Bring Back Flair As an Accessory Concept
When we collected our staff’s weekly updates last Friday, our editors unfollowed nasty Facebook friends, increased our 401 (k) contributions, used typing gloves, and jumped around looking for quirky espresso makers.
This week we’re improving our beauty treatments, adding some eye-catching accessories and, uh, bringing in trendy espresso makers.
What updates have you made this week? Let us know in the comments.
Finally master the art of eyeliner
I have used eyeliner in public for what I think is the first time. Every time I get ready for a party or something out of the ordinary, I try to apply eyeliner, horrified at the mess I made with my eyes, rinse it off, and then switch to another look (often applying dark eyeshadow next to lash line as a consolation prize). I guess I finally hit the magic number of tries because it looked good this time? It was the day before the party (I was trying to figure out what to take with me since I was traveling), so the next day I skimmed over a few tutorials and bought myself a new Essence eyeliner . I also used tip # 18 on this list to make a tiny wing. The result didn’t look terrible and was even the same on both sides! Christmas miracle!
Beth Skwarecki, health editor
Improve your crossword puzzle skills
I bought the New York Times crossword book to keep abreast of everyone in this office who thinks Monday through Wednesday puzzles are “too easy” to solve.
alisia adamchik, staff writer
Invest in your art supplies
I am gradually learning to paint and paint as a hobby, so I bought a portable watercolor set from Kremer Pigments here in New York . It’s easy to carry with you wherever you go (great for quick drawing in a pub or cafe) and the colors look so great!
Patrick Allan, staff writer
Merge your tabs in Chrome
I started using the Chrome One Tab extension, which magically closes all your tabs and converts them to a list of links. It’s so nice for a tab stacker like me who’s scared of that tiny X. All the pages are still there, but now my browser – and my mind – is much clearer.
Michelle Wu, parenting editor
Embrace the concept of flair
I like to decorate my work clothes with a lapel pin. This week I donned my new Bloody Mary enamel pin , which has since sold out, but you can still buy tons of pins from small businesses and artists at the Brat Box store. Many pin shops are cluttered with puns or pop culture mashups, like Rick and Morty being Homer and Bart. Fortunately, they are not in the Brat Box.
Nick Douglas, staff writer
Switch from drip to espresso
The avid reader may recall one time I made one of my weekly “quit coffee” updates to reduce acid reflux. Well, I don’t like the sauce as much as I used to, but it’s unpleasant and honestly I don’t want to give it up! As a compromise, I am switching from drip coffee to espresso, which has a lower acidity. I was thinking about buying a Nespresso at a discount, but instead I am buying a little-used model from our editor-in-chief, Melissa, at an even greater discount. I am very happy to be able to save money, tinker with making espresso at home and, whenever possible, grab something from someone else’s hands that might otherwise be thrown away.
Virginia K. Smith, Editor-in-Chief
Decorate your pet with accessories
I bought my dog a robe. (Editor’s note: She looks more like Snuggie and has a small hood.) It keeps her warm and makes me very happy.
Claire Lowe, Food and Beverage Editor