Weekly Roundup #91: 2020 & purging

Well, it’s officially 2020! I hope everyone had a wonderful break over the holidays—hopefully spent a lot of time with loved ones. I got to snuggle my puppies for two weeks straight and it was glorious (see pics below 😍). The only thing is my partner and I always spend Christmas apart because we’re each used to spending it with our separate families and, since mine live across the country, we can’t exactly do half at one house, half at the other. Anyone else out there been in this situation? I know there is so what I should say is, anyone out there who’s reading this been in this situation? If so, have you come up with a solid compromise? Let me hear it!

xo, Katie

Reading

The Boy at the Door, Alex Dahl. I hate the main character. She is completely unlikeable, racist, homophobic and an all-around bitch. However…I think she’s supposed to be? Though not sure to the level I despise her.

The Grooming Gap: What “Looking the Part” Costs Women, In These Times. We already don’t make as much as men, but then we’re expected to pay to look the part too—makeup, nails, hair, the right clothes—it adds up to a LOT. Oh, and let’s not forget about all the time spent trying to look the part. Time spent not sleeping or prepping for work or just generally decompressing so we don’t burn out. And that’s just for white cis women, women of color and trans women struggle even more because of the absurd beauty standards our society has, which puts pressure on them to basically conform to a pretty white woman ideal...

How to Have Closer Friendships (and Why You Need Them), The New York Times. One of the tips is to “let yourself be known” and that instantly made me think of Instagram and the “trend” of being authentic. It’s because people are missing that human connection and authenticity creates more intimacy. Anyway, if you’re looking to be happier and healthier in 2020: “What all of the experts agreed on was this: Intimacy with other people — whether it’s a spouse, a family member or a friend — is one of the most profound ways to be happier, healthier and calmer.”

“Why I Gave Up Drinking — And How It Changed My Life”, A Cup of Jo. I found this piece way more interesting than I expected. I thought it would just be about another Dry January (from the way it was formatted in my GNI newsletter), but it really gave me something to think about. I typically drink once a week, minus one or two beers at home during the week, but that one night is generally an all-out party on a Saturday, “let’s get green tea shots and, oh, how did I already finish that G&T??” type of night. I also enjoy drinking because I feel my social anxities ease up and I can have really great conversations with people. But if all those deep conversations on Saturday night turn into “why did I exchange numbers with that rando” on Sunday morning, what’s the point? Maybe it’s time I start looking at my drinking habits a little harder as well.

I Read More Than 100 Books in 2019—Here Are the 10 I Recommend, The Everygirl. I put three of these on my list, what about you?

52 Places to Go in 2020, The New York Times. My “resolution” last year was more of a long-term goal—I want to visit 10 new countries by 2030. This article is giving me a lot of ideas for some possible trips. 😍

Why “Intimate Minimalism” Is the Real Estate-Approved Living Room Trend You Should Know About, Apartment Therapy. Yes, I love this. “The main idea…is to have your favorite objects tell a story.”

Lizzo Will Be The First Woman Ever To Headline Bonnaroo, Nylon. HOW? …Seriously, HOW. It’s been around for 18 YEARS!! Shame on you, Bonnaroo.

The 7-Day Sugar Challenge, The New York Times. Ok, when I say I “attempted” this…I have to admit that’s pushing it. BUT, I’m going to save it and really try again because I desperately need to cut back on my sugar intake and that shit is hard!

11 Things You Can Purge From Your Closet Right Now (and Not Miss), Real Simple. What better time to clear out all those old clothes than at the beginning of a new year?

Old Musicians Never Die. They Just Become Holograms. The New York Times. I do not approve…It’s just so skeevy! This is not honorary—you’re using these legends past their prime, or even lifetime, to try and make money. It’s also just not going to be the same. You’re hearing a recording, not watching a live performance (in any aspect). Let nostalgia live. Don’t try and create a past moment. It already happened and that’s what beautiful about it.

Coachella’s Lineup Broken Down by Booking Agencies is More Interesting Than the Actual Lineup, Your EDM. It’s basically the same three agencies…

The 10 Most Awkward and Cringe-Inducing Moments of the 2020 Golden Globes, Cosmopolitan. Articles like this make me feel like I don’t need to tune in live for these awards shows, which is fab because THEY’RE SO LONG.

8 Ways to Better Navigate the Internet in 2020, The New York Times.

This Is For Everyone Confused About Hype House, The House Of Cool TikTok Teens, Refinery29. And for everyone wanting to feel REAL old. Also, clearly I haven’t reached true adulthood because when I read that the teens living in the house are not about partying, I thought, “Laaaaame” 😂 Help me.

Listening

You should be sad, Halsey. Counting down the days till her album is out…January 17!!

Must Have Been The Wind, Alec Benjamin.

Check out my Tunes highlight for all my most recent listens!

Watching

Good News, Mac Miller. The car, wow.

Living With Yourself, Netflix. No joke, we literally binged this in two days. Watch it.

Messiah, Netflix. I’m still not sure how I feel about this show…I can’t help but scoff at all the people falling over themselves to believe in the “second coming” and all that religious nonsense (sorry if I offend, but clearly I’m not religious…) and I’m just waiting to see how he plays everyone. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Ricky Gervais’ Monologue - 2020 Golden Globes, NBC. Sometimes cringey, sometimes pretty damn funny.

Vanderpump Rules, Hulu. I say Hulu because I’m watching this from. the. beginning. And you know what the best part is? No, it’s not watching Scheana sing “Good as Gold,” that’s the worst part, people! It’s that the boyfriend has now been sucked into it as well. 🙃

Bonus: I saw Knives Out over the holidays with my family and we ALL loved it, which is quite a feat. I highly recommend this one!

Loving

Aussie Influencers for Australia, GoFundMe. I love this GoFundMe page created by Australian influencers that will allow your donation to be split between six organizations that are helping to provide relief—three humanitarian charities and three animal welfare charities.

Rocky Ridge Fleece Jacket, Free People. I have been living in this jacket since I got back home from the holidays. I’m so into the retro pattern and it’s just super cozy and comfy. Also, the pockets are situated so they’re straight down when you put your hands/items in and I like that so much more—my things feel more secure. Full disclosure: This is kind of pricey and I did get it as a gift, but I feel like it’s worth it!

Want to know where else you can donate? Check out my Donate highlight on Instagram.