Monday Memos // 14

Listening:

"Dreams." The Cranberries.

I heard this song last week and it struck a serious nostalgia chord. No shame, I can always appreciate The Cranberries. 

Turns out their timeline is following me, because 1989 to present: we're the same age. 

Reading:

I have a growing want-to-read list. Top contenders:

"You'll Grow Out of It" by Jessi Klein - "hilariously, and candidly, explores the journey of the twenty-first century woman"

"Sweetbitter: A novel" by Stephanie Danler - "A thrilling novel of the senses and a coming-of-age tale, following a small-town girl into the electrifying world of New York City and the education of a lifetime at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Manhattan."

"Eleven Hours" by Pamela Erens - "an intimate exploration of the physical and mental challenges of childbirth, told with unremitting suspense and astonishing beauty."

Jessi Klein is a comedy writer and probably best known for her work on "Inside Amy Schumer." (image via nprfreshair.tumblr.com)

Jessi Klein is a comedy writer and probably best known for her work on "Inside Amy Schumer." (image via nprfreshair.tumblr.com)

Craving:

Brownies. What is not to love about a fabulous brownie?

My favorite variety has a gooey, chewy inside and a slight crunch and texture on top. Nuts and/or chips, I'll take it.

I could not definitively tell you if I prefer an edge or an inside piece, because it really depends on the particular brownie. For example, I've made a few trips to my favorite bodega this week, where they have an incredible brownie (dark chocolate chips on top). For this brownie, I want a middle piece; the edgy ones often get a staleness in the crust, and they often have fewer chips. 

Clearly, I can talk about brownies for any length of time. 

I cannot stop salivating looking at Broma Bakery's Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. Best of both worlds? (image via bromabakery.com)

I cannot stop salivating looking at Broma Bakery's Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. Best of both worlds? (image via bromabakery.com)

Wearing:

Sportswear. Athleisure. Whatever you call it, I have been wearing a lot of "elevated gym clothes" in my everyday life. Particularly sports bras. They work well in the heat when I only want to wear the thinnest tees or the slinkiest tanks. It feels like they mix up the outfit without being that girl with her bra straps hanging out. Trust me, it's respectable. 

My favorite: the Outdoor Voices Athena Crop. I have been lusting after this brand for quite some time, but never bit the bullet because of the price. However, I found someone on Instagram selling this crop in my ideal color and size AND at a discount! So I bought it and I love it.

It'd make a great bikini top. It's made some of my dresses take on a whole new look. I am pleased. 

The Man Repeller x Outdoor Voices Kit really makes me swoon. Sigh. (image via manrepeller.com)

The Man Repeller x Outdoor Voices Kit really makes me swoon. Sigh. (image via manrepeller.com)

Watching:

Another one of those tv shows I like to watch when everything feels too heavy: "Odd Mom Out." 

It's a comedy series on Bravo created by and starring Jill Kargman. It is essentially a fictionalized version of Kargman's life--a wealthy mom on the Upper East Side. It's goofy and has a lot of great actors. Plus, I am a sucker for a female-centric NYC series with fashion and laughs. 

The show is based on based on Kargman’s 2007 book "Momzillas." (image via Bravo TV)

The show is based on based on Kargman’s 2007 book "Momzillas." (image via Bravo TV)

Wanting:

A new bike. My current set of two-wheels is rusty, heavy and often rips my pants when I brush against it. It would be nice to have a proper road or commuter bike. I've really only ever had beach cruisers and hand-me-downs. 

Whenever I start researching and Craiglist stalking I get overwhelmed. Still, I peruse and pine.  

I really like the look of PUBLIC bikes. This is the M7 Mixte. (image via publicbikes.com)

I really like the look of PUBLIC bikes. This is the M7 Mixte. (image via publicbikes.com)

The R16 Flat Bar Road Bike looks great, too. (image via publicbikes.com)

The R16 Flat Bar Road Bike looks great, too. (image via publicbikes.com)