Per the headline, you may have guessed, I’m in Chicago this weekend visiting my cousin, Katelyn, and her bf Martin. But mostly, we’re here for their big boy, Duncan.
I will keep it short and sweet but this little getaway to see my favorite people is exactly what the doctor ordered. This week, you’ll be hearing from both Katelyn and myself. Enjoy!
WEEKLY REPORT -
R: Reading -
Z: I rekindled my love for Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club and am finishing it out strong. I love a multi-generational storyline and am hoping to finish it while still in town so I can leave it for Kate to read next.
K: For those who don’t remember, Zoe recently reported that we would both be starting The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I am here to update that I have almost finished the book and Zoe has yet to start. But that’s the best thing about our friendship - no stakes, no expectations. For her, some other books needed to be finished first. But for me? So far so good. The Midnight Library isn’t necessarily revolutionary, but it’s enjoyable. It has me thinking about life choices and I am intrigued to see how it ends.
EDITOR NOTE: Yeah, my bad.
E: Eating -
Z: Homemade breakfast is a love language of its own. Although I didn’t document the sourdough english muffin breakfast sandwich Katelyn and Martin made this morning, I did document our matching brunch-themed pajamas. I wish I had more to discuss here from our eats in Chicago, but that’ll have to be next week. Stay tuned. :)
K: Lots of Italian food! Martin and I recently hosted his sisters with an Italian dinner. We made homemade pesto - following the recipe we learned in Cinque Terre. I built a charcuterie board to start us off and Martin made delicious caprese as a side.
P: Playing with -
Z: I am still needle felting at home and have found it very therapeutic! It is the 3D, low-stakes artform that I have been looking for for a while now. I made these little guys as a hosting gift for…you guessed it…Katelyn.
K: Recipes! My friends and I recently took a shot at making soup dumplings from scratch. I had no idea that the soup comes from little soup jellies mixed into the filling that melt when the dumplings are steamed. The process was long and intricate, but it made for a very fun evening!
O: Obsessed -
Z: My birthday was Thursday and we celebrated with friends and family on Saturday. Of course, Jordy absolutely spoiled me with this HOMEMADE cake. He sculpted the dogs and added an Oreo “dirt pile”. I’ve never felt more loved.
K: In typical Zoe fashion, she managed to find a small and special wine bar a few blocks from our place - and we had no idea it existed. We visited All Together Now on Chicago Ave for happy hour yesterday and I can confidently say I will become a regular. No detail was overlooked, everything inside felt intentional.
Decor and ambiance aside, the food and wine were top-tier: our personal favorite - the goat cheese curds with pepper honey. And their happy hour prices can’t be beat!!
R: Recommending -
Z: Heatless curls. I’m still learning but I truly believe in a future that doesn’t include heat treating my hair. I got this set from Amazon and referenced this video.
K: This product, always, and to everyone. Having very sensitive skin, this product changed the game for me. With a skincare base and color-correcting properties, it’s the perfect everyday tinted moisturizer. This pot lasted me a year so it’s worth the investment!
T: Trying -
Z: ALWAYS trying to set future Zoe up for success.
K: To wear more color! I bought a bright blue beanie and now feel inspired. One step at a time but we will get there.
JOURNAL PROMPT -
Katelyn suggested I take time to list what I would like to leave in winter (physical or not) and what I want to bring into spring. I will def be trying this and hope you do too.
Onward! Until next week (actually, just a few days, I suppose). Take care and try to pet a dog if you can.
Missed last week’s newsletter? Check it out here!