Blissful Sunday, buddies!
This week I did one thing really wild: I picked up the cellphone and made the physician’s appointments and mortgage calls I’ve been avoiding since… effectively, let’s simply say longer than I’d wish 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 timber!) — issues that shake these tales free, a minimum of slightly 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 cellphone 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 instructed me I used to be unqualified to be a grown-up (which continues to be shocking to me). That is your light nudge from me and my very alive oak timber: make the decision. Ask the factor. Do the tiny activity 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 here are this week’s hyperlinks — stuffed with light encouragement, hormonal spirals, and the delicate 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 pc lab to ship an electronic mail. My awkward years are in a photograph album at my mother or father’s home the place they belong. This piece on Taking Again Childhood from Telephones – Lastly made me wish to hug ever flip cellphone I ever owned. (The Free Press)
• Is it postpartum? Is it perimenopause? Is it simply Tuesday? This essay in The Lower hit slightly too near residence in probably the most validating means. If you happen to’ve had a child in your 40s—or actually simply really feel like your hormones and your to-do record are each quietly making an attempt to finish you—this one’s for you. We actually don’t speak about this sufficient.
• Jenny Vanderburg Shannon shared a stupendous reflection on the ladies writers who’ve formed her life — those whose books reside in a particular stack, at all times inside attain. The Moms is a love letter to the authors we return to many times, in pleasure, grief, and the whole lot in between. It’s tender, smart, and also you’ll in all probability wish to begin your individual stack by the top. (Substack)
• I’ve been which means to make King Arthur’s Recipe of the 12 months all 12 months (traditional), however this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia may lastly nudge me into motion. It’s giving brunch, it’s giving bake sale, it’s giving “perhaps 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 slightly reel about what it’s meant to reside in our outdated Victorian home in Bellville for the previous 12 months. 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 feel you’ll really feel this one. I’m plotting slightly 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 (perhaps that’s simply me?). 7 Ideas For Making the Finest Pot of Dried Beans is your light information, and Rancho Gordo is your bean. When you’re at it, bake a loaf of bread (the cheddar scallion selection) to go together 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 principally 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.
• One among my least favourite components of summer season? Shorts. Particularly, jean shorts. I can’t bear in mind if I ever thought they have been comfy or I used to be simply extra keen to be uncomfortable however I’m formally achieved. I This 12 months, 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 may 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 at liberty 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 an alternative of frosting is elite. (Pleasure the Baker)
• If you happen to’re studying this Sunday publish right here on the location, 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, simple, and chatty — simply how I prefer it. Join right here! (Substack)
Have a candy day, buddies.
My like to you,
Pleasure
