KJ's Weekly Roundup

(of all the things I fell in love with this week and know you will too!)

Week 2 on Substack and I honestly don’t know what took me so long to get my booty over to this platform (change can be scary!). But now that I am here, I am obsessed. I now have a space where I can connect with you more intimately—like catching up with close friends! How? Because you can leave comments, send me notes, and I get the pleasure of responding!

This week I am sharing a collection of items that I either purchased this week and loved or are my most-used kitchen items (and therefore you need!). And while some of you may not be interested in my purchases, that’s fine! But for those of you that are, I’ve got you covered with the best of the best. I buy things, test them out, and share what I love and send everything else back. Think of me as your shopping bestie!

So without further ado, let’s get into it!

My #1 Most Used Kitchen Item is this mini blender!

I’m always using my Beast Blender because it hosts SO many purposes in the kitchen! From dressings to sauces, to smoothies, desserts and more, I love this handle little gadget. It’s stylish too! It’s finally back in stock and under $100 right now!

My Home Renovation Project

As you know, I purchased a new home last May and have been remodeling ever since. I am ALMOST done and will be sharing the before and after reveal soon. My house is finally becoming a home, with final decor touches that make the home so much cozier.

Obsessed with this decorative bowl from Amazon!

One of the spaces I’m most excited about is my new office, which is upstairs! It is still a work in progress because home renovation is SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN I THOUGHT. So in the meantime, I’ve been setting up shop in my cute little kitchen nook—it’s a cozy little corner that’s perfect for the boys and I to sit and enjoy meals or get some desk work done. This bowl was the final touch to this space and it comes in a charcoal color too. I ordered both and sent charcoal back bc I am a beige girlie.

Moving On—The “Loaded Water” Trend

The "loaded water” concept is trending on TikTok right now. Basically you take a giant glass tumbler (yes, it is essential) and fill it with your favorite add-ins, to make a custom drink that encourages you to drink more water. As someone that tends to drink more wine and margs than water lol, this is one trend I can get behind! Look what’s in mine!!!

So anyway, I have to give a special shoutout to my emotional support water tumbler. It has, in fact, gotten me to drink more water and it’s so pretty! Yes, it’s glass, so if you are clumsy like I am, keep it in the house and sip throughout the day. It’s the best!💧

Let’s chat fashion for a sec!

As you know, my wardrobe is a mix of high-end staples (yes, I occasionally shop at The Row) and affordable (but always great quality) finds from Amazon—because why spend more on staples or trendy pieces when you can get them at a fraction of the price?!? I totally understand that shopping Amazon may annoy some of you. It’s fast fashion. But I live a life of balance—supporting US made businesses (which are costlier) AND Amazon, because BALANCE! If you support that, great, and if not, that’s fine too! You do you!

So I’ve got to turn you on to this top from Amazon, yep. I love it SOOOO much, I ordered it in 5 colors to wear in spring, summer, fall and winter lol. It’s flattering on its own, or perfect under a blazer.

Now you don’t need to spend 3x as much and purchase it from Aritzia—I’m pretty sure they source theirs at the same place as this one. So if that’s the case, save yourself some $$ and grab this one instead.

Let me know which color is your favorite!

Not a fan of all my commentary? Cool. Here are my fav roundups from this week, starting with the Aritzia dupe top!

And here is a random assortment of kitchen, home, and lifestyle items I ordered, vetted, and recommend!

P.S. I’m always updating my Amazon Storefront & Shopmy with literally everything I’m using the kitchen + wearing!

Now I’m going to have a glass of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc from Drink Juliet to round out my weekend (use my code NICOLE20 for 20% off at checkout)! Have an amazing Sunday, talk soon. xx Nicole