Joyful Sunday, buddies!
This week I did one thing really wild: I picked up the telephone and made the physician’s appointments and mortgage calls I’ve been avoiding since… effectively, let’s simply say longer than I’d prefer to admit. Isn’t it humorous how the smallest duties can really feel like climbing a mountain in flip flops? However I swear, there’s one thing about spring — the longer mild, the inexperienced bursting from each department (I didn’t kill my oak bushes!) — issues that shake these tales unfastened, not less than just a little bit. Those the place I inform myself I don’t have time, or I’ll do it later, or that the particular person on the opposite finish of the telephone goes to assume I’m a buffoon for asking the query I’ve which… why is that my biggest worry?
However I made the calls, requested the questions (nervously, however out loud!), and nobody laughed or informed me I used to be unqualified to be a grown-up (which remains to be stunning to me). That is your mild nudge from me and my very alive oak bushes: make the decision. Ask the factor. Do the tiny job that’s been faucet dancing in your nerves. Then reward your self with a pot of beans, a brand new pair of breezy pants, or an enormous slice of birthday-adjacent cake.
Listed below are this week’s hyperlinks — stuffed with mild encouragement, hormonal spirals, and the comfortable chaos of figuring all of it out. Let’s get into it.
• I’m so grateful I grew up effectively earlier than smartphones — again when AIM away messages have been a character and also you needed to bodily go to a laptop lab to ship an e mail. My awkward years are in a photograph album at my mum or dad’s home the place they belong. This piece on Taking Again Childhood from Telephones – Lastly made me need to hug ever flip telephone I ever owned. (The Free Press)
• Is it postpartum? Is it perimenopause? Is it simply Tuesday? This essay in The Reduce hit just a little too near residence in probably the most validating manner. If you happen to’ve had a child in your 40s—or actually simply really feel like your hormones and your to-do checklist are each quietly attempting to finish you—this one’s for you. We actually don’t discuss this sufficient.
• Jenny Vanderburg Shannon shared a good looking reflection on the ladies writers who’ve formed her life — those whose books reside in a particular stack, all the time inside attain. The Moms is a love letter to the authors we return to many times, in pleasure, grief, and all the pieces in between. It’s tender, clever, and also you’ll in all probability need to begin your personal stack by the tip. (Substack)
• I’ve been that means to make King Arthur’s Recipe of the Yr all yr (traditional), however this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia would possibly lastly nudge me into motion. It’s giving brunch, it’s giving bake sale, it’s giving “possibly I’ll simply tear off a bit each time I stroll by the kitchen.” Actually, it seems like an excellent concept. (King Arthur Baking)
• Lenny Kravitz does it for the ancestors and really, what a vibe his Paris house is. (YouTube)
• This week on Instagram, I shared just a little reel about what it’s meant to reside in our previous Victorian home in Bellville for the previous yr. It’s creaky and crooked and full of affection (and plumbing issues). If you happen to’ve ever dreamed of lace curtains, peeling wallpaper, and a porch full of individuals you’re keen on — I believe you’ll really feel this one. I’m plotting just a little storage bakery subsequent!
• It’s an excellent week to make a pot of beans — the type that simmer slowly when you putter round in socks (possibly that’s simply me?). 7 Ideas For Making the Greatest Pot of Dried Beans is your mild information, and Rancho Gordo is your bean. Whilst you’re at it, bake a loaf of bread (the cheddar scallion selection) to go along with. Bread dipped in beany broth is an easy perfection.(Bon Appetit, Pleasure the Baker)
• Mother requested for this Lowland’s Celery Salad for Mom’s Day which would be the least I can do for her. She deserves a salad that’s largely cheddar cheese and really a lot extra. I’m additionally brainstorming some kind of chocolate and peanut butter dessert as a result of that’s her favourite.
• Considered one of my least favourite elements of summer season? Shorts. Particularly, jean shorts. I can’t keep in mind if I ever thought they have been snug or I used to be simply extra prepared to be uncomfortable however I’m formally executed. I This yr, I’m leaning into these breezy cotton gauze pants and matching units that really feel like pajamas. That is the place I’m at. Meet me right here. (Hole)
• I used to be firmly within the camp of “there’s no such factor as a great margarita combine” — like, we’ve all been burned by the bummer of a faux lime combine. However The Kitchn taste-tested as many mixes as they might discover and there’s apparently a transparent $9 winner. A 9 greenback hero, y’all. This appears like excellent news. Margarita season: saved.
• I’ve formally entered Birthday Cake Season (my birthday’s on the finish of the month, so be happy to begin baking now). If I have been again residence in California with household, I’d completely be having a Texas Sheet Cake — it’s our default celebration cake. However since I’ll be right here in precise Texas, I’m dreaming up one thing dfferent. I’m leaning Doberge-inspired as a result of… pudding between cake layers as a substitute of frosting is elite. (Pleasure the Baker)
• If you happen to’re studying this Sunday submit right here on the positioning, come on over and be part of me on Substack too! You’ll get these weekly Sunday posts (hyperlinks, laughs, and the occasional life spiral) delivered straight to your inbox — no social media scroll required. And shortly, we’ll be kicking off Bake Membership-style on-line baking courses for paid subscribers, however the free model is tremendous chill, straightforward, and chatty — simply how I prefer it. Join right here! (Substack)
Have a candy day, buddies.
My like to you,
Pleasure
