17 Jun 2022

Mimi Takes Five - #202


ONE // Book Holder
Ever since I got into reading again, I'd been looking for a book holder. The one I had in mind was more like a wooden piece with a thumb hold like this, but I ended up seeing this one at Indigo and decided to give it a try. I've been using it for about a week now and find it okay. The Outlander books in the second part of the series are a much larger format, therefore harder to balance and manage. It's not a huge problem, I know, but I'm all for finding simple solutions to making my life easy. When I'm reading in bed, I tend to prop the book on a pillow on my lap and that helps, but the book holder really helps! I can focus on lightly holding the book up without having to hold the pages on either side as well. It's a bit more complicated to turn pages, but not that big a deal at all. Another great use I've found for the book holder is that it works wonders on a windy day outdoors. No more losing my place because of a gust of wind! I'll admit it's a bit finicky to put on, but you get used to it pretty quickly. I don't use it all the time, but I'm happy to have it for the times I do want that extra little bit of help. I do like that it folds up neatly for easy carrying and storing. 


TWO// Downton Abbey: A New Era
As soon as the new Downton Abbey movie was made available to watch on demand I jumped on it! I had rewatched the entire series last fall in preparation for the second movie. I needed to remember everything and be up to speed. I settled down on the sofa, in my pyjamas with my puppy at my side and a big bowl of popcorn. What a marvelous movie! I don't want to give away too much, but it was so great to be reunited with all the characters right from the opening scene. The dual plot lines make for a great story with one keeping the focus on Downton itself and the other on the Crawley family. Both stories keep us guessing and there are little reminders of major stories from throughout the series. There are some light-hearted moments interspersed with secretive tidbits and more serious notes. All in all, the characters all seem happy and settled in their respective lives. All the loose ends are tied and the end feels very final. I don't think there will be any other iterations of Downton Abbey. This is where the book closes on the Crawley's story. I'm sad it's the end, but all good things must come to an end. This is definitely a series I will watch over and over again with great fondness. 


THREE // Black Ruffle Swimsuit
Nothing beats a classic black one-piece swimsuit. Really. It's a classic for a reason. I have a thing for swimsuits, always had. I know it's an odd thing to *collect* alas, here we are... I love colourful suits, fun suits, classic suits, one-piece suits and two-piece suits. I have a suit to suit every mood, ha ha! I think I really got into swimsuits when we started vacationing down south in the winters. Resort life is a swimsuit life. I style my swim outfits just as I would any other outfit, so variety and ability to mix and match is key. I haven't been on a tropical vacation in a couple years now, so haven't worn my suits much. But I couldn't resist adding this simple V-neck ruffled number to the mix. My other black one-piece is very old and has seen better days, so this will be a great replacement. I love that the top part feels almost like a shirt. If paired with a maxi wraparound skirt of high-waisted shorts, it can easily be worn out to a casual dinner. I love when pieces can serve double duty.


FOUR // Back to the Barre Podcast
Attention all Dance Moms fans: there is a new podcast just for you! Christi and Kelly (my two favourite moms from the show) reunite to do a rewatch of the series with commentary and behind-the-scenes information and anecdotes. Having danced as a kid, I was drawn to the show when it first came out and watched every single season. It was no secret to me that the dance world was cut-throat and extremely competitive. My own mom had kept me out of the competition circuit (and my mental health is grateful she did!) Knowing that, I was not surprised by some of Abby's less than soft approaches to teaching dance. I don't doubt her knowledge and grasp of the teaching material, I merely questioned her methods. For that reason, and because it was a TV show, I always took the plot lines with a grain of salt. Anyways, we now have the opportunity to join the two most outspoken moms from the show to walk us through the context of what was actually going on behind the camera. The first two episodes are out and they are a delight! Kelly and Christi keep it light, fun and very entertaining!


FIVE // Hair Touch Up
I got my roots done this week! I actually followed through with booking my next appointment before leaving the salon so that I wouldn't go ages without maintenance, ha ha! My hairdresser (Penny) also gave me more texturized layers to help encourage my natural wave. Over the last few months, I've been getting reacquainted with my hair's natural texture. My dad has curly hair and I used to have beautiful ringlets as a child, but just thought the texture disappeared as I grew older and that I just had frizzy hair. Turns out, that's not the case! I definitely always got a little halo of ringlets around my face on very humid summer days, so had the feeling there might still be texture there. I've been experimenting with different products and techniques to try and enhance my curls. I say curls, but it's more wavy with some little curly clumps here and there. Hopefully, over time, I can train my hair to enhance its natural texture. Penny gave me some curly hair shampoo samples and tips to try out. Having curly hair herself, she's a great resource! This journey is a process.

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