7 things
Some things I’m loving lately, and you might, too: The Yuka app, a satin set, going out tops and more.
The Yuka app
The soccer moms on my son’s team couldn’t stop raving about this app, which analyzes the labels on food and beauty products so you know what’s good for you and what isn’t. When you scan a barcode, the app rates your product out of 100 based on the quality of ingredients and tells you other useful info, like potential risks and healthier alternatives for anything that scores poorly.
It’s quick and easy to use, and personally, I like having more information to help me decide what to buy. It doesn’t mean I’m necessarily choosing the healthier options all the time, but I do feel like I have greater control over my purchases and am better equipped to achieve a balance between the “good” and “bad” stuff. I realize the app might not be for everyone (ignorance is bliss, after all), so question is—would you rather know or not know?
A satin set
This Oak and Fort set, in the colour Laurel Oak, has been sitting in my cart for weeks as I contemplate whether it’s worth it. Last year, I bought a satin skirt from O+F and was really happy with the quality and surprised at how much wear I got out of it, from pairing it with chunky sweaters in the winter to now wearing it with tube tops in the summer.
I imagine this satin set would be just as versatile. Paired together, the set gives off a classy-yet-relaxed look for going somewhere special. But since the pieces are also simple enough, you could wear them separately with other items in your closet. See @jordannasharp and @_jessicaskye pair their satin pants with simple black tanks.
Going out tops
Something my friends and I always have a good laugh about is how accurate this reel is of what it was like to get dressed for a night out when we were in university. I remember my roommates and me having the exact same conversations every weekend and trekking to the mall to find trendy “going out tops” to wear with jeans. Cringey, I know, but it was THE dress code that defined our early 20s.
Fast forward to now, and I’m still a fan of “going out tops” (FYI, even
said it’s time to bring back your going out clothes, which is all the validation I need.) This time, I’m swapping flashy tank tops for more elevated styles. Loud colours for more neutral shades. Plunging necklines for backless options. I’ve traded in the jeans for black slacks. And my definition of “going out” now has evolved to dinner with friends, plenty of sharing plates and wine.
Filipina Barbie
The new Barbie movie finally opened last weekend. Despite all the buzz, I’m still not sure what to expect. But I can tell you I’m most excited to see a Filipina Barbie in the film, played by Ana Cruz Kayne. A big chunk of my childhood was spent playing with Barbie dolls that looked nothing like me (I know I’m not the only one), so it’s pretty cool to see that representation now.
The Thread vibes are off
I jumped on the Threads bandwagon when the new Meta app launched a few weeks ago and haven’t spent a lot of time on it since. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why until I read
entertaining take, in which she articulated it perfectly:“Twitter was for thoughts, and Instagram is for vibes — and Threads is trying to pull your Instagram feed into a Twitter format. And I’m here to tell you: THE VIBES ARE OFF.”
She pulls examples from J.Lo and a few Peloton instructors to prove her point, and I couldn’t help but chuckle and nod in agreement. For now, I’m staying off Threads, which is probably for the best because, as so many others have expressed, I could do with one less social media distraction in my life.
All things French
Taking notes from
, who curated this list of French and Francophile-inspired products. I saved it as inspiration for when I travel to Paris next year on a bucket-list girls’ trip with my mom and sister-in-law. I’ve heard so much about the beauty products and amazing finds at French pharmacies, and I’m excited to see what all the hype is about.
Everyone’s favourite salad recipe
I love salads that require minimal fuss and can be made with ingredients already living in your pantry/fridge. This is one of them. My friend Jenna introduced me to this Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad recipe when she made it for lunch during one of our many playdates while we were on mat leave together. She swapped the walnuts for candied pecans, and it was undeniably the best part (you can’t make this salad any other way, in my opinion!)
It’s been a staple in our dinner rotation, especially lately, since my son realized he actually likes eating salad. It’s the side everyone always requests I bring and the recipe I get asked for the most. If you ever make it, you’ll see why.
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Thanks so much for including my list!!