Current Favorites

It’s been a minute eight months since my last “monthly favorites” post. But I do think about this blog series about once a month, so I might eventually actually publish these with regularity. Until then… here are a few things that have brought me joy recently:

ZESICA Sweater Set

I made myself recycle several pairs of threadbare sweatpants earlier this year, even though I loved them (RIP 7yo gray VS sweatpants), which opened up room in my closet for new loungewear. One new purchase that I have been wearing regularly is a sweater set from Amazon (available in 11 colorways), which is soft and comfortable.

In terms of fit, try your normal size, or a size up if you have a longer torso or are more bottom-heavy, as the top is slightly cropped in length, and the leg openings on the shorts are on the narrow side.

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Hocus Pocus 2

Hocus Pocus was the defining Halloween movie of my childhood, and growing up I watched every rerun that I could find. Well into adulthood I’d still play “I Put A Spell On You” on repeat (I also like Alpines’s cover of the song) when making spooky popcorn balls around Halloween time. Imagine my excitement when Hocus Pocus 2 was announced; while it didn’t quite capture the magic (har har) of the original, I still enjoyed getting to see the Sanderson sisters reunite.

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Dairy Queen® Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard® Treat

A Dairy Queen opened up near me a few months ago, and I don’t think there’s anyone who’s been more excited about this development than me. In 10ish weeks I have eaten about 50 large Blizzards, to my gut’s distress. But I have no plans to slow down. My go-to is the Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard with extra pecans and added chewy baked brownie pieces. If you are an ice cream lover who likes extra mix-ins, do give this a try.

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INDUSTRY

There is a Succession-sized hole in my entertainment schedule, which Industry, a banking drama, has been able to fill with its twisty Machiavellian machinations. I binged the first season in one weekend, and enjoyed the show enough to then suffer the traditional linear release format for season 2.

Industry, like Succession, is staffed by an irredeemable cast of unsympathetic princelings and arrivistes (except Eric, because #teameric) but it has an intensity that’s hard to walk away from. I also really like Yasmin’s wardrobe on the show: she wears a lot of drapey blouses and well-tailored coats, which makes me feel wistful for pre-pandemic work outfits.

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MOROCCANOIL TREATMENT LIGHT

After using the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum for about two years, I recently switched to Moroccanoil Treatment Light on recommendation from a friend who shares my hair texture. And I regret not trying this sooner! My hair is on the thin side so most hair oils tend to flatten any volume that I have; the Moroccanoil “Light” formula seems to be formulated for hair like mine, which are prone to oiliness. If you are looking to try a new hair serum and share my hair type, do consider this option.

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CARLSEN V NEIMANN

I have been following the cheating scandal that’s rocked the chess community with bated breath. There’s a virulent quality to this scandal–anyone who comments on it seems to then get enmeshed in it.

I have been relying on the (increasingly toxic) r/chess community for the latest developments, and Hikaru Nakamura’s streams to help me process and express appropriate emotions (Hikaru “holy moly“s and “wow”s enough for all of us). If there is not enough other-people’s-drama in your life, allow yourself to go down this internet rabbit hole.

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MINI DONUTS

2022 was my summer of county fairs; I made an effort to visit every regional fair that I hear about. What keeps me going: the mini donuts. I seriously considered getting a mini donut maker but, out of concern for my blood glucose levels, ultimately decided against buying one. If anyone has a good recipe for mini donuts, please send it to me.

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Skirted Legging

I recently started learning pickleball, and have evolved a need for even more athletic skorts and skirted leggings. One new favorite is the DonaJo Skirted Legging, which I have already placed a second order for. While the retail price point is on the high side for the style ($86), sales are frequent so there’s no need to pay full price. The smallest available size is a size 1*, which translates to a size S on another ad hoc size chart.

* If you are about my size, the waist on a size 1 will be loose, but not uncomfortably so and will stay put in action.

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What are some of your favorite things of the moment?