The Sunday Scoop - Issue #2
A weekly recap of all my latest obsessions—from books and shows to bakes and beyond.
Hello,
It’s cold and I spent most of my week wrapped in blankets, fully embracing the media consumption life. You’ll see what I mean below. So, without further ado, here’s this week’s roundup of my latest obsessions.
The Book Recap
I only managed to finish one book this week—indecision tunnel anyone? I was torn between starting something new or holding out for Onyx Storm (more on that in a second). But here’s what I did read:
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young: Absolutely loved this one. Young has a knack for writing mysteries that draw you in with every twist. The plot centers around a woman investigating her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting her own haunting past. It’s atmospheric and has just the right amount of suspense without being overly creepy. If you’re looking for stormy, woodsy, winter vibes, this one’s perfect.
The Lodge by Kayla Olson: Started this one over the weekend, and so far, I’m a fan. It’s the ultimate cozy read, set at a ski lodge with a sexy ski instructor (hello, swoon). There’s a ton of food and drink mentions, which I always appreciate in a book (snacking while reading? Yes, please). It's like being transported to an idyllic snowy paradise.
On the Docket:
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: Duh. The third book in the Empyrean series drops on January 21st, and yes, I’m going to a midnight release party (freeze warning be damned). I’ve taken the day off to read, and it is actually supposed to snow here - the perfect cozy reading atmosphere (Peep my new mug below).
The Favorites by Layne Fargo: A Book of the Month pick for January. It’s gaining
major buzz, and I’m excited to dive in. The plot follows a fierce love story set in the cutthroat world of elite figure skating. Can’t wait to get sucked into all the drama.
Tunes & Talk
A few new tracks I’m playing on repeat:
Rushmere by Mumford & Sons – I’m really digging this new single. It’s all about being honest with yourself, and it’s got a cool nod to the band’s roots.
A press release mentions, “Rushmere is the name of a pond in Wimbledon Common in southwest London, which is where Mumford, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane hung out and first started to conceive of putting a band together.”
I’m loving the vibe, and I can’t wait for the full album to drop in March.
Keep Me Satisfied by Jungle – This track is pure groove. Every time I hear it, I just want to get up and move. The best description I’ve seen is “soulful electronics dipped in disco ecstasy,” and I could not agree more. This is one of those tracks where the video is a must-watch—the choreography is everything
Also, if you’re like me and find yourself in a state of “crap, I spent too much over the holidays” (hello, Brokeuary), you might enjoy the Money Girl podcast. It’s short (10-15 minutes per episode) and packed with useful personal finance tips, from budgeting to investing. It’s exactly what I need right now, and I always feel more fiscally responsible after a listen.
Watched & Binged
I officially finished The Rookie—and yes, I may have watched 110 episodes in about a week. Don’t ask how, just know that I did. Now I need a new show to casually watch while working. Suggestions, please!
Silo Season 2 on Apple TV: No spoilers, but this dystopian series just keeps getting better. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it follows a community living in a giant underground silo after a devastating war. Based on Hugh Howey’s Wool trilogy, I’ve already read the first book, which covers both Season 1 and 2. I’m about to dive into the second book soon because I just can’t wait for the next season to drop.
In some exciting news, Hugh Howey recently revealed in an AMA (via Reddit) that he’s not done with the Silo universe. He confirmed that he’s planning a new trilogy, which will explore events before Wool and extend beyond the third book, Dust. To say I’m excited is an understatement.
Another buzzy show back on the screen is Severance, also on Apple TV. I haven’t started Season 2 yet since the episodes are released weekly, and honestly, this is the kind of show I need to binge in chunks so I don’t miss any crucial details. The plot follows Mark Scout, an employee at the mysterious Lumon Industries, who undergoes a “severance” procedure that separates his work memories from his personal ones. If you like trippy, mind-bending plots, this is for you.
Tried & Tested
This week, I baked my favorite hot cocoa cookies (if you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about Sally’s Baking Addiction). Her recipes are always spot-on—perfect for beginners and guaranteed to turn out great every time. These cookies are a total treat.
And since I’m all about the hot cocoa vibe, I treated myself to a new mug for sipping while reading Onyx Storm. It’s absolutely adorable, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed with it.
Thanks for reading this week’s update! What have you been loving, reading, or watching? Let me know—I'd love to hear from you.
Take care and stay cozy,
Danielle