The Week That Was: A Different Question to Ask Before Shopping

Plus an ideal idea for a winter dinner party!

Nov 17, 2024

‘The Week That Was’ is a free weekly newsletter that includes a selection of things on my mind (books, art, culture, slow life(style), global affairs, learnings, travel, etc.) as well as articles and podcasts I enjoyed during the week, an album of the week, and other recommendations. If you enjoy these topics, consider becoming a paid subscriber. For $5 a month, you can access the rest of the We, Renaissance Women content, including my monthly book round-up, travel guides, life(style) essays and interviews, and the country bulletin series.

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Indulging in Japanese tea at Living Water Tea House

Usually, during my morning commute and while at the gym, I listen to political/global affairs podcasts, but this week, I needed a break, so instead, I decided to listen to an audiobook, which I almost never do. One of the first things to pop up on Spotify Premium was The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb, a title that certainly spoke to me. It was a slightly random pick (published in 2016), but I quite enjoyed it and found it a grounding way to start the day.

It consists of 50+ small chapters; each focused on a different suggestion for being a frugal hedonist. My favourite takeaway from the book was a question to shift your perspective when considering a purchase.

Usually, we approach a new purchase with the idea that this thing is going to make our lives *better*; instead, they suggest asking yourself, “Has my life so far been BAD because I haven’t had this?” In the vast majority of instances, the answer is going to be a resounding no, and I like that it shifts the consideration to reality rather than a potential future outcome (do purchases ever really live up to our expectations?!).

Another chapter focuses on how humans' desire to get something new can come just as easily from discovery as consumption. Indulging in your curiosities can help reduce your consumption, and learning about new topics can give you the same dopamine hit as a purchase. More reasons to continually learn!

Here is what else has been going on this week…

On Saturday night, my French friend and husband hosted their first raclette night of the season. They have a couple of at-home raclette makers which you use to melt the cheese with direct heat and then scrape it off and put it over accompaniments (usually potatoes and charcuterie-type meat). We took a couple of autumnal vegetable sides and home-made gf focaccia to add to the table and it resulted in a wonderful and hearty communal meal. A recommendation for winter gathering!
A Ted Talk worth re-watching: 10 Ways to Have A Better Conversation - be present, be open to learning, don't equate your experience with theirs, actually listen, and don’t just be thinking about what you are going to say next, and lots more great advice.
For those in Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust published a 2024 holiday shopping guide featuring all local vendors and social enterprises. I am looking forward to supporting many new-to-me places. No matter where you live, this year, support your local businesses as much as possible.
Libby has become my best friend for audiobooks, and yesterday, I started Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a book I have been meaning to read for years. I am now convinced that this type of nonfiction book is ideal for my morning listening. Kimmerer’s new book is out this week!
PSA: Tony’s Chocoloney has a milk chocolate gingerbread flavour that is too delicious.
Here's an update on my electric car: I have named her Bella the Bolt (in honour of my favourite Isabella Stewart Gardner)! I also ordered a supercharger adaptor, so even though I have a Chevy, I can use Tesla’s fast charging infrastructure.

Audiobook and physical book of the week, *Plum Bun* by Jessie Redmon Fauset

Cabana Magazine’s latest issue (N22) is an ode to craftsmanship. As with every issue (published each April and October), the bespoke cover features embroidered fabric, this time by Lesage in collaboration with Chanel. I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my copy, so until then, I will keep watching this short film (under 4 minutes) that focuses on the history of the embroidery atelier, Lesage, and their process of creating new fabrics.

Speaking of Cabana, I thought I had seen all of their “Portrait of a Home” series, but until this weekend, I had missed this one with Camilla Guinness in Tuscany, which (as it always goes) is now my favourite. The fabrics in the home, the gardens, and the kitchen that has managed to accomplish that challenging blend of practicality and design are a feast for the senses and incredibly inspiring.
“I hope I’ve adopted some kind of Italian sensibility, but sadly, I’m very English.”
- Camilla Guinness

Moments at home with the King on his throne and Home Alone lo-fi.

I am playing around with the format of my newsletters. Do you like this format? What else would you like to see each week?

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Fado português by Amália Rodrigues (1970).

Portugal’s first truly international artist, Rodrigues, was instrumental in popularising fado worldwide. Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music known for its expressive, melancholic, and soulful nature. Originating in the 19th century, particularly in Lisbon, fado is deeply connected to themes of saudade. This Portuguese word conveys a sense of longing, nostalgia, or melancholy for something lost or unattainable.