Coffee Break #017: Dive bars, AI novels, and a disco lobster.
Your weekly roundup of inspiration and ideas to build your dream life.
Dear Friend,
Happy Monday! Last week was a really wild one for me. My sweet 12-year-old kitty got super sick, to the point where I was worried I was going to have to say goodbye… only to find out that she simply had a hairball, passed it, and is completely fine. Hooray! I only wish she could have done that before we paid $3750 to learn this information. :’)
On the plus side, my friends were able to visit this weekend, and I had a lovely time hanging out with them, wandering through little shops, getting iced coffees, finally visiting an iconic dive bar by my house, and watching copious amounts of 90 Day Fiance.
Love always,
In Brief
📚 Reading
Over the weekend, I picked up Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe, at a bookstore and I cannot wait to dig in. A rom-com about a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a podcast producer? Sign me tf up.
🍔 Eating
I’m going to be trying this Baked Cheddar and Leek Pasta recipe from Bon Appetit immediately.
📺 Watching
On Saturday, my friends and I went to see Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come and wow it was so much fun. Cinematic masterpiece? Maybe not. But if you liked the first one, and are in the mood for a somewhat gory but incredibly satisfying revenge arc, then I think you’ll like this one.
🧣 Wearing
My beloved Whiskey, 1969 perfume by Thin Wild Mercury, best paired with flare jeans, platform sandals, and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.
🎨 Creativity & Curiosity
Weekly Task
Follow one intellectual curiosity down a rabbit hole for 30 minutes. Wikipedia:random is a great place to start.
Roundup
I found this super cool new search engine that lets you discover various artworks based on moods or vibes, like playful, ethereal, dramatic, etc. It’s been a lot of fun to just click around in!
A great essay on worrying about sounding like a robot in the age of AI, and how they can pry the em dash from our cold, dead hands.
The New York Times rounded up a list of all the books that are going to be adapted to screen this year. I have been meaning to read Margo’s Got Money Troubles for years, I think now is the time!
Have you been following the whole controversy surrounding Shy Girl? The book has been (credibly) accused of using AI, and Hachette has subsequently pulled it ahead of its US release. I had an ARC for this that I never got around to reading, and now I’m glad, because I read a few passages and… woof. Pun intended.
Sturgill Simpson released his newest album only on physical media – CDs, vinyl, and cassette. I think that’s kind of awesome, tbh. I haven’t listened to much of his stuff, but this has me wanting to pick it up to give it a go.
🧥 Personal Style
Weekly Task
Create a seasonal capsule wardrobe plan – what do you actually need for this season?
Roundup
These super cute (and comfy!) wide legged cuffed jeans from J.Crew Factory are on sale for only $59 right now. And bonus for my fellow shorties, they come in petite lengths too!
This butter yellow wool-blend cardi from Abercrombie is a great dupe for the $400 Doen one that keeps following me around the internet.
Grown-up jelly sandals? Sign me tf up.
Look out J.Crew, Quince is officially knocking off the cotton rollneck sweater for only $50.
The Cut’s takedown piece on the utterly bizarre line of merch for the new Devil Wears Prada sequel had me cracking up. These are really, really hideous, I’m gonna be honest.
🏡 Home & Environment
Weekly Task
Declutter your digital space (desktop, downloads folder, photos).
Roundup
According to House Beautiful, analog listening rooms are all the rage. I’m here for it, though I don’t have a full room to spare, unfortunately. A listening corner, perhaps?
I love Nella’s colorful modular lamps and decor, made entirely from sugarcane and cornstarch. Dunno how that works, but they are beautiful!
Tis the season for spring cleaning, and The Good Trade has a list of 99 things to get rid of. Let the decluttering begin!
I came across Maxbox Matchbox prints on Instagram, and they’re so fun! I might need to get the Chicago prints.
I’m sooo in love with this pastel, spring-y little apartment in NYC. That bright green velvet sofa is to die for. And the butter yellow cabinets??? Swoon.
💸 Career & Business
Weekly Task
Set one boundary that protects your creative energy (no calls on Fridays, no scope creep, etc.)
Roundup
Personal Brand Accelerator has a great primer on creating a signature content series to help connect with your audience online.
I love the idea that Ingrid Fetell-Lee proposes that joy should be your primary metric for success in work and life. I agree wholeheartedly!
How To Go Freelance by Grace Abbott rounded up income info from 20 high-earning freelancers, and it’s very interesting and eye opening!
Andi Bitay wrote a great piece about how Instagram advice is stuck in 2020 – and how to decide where you want to grow your brand and business in 2026.
I’m very obsessed with Annie Dabir’s hypothetical rebrand of Sydney Sweeney’s tragic lingerie brand. Her version of Syrn (awful awful name) is something I might actually get into.
💌 Connection
Weekly Task
Send someone flowers or a small gift "just because." It doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful.
Roundup
Loved this piece on how to maintain long-distance friendships.
Sabrina Molu wrote a great primer on how to get really, really good at complimenting people.
This note really summed up my mood lately:
✨ Joy & Whimsy
Weekly Task
Create a "want to try" list and pick one thing this month. Could be experiences, restaurants, recipes, whatever you want to try doing.
Roundup
I got an ad for this DIY disco lobster kit and thought maybe you might need one. Because why not?
Good news, research suggests that owning a dog might be the secret to living longer. Thanks Phoebe!
Need some good news? You can get this adorable printed newspaper packed with only feel-good news delivered right to your door.
Jenna O'Brien, queen of whimsy, had her husband round up a lovely list of movies to watch on a rainy spring evening. I think it’s time to rewatch Big Fish, one of my favorite films.
Another favorite of mine, Brittany Viklund, made the absolute cutest board game to help you flourish this spring. Printing this out immediately.
Love it! Thank you for the mention!
I look forward to this every Monday! 😌