The Cats & Coffee Curated Content Series
Welcome to the November 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 the durability of the Barbour jacket, world building with costume in Game of Thrones, and cute coffee shops to visit!
Favorite Finds of the Month
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: November 30, 2022
Article: Christmas Trees Trimmed in Irony, Callie Holtermann for The New York Times
A Wordle grid. A mitten-wearing Bernie Sanders. A stick of butter. Modern ornaments capture the zeitgeist.
More and more, I’ve noticed pop culture icons and viral trends inching into holiday ornaments. Just last week, I went to lunch at Oxford Exchange here in Tampa and saw they had a few mini trees decorated with just such pop ornaments, including little bottles of champagne, cans of La Croix, and so on.
Adorable & Ironic Blown Glass Christmas Ornaments
Callie Holtermann discusses the ever-growing popularity for delicate blown-glass ornaments, designed to look like old heirlooms but featuring all things contemporary. From Birkenstocks to fancy dogs, there really are options out there for every aspect of 2022’s zeitgeist!
Read Christmas Trees Trimmed in Irony, Callie Holtermann for The New York Times for free here.
For some more traditional (and personalized!) Christmas tree ornaments,
check out this quick round up of ones I found on Etsy here!
YouTube Video: The Absolute FUNNIEST Sister Michael Quotes! | Derry Girls | Channel 4
I’m going to level with you, I haven’t really watched any YouTube or listened to any podcasts this past week, what with Thanksgiving and then getting over a cold. What I did watch, though, was the entire Derry Girls series. While there are so many great gems from the series, I can’t help but think that Sister Michael has some of the absolute best quotes. This YouTube video is a quick round up of some of her best lines, and I’m laughing all over again watching the video!
While rewatching the show, I perused Etsy for Derry Girl finds
and was not disappointed. Check out my favorites here!
Instagram Account: @womanon
Manon, the photographer and creative behind @womanon, captures beautiful bookstagram photos that I think you’re going to love. Celebrating perpetual autumn, Manon likes to highlight the “tragical romance and all,” which pretty much sums up my favorite parts of bookish photography on Instagram.
I had been meaning to share Manon’s account for a few weeks now, and came across this beautiful green-themed book stack today which I took as a sign. Featuring a collection of beautiful editions of Anne of Green Gables, the photo is a great example of Manon’s literary and artistic eye.
Give Manon a follow on Instagram here for more beautiful photography, book reviews, and other creative insights from this aspiring author! Be sure to check out her Etsy shop of embroidery patterns and supplies, as well, which match her Instagram motif quite well!
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: November 23, 2022
Article: Taylor Swift Fans Disappointed to learn That Mother Loves Money, Olivia Craighead for Gawker
Swifties cheated out of money and concert tickets have had it up to here with “capitalism”
After spending a few hours in the queue to sign up as a verified fan for the Taylor Swift Eras concert tour, I was disheartened to not get a presale code. As disappointing as this was, I think I would have absolutely lost my mind if I spent hours, like many people did, trying to purchase exorbitant tickets only to have Ticketmaster crash, incorrectly charge credit cards, or do whatever other awful things happened to Swifies looking for tickets.
Ticketmaster has never been user friendly, to be sure. But getting emails from the platform and from Taylor Swift’s campaign about the “unprecedented demand” only added to the frustration. Unprecedented demand? Really? Like who is surprised…besides Ticketmaster, I guess?
Anyway, all this has led to an interesting discussion of antitrust law with regards to Ticketmaster (more on that here), along with resounding disappointment that Taylor Swift seemingly chose adding to her exorbitant wealth over her parasocial relationship with her fans. I mean, I get it; it makes sense for her to want to earn as much as she can. But, at the same time…its not like she’s hurting for money, and she’s already been alienating her audience by nickel-and-diming her new releases.
YouTube Video: The Monarchy: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
If you binge watched The Crown like I did, John Oliver’s piece on the Monarchy from last week is a timely and interesting discussion. With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III, it feels like a tipping point for the British monarchy. John Oliver discusses the nuanced issues involved with his droll humor, touching on the benefits and drawbacks of the institution, plus the dark side of its colonial past (and, well…present, too).
Instagram Account: @keeshondkeira
I grew up with Keeshonds, a majestic-yet-lesser known Spitz breed dog. While you see lots of other fluffy dogs online, there are relatively few petstagrams highlighting Keeshonds. So, I was very excited when I came cross Keira the Keeshond on Instagram!
Keira the Keeshond is a gorgeous pup, and she goes on beautiful adventures with her family throughout the Netherlands. Beyond the adorable subject, the photos from this petstagram are incredibly high quality. Really, photography inspiration as much as anything else!
Be sure to give Keira the Keeshond a follow on Instagram to add a bit of fluffy wanderlust to your feed!
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: November 16, 2022
Article: For the Last Time: Body Types Are Not Trends, Danielle Sinai for Glamour
*Warning: this section discusses body image and disordered eating*
Trends in fashion and beauty are generally cyclical, as we are seeing with the rise of low-rise jeans (pun intended), thin eyebrows, and colorful cropped tops. However, with that, some less-than-reputable publications have been discussing the return of “heroin chic.” The very language of such messages supports the idea of depriving your body of nutrients, which is, clearly, offensive and dangerous.
“Despite at least a decade of body positivity and neutrality, we are once again being told that body types are binary—good and bad; thin and fat—practically rendering the past 20 years’ worth of activism futile,” writes Danielle Sinai.
Sinai goes on to discuss ways in which these messages play out online and in social media, in both overt or innocent-seeming ways. Quoting a licensed mental health counselor, the article reads: “Saying ‘curvy is out’ disregards a lot of the work that we [activists] have already done to create space for and include a variety of body types in marketing, in stores, and online.” All this is to say…as much as you can, avoid these toxic narratives. I’m rooting for you.
Read For the Last Time: Body Types Are Not Trends by Danielle Sinai for Glamour here.
YouTube Video: Are the Victorians Responsible for Fast Fashion? Ft. Dress Historian Dr Serena Dyer | Bernadette Banner
I found Bernadette Banner’s latest video too fascinating not to share this week, as she and guest historian Dr. Serena Dyer take on the roots of fast fashion. Throughout the discussion, they highlight ways in which the Victorians were responsible for the development and growth of fast fashion, and how developments in media technology allowed for trends to be dispersed more quickly and widely. Really, it is quite a fascinating way to think of things, and shows that the current era of Shein and the like are a consequence of globalization, shady production practices, and contemporary media.
Instagram Account: @ellesghosties
Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean spooky season has to come to an end. Elle Allison is an artist sharing adorably sweet and silly little ghosts on Instagram. From cozy WFH ghosts to coffee inspiration, @ellesghosties are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Beyond her Instagram, Elle shares some of her designs as prints on Etsy. Be sure to follow her shop for future print listings! She is also starting to offer her designs on t-shirts, and this need more coffee ghostie tee is definitely calling my name.
Follow @ellesghosties on Instagram for spooky cuteness, and be sure to check out Elle’s personal Instagram while you’re there!
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: November 9, 2022
Article: In ‘Dangerous Liaisons,’ Alice Englert and Nicholas Denton Play the Game, Alexis Soloski for The New York Times
There has been no shortage of engrossing period dramas and miniseries lately, and Dangerous Liaisons starts as promisingly as any. So promising, in fact, that the show was already renewed before the first episode even premiered.
Photo Credit: Martincek/Starz
This new series is a prelude to Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ notorious 1782 novel of the same name. Set in pre-revolutionary France, the two main characters are young and in love — but not for long. The series works out how the characters become who they would become in the iconic novel. In this week’s must-read article, the actors discuss their interesting, socially distanced audition processes for the series, along with other insights from the series.
YouTube Video: Ben is just trying his best | Parks and Recreation
We’ve been re-watching Parks & Recreation lately, and it has reminded me of the many great Ben Wyatt lines and moments in the series. This short compilation video from the series covers some of Ben’s more iconic moments when he’s just trying his best, from Ice Town to Treat Yo’ Self Day and plenty of moments in between.
Instagram Account: @princesshoneybelle
Promising a daily dose of sweetness, Honey the cat chef certainly delivers. In adorably curated videos, Honey bakes a variety of sweet treats with perfectly cat-sized tools. Basically, the whole account is just delightful. And you can even try your hand at the recipes Honey and her family make, because they always add the directions to the captions!
Beyond recipes, Honey also shows off adorable outfits and general catitude cuteness. Overall, this account is a great follow for anyone looking for more feline whimsey in their life.
Give Honey a follow on Instagram here for all the cute cat content and baking inspo. You can even get Honey themed merchandise, including this sweet tee, via the link in their bio, or shop their custom Etsy products here!
Cats & Coffee’s Curated Content Series: November 2, 2022
Article: As England Looks Forward and Back, So Does Barbour, Adrienne Gaffney for Elle Magazine
Barbour jackets are a classic, quintessentially British style that has managed to not only stand the test of time, but to grow and evolve with it. These long-lasting, well-designed jackets are lifelong pieces that “[become] quite precious . . . and familiar and therefore part of your life. ” That is, they’re “not just a thing you have” — but a staple, central piece in your wardrobe. I would argue that this is even true for me, though I don’t get too many chances to wear my Barbour jacket here in Florida. But that doesn’t mean it never comes in handy here, either! The waterproof material is perfect for stormy weather, and the laid-back design means it can be worn over layers or just a t-shirt, depending on the temperatures outside.
Princess Diana wearing a Barbour jacket. Photo Credit: Tim Graham
Anyway, all that is to say that the brand is putting a lot of effort into refining and continuing their tradition of British style. With various collaboration launches and developments to their jacket repair and replacement programs, it’s clear Barbour is, as always, here to stay.
Read As England Looks Forward and Back, So Does Barbour on Elle Magazine’s website here.
Favorite Barbour Jacket Styles
YouTube Video: Designing “Historically Accurate” Costumes for Fantasy: Game of Thrones Case Study | Bernadette Banner
Since The House of the Dragon has reignited my interest in Game of Thrones, I was excited to see this video from Bernadette Banner all about the historical aspects of the series’ costumes. As she discusses in the video, the vast amount of world building that is done with the costumes, and the style choices based on the mythical geography and climates, are incredibly intricate and detailed. It’s really a fascinating point of discussion which I think you’ll enjoy, too!
Instagram Account: @caffeinaided
A coffee lover after my own heart, Kelsie of @caffeinaided highlights all kinds of delicious looking coffees and gorgeous coffee shops on her Instagram profile. If you have any desire to travel to try out cute coffee shops, @caffeinaided will certainly fuel that wanderlust!
Kelsie lists her interests as coffee, travel, brews, and books. Beyond highlighting cute coffee shops she visits, she also shares book reviews and general bookstagram goodness. I love to check out what she’s reading, almost as much as the shops she visits!
So, pour yourself a cup of coffee and give @caffeinaided a follow for all the best coffee, travels, brews, and books! If you’re in the Florida, Georgia, or Alabama areas, Kelsie has her favorite coffee shops saved in her story highlights, as well. I particularly want to visit this one!
Want more great finds like these?
Explore the October edition of my Curated Content Series for more great reads, listens, and Instagram accounts to follow.
