Fun Things of February
A few nice things for the shortest, coldest, brightest month.
It’s unseasonably warm and snowless in Minnesota, after a couple of weeks of sub-zero temperatures and blindingly bright snow. This month has been … weird … no? If you’re in a bit of a hazy malaise like me, here are a few things that cheered me up.
-Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
It’s been a lifetime since Renée Zellweger or Bridge Jones crossed my mind. But then I was browsing Peacock and saw that she was back, and “snogging” the mafia-adjacent kid from White Lotus?! Color me intrigued. I found the new movie surprisingly delightful, and then went back and watched the originals. You just don’t get female protagonists who smoke two packs a day, drink constantly and flirt with their boss these days. Helen Fielding really gave us a gift with that character. If you’re feeling a little blue lately, I highly suggest a Bridget Jones marathon.
Weike Wang became one of my favorite authors in the last couple years as I spent a few late nights rocking my baby and listening to her audiobooks. Joan is Okay is probably her biggest release, and it’s where she stretches her literary voice in the most character-driven and quirky direction. Rental House is an understated read about a couple navigating turning 40 without children in a very divided American political landscape. Wang has a talent for subtlety and dialog, immersing you in a couple’s lives without making you realize you’re reckoning with your own wider worldview.
This super-soft, comfy sweater dress is my favorite piece of clothing right now. The Oxblood red color is very classy, but I’m sad that the black version is sold out. I would highly recommend it to anyone who looks for things to drape over leggings. I only own a couple things from Halara, but they seem to rival Lululemon and Vuori in terms of comfort at a much lower price.
-The General Onslaught of Exciting New TV
I had to keep a list of new TV shows to watch this month, including Love is Blind (Minneapolis edition!), White Lotus season 3, Yellowjackets season 3, The Recruit season 2, and Suits LA.
We’ve also been taking in all the new SNL 50th anniversary content, including the surprisingly good Saturday Night movie, as well as watching every award show—even the SAG awards. Pop Culture Jeopardy may take the cake as our go-to over all of these options. Daphne calls it “Jeoparmeme” and dances along to its theme song every time.
-Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Apparently this product has such a cult following that it’s the only Clinique product my local Sephora carries. As someone who immediately dabs off most of the lipstick I apply, this is my favorite lip product ever and I will probably buy it for the rest of my life.
I’ve been making over my office lately since I now work from home full time (which rules) and recently splurged on this cute throw. It’s beautiful and well-made, making me consistently eye the rest of their products.
-Komoni Eucalyptus Spearmint Soap
The Twin Cities offers its fair share of home-grown scent and beauty brands, and Komoni is my recent favorite. Everything is high-quality and has the right level of unique, indulgent scent without being too scenty. Love the branding work done by Abbi Hadican as well.
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Other enjoyments and curiosities …
-I want to try Milk Bar’s limited-edition Birthday Cake churro from Taco Bell
-We went to the newly reopened Italian Eatery by Travail the other night and it was better than ever. They plan to reopen Un Dito under a new concept this summer too, so we shall be bringing little ones there soon.
-Crumbl Cookies has dropped the “cookies” from their name, in yet another disturbance to the fabric of American society.
-I enjoyed Amy Schumer’s new movie Kinda Pregnant more than kinda.
-There will be no Bachelorette this year, which feels MAGA-influenced. If you’re going to cancel it, just put the whole franchise out of its misery. (Other than the one for grandpas.)
Hope you all have a lovely March.