2nd week // SEPTEMBER
TO FOLLOW (May): Internet friends, here is a treasure trove of instagram consignment accounts. @noishaf.bazaar is your place to go if you like clogs, anything Madewell, beauty products and high-end accessories (anyone else having flashbacks to Stefon from SNL? “New York’s hottest new club is CLOG. They have mules, artisan jewelry, and flowy linen goods backlit by the healing glow of a himalayan salt lamp.”). For my male readers, check out @noishaf.men for brands like Red Wing, Patagonia, Nisolo, and a slew of vintage goods. And finally, my go-to for premium athletic wear is @noishaf.active. I’ve got post notifications turned on for that baby. Scared to shop on Instagram? Have no fear! Use paypal to send payment, which will protect your purchase should something go awry (the seller pays the fee). Not sure about sizing? Know your general measurements (bust, waist, hips) and cross-check size charts for the clothing brands or look at online reviews. Ask questions about fit or request a picture of an item on the seller if needed. And finally, if you’re unsure of your size- go directly to the store to try items on for fit. Most affordable items go quickly, but if you do some due-diligence and are armed with your sizing, you’ll be ready to snatch up some great deals! Sorry… and you’re welcome.
TO BINGE (Caroline): I know, I know. This is my third week in a row with a rec from the tele. BUT I am so beyond psyched for the the new season of the Great British Baking Show on Netflix! The happiest show has returned after several years of hiatus! Steely-eyed Paul Hollywood is back along with a new judge, Prue Leith (her accessories are fab fab fab), and two new presenters. And if Americans are wondering why the new, gothic-looking presenter looks familiar, re-watch that weird, early viral video Old Gregg and see if you spot him. (Warning: Not safe for work!)
TO MAKE (May): Sometimes I chuckle thinking of the items Caroline has to draw for our newsletter. Like this recipe for pork tenderloin… I am envisioning something like the creature from Tremors (please tell me you’ve seen this 90s classic of my youth). Anyhow, it’s relatively fool-proof, takes about 10 minutes of prep and yields tender (read: not dried out) pork every time. Sear the pork in a cast iron or oven-proof skillet (read: less dishes). Then it can effortlessly go into the oven for the remainder of its cook time.
TO DIY (Caroline): I’ve been pinteresting like a fiend looking for fun ways to decorate our on-the-way baby’s nursery, and I came across this chic looking, diy wall hanging. The great thing about this project is that it requires very little artistic ability to achieve a very professional look. You’ve only got to find the right materials. It's classy enough to go in any room, but this will be going in baby Clark’s room (maybe with some pastel dyed tassels).
TO DIY (May): Nine out of the ten diy suggestions I make do not get off the ground. But when my husband and I were in IKEA one day, I was able to talk him into this easy (and rewarding!) project. With two cans of this gold spray paint, you can transform a basic ikea shelf into something fancy and stylish. We skipped the marble contact paper and instead stained some wooden boards for a more rustic look.
TO SMELL (Caroline): It’s an occupational hazard for us to frequently have college students at our house. This leaves my precious chesterfield couch smelling… ripe. I can’t handle super floral-y smells, and most Febreeze scents make me think of an old lady’s perfume. Caldrea is a line of candles and soap you’ve probably seen at Target, but they have this scent called Basil Blue Sage I can’t seem to find anywhere except random boutique stores and online. It’s sweet but herby and lovely. The room and linen spray has saved couch and my life, but they have everything from hand lotion to fabric softener.