Mid-week Quickie #13
My idea of the perfect day, style inspo burnt into my brain, two 5 star books I finished, internet things, Chanel 25 bag, Babygirl, A Complete Unknown & other film reviews
Welcome to the Mid-week Quickie, a mid-week check-in with personal updates and thoughts + things I’ve seen and enjoyed of late in a (usually) quick, snappy format!
Can I share with you my perfect day? It happened on Saturday. It was nothing flashy, nothing crazy but it was so special.
I woke up early Saturday morning, my niece and nephew had slept over on Friday night. Angus and I have a routine when this happens; pizza and a kids movie, then bed. We landed on High School Musical - Angus had never seen it. I didn’t realise how embedded the lyrics to those songs was in my brain. I knew every single word and that’s thanks to my sister - who is 8 years younger than me - and her complete and total obsession with HSM back in 2006. One thing I’ll suggest, go and rewatch your favourite childhood movies. Maybe not even your favourite but your sister’s favourite. It does something good to your soul! When I was sick the other week, I watched one of my favourites, Harriet the Spy. Wholesome, wholesome, wholesome.
Anyway, back to my perfect day. We woke up early, Angus made the kids breakfast and a coffee and smoothie for me. Of course the next step was to watch High School Musical 2, of course I knew every word to every song in that one too. Then we all played Mario Kart on our Nintendo Switch until my sister-in-law and brother-in-law came by to take the kids home.
Between 10am and 11.30am I finished my book, Tom Lake by Ann Pachett (review below). It was time to start getting ready to leave our house. Angus and I booked two back-to-back movies at The Ritz cinemas in Randwick - A Complete Unknown at 1.45pm and Babygirl at 6.15pm (reviews below). We decided to walk there - about 1hr and 15 minutes in total. I love walking!
When we got to Randwick, we bought lunch and snacks to take into the first movie. In between the first and second film, we went for a walk and then I sat and read my new book, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren (review below) and Angus listened to an audio book/doom scrolled. After the second and final film, we grabbed dinner at Wing Boy and it was delicious! It was a balmy, breezy night so we decided to walk home! After a shower, we got into bed and I continued reading my new book before it was lights out 10.45pm.
Excellent movies, long walks, yummy food, finishing and starting books, a day with my husband, early to bed. My dream. We loved it so much, we’re going to do another movie double and walk this weekend! We’re going to see The Brutalist and Conclave.
Books, films:
Last year I read 7 books, and now it’s Feb 5 and I just started by 5th book for 2025. If it wasn’t clear, reading is a huge priority for me this year (and beyond). I have always loved reading and when I am engrossed in a good book, I’m so happy. More books, less phone is my motto and the key to this is finding and devouring books that actually captivate me. I’ve been lucky the last 5 have done this for me.
Tom Lake by Ann Pachett 5/5
This book is just beautiful. I cannot wait to buy more of Ann’s work! It’s peaceful and slow but still completely engaging and at every stage, gave me what I wanted. In two sentences, Tom Lake centers around a mother (Lara) and her three daughters, passing the time on their fruit orchard during the pandemic. Over weeks, Lara gradually shares the story of her dating a famous actor in her early 20s, before he became a huge star.
Apparently Meryl Streep does the audiobook! I immediately need it to be a movie.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 5/5
I started this on Saturday and finished it on Monday night. I didn’t want it to end but couldn’t put it down. If you love romantic books a la, Emily Henry, Marian Keyes etc - this is for you. It hooked me instantly. The story follows Macy and Elliot who meet when they’re 13, when Macy (her mum passed away three years prior) and her dad buy a holiday home next to where Elliot lives. The book is told in two different timelines; when they were kids and current day, as adults. It follows the ups and downs throughout their friendship/relationship. It’s heartwarming and cosy and I ATE it up. TV show, when?
Films:
A Complete Unknown 4/5 - Timmy is a revelation. He is so completely the real deal and makes you want to weep. I didn’t know much about Bob Dylan or really anything about that period of time in music so this film was a great introduction to the 60s folk scene. I’d heard people say after seeing the film, they want to listen to Bob Dylan and it’s true. I’ve been doing that. Also, Monica Barbaro (plays Joan Baez) - star.
Babygirl 4/5 - A moment for Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. Nicole continues to be absolutely incredible. We are so blessed to have her and if she’s going to do one thing as an actress, that is COMMIT. She gave it all in Babygirl. Harris (the new face for Prada’s Spring/Summer 25 campaign), I’d love him to be in every film I watch moving forward. He is perfectly cheeky and sneaky. To me, Babygirl felt like a mix of the All Fours by Miranda July (if they ever make this into a film - Nicole and Harris would be perfect for it!), Black Mirror and 50 Shades of Grey. I was either giggling, covering my mouth in shock, squirming or holding my breath throughout this film.
The Substance 3.5/5 - When this film was initially released and I started hearing some of the reviews/feedback from friends that went to see it, I decided it wasn’t for me. Horror is usually something I avoid. But then the film started to sweep the awards roster and Demi Moore began to receive accolades. I decided I’d get over myself and whatever I was fearful of, telling myself I can cover my eyes or leave the room if need be. We watched it on Sunday night. It was great, a little long and very silly at the end, but still well worth the watch. Demi was fantastic and Margaret Qualley continues on her really brilliant and interesting career trajectory. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, but soon it’ll be available on Stan, I’d assume, for free.
Meet the Leroy’s 3/5 - Angus and I were invited to the media launch of the Alliance Française French Film Festival and we saw Meet the Leroy’s with Charlotte Gainsbourg (Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin’s daughter). It focuses on a family and a marriage at breaking point. It’s pretty quirky but also sad as it explores how relationships can slow and irreparably shatter over time.
Fashion/style/internet things
ICYMI - I made a substack about my summer style, you can check it out here.
I recently got some gingham pieces from Australian brand Posse and for the last month or so have been peppered with targeted ads from the brand. The ads are working - I can’t get a few of the looks I’ve been served out of my head! Like this one - she is who I want to be.
This look is so good too! I love a tunic style top with a short skirt underneath.
This one stopped me in my tracks also! So chic.
Another look I’m still thinking about is Gracie Abrams Chanel moment at Grammys.
I’m also really into the new Chanel 25 bag!
I was totally blown away by Doechii’s performance and acceptance speech at the Grammy’s. Have been listening to her album, Alligator Bites Never Heal on repeat since.
Some people on the internet I’ve been loving:
If you’re aware of Levi Coralynn and William Conrad (jadore them), then you likely know William’s sister, Tess Madalyn. Tess creates mostly cooking + home content on TikTok but she’s super cute, has an excellent knitwear collection and is very soothing to watch.
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If you’re in the mood for more soothing content, I really love YouTube and have been introduced to some really lovely people via their vlogs etc. Some people I consistently watch and love are:
Moya Mawhinney - I started watching Moya back when she was on exchange in New York, studying art history pre-Pandemic. Now she lives in Paris and is entrenched in the fashion scene, regularly attending Dior, YSL, Hermes events.
Morgan Riddle - Sharing her life as the partner of professional tennis player, Taylor Fritz, Morgan is travelling all year round. I love seeing different parts of the world and the sporting tournaments through her eyes. She’s even gotten into Formula 1 and shares the Grand Prixs she attends as well, which I very much appreciate as an F1 fan.
Elena Tea - I’ve followed Elena on Instagram and TikTok for a while but only recently found her Youtube’s - they are gorgeous, as is she! Lots of inspiring journaling/moodboard content, book recommendations and wholesome vibes.
Hope you’re having a nice week and thanks for reading! And to all the lovely people out there that like/leave a comment/or just subscribe - it truly means everything to me. I am dedicating a lot more time to substack this year as it a place I love to be and create. If you do enjoy what I’m creating here, feel free to share with someone you think would like it too! :)
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
Also currently reading Tom Lake (and just finished Wedding People!)
I would recommend The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, it's beautiful 💛
Absolutely in love with Tess' content on TikTok! I can't get enough of the chatting cooking format