monthly report
bandanas, lord of the rings and chocolate dipped soft serve
It’s that time again. When I see darling hanna way post her “weekly report,” and so, I remember I should post my own report, but I can’t commit to a weekly basis, so I call it a “monthly report” instead. Ah, yes, my favorite time of the month.
Since my last update, here are some hobbies, fashions, and pop culture that have been utterly and completely consuming me.
Finally, it’s time to reveal my long-time love for bandanas, just as I see them rising up in fashion again. Not surprisingly, because 90s and 00s fashion has been circulating as a trend for the past several years. Whether it's a classic cotton bandana or a silk scarf, it’s my absolute favorite way to elevate an outfit. At this point, it’s become my security blanket. When day-three hair is in its final dregs before hair wash day, a bandana (either tied “cottage girl style” or “pirate style”) makes me feel put-together and cool as heck!
Where I get my bandanas:
Flea markets/Swap Meets/Thrift Stores (best places to find worn-in, inexpensive, gently used!)
Vintage Stores/Vintage Markets (for unique finds)
Here are a few bandanas I found online that I think are quite cool:
I’ll be sharing my bandana and scarf collection over on TikTok soon, btw.
The month of May featured a bit of downtime for me regarding my second book. I handed off to my best friend, who kindly agreed to proofread the latest draft. She handed it back a couple of days ago, so this coming week I will be finishing up the last draft, formatting, and ordering ARCs! Kind of wild, my second book is on the horizon of publishing.
Her last note in the draft said:
Which prompted a wildfire of ideas racing through my head. The Auburn Hills duology concludes with Falling Again; however, I see the universe continuing on elsewhere and following some related characters.
If you’d like to be part of my ARC team, I have an interest form here.
The Lord of the Rings has become my comfort movie, and I’ve only seen it twice. I find myself quoting it, staring off into space, thinking about Aragorn and wondering about how Legolas and Gimli spent their lives together. A couple of days ago, we watched the first Harry Potter movie, and I found myself missing Gandalf at the sight of Dumbledore. But truly, I realized this three-movie cinematic masterpiece was my safe space, was when I was feeling truly low. In the depths of my luteal phase, sad and unmotivated, I yearned for something to soothe me. So, I did a puzzle and turned on The Fellowship of the Ring. Cured.
Other notes:
As I put my Oura ring on, I peer up to my husband with a sneer on my face as I say, “My precious,” and slide the ring on my finger.
While waiting for our return flight home, I joined my husband, placed the bag of snacks I just purchased down, and unwrapped my breakfast sandwich, taking a bite. He looks at the food I bought and pulls out a small container of overnight oats. “Is this your lunch?” He asks. I shake my head and say, “It’s second breakfast!”
Oh, look at that, is that a knitted bandana!? Yes, yes it is. See, my love for scarves and bandanas doesn’t cease at lightweight wovens. I’ve had a “purse project knit” for a while now, maybe two or three months, and finally finished my Scarf No. 5 by My Favorite Things Knitwear. I used one strand of Bella Coco Merino Wool in color 19 and one strand of Knitting for Olive Mohair in Flamingo, which created a gorgeous peachy color. Unfortunately, it’s too warm to wear, but best believe, I will have this wrapped around my noggin come winter.
Over in California, I spent my evenings painting on 4”x6” wood panels. My parents and I sat in their garage, chatting, sipping seltzers while I made a little painting. Each time we visit, I tend to do some craft, and these colorful little paintings are such a lovely reminder of our spring visit.
While visiting, we stopped by The Rock Shop, where I purchased a few strands of gemstone beads. Jewelry making is one I am quite amateur with; however, I still pick it up occasionally when inspiration strikes.
Honorable mention: Chocolate Dipped Soft Serve (pictured eating while wearing vintage silk scarf tied “pirate style”)
xoxo
Anjelica