I’m feeling a sense of apathy as I write this. I’m reaching peak saturation with memes about banana bread and jokes about no pants and witty asides about homeschooling. I am desperately longing for non-corona information. I am done (at least this week) with observational quarantine humor. I am done with Zoom and all its iterations. Therefore, this edition of Lil Treasures (at least from me, I want you to do you) will be sans international pandemic info.
⭐️ Something that has been a twinkle in my own eye this week is frangers on the internet. So many of you reached out to purchase licenses of The Comfortable Words for people who weren’t in a position to make their own purchase. As of this morning, we’ve given away 51 copies and I have more locked and loaded. And when those run out, we’ll still be giving it for free to everyone and anyone who wants it. If that’s you, but you feel weird about it, I get it. I really do. Email me from a burner account, DM me from your finsta. No explanations or stories needed. It’s not much, but it’s what I have to offer. I wish I could gather us all up from our various corners of the world and have a driveway party. We would smoke a brisket for you and have brisket fried rice (we made it this week and FRIENDS it is the business). ALAS. This is the next best thing.
🥃 Warning for if you’re currently sober, but this bourbon slush from my friend @carolineteselle is definitely on my to-do list for the weekend.
📝 Are you looking for a good idea for an end-of-the-year present for the teacher that keeps getting on Zoom with 20 1st graders, despite the chaos it invites into the universe? I just ordered personalized teacher note cards from Winsome Paper Goods and they are so precious.
🏞 I thought the Parks and Rec special was so sweet! Overall, it captured exactly what I loved about P&R: earnest hope with a side of snark, embedded in a time of horrific cynicism. When Gary started crying while using the poop filter, I felt that.
🙏 I don’t remember who shared this with me, but @commoners_communion is a light for me right now. I’m thinking about doing their online prayer school (starts May 12)! Has anyone done anything with them before? I’d love to hear your experience!
🦵I’ve been listening to Bill Bryson’s The Body (I listened to At Home earlier last month and loved it) and it’s so good. Completely fascinating if you’re a casual nerd. Next up is The Book of Longings. Anyone already read that one? I want to know what you think!
I hope the weekend feels like a weekend to you. May you have a delicious beverage, some sunshine, and something good to watch or read. Can’t wait to read your Lil Treasures!
1. Parks and Rec special was so wonderful and I miss them so much
2. Killing Eve is so fantastic AND I found a podcast I like about it too
3. Someone on the Binge Mode Facebook page is reading Harry Potter for the first time and he is posting his thoughts on each chapter. He is somehow largely unspoilt and it is so fun seeing the book through HP-virgin eyes ⚯͛
Yes to Book of Longings. I’ve been anxious to discuss it with someone. I LOVED it. Even though there were parts that made my Southern Baptist heart clench. I honestly liked it even more bc of that. So thought provoking and heck, it’s fiction so kudos to Sue Monk Kidd for making me think outside the box.
Y'all, I saved this thread as Friday post-work desert and you did not disappoint! I have fresh books and tv shows to consume now. HALLELUJAH.
I don't have much in the way of treasures b/c this week I intentionally turned the TV off and was off line more. It was a good choice for me. I had some FaceTime calls with friends and family that are out of state, some evening time in the sun room just reading or talking on the phone (I know - who does that now???).
I did pull one treasure off my shelf - anyone ever read The Mitford Chronicles by Jan Karon? They're not for those who love action/thrillers, but I adore them. It's a fiction series about an episcopal priest in a small N.C. mountain town. I live in N.C. and love the mountains. I find the descriptions of the characters and their normal every day lives to be comforting, hopeful and lovely.
I, too, made the CYL Shwarma and LOVE IT. I ate mine with cukes, tomatoes tzatziki sauce and brown rice that was cooked in coconut milk (as Bri McKoy recommends).
Erin, thanks for introducing us to Tabitha B. She's my favorite follow this week!
Let’s see. I ordered Little Women on DVD and it arrived at my doorstep the next day so plans for the week-check.
I too am over all covid related news as well as anything dealing with politics so I basically only look at my Instagram and Pinterest. (Except Pantsuit Politics. Those ladies are amaze balls!)
I ordered my nieces books to be delivered to their doorstep next week and nothing has brought me greater joy. My love of books is legendary in my family and that I finally was able to send them something I love (let’s just say Toccoa- almost 10 is a sports girl and Timber is only 2!) has made me so happy. If you’re looking for something fun for pre-teen girls The Baby Sitter’s club has graphic novels!
I have bought items to bake things and yet have baked nothing. However, Dollywood released the official cinnamon bread recipe and I need to make it NOW (and after reading the recipe no wider it’s addicting!) I can find no yeast though!!!
I ordered masks this week from the cutest company called Farmhouse Frocks and now I finally feel like when I can go somewhere I will be prepared. (I’m immunocomprimised and have asthma so even though GA no longer has a standard SIP order I still have too)
Now y’all have me thinking I need to give Parks and Rec a second chance as I didn’t make it past the first season. 🧐
Gosh, I'm not sure I have any treasures this week. I'm sick, again, 🙄 and apparently, when I'm sick (and can't take walks) I get very cranky. And super sad. And really, really angry. Ooops 😳 That GIF of Janet is cheering me up, though. Thanks, Erin! 😊
I am saving the Parks and Rec special for this weekend and I cannot wait.
Things saving me this week:
1. Zoom watching the cheesy, terrible Bachelor "Listen to Your Heart" show with friends. We screen share and yes, it is undeniably TERRIBLE and everything I need right now.
2. The book "Nobody Will Tell You This But Me" about a relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Sweet, funny and you may cry but perfect. I binge-read it in a day.
3. Pinterest... When all social media seems terrible, I'm now on Pinterest looking at bathroom paint colors and garden layouts and outfits for when I will someday leave my house. It feels like a simpler time on there. I pin projects that I will someday do, but most likely won't, and that feels like a small accomplishment in itself. And I think it's convinced me that my bathroom is going to be painted a blush pink. Husband does not know this.
I'm also really over everything. I have a newborn and I quite honestly want to have all my people over to snuggle him. With my first, the hospital room the day after was a party with my girlfriends and family coming to visit... and it feels sad that I have this new guy in my life and people have just met him through the window or from 6 feet away. Being sleep deprived of course, this makes me cry. Also, would recommend a good cry as something saving me this week.
This was a week where all of the 💩 seemed to hit the fan from every single direction. (Some days literally. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve needed to hose my youngest off in the sink 🤦🏻♀️). One thing that is helping me feel like a human and not a toilet is Yo-Yo Ma’s songs of comfort on Insta. I’ll never forget seeing him on Mr Rogers back in the day. Listening to him play is such a cathartic hug.
I will be making that shwarma ASAP. My favorite Greek restaurant has been closed during all this ish, and not having their shwarma as a lunch option when I need to escape work (because, yes, I'm still going in every day and it is ROUGH working with the homeless during a pandemic, folks) just makes me sad. And thank you for not mentioning any pandemic news because, as I told my church small group last night, my coping mechanism is avoiding reality as much as possible.
I want to sit in your driveway and eat brisket! I feel like you’re MY PEOPLE! Love reading this every week, even if I am too old or out of touch to get 100% of your references! 🥰
I love Fridays. I love Lil Treasures. It truly is something I look forward to every Friday - especially during ~these times~. I've been struggling with looking forward to the weekend because I can't do much but take more walks and bake more/eat more which is fun but also I miss going to my favorite coffee shop sometimes.
Okay so a couple things:
1. I ordered and received my first pair of AllBirds this week...and oh. my. goodness. I have never been the kind of person who swoons over sneakers but these babies are like little clouds on my feet. I also LOVE that they are a socially-conscious, transparent company. They only use ethically sourced, natural materials and they ship the shoes in very minimal packaging. I hate it when I order shoes online and it's a box within a box...such a waste of cardboard. I ordered the Tree Runners in Mist. The original AllBirds are made of wool, but I have sweaty feet and live in Texas so I thought it would be wise to purchase the sneakers made out of eucalyptus instead. Why I have been taking my walks in my Chacos, I do not know, but my life has been changed for the better with these shoes.
2. I did a vulnerable thing last week and self-published a lil book. I hesitate to mention this because the last thing I want to do is use this thread as a way to self-promote because that's annoying. I only mention it because it was scary and way out of my comfort zone but this week I have had so many people message me and tell me that they ordered the book and that they resonated with the message. There have been some randos from high school that also came out of the wood work and it was so weird - it made me realize this must be what it's like when you announce your pregnancy or engagement on social media - people who you haven't talked to since prom night are DMing you asking for an update on your life and it's odd. Regardless, I have been so humbled by the support from people and it reminded me that I need to take risks more often. So if you have ever thought about starting a business, writing a blog, publishing a book, or sliding into that crush's DMs...consider this your sign to DO ITTT. The world is a dumpster fire right now, so I recommend you use the "eff it" energy I've been feeling and dive into those lil dreams you may have- you may realize it's the best thing you've ever done!
The only thing that has saved me this last week was the nap I took in my neighbors yard so my dang kids could not find me. It was bliss. I’m also splurging on good wine no longer settling for mediocre. I mean I’m saving on gas money might as well put that towards the good wine.
OH one other Lil Treasure. I signed up for the Run 2 Stay Classy virtual 5k. Virtual 5ks have become a little treat myself moment when I am sure they benefit good causes. This one is Anchorman themed (which hello!) and benefits Feeding America
This weekend I am doing the Hot Chocolate 5k for Make-A-Wish. That would have been one I planned to do live in downtown Minneapolis, but it is now virtual. :)
cosign the Parks and Rec special, and I'm watching the Sondheim 90th Birthday Concert on Youtube - it is truly a balm for the soul, even if you only know a couple sondheim songs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A92wZIvEUAw)
I'm reading At Home right now and I LOVE it! I also bough The Body and A Brief History of nearly everything so if you need me I'm busy learning everything about everything.
I cried *hard* watching the season finale of Mindy Kailing's new show Never Have I Ever (5 STARS!) before work... and now I am emotionally drained. My husband made homemade pizza dough yesterday so we can have it for dinner tonight and that's honestly all I'm thinking about right now. There will be a garlic anchovy sauce because I AM IN CHARGE.
OH - we've also started watching Westworld... why did no one convince me to watch this before? It is so very good. I may have also cried during Season 2 Episode 8 - Kiksuya, it was so incredibly beautiful. I think the moral of the story is that I have a lot of feelings and emotions that I haven't been dealing with so they have decided to deal with me.
First off, I just wanted to personally thank all of those who have paid to have The Comforting Words be freely available to those who need it. I'm currently sick and awaiting my covid test results and I'm also in my final week of graduate school. Being able to receive the Comforting Words for free really means a lot to me in a season full of stress and so many unknowns. So thank you so much!
If anyone has any encouraging songs or scriptures to recommend, I'm currently employing my spiritual gift of playlist making and curating a list of songs to sing over myself in this season. Although my lungs can no longer belt out the chorus of "Break Every Chain," I'm still crying out to the Lord.
Okay so now onto the good stuff: I've been meaning to share this with the Lil Swipes for literal WEEKS, but ya know. Sickness. I've been OBSESSED with Leslie Jordan's instagram (@thelesliejordan) and his quarantine videos. They never fail to make me giggle.
I also recently discovered Sara Hagerty (sarahagertywrites) and her IGTV prayer videos have been so refreshing for my weary soul. She has a way of praying what everyone is feeling right now.
Lastly, way back when before getting sick, I ordered Samin Nosrat's "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" cookbook on Amazon and it finally came a week or so ago. I'm reading it trough like it's a normal book and I'm learning so much. It's BEAUTIFUL and makes me feel like I can cook anything.
Reporting from the office where I have indeed been all week. Has it been weird being "normal" again here? Yes. But is it altogether normal? No. Next week, we will start thermal scanning all who enter the building. And masks will be the standard to anyone who goes on/near the manufacturing floor. It is what it is. I'm grateful to be working. But it's all very mixed emotions.
So my treasures for the week...
1. When your bestie delivers you Crowlers from a local tap room. I was at the office when she did it, but she sent me hilarious photos of putting them in a planter -- when at the same time, my husband was texting me saying someone was in the yard. And by the time I told him it was our Stacey he was all "OMGGG I could have said hello! I feel terrible" -- this all being said, support your local taprooms if that is something that brings you joy.
2. Sticking to my goofy goal of using up candles during Covid. We have SO many in our house. So my goal when home is to always have one burning during waking hours so I can use them up and then my reward will be buying new ones. What are your favorite candles? Bonus if they are from an independent maker. Please leave links.
3. Walks are saving me. Taking 45-60 minutes to walk 4 miles and listen to a podcast or an audiobook...its a break from stress, a break from my house of guys (2 sons, 2 male dogs and a husband lol).
4. With walks in mind, if anyone wants to become fitbit friends, I think you can visit my profile when you log onto your own in a browser: https://www.fitbit.com/user/3D4835 -- I would love to have Swipers as fellow walking buddies virtually.
5. So, there is a reason I walk despite sanity saving. I have a goal this year to intentionally walk/run 1135 miles in 2020 using the Charity Miles app. (Check this app out if you are a walker/runner/biker) I use this app anytime I go walking or running and benefit the ALS Association. My mom passed away 5 years ago after an extremely quick 122-day battle with ALS. I have already achieved 468 miles in 2020. Last year I exceeded my 1000 miles. So doing a "5k a day" is what my goal was for this year. Using Charity Miles and knowing I'm helping a cause and also using that time to center myself has been a way I have dealt with my loss.
6. Lip products. These always bring me joy. My most reached for shade has been Mac "Dare You" which is supposedly the color used for Phoebe Waller-Bridge on Fleabag. It makes me feel just a perfect level of sassy and put together. OH, with lip color in mind. *Erin* -- do you know what color you were wearing during the most recent Popcast AUA livestream? It was gorgeous. Now if you say that is just your natural lip pigment....I will say you were blessed. But if that was a lip product, this inquiring mind so wants to know. :)
A delight of lil treasures, as always, Erin. I am HUNDO P ordering some of those teacher notecards for my son’s preschool teacher. 🙏
I turn 29 tomorrow (🥳) & all I really want to do is watch a movie. My husband & I have really enjoyed The Last Dance on ESPN & re-watching Community (honestly, so good for my soul), but I haven’t watched a movie in forever (for myself - Pixar movies with my son don’t count 😂). So will I celebrate The Rock’s birthday & rent Jumanji 2? Or will I finally watch Booksmart? Any & all fun, lighthearted suggestions are welcome! 😘
I was so bummed I missed the Parks and Rec special! I'm hoping I can catch it on Hulu or something tonight.
1. Chicken shawarma is the best. I recommend it Israeli style with roasted potatoes/french fries, hummus, tomatoes and cucumbers.
2. I am really late to the party, but I discovered Peaky Blinders on Netflix and it is engrossing to say the least. Also violent and with some nudity (just FYI). Can we have a conversation about Cillian Murphy's eyes and cheekbones?
3. Hand wrote a letter and mailed it this week, and I would really like to bring back letter correspondence. It is so soothing and grounding to me.
What’s giving me life right now is making plans to create all the delicious foods. If someone shares a recipe link that’s a fav or has changed their life, I am saving it and making it. We were in a meal rut and I’m over it. So link the best and I will try them! Special ingredients? Why not! Exotic? Sure! The best thing your grandma made? I would love to enjoy it too! I have too much time locked up with my people to not at least have really happy taste buds.
1. Started watching Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist this week, and I am in love. Give me all the song and dance numbers, please and thank-you. 8/10, would recommend.
2. I read Love & Gelato and Love & Luck in one sitting each. Such great books. They are YA, take place in European countries, have delightful characters, and a bit of mystery. The author handles hard teen topics really, really well. 10/10, highly recommend.
3. I admitted to myself and others this week that I was angry. Admitting hard emotions is hard for me, but it was extremely cathartic and deflated my internal rage a bit. 11/10, highly recommend.
You are my hero! This is just the most perfect end to a truly terrible week for me! Thank you for things that are not related to crisis across the world. I have never watched Parks and Rec...now the question is...should I???
I did CYL Shawarma, but as a whole roast chicken, and three days later my son cannot stop talking about it.
My happy things this week:
1. Parks and Rec special was so wonderful and I miss them so much
2. Killing Eve is so fantastic AND I found a podcast I like about it too
3. Someone on the Binge Mode Facebook page is reading Harry Potter for the first time and he is posting his thoughts on each chapter. He is somehow largely unspoilt and it is so fun seeing the book through HP-virgin eyes ⚯͛
Yes to Book of Longings. I’ve been anxious to discuss it with someone. I LOVED it. Even though there were parts that made my Southern Baptist heart clench. I honestly liked it even more bc of that. So thought provoking and heck, it’s fiction so kudos to Sue Monk Kidd for making me think outside the box.
NEVER disappoints! 😊
Y'all, I saved this thread as Friday post-work desert and you did not disappoint! I have fresh books and tv shows to consume now. HALLELUJAH.
I don't have much in the way of treasures b/c this week I intentionally turned the TV off and was off line more. It was a good choice for me. I had some FaceTime calls with friends and family that are out of state, some evening time in the sun room just reading or talking on the phone (I know - who does that now???).
I did pull one treasure off my shelf - anyone ever read The Mitford Chronicles by Jan Karon? They're not for those who love action/thrillers, but I adore them. It's a fiction series about an episcopal priest in a small N.C. mountain town. I live in N.C. and love the mountains. I find the descriptions of the characters and their normal every day lives to be comforting, hopeful and lovely.
I, too, made the CYL Shwarma and LOVE IT. I ate mine with cukes, tomatoes tzatziki sauce and brown rice that was cooked in coconut milk (as Bri McKoy recommends).
Erin, thanks for introducing us to Tabitha B. She's my favorite follow this week!
Let’s see. I ordered Little Women on DVD and it arrived at my doorstep the next day so plans for the week-check.
I too am over all covid related news as well as anything dealing with politics so I basically only look at my Instagram and Pinterest. (Except Pantsuit Politics. Those ladies are amaze balls!)
I ordered my nieces books to be delivered to their doorstep next week and nothing has brought me greater joy. My love of books is legendary in my family and that I finally was able to send them something I love (let’s just say Toccoa- almost 10 is a sports girl and Timber is only 2!) has made me so happy. If you’re looking for something fun for pre-teen girls The Baby Sitter’s club has graphic novels!
I have bought items to bake things and yet have baked nothing. However, Dollywood released the official cinnamon bread recipe and I need to make it NOW (and after reading the recipe no wider it’s addicting!) I can find no yeast though!!!
I ordered masks this week from the cutest company called Farmhouse Frocks and now I finally feel like when I can go somewhere I will be prepared. (I’m immunocomprimised and have asthma so even though GA no longer has a standard SIP order I still have too)
Now y’all have me thinking I need to give Parks and Rec a second chance as I didn’t make it past the first season. 🧐
Gosh, I'm not sure I have any treasures this week. I'm sick, again, 🙄 and apparently, when I'm sick (and can't take walks) I get very cranky. And super sad. And really, really angry. Ooops 😳 That GIF of Janet is cheering me up, though. Thanks, Erin! 😊
This what I live for on Friday afternoons, I save this to read with my lunch!
I’m wondering if the change your life shawarma would work with tofu?
I am saving the Parks and Rec special for this weekend and I cannot wait.
Things saving me this week:
1. Zoom watching the cheesy, terrible Bachelor "Listen to Your Heart" show with friends. We screen share and yes, it is undeniably TERRIBLE and everything I need right now.
2. The book "Nobody Will Tell You This But Me" about a relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Sweet, funny and you may cry but perfect. I binge-read it in a day.
3. Pinterest... When all social media seems terrible, I'm now on Pinterest looking at bathroom paint colors and garden layouts and outfits for when I will someday leave my house. It feels like a simpler time on there. I pin projects that I will someday do, but most likely won't, and that feels like a small accomplishment in itself. And I think it's convinced me that my bathroom is going to be painted a blush pink. Husband does not know this.
I'm also really over everything. I have a newborn and I quite honestly want to have all my people over to snuggle him. With my first, the hospital room the day after was a party with my girlfriends and family coming to visit... and it feels sad that I have this new guy in my life and people have just met him through the window or from 6 feet away. Being sleep deprived of course, this makes me cry. Also, would recommend a good cry as something saving me this week.
This brought me so much joy. Be sure to watch the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvLHdq2Ml54
Erin, what was the Instagram account of earnest teens singing Wicked? You mentioned it in your slumber party live with your friend ...
This was a week where all of the 💩 seemed to hit the fan from every single direction. (Some days literally. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve needed to hose my youngest off in the sink 🤦🏻♀️). One thing that is helping me feel like a human and not a toilet is Yo-Yo Ma’s songs of comfort on Insta. I’ll never forget seeing him on Mr Rogers back in the day. Listening to him play is such a cathartic hug.
I will be making that shwarma ASAP. My favorite Greek restaurant has been closed during all this ish, and not having their shwarma as a lunch option when I need to escape work (because, yes, I'm still going in every day and it is ROUGH working with the homeless during a pandemic, folks) just makes me sad. And thank you for not mentioning any pandemic news because, as I told my church small group last night, my coping mechanism is avoiding reality as much as possible.
I want to sit in your driveway and eat brisket! I feel like you’re MY PEOPLE! Love reading this every week, even if I am too old or out of touch to get 100% of your references! 🥰
I love Fridays. I love Lil Treasures. It truly is something I look forward to every Friday - especially during ~these times~. I've been struggling with looking forward to the weekend because I can't do much but take more walks and bake more/eat more which is fun but also I miss going to my favorite coffee shop sometimes.
Okay so a couple things:
1. I ordered and received my first pair of AllBirds this week...and oh. my. goodness. I have never been the kind of person who swoons over sneakers but these babies are like little clouds on my feet. I also LOVE that they are a socially-conscious, transparent company. They only use ethically sourced, natural materials and they ship the shoes in very minimal packaging. I hate it when I order shoes online and it's a box within a box...such a waste of cardboard. I ordered the Tree Runners in Mist. The original AllBirds are made of wool, but I have sweaty feet and live in Texas so I thought it would be wise to purchase the sneakers made out of eucalyptus instead. Why I have been taking my walks in my Chacos, I do not know, but my life has been changed for the better with these shoes.
2. I did a vulnerable thing last week and self-published a lil book. I hesitate to mention this because the last thing I want to do is use this thread as a way to self-promote because that's annoying. I only mention it because it was scary and way out of my comfort zone but this week I have had so many people message me and tell me that they ordered the book and that they resonated with the message. There have been some randos from high school that also came out of the wood work and it was so weird - it made me realize this must be what it's like when you announce your pregnancy or engagement on social media - people who you haven't talked to since prom night are DMing you asking for an update on your life and it's odd. Regardless, I have been so humbled by the support from people and it reminded me that I need to take risks more often. So if you have ever thought about starting a business, writing a blog, publishing a book, or sliding into that crush's DMs...consider this your sign to DO ITTT. The world is a dumpster fire right now, so I recommend you use the "eff it" energy I've been feeling and dive into those lil dreams you may have- you may realize it's the best thing you've ever done!
The only thing that has saved me this last week was the nap I took in my neighbors yard so my dang kids could not find me. It was bliss. I’m also splurging on good wine no longer settling for mediocre. I mean I’m saving on gas money might as well put that towards the good wine.
I have recorded movies aplenty on YouTubeTV, including two kinds of classics. 90s/00s rom-com style classics and actual 40s/50s Hollywood classics.
This week I have been having an Alfred Hitchcock marathon. A great way to take my mind off everything else :)
OH one other Lil Treasure. I signed up for the Run 2 Stay Classy virtual 5k. Virtual 5ks have become a little treat myself moment when I am sure they benefit good causes. This one is Anchorman themed (which hello!) and benefits Feeding America
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Anywhere/IRun2StayClassy?raceRefCode=tM0fPG5g
This weekend I am doing the Hot Chocolate 5k for Make-A-Wish. That would have been one I planned to do live in downtown Minneapolis, but it is now virtual. :)
cosign the Parks and Rec special, and I'm watching the Sondheim 90th Birthday Concert on Youtube - it is truly a balm for the soul, even if you only know a couple sondheim songs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A92wZIvEUAw)
I'm reading At Home right now and I LOVE it! I also bough The Body and A Brief History of nearly everything so if you need me I'm busy learning everything about everything.
I cried *hard* watching the season finale of Mindy Kailing's new show Never Have I Ever (5 STARS!) before work... and now I am emotionally drained. My husband made homemade pizza dough yesterday so we can have it for dinner tonight and that's honestly all I'm thinking about right now. There will be a garlic anchovy sauce because I AM IN CHARGE.
OH - we've also started watching Westworld... why did no one convince me to watch this before? It is so very good. I may have also cried during Season 2 Episode 8 - Kiksuya, it was so incredibly beautiful. I think the moral of the story is that I have a lot of feelings and emotions that I haven't been dealing with so they have decided to deal with me.
First off, I just wanted to personally thank all of those who have paid to have The Comforting Words be freely available to those who need it. I'm currently sick and awaiting my covid test results and I'm also in my final week of graduate school. Being able to receive the Comforting Words for free really means a lot to me in a season full of stress and so many unknowns. So thank you so much!
If anyone has any encouraging songs or scriptures to recommend, I'm currently employing my spiritual gift of playlist making and curating a list of songs to sing over myself in this season. Although my lungs can no longer belt out the chorus of "Break Every Chain," I'm still crying out to the Lord.
Okay so now onto the good stuff: I've been meaning to share this with the Lil Swipes for literal WEEKS, but ya know. Sickness. I've been OBSESSED with Leslie Jordan's instagram (@thelesliejordan) and his quarantine videos. They never fail to make me giggle.
I also recently discovered Sara Hagerty (sarahagertywrites) and her IGTV prayer videos have been so refreshing for my weary soul. She has a way of praying what everyone is feeling right now.
Lastly, way back when before getting sick, I ordered Samin Nosrat's "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" cookbook on Amazon and it finally came a week or so ago. I'm reading it trough like it's a normal book and I'm learning so much. It's BEAUTIFUL and makes me feel like I can cook anything.
Morning from Minnesota all!
Reporting from the office where I have indeed been all week. Has it been weird being "normal" again here? Yes. But is it altogether normal? No. Next week, we will start thermal scanning all who enter the building. And masks will be the standard to anyone who goes on/near the manufacturing floor. It is what it is. I'm grateful to be working. But it's all very mixed emotions.
So my treasures for the week...
1. When your bestie delivers you Crowlers from a local tap room. I was at the office when she did it, but she sent me hilarious photos of putting them in a planter -- when at the same time, my husband was texting me saying someone was in the yard. And by the time I told him it was our Stacey he was all "OMGGG I could have said hello! I feel terrible" -- this all being said, support your local taprooms if that is something that brings you joy.
2. Sticking to my goofy goal of using up candles during Covid. We have SO many in our house. So my goal when home is to always have one burning during waking hours so I can use them up and then my reward will be buying new ones. What are your favorite candles? Bonus if they are from an independent maker. Please leave links.
3. Walks are saving me. Taking 45-60 minutes to walk 4 miles and listen to a podcast or an audiobook...its a break from stress, a break from my house of guys (2 sons, 2 male dogs and a husband lol).
4. With walks in mind, if anyone wants to become fitbit friends, I think you can visit my profile when you log onto your own in a browser: https://www.fitbit.com/user/3D4835 -- I would love to have Swipers as fellow walking buddies virtually.
5. So, there is a reason I walk despite sanity saving. I have a goal this year to intentionally walk/run 1135 miles in 2020 using the Charity Miles app. (Check this app out if you are a walker/runner/biker) I use this app anytime I go walking or running and benefit the ALS Association. My mom passed away 5 years ago after an extremely quick 122-day battle with ALS. I have already achieved 468 miles in 2020. Last year I exceeded my 1000 miles. So doing a "5k a day" is what my goal was for this year. Using Charity Miles and knowing I'm helping a cause and also using that time to center myself has been a way I have dealt with my loss.
6. Lip products. These always bring me joy. My most reached for shade has been Mac "Dare You" which is supposedly the color used for Phoebe Waller-Bridge on Fleabag. It makes me feel just a perfect level of sassy and put together. OH, with lip color in mind. *Erin* -- do you know what color you were wearing during the most recent Popcast AUA livestream? It was gorgeous. Now if you say that is just your natural lip pigment....I will say you were blessed. But if that was a lip product, this inquiring mind so wants to know. :)
Wishing everyone well from my corner of the world
Mel
The recipe I have for the Bourbon slush has another half cup of bourbon and no ginger ale....so, you know. 🎉 😜
A delight of lil treasures, as always, Erin. I am HUNDO P ordering some of those teacher notecards for my son’s preschool teacher. 🙏
I turn 29 tomorrow (🥳) & all I really want to do is watch a movie. My husband & I have really enjoyed The Last Dance on ESPN & re-watching Community (honestly, so good for my soul), but I haven’t watched a movie in forever (for myself - Pixar movies with my son don’t count 😂). So will I celebrate The Rock’s birthday & rent Jumanji 2? Or will I finally watch Booksmart? Any & all fun, lighthearted suggestions are welcome! 😘
Have a great weekend, fellow Swipes! 💗
I was so bummed I missed the Parks and Rec special! I'm hoping I can catch it on Hulu or something tonight.
1. Chicken shawarma is the best. I recommend it Israeli style with roasted potatoes/french fries, hummus, tomatoes and cucumbers.
2. I am really late to the party, but I discovered Peaky Blinders on Netflix and it is engrossing to say the least. Also violent and with some nudity (just FYI). Can we have a conversation about Cillian Murphy's eyes and cheekbones?
3. Hand wrote a letter and mailed it this week, and I would really like to bring back letter correspondence. It is so soothing and grounding to me.
What’s giving me life right now is making plans to create all the delicious foods. If someone shares a recipe link that’s a fav or has changed their life, I am saving it and making it. We were in a meal rut and I’m over it. So link the best and I will try them! Special ingredients? Why not! Exotic? Sure! The best thing your grandma made? I would love to enjoy it too! I have too much time locked up with my people to not at least have really happy taste buds.
Fridays are the best days....
Lil Treasures:
1. Started watching Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist this week, and I am in love. Give me all the song and dance numbers, please and thank-you. 8/10, would recommend.
2. I read Love & Gelato and Love & Luck in one sitting each. Such great books. They are YA, take place in European countries, have delightful characters, and a bit of mystery. The author handles hard teen topics really, really well. 10/10, highly recommend.
3. I admitted to myself and others this week that I was angry. Admitting hard emotions is hard for me, but it was extremely cathartic and deflated my internal rage a bit. 11/10, highly recommend.
You are my hero! This is just the most perfect end to a truly terrible week for me! Thank you for things that are not related to crisis across the world. I have never watched Parks and Rec...now the question is...should I???