rehabbing my ankle. Spotted this bordeaux pair on sale and my husband bought them for me for my birthday. I can't wait to break them out when it's warm. They're such a chic and versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down.

I loved this article about how to feel a little better in 2024 that's filled with gentle, actionable and practical suggestions that will really add up. I've already incorporated more stretching into my exercise routines and it makes a huge difference.

This post contains press samples sent for review (denoted with a *) and affiliate or referral links.

9 comments

R's Rue said...

I need that olive oil. Your posts make me happy. Thank you.

LoveT. said...

The Pillow looks great. Happy Weekend!

Mica said...

I haven't heard of candle warmers before but I like the idea, as someone who uses a lot of scented candles! Thank you for sharing :)

I enjoyed Happy Place too but People We Meet on Vacation I liked a little more. Never disliked any of Emily Henry's books so far though! :)

Kinga K. said...

Great pillow covers :D

Emmylou said...

Im so loving that shirt, chingu! I bet you look fab in it:) And thanks for the heads up on Doctor Slump and Shop for Killers! Im adding them to my to-watch list:D
Have a great Sunday!

R's Rue said...

Happy Sunday my friend.

Hena Tayeb said...

I haven't read Happy Place yet but I have read the Vacation one as well as Beach Read and loved both.

Pilar said...

I thought the same thing too! The first part of January went by quickly, but mid month the days seem to long. I love my candles, but I think I like candle warmers better!

Ivana Split said...

Happy Place sounds like an interesting book.
I have a friend who broke up with her boyfriend but they still went on a previously planned vacation together. They didn't want to cancel it and they had a good time. They eventually stayed friends and I think that's very mature.
Anyhow, I think we all sometimes just really need a vacation.