The Cats & Coffee Curated Content Series
Welcome to the December 2022 edition of my weekly Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series! This series features weekly short-form content round-ups of articles, videos, podcasts, and Instagram accounts that inspire and entertain me or make me think. In short, I find content that is worth your time so you don’t have to! This month’s Curated Content Series highlights include simple tips to elevate your healthy home cooking, outlandish etiquette lessons from the nineteenth century, and a gorgeous cottagecore and dark academia feed on Instagram.
Outfit Details: Hill House tartan Nap Dresses, David Yurman necklace, TAG Heuer Aquaracer (my particular watch is no longer available, but there are similar style here, here, and here), and Jack Rogers sandals.
Favorite Finds of the Month
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: December 14, 2022
Article: The Erudite, Absurd White Lotus Finale, Sophie Gilbert for The Atlantic
Even for a show that has seemed dubious about human nature, Season 2 ended on a cynical note.
*This discussion contains spoilers to White Lotus season 2*
Before this month, I hadn’t watched any of White Lotus — either the first or second season. As a big Aubrey Plaza fan (spoiler: I loved her and her whole style as Harper), I wanted to catch up and see her in the show, so I gave the first season a go. Between the show’s absurd yet consistent characters, the dramatic music, and spooky-yet-beachy aesthetic, I flew through the first series. Eager to see what the new crop of tourists got up to in Sicily, I found myself completely lost in the story (and, quickly, dismayed to realize that the finale had not yet aired and I had to wait to see what happened).
Photo Credit: HBO
White Lotus triggered a lot of my English Lit/feminist studies habits, without feeling like the show was trying to prove its intelligence. Sophie Gilbert notes that, “The White Lotus, across its two seasons, has been thrilling precisely because of how deftly it pairs high art with low humor.” It is precisely this mixture, along with the oftentimes outlandish (yet uncomfortably realistic) characters, that make the show so entertaining. It makes the viewer uncomfortable at times, with its general nihilism and discussions of political apathy, while lifting them up with joyful moments in between.
“We should, The White Lotus says, be careful with our desires, as sun-dappled and spritz-filled as these one-percenter trips seem to be. There’s a reason each season begins and ends with a body count.”
Read The Erudite, Absurd White Lotus Finale by Sophie Gilbert for The Atlantic here.
YouTube Video: You’re measuring yourself wrong! // From bustles to bras, a short history of sizing | Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
I went back through and caught up on a bunch of Jessica Kellgren-Fozard’s videos the other day and came across this gem all about the history of women’s clothing sizing. I was blown away by the research Jessica covered, particularly when it comes to vanity sizing. All in all, a good watch for anyone else who has felt personally traumatized by women’s clothing sizes as it does confirm what we all suspect: they’re awful and they’re wrong.
Instagram Account: @dark.romantics
I came across this Instagram account the night before writing this and, based solely on the number of posts I shared with friends, I knew I had to use it for my must-follow IG of the week today. This aesthetics IG features all things dark romanticism, with emphasis on arts and academia. Basically, all the cottagecore and dark academia you could ask for!
Top Row: Source Post – Source Post
Bottom Row: Source Post – Source Post
Between astrology-based posts, aesthetic outfit round ups, and the ever wonderful carousel of Tumblr post commentary, @dark.romantics will keep you enthralled for hours. There are round ups of literary quotes, which are always great, and plenty of Pride & Prejudice (2005) hand holding vibes.
So, if you are like me and take comfort in what I see as a natural extension of my Tumblr years mixed in with my English Lit background, then you’re going to need to give @dark.romantics a follow straight away.
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: December 7, 2022
Article: 8 Simple Ways to Hack Healthy Home Cooking, According to Pro Nutritionists, Lauren Valenti for Vogue
I love to cook, but sometimes coming up with healthy, well-rounded meals can be overwhelming. For example, lately, I’ve been trying pretty hard to get more protein in my pescatarian diet. While I have been generally succeeding in this, I have had to reassess both what I stock in my pantry and my grocery shopping habits. In Lauren Valenti’s article for Vogue, she discusses a few simple tips for the home chef, based on nutritionist advice.
First and foremost, the article suggests shopping both fresh and frozen — a simple yet effective change. Frozen vegetables and fish tend to be less expensive and, oftentimes, more convenient, all while being typically just as nutritious. Relatedly, seasoning simply — and stocking a well-rounded herb cabinet — can help you pack extra flavor into your cooking without unwanted oils and sugars. Overall, the piece has lots of useful, down-to-earth advice!
My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets
YouTube Video: Reading from an 1800’s “Book of Etiquette” | Rachel Maksy
Rachel Maksy, one of my favorite YouTubers, has knocked it out of the park again with this gem of a video! This week, she is reading from a nineteenth century etiquette manual. The advice is generally just about as unhinged as you might expect. Rachel’s brilliant portrayal of some of the scenarios, in full cottagecore and dark academia historic dress, only adds to the chaotic entertainment.
Instagram Account: @carmenrprp
To kick off a cozy and festive December, I wanted to share @carmenrprp‘s gorgeously curated Instagram feed with you! capturing calls and cozy moments, Carmen has a strong eye for photography and all things slow living.
Sharing little pieces of her world, this creator stages perfectly seasonal shots, from autumnal treats to colorful tartan adventures. Bringing a mix of both cottagecore and dark academia to her editing Carmen is a must-follow for both the aspiring photographer and casual observer alike.
Like what you see so far? Be sure to give Carmen a follow on Instagram here to add some colorful cottagecore to your feed!
Want more great finds like these?
Explore the November edition of my Curated Content Series for more great reads, listens, and Instagram accounts to follow.
