Week 37 - Routine

influencing

Jan 17

Spent the week still trying to settle back into routine. It was the first full week of school for the kids, the return of homework and after school activities. Which is a delightfully easy thing to do after having close to 3 weeks off. No one complained and no one had any meltdowns! On top of that, apparently it’s meant to be frigid cold next week. Thus I began planning my hibernation. I’ve got my favorite winter meals on tap. Wine and snacks have been added to my grocery list. I’ve picked up and ordered a few pieces of warmer clothing for myself and the boys. I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea but I have missed the cold weather so much. I spent all summer dreaming about weather like this. I welcome it with open arms.

I made my annual pilgrimage to Manny Randazzo’s. It is in my humble opinion the very best king cake. I love it so much, the texture, the icing. The only thing that would make it better is I would prefer the colored sugar over the sprinkles but it’s my first choice every year. Well worth the wait and standing in any sort of line. I’ve already started looking at the parade schedules and picking out which ones we want to go to, what to bring, what we’ll wear. It’s such a fun, exciting time, and I love making these memories with my boys.

Algorithm wise, things are still stronger on Instagram. I feel I’m building a pretty strong, consistent audience with high engagement and with TikTok it feels like speaking into the void, like I’m starting over from scratch with each post. I understand about niche but my specific brand of comedy and chaos is the niche. That I don’t know what I’m doing and figuring it out as I go is my niche. It’s interesting though because in some ways I feel free-er on the tok. Anything goes. Whereas I definitely have my audience in mind when I post to Instagram. We’ll see what happens over the next few months…

Society of the Snow (Netflix) - Absolutely harrowing. The plane crash scene was breathtaking. Literally, I couldn’t breathe watching it. Absolutely incredible true story about human strength and resilience. Watching it was an exercise in stamina but if you can stomach it, I highly, highly recommend.
007: Road to a Million - What an absolutely blast of a show. Imagine a James Bond themed Amazing Race but with an insane budget and no filter. We binged season 1 and fell in love with the Bone Brothers. We laughed till we hurt, they’re so funny. Also, Brian Cox.
Selling Sunset - I felt so bad for Chrishell, I really, really did. She tried to establish boundaries for her mental health and was shamed for it. The whole thing with Marie-Lou was wild. I loved at lunch when she said “You know this is on film right?! I also don’t understand the obsession with Bre’s life. If she is happy, let her be happy! Also super obsessed with Nicole starting all the fires and then complaining when the forest burns down. Mam! Chrishell defending herself against your nonsense in not bullying.
The Bones of the Story by Carol Goodman - A wintry, collegiate murder mystery where the past and present collide. Fun twists, vivid characters.
Someone Knows Something (Season 8) - I’m only on episode 4 but I’m once again struck by David and his compassion. The way he walks beside these families. He’s not just a reporter, these aren’t just stories to him.
DeuxU Podcast - Permanent plug!
Spicy Lasagna Soup by Half Baked Harvest - Perfect for winter! My oldest son loves this soup. Don’t forget garlic bread for dipping!
Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo by Half Baked Harvest - I tried this for the first time this week and absolutely loved it. Minimal prep, easy, one skillet meal!
GapFit Tech Joggers for each kid
Oversized Live-In French-Terry Tunic Hoodie from Old Navy for myself!