I saw the Materialists so you don't have to
Also, the ultimate Octogenarian Chic visor, a low-stress way to network, and a wannabe trad-wife, at-home vanilla latte
Well, I inspired myself. 😂
On Monday, I threw out there that I was going to see Materialists as my fun action for the week and my sister and I made it happen.
And, it was…not great? (Although, keep in mind, lots of people online LOVE it so maybe I’m the wrong audience?)
Anyway, I thought I’d give you a quick rundown so you can decide if you want to spend your hard-earned, free time on it!
THINGS I WAS INTO:
Dakota Johnson’s hair
So on point. No joke, I’m getting her bangs next time I go in for a hair cut.DJ’s wardrobe
Holy smokes, is she cool. When she came strutting on screen in this short skirt / tall boot combo, I knew we were in for a style bonanza. I may or may not have adopted her simple, silver necklace look, every day since.Chris Evans
Wow. Not only is he smokin’, the guy can act. Anytime he came on screen I was like: Never leave us, please!Hanging with my sister
I most likely would have been “too busy” to go to dinner and a movie had I not set up this challenge, which reminded me accountability works!
THINGS I WAS NOT SO INTO:
Pretty much the movie! 😂
Listen, I was looking for a rom-com and while there was plenty of rom, there was almost zero heat and only a micro amount of com. I feel like they billed it as kooky escapade, but it’s more of an indie thinker.
I also thought the acting was meh, and while I liked the premise of exploring “Is real love a thing anymore or should we all just marry for money?”, the book I’m currently reading - Kevin Kwan’s “Lies and Weddings” - does the same thing only with a lot more humor and fun.
OMG, I’m a movie reviewer now! Have you seen it and what did you think?
Love, Kara
I told you about my fave matching set for when I actually get showered and dressed, but, FINE, you got me! That hardly ever happens! It’s summer and showering seems like a lot of work! I keep meaning to and then the day gets away from me! GROSS, I KNOW!
In an attempt to distract from my stench, I’ve spent a little money on cute work out clothes. That way I can exercise, walk the dog, run with the daughter, and look mildly presentable, even if you have to stand on the other side of the street to talk to me.
Here are a few of my faves:
Green top and matching shorts - I have these in an extra large for the top and a large in the bottom and they are ADORBS!
Pleated, flowy skirt - My sister had me buy an oversized, cropped shirt to wear with it, but I think it looks better with a more fitted shirt. I’ve been wearing the cropped one with these sweat shorts.
Black and white running shorts - These have an old school vibe that I’m way into. (Also, I did Fabletics for a month and it was okay? Not sure it’s worth the money… Did I do it wrong if you’ve done it?)
Geometric matching set - I don’t own this one, but pretty sure I would OWN the neighborhood if I started wearing it around.
Instagram knows me well. It served me up one of my fave ads for this email Creative Lunch Club. It comes once a month and has two other people’s info who are creative entrepreneurs and live in your city and would like to meet up.
Last month, I met the loveliest gal and we had such a fun, in-person chat. It reminded me how much nicer it is to connect in real life than online. Even if nothing comes of these outings, it’s a delight to meet other creatives and hear about what’s happening in the city. Highly recommend!
I’m working realllllly hard to keep the sun off my face this summer and I’m all in on this straw visor.
First, it is CUTE. Throw it on with a pair of glam sunglasses, a white tee, and shorts and you’ve got a lewk. Also, it matches everything - swimsuits, an easy summer dress, smelly work out clothes.
Second, it doesn’t completely mess up your hair like a ball cap because your hair can breathe, if that’s a thing.
Third, it weirdly feels less of a commitment because it’s a visor? That’s weird. Is that weird? I think that one is weird.
One of my fave things in the world is my iced, vanilla, oat milk latte. I don’t have them every day, but, when I do, I’ve started making them at home with this syrup.
OMG. I don’t know if it’s the vanilla beans or the Madagascar vanilla, but the Kara Kafé (trademark pending) now makes the best vanilla lattes on this side of Denver. TRY IT!
You know what’s been bringing me non-stop joy? Our new Pride flag.
Two things about it:
One, just as I was about to bring down the front porch beams that support our house with my over-zealous drilling, I had the inspired idea to use zip ties and they worked! Steal my idea and call me a contractor!
Two, I was nervous to put it up, which made me realize how how important these signs of solidarity really are. If I’m worried about how I’ll look as a married, straight gal, imagine how our LBGTQIA+ friends feel.
Also, totally got over that feeling in like ten seconds and now am LOVING the way it works with our pink house. Happy Pride!
Join me over in the Subscriber Chat!
I want to chat with you!
The thing I like best about Substack is that it’s like old school blogging - chatty, friendly - and I’ve missed that.
So, I’m opening up my subscriber chat so we can share fun links and cheer each other on. I’ll probably also post behind-the-scenes stuff and answer questions you have about fitting in more joy, setting boundaries, whatever is coming up when you’re building a life that lights you up.
It’s basically a really fun text thread, but without all the car pool messages. 🥳
JOIN ME!!!! (See instructions below for how to do it!)
Instructions to join the chat:
Get the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.
Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.
That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.
Have a great weekend!!