A lot of things have changed in the last few weeks, but one thing that hasn’t is my obsession with what other people are reading, watching, eating, listening to, buying and thinking about. So if you are also interested in those things, then this is the blog post for you. I’d love to know in the comments what some of your favorites are these days.
book
Calypso by David Sedaris. I was in a writing class in January and everyone in my small group convinced me to move his books straight to the top of my to read list and I’m so glad I did. I was howling with laughter even as I was green with envy at his wit and writing skills.
podcast
Coffee + Crumbs - 3: Currently Blessing My Marriage. Hands down my favorite podcast of all time, also my most frequently visited website and instagram page. The latest season (including this episode) is for patron supporters only, but you can find several seasons worth of goodness for free in your podcast app of choice.
10 Things To Tell You - BONUS: Anxiety always makes sense (A conversation with Dr. Becky from DrBeckyAtHome). So much good stuff here about making sense of anxiety. Definitely worth a listen in these days of uncertainty.
audiobook
Daisy Jones And The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I had to confirm via Google search that this was actually a novel and not a book about an actual band. The full cast that reads the book makes it come to life. Absolutely loved. PS when you use Libro.fm to listen to audiobooks, you support your local indie bookstore. I linked mine to Gramercy Books Bexley.
movie
The Lion King - Both the original version and the new version. Also, what are some good new movies? We’re so out of the loop after giving up all optional tech for lent.
TV Series
Bluey - I am not even kidding about this. First of all, it’s the only TV series I’m watching because lent. Second, it’s super cute and is keeping everyone in our house sane during Quarantine. Lucy will actually snuggle for 5 minutes when I put this on.
lucyism
Saying “mamamama” - Lucy has been saying dadadadada for a while now, and I’ve patiently been waiting my turn. Watching her take those drunken baby steps toward me while saying mamamamamamama just melts me.
everyday luxury
Ranunculas - Since we’re not leaving the house, I’m not leaving Trader Joe’s without at least two bunches of flowers which I break up into small bouquets to put all over the house and drop off on front porches.
moment
Playing Mexican Train with my grandparents - Right before we were all ordered to stay at home, Jeff, Lucy and I went to Florida to visit my grandparents. Every night after Lucy went to bed, we played Mexican Train. I took a mental snapshot of those nights together.
song
Kinfolks - Sam Hunt
I Don’t Care - Ed Sheehan, Justin Bieber
Your Hands - JJ Heller
quote
“Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love.” - Henri Nouwen, Life Of The Beloved
trader joe’s product
Focaccia with Sundried Tomatoes and Parmesan. I may have just eaten a slice cold, standing over the counter, dipping pieces into Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Mix, which I also endorse.
Purchase
Spring Candles - My friend Nicole owns a store here in town called Pure Roots and she carries candles that I cannot get enough of. They burn perfectly and all the floral scents are so mild and lovely it’s as if you’re walking through a flower market. I cannot bring myself to buy any other candles at this point. Life is too short for crappy candles.
recipe
Johnny Marzetti - I mean what’s more comforting than a big bowl of cheesy, meaty, saucey pasta goodness? Also I love making a double batch and freezing half for later. I was going to link to a recipe but I didn’t like any of the ones I found. I basically just mix a pound of browned ground beef bits with whatever pasta I have on hand and a jar of whatever sauce is in the pantry, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 until I decide it’s done.