I hope everyone has had a great week. It’s personally been a doozie for me, but as is par for the course, the good outshines the bad, so we press on. We’re about to have the Big Meal™, which comes with a Fall Break for my kids, and a break is much needed.
Thanks so much for such a lovely welcome for Lil Treasures last Friday. The impeachment hearings are genuinely making me crazy, and I am on the lookout for anything to mitigate my constant sense of frustration and doom. It was so fun to see all your suggestions and treats and well as just a nice mental break.
Here are my Lil Treasures for the week:
🎟 I have my ticket to see A Beautiful Day… tonight with my girls and our friends, looking forward to accessing my emotions, really letting it all out, and sending my kids to therapy based on my overreaction due to all the feels I’ve just stuffed down lately!
👑 I’m 4/5 of the way through season 3 of The Crown. I know some people are bummed about the cast swap out, but I truly love it. The Crown in any iteration is like a weighted blanket to me: all comfort, no matter what. The royal family is not having good PR right now, but the show is (very tough mome seeing little Prince Andrew gawking at the moon landing and then watching his interview…YIKES). Give Helena Bonham Carter more to do! We got Bellatrix Lestrange out here trying to chomp on this scenery! My favorite game is eating a cookie every time a Harry Potter or Game of Thrones actor pops up in The Crown. Charles Dance! You are perfect. I would watch you make machinations all day, in any universe.
📜 I’ll literally never stop needing more Hamilton/LMM content, so I adored this little high-five to what will be remembered in history as one of the defining pieces of art of this century.
⚔️Hyped to watch The Knight Before Christmas this weekend.
💆🏻♀️I have a gigantic zit on my forehead caused by Devin Nunes and the alternator on our van needing to be replaced. My favorite fix for these is the Mighty Patch, and I pretty much just keep them on hand for impeachment-related acne or car repairs stress breakouts. I’ve also pulled out my trusty Aztec Secret Indian Clay Mask for SUCH A TIME AS THIS.
✌️ This week we hit a big-time disciplinary snag with one of our kids, but thankfully, I read this post from Kristen Howerton last week, so I was prepared. I’ve already created two courses for my kid to finish (like I said, this week has been a doozie), but I like this kind of thoughtful discipline as opposed to random grounding.
🎙 This weekend, I have agreed to be the running buddy for my eldest child during an end-of-the-semester 5K for her after school group, Girls on the Run. It’s going to be fine, I know it’s just a 5K, and we’ve been training together, but I’m very slow (what I lack in speed, I make up for in stamina). SO if you have a suggestion for a good binge-able podcast series that might push me through the finish line, I’m all ears. Recent ones I’m into are: Dolly Parton’s America, Catlick, and Noble Blood. I’m saving Finding Fred for our Thanksgiving drive!
🕯We will turn around next week and it’ll be Advent (starts on Dec. 1st). Even if you’re not a liturgical-type person, you can still celebrate Advent: it’s like anti-yuck-Christmas. My friend Tsh Oxenreider has a great guide available here for zero American dollars.
Okay! Your turn! Empty those pockets and dig through those backpacks and share what you loved this week with the group! I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Lil Treasures will take a week off for Thanksgiving, but I’ll be back in December. 🧡
I just learned about the free app: Genius scan. It has changed my life!! I have to upload documents of weird sizes and shapes to a computer software from the Middle Ages, so of course it HAS to be pdf. It’s so amazing, you can add or delete pages without having to have costly software. Anyway, it’s made me love technology again.
Finally watched Peanut Butter Falcon. What a great, great movie! I didn’t want it to end, and the ending was somewhat abrupt. Also, the Best Potato Soup recipe from Pioneer Woman has been on repeat in our home. Y’all, it’s so good. It meets the needs of all potato soup varieties.
I know I am past my limit of recs but thumbs up to a new movie on Netflix called Burning Cane. Heard an interview with the filmmaker this week. Ya’ll, he was 19 when he wrote this. It is based on his religious upbringing in Louisiana. And Wendell Pierce is a national treasure.
Some very good podcasts...I have a 2-hour commute home in LA every day so listen a lot! NPR Embedded, Bad Batch, Breakdown (current season so good), Against the Rules, The Cut.
Desert Island Discs by BBC Radio is a good, low key listen. It’s an interview show where the guest imagines being stranded on a deserted island and can only bring 8 songs, a book and a luxury. As I said, it is British, so there may be plenty of names you don’t recognize. I’m an American who watches stupid amounts of British tv and can still scroll past 10 interviews with guests I don’t know. Still, it’s very worth the look. And for you Erin, LMM did an episode just last month. I will say though, as I’ve just realized, these can get deep and I’ve found myself crying in Target listening to Mary Berry’s, so maybe not best for a fun run.
I love reading through this thread! I am in the same adult acne boat as most of you. I started using natural products when my daughter was born, 3 years ago. I use all of the withSimplicity acne products. https://withsimplicityllc.com/collections/acne
Just used the BEE-YOU-TIFUL mask this week and it was AMAZING!
A huge ditto on Slow Burn! I’d also add Noble Blood - even though it’s not a serial. I think since you seem to be into all things royal, you may enjoy it! I’d also like to say that years ago my husband signed me up for a charity 5K run - because he couldn’t attend. Wait. WHAT?!?!
Problem? I. Don’t. Run. Or at least I didn’t. May I recommend The Nonrunners Guide to Running a Marathon for Women by Dawn Dais. Is a marathon a 5K? No. But this book was entertaining and motivating enough to get this couch potato off her butt. Best wishes! GOTR is a great program!
The instagram account @tinykindnesses has been making me bawl all day. One of their taglines is "the world is at least part wonderful," and I think we all need that right now.
Finally drank the Catlick kool aid and I binged all of the episodes in about 36 hours. I’m saving the Dolly podcast for my travels next week, but just saw on Netflix there is a new Dolly show?! I’m here for any and all Dolly content.
Kristen Howerton's alternative discipline post caught my eye too! I would love to see what you came up with for your kids as they appear to be closer in age to mine. Rather than just doling out consequences, I like the idea of making them invest some brain power and effort in the hopes that they actually learn something from it!
This week has been super busy/stressful - I had a job interview earlier this week and then today I had to quit my current job (because said job interview went very well) so I have been watching tons of things on Disney+ to distract myself from my adulting anxiety. I re-watched the first Thor movie and remembered how funny it was (and hello Chris Hemsworth without a shirt for half the movie) and I'm also re-watching Lizzie McGuire in preparation for the reboot coming out next year! Also slowly making my way through Louise Penny's books which, although they are about murder, are like a weighted blanket for my soul. For Podcasts, I love The History Chicks! They take one historical female character each episode (real or fictional) and deep dive into her life. It's great. They also have a second Podcast called The Recappery where they recap The Crown and similar shows/movies. 10/10 would recommend.
Not only is it a little bonkers that Nicholas Cage might play himself in a fictional movie, but it reveals that there is a rom-com in the world starring Zac Efron, Michael B Jordan,and Miles Teller! Has anyone seen this? Is it good?
My Lil' Treasures this week are brought to you by actually finding multiple rocks in my pockets this week, thanks to a fussy, teething, nap transitioning toddler... But seriously though, been thankful for the following Lil' Treasures for myself in no particular order:
1) Iliza Shlesinger's new Netflix special called Unveiled. I SNORTED AND CACKLED my way through it, though fair warning, NSFDEF (not suitable for dainty ear'd folk) at times.
2) Fall foliage finally hitting Texas. Are the leaves still red/orange/yellow? Yes. Is it 75 degrees outside? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not. I'll sweat and channel my inner Stars Hollow, fall loving self anyway.
This week has been ROUGH and I am like not even allowed to drive the struggle bus because I already wrecked too many so this thread is giving me all the feels and so many good recommendations. However I am getting a hair cut this afternoon so there is hope for the weekend! I did just finish listening to Sarah Bessey's new book and the narrator Erin Moon (HA!) did a fabulous job and I cried a lot and probably should not have been driving while listening. Also I double Erin's recommendation about Catlick. BT is the best story teller. And if you like audiobook Know My Know by Chanel Miller (sexual assault survivor... the Turner trial) she narrates her own book and it is amazingly powerful and heartbreaking all at once. She too is an amazing storyteller but you do have to listen to it in breaks because it is hard stuff.
I recently started following Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, on Facebook. She writes a daily synopsis about the impeachment proceedings, complete with comparisons to past impeachments and information about constitutional law. She has now started distributing the daily rundown via newsletter as well. Brilliant woman giving clear, concise information? Yes, please.
I am usually a firm believer in waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas, but this November slump drug us down hard. I bought a small artificial tree for our living room that I’ll put in my boys’ room once We get our real tree. It has multi-color lights (saving the white lights for the real tree) and no ornaments. It’s not especially cute but it’s giving this week some extra shine.
Lil Treasures thread suggestion for next time: gift ideas. Especially for tween kids who will NOT be getting electronics. You all are smart and I’d love to hear ideas!
Just this morning came across Yola...her album Walk Through Fire is actual 🔥. She’s got like a folk, rock, R&B, and something else I can’t put my finger on vibe. So good.
Thanks as always for being you. I’ve loved the Crown this week, and This Is Us kinda broke my heart, mended it, and broke it again. The Hamilton lyric, “ Forgiveness. Can you imagine?” comes to mind when watching the Thanksgiving episode. V. hyped as well for all the goodness coming our way in regards to Hallmark/Netflix 🌲movies, Frozen 2 ‘cause my Dad is taking the kids, and just generally grateful for my life, warts and all. Intrigued by the discipline “courses” as I have also walked through the storm of tween big feelings and disrespect. Virtual hugs, Lil Swipes!
1. The Sound of Music on Disney+. Sometimes I need to hear Julie Andrews sing about having confidence and then I can continue with my day.
2. Anything seasonal from Trader Joe’s. And the affirmation that I feel in the checkout line there. How are all the employees there lovely? Is this what happens to teens that work at Chick-fil-a?
1. I just read The Day the World Came to Town (about a tiny Canadian community who had to take in people from 30ish international flights on 9/11) and I feared it would be a shallow and gushy "gosh, they were so nice, why can't everyone be so nice??" kind of book, but it was actually pretty fascinating with some good story-telling.
2. I'm into the Detective Trapp podcast. It's a true crime story from an interesting and thoughtful perspective.
3. I'm excited about this year's Christmas service calendar from lighttheworld.org . It suggests a way to serve others every day in December.
The Dolly podcast is shifting my paradigms and just generally making me a better person.
Also changing my life- for those who like me love the soothing balm of The British Baking Show (Jamie called it a “warm glass of milk and weighted blanket”- the show Nadiya’s Family Favorites is an absolute delight. It’s on the Tastemade channel. Nadiya is gorgeous, warm, inviting and makes simple, yet mouthwatering food. I actually got a little weepy watching it the other day because she just made me so happy. What is it about a British accent that warms the soul? 🇬🇧❤️
2. How to Fix a Broken Record by Amena Brown. I love her voice.
3. Bri McKoy's winter Starbucks order. Yummy.
4. Christmas gift shopping. Look, I know some people hate shopping, but I am not one of those people. And I love gift-giving, so I am over the moon that the holiday shopping season is here.
I've been bingeing Radiolab of late. I usually hear half of it in my drive to my son's music lessons on Saturdays, but there are some mind-bending episodes. I lost my step-mom to Alzheimer's this year and I CANNOT stop thinking about the episode on light waves reversing dementia in rats! GAH!
It is on hiatus at the moment but my favorite podcast is Everything Is Alive. It's an interview podcast with objects. I know it sounds weird, but it's oddly touching? Funny too of course. Also Switched on Pop and Everything Happens, but those are more well known so probably not new to you. Another new one is The Happiness Lab. Yale prof basically giving her famous psych class in podcast form. Super interesting research that applies to daily life.
Just a comment on the disciplinary post re: writing essays. My parents made me and my three siblings do this when we got in trouble. I remember the first time they made me do it I was five or six and could barely read/write so my sister had to help me write an essay on why lying was sinful and disrespectful. The essay requirements included referencing scripture as well. It sounds harsh and honestly looking back on it, it definitely was a bit much for a five/six year old but in turn we all became decent writers, good students, and one of my sisters is now an attorney. Technology was not the same as it is now, so the other option was getting grounded- meaning I couldn't go play with my friends. Most of the time my mom would forget I was grounded so it really didn't do much. I feel confident that if I have kids I will make them write essays but I'll probably wait until they can write more than just their name.
1. Snack Factory's Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzel Crisps. Ate a whole bag for dinner this week.
2. Using a toy rotation for my toddler's toys. I'm in love. It was basically Christmas morning this week when I brought back his cars after putting them up for a few weeks: "THE CARS CAME BACK!"
You probably already know about this one but Heather Mcmahan's podcast Absolutely Not is one of my top 2. Her podcast and The Popcast make my 3.5 hour drive home seem like 10 minutes.
I know this is a judgment free zone so I feel comfortable sharing my very big feelings for Pete Davidson. This interview/photo shoot with Paper was... incredible. So many layers. PD is someone who gets a lot of grief from a lot of places. This article is the most I’ve seen him coherently share about his true thoughts and feelings and it was honestly beautiful. I encourage you to read and also watch the Imbedded video with Tommy Dorfman (interviewer/photographer).
If your skin is already drier than the Sahara this fallwinter (like mine, in Oklahoma) you NEED Laneige’s WATER SLEEPING MASK. Thank you and goodbye, I am 21 again.
On a skincare note...I know it's basically a brand for teenagers and their makeup obsessed selves, but I have now become makeup obsessed thanks to Colourpop. It's cheap, it's pretty, and their new pretty fresh skincare line smells like Hawaiian Tropic, which makes me oh so nostalgic for summer. I turned 30 this year and suddenly my skin went bezerk (adult acne whyyy) and that line has made my skin feel young again (just like their branding and their cute packaging) :) PS. It's so fun to read through this thread!
In unrelated news, Pantsuit Politics’ twitter stream during the impeachment hearings has been a lifesaver, and I’m loving the Autumn Jazz playlist on Spotify. 🍁🎶
I'm now starting my list for all the acne products I'm going to purchase. My skin was clear through my 30s, but now that I'm 40 something... it's like my skin thinks it's in middle school again. My daughter (just turned 20, lives at home while going to a local community college) just started dating a new boy, and I have "concerns." So, what's keeping me sane is doing routine things and not watching the impeachment hearings (it's just tew much!) Also, Airborne has some vitamin C gummies that are called "Airborne +Sleep," and they are a revelation! Oh! And, I am making Erin's ginger bacon molasses cookies next week, so I've got that to look forward to!
A couple of weeks ago, on my way out of Target, I spied this package of reusable hot drink cups at the Tarbucks counter. I normally walk RIGHT PAST the paraphernalia at such places (including but not limited to the Dollar Spot at Target), but I grabbed these for some reason. They have SAVED my life. I have four children, age 13-6, all of who loves hot drinks and none of whom seem capable of not spilling them. These cups come with lids, are top rack dishwasher safe, and have cutesy winter sayings on them. We have used them endlessly since I bought them, and it was the best $12.99 I've spent in years. I would share a link but I think you have to randomly wander into a Starbucks to find them.
Where have those magical pimple patches been our whole lives? Seriously the best magical acne worker.
Just finished “on the inside” on spotify. It’s from reply all but I think only available on Spotify. Was a quick binge but interesting especially the last episode where they share how they do their reporting.
Loving the heating pad for the end of my bed. Guess I’m now “looks forward to getting into her warm bed at 8pm” years old now. Recommend adding a heating pad to the no move November protocol.
I think I’ve heard you reference Reply All before but if not add that podcast to your queue. Interesting, funny, informative. Also, Mockingcast is one of my favorites. Three Episcopal priest-ish people talking about the latest in pop culture / think pieces / theology. The guy who wrote Seculosity is one of the hosts. It’s sooo good. Sassy, funny, thought-provoking, and ultimately worried about the gospel above all. I started with the one on Girl wash your face and I was hooked. I’ve laughed and cried listening.
Oh and not a Podcast but a video series you could still listen to while you run, The Next Question, it's about race and justice. Amazing guests and content.
Maybe everyone knew this but me, but I've loved The Dream podcast this fall (it came out last year). It's all about the history and inner workings of MLMs, which I found fascinating.
I'm savoring the Crown because I don't want to get through the whole season and have to wait 2 years for the next one! 😭 I'm also into alternative disciplines i.e. writing 'I will not (enter offense here)' 50 times, going old school. Amidst the depressing shenanigans of the impeachment hearings I found this incredible story about Congresswoman Jackie Speier surviving the Jonestown massacre abed it restores some hope in humans and politics. https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/undaunted-jackie-speier-lecture
Muesli has been keeping me sane (and um...regular). Yep, the cold Swedish breakfast cereal consisting of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, doused in oat milk. I've been eating it for breakfast every day this week, and it's one less decision among the literal THOUSANDS that I make as a teacher. High school seniors are jerks, but at least I don't have to decide what to eat in the morning.
Thank you for reminding me that we get another V-HUD Christmas movie this weekend. I can now get through my Friday.
Loving the Little Treasures, I’ve taken several screenshots already. I’ve been recommending the podcast Scattered to everyone. The host is a comedian, so the podcast is funny and touching. I have laughed and cried throughout it. Good luck on the 5K!
Mary Steenburgen. WHAT THE WHAT?! I have a weird thing where I hear music sometimes...like some people have a theme song.🤷🏻♀️ I’ve had it my whole life, and it never occurred to me that it might be weird until my 30s. But waking up from surgery like that? SO CRAZY. I feel like Mary and I need coffee and a chat.
Slow Burn season 3 is about Tupac and Biggie and it’s great so far. I also love listening to Kate Kennedy’s stream of consciousness deep dives on Be There in Five.
Almond Kringle from Trader Joe’s is one of my all time fave pastries and has residence in my fridge (I like it cold) and my freezer (it’s just responsible to have a back up).
Just found the podcast Finding Fred about Mr. Rogers. Only 5 episodes so far, but I cried through every one.😭
I just learned about the free app: Genius scan. It has changed my life!! I have to upload documents of weird sizes and shapes to a computer software from the Middle Ages, so of course it HAS to be pdf. It’s so amazing, you can add or delete pages without having to have costly software. Anyway, it’s made me love technology again.
Yasso frozen Greek yogurt bars are saving my life (doing Noom and getting healthier is great but I MUST have something sweet to eat every evening!)
Finally watched Peanut Butter Falcon. What a great, great movie! I didn’t want it to end, and the ending was somewhat abrupt. Also, the Best Potato Soup recipe from Pioneer Woman has been on repeat in our home. Y’all, it’s so good. It meets the needs of all potato soup varieties.
I know I am past my limit of recs but thumbs up to a new movie on Netflix called Burning Cane. Heard an interview with the filmmaker this week. Ya’ll, he was 19 when he wrote this. It is based on his religious upbringing in Louisiana. And Wendell Pierce is a national treasure.
Podcats: Hi Everybody, A bad medicine Podcast!
I am loving it! Its real doctors talking about medical scenes in movies, and they have avoided the low hanging fruit like Grey's Anatomy.
:D
Have a better weekend!
Also highly recommend Satellite Sisters podcast.
Some very good podcasts...I have a 2-hour commute home in LA every day so listen a lot! NPR Embedded, Bad Batch, Breakdown (current season so good), Against the Rules, The Cut.
Desert Island Discs by BBC Radio is a good, low key listen. It’s an interview show where the guest imagines being stranded on a deserted island and can only bring 8 songs, a book and a luxury. As I said, it is British, so there may be plenty of names you don’t recognize. I’m an American who watches stupid amounts of British tv and can still scroll past 10 interviews with guests I don’t know. Still, it’s very worth the look. And for you Erin, LMM did an episode just last month. I will say though, as I’ve just realized, these can get deep and I’ve found myself crying in Target listening to Mary Berry’s, so maybe not best for a fun run.
I love reading through this thread! I am in the same adult acne boat as most of you. I started using natural products when my daughter was born, 3 years ago. I use all of the withSimplicity acne products. https://withsimplicityllc.com/collections/acne
Just used the BEE-YOU-TIFUL mask this week and it was AMAZING!
A huge ditto on Slow Burn! I’d also add Noble Blood - even though it’s not a serial. I think since you seem to be into all things royal, you may enjoy it! I’d also like to say that years ago my husband signed me up for a charity 5K run - because he couldn’t attend. Wait. WHAT?!?!
Problem? I. Don’t. Run. Or at least I didn’t. May I recommend The Nonrunners Guide to Running a Marathon for Women by Dawn Dais. Is a marathon a 5K? No. But this book was entertaining and motivating enough to get this couch potato off her butt. Best wishes! GOTR is a great program!
The instagram account @tinykindnesses has been making me bawl all day. One of their taglines is "the world is at least part wonderful," and I think we all need that right now.
Finally drank the Catlick kool aid and I binged all of the episodes in about 36 hours. I’m saving the Dolly podcast for my travels next week, but just saw on Netflix there is a new Dolly show?! I’m here for any and all Dolly content.
Kristen Howerton's alternative discipline post caught my eye too! I would love to see what you came up with for your kids as they appear to be closer in age to mine. Rather than just doling out consequences, I like the idea of making them invest some brain power and effort in the hopes that they actually learn something from it!
This week has been super busy/stressful - I had a job interview earlier this week and then today I had to quit my current job (because said job interview went very well) so I have been watching tons of things on Disney+ to distract myself from my adulting anxiety. I re-watched the first Thor movie and remembered how funny it was (and hello Chris Hemsworth without a shirt for half the movie) and I'm also re-watching Lizzie McGuire in preparation for the reboot coming out next year! Also slowly making my way through Louise Penny's books which, although they are about murder, are like a weighted blanket for my soul. For Podcasts, I love The History Chicks! They take one historical female character each episode (real or fictional) and deep dive into her life. It's great. They also have a second Podcast called The Recappery where they recap The Crown and similar shows/movies. 10/10 would recommend.
Came across this gem of an article this week: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/heat-vision/nicolas-cage-star-as-nicolas-cage-unbearable-weight-massive-talent-1254626?__twitter_impression=true
Not only is it a little bonkers that Nicholas Cage might play himself in a fictional movie, but it reveals that there is a rom-com in the world starring Zac Efron, Michael B Jordan,and Miles Teller! Has anyone seen this? Is it good?
My Lil' Treasures this week are brought to you by actually finding multiple rocks in my pockets this week, thanks to a fussy, teething, nap transitioning toddler... But seriously though, been thankful for the following Lil' Treasures for myself in no particular order:
1) Iliza Shlesinger's new Netflix special called Unveiled. I SNORTED AND CACKLED my way through it, though fair warning, NSFDEF (not suitable for dainty ear'd folk) at times.
2) Fall foliage finally hitting Texas. Are the leaves still red/orange/yellow? Yes. Is it 75 degrees outside? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not. I'll sweat and channel my inner Stars Hollow, fall loving self anyway.
3) This bath gel. It smells delicious and delivers on the relaxation, especially in a Desperate Mom foot spa (trash bag lining decorate basket). https://www.eoproducts.com/products/french-lavender-shower-gel?variant=13684067336294
This week has been ROUGH and I am like not even allowed to drive the struggle bus because I already wrecked too many so this thread is giving me all the feels and so many good recommendations. However I am getting a hair cut this afternoon so there is hope for the weekend! I did just finish listening to Sarah Bessey's new book and the narrator Erin Moon (HA!) did a fabulous job and I cried a lot and probably should not have been driving while listening. Also I double Erin's recommendation about Catlick. BT is the best story teller. And if you like audiobook Know My Know by Chanel Miller (sexual assault survivor... the Turner trial) she narrates her own book and it is amazingly powerful and heartbreaking all at once. She too is an amazing storyteller but you do have to listen to it in breaks because it is hard stuff.
I recently started following Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, on Facebook. She writes a daily synopsis about the impeachment proceedings, complete with comparisons to past impeachments and information about constitutional law. She has now started distributing the daily rundown via newsletter as well. Brilliant woman giving clear, concise information? Yes, please.
Beyoncé, Lizzo and Cardi are my running buddies.
I am usually a firm believer in waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas, but this November slump drug us down hard. I bought a small artificial tree for our living room that I’ll put in my boys’ room once We get our real tree. It has multi-color lights (saving the white lights for the real tree) and no ornaments. It’s not especially cute but it’s giving this week some extra shine.
Lil Treasures thread suggestion for next time: gift ideas. Especially for tween kids who will NOT be getting electronics. You all are smart and I’d love to hear ideas!
Just this morning came across Yola...her album Walk Through Fire is actual 🔥. She’s got like a folk, rock, R&B, and something else I can’t put my finger on vibe. So good.
Thanks as always for being you. I’ve loved the Crown this week, and This Is Us kinda broke my heart, mended it, and broke it again. The Hamilton lyric, “ Forgiveness. Can you imagine?” comes to mind when watching the Thanksgiving episode. V. hyped as well for all the goodness coming our way in regards to Hallmark/Netflix 🌲movies, Frozen 2 ‘cause my Dad is taking the kids, and just generally grateful for my life, warts and all. Intrigued by the discipline “courses” as I have also walked through the storm of tween big feelings and disrespect. Virtual hugs, Lil Swipes!
Just finished "Dearly Beloved" and the writing and the characters STICK with you in the best way. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43822731-the-dearly-beloved Highly, highly recommend.
1. The Sound of Music on Disney+. Sometimes I need to hear Julie Andrews sing about having confidence and then I can continue with my day.
2. Anything seasonal from Trader Joe’s. And the affirmation that I feel in the checkout line there. How are all the employees there lovely? Is this what happens to teens that work at Chick-fil-a?
1. I just read The Day the World Came to Town (about a tiny Canadian community who had to take in people from 30ish international flights on 9/11) and I feared it would be a shallow and gushy "gosh, they were so nice, why can't everyone be so nice??" kind of book, but it was actually pretty fascinating with some good story-telling.
2. I'm into the Detective Trapp podcast. It's a true crime story from an interesting and thoughtful perspective.
3. I'm excited about this year's Christmas service calendar from lighttheworld.org . It suggests a way to serve others every day in December.
The Dolly podcast is shifting my paradigms and just generally making me a better person.
Also changing my life- for those who like me love the soothing balm of The British Baking Show (Jamie called it a “warm glass of milk and weighted blanket”- the show Nadiya’s Family Favorites is an absolute delight. It’s on the Tastemade channel. Nadiya is gorgeous, warm, inviting and makes simple, yet mouthwatering food. I actually got a little weepy watching it the other day because she just made me so happy. What is it about a British accent that warms the soul? 🇬🇧❤️
1. These zit patches. https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Acnedote-Pimple-Patches/dp/B07BB4R5CQ
2. How to Fix a Broken Record by Amena Brown. I love her voice.
3. Bri McKoy's winter Starbucks order. Yummy.
4. Christmas gift shopping. Look, I know some people hate shopping, but I am not one of those people. And I love gift-giving, so I am over the moon that the holiday shopping season is here.
This week, I’ve been absorbing all the Baby Yoda memes and watching His Dark Materials AND listening to the Nerdette podcast about it
I've been bingeing Radiolab of late. I usually hear half of it in my drive to my son's music lessons on Saturdays, but there are some mind-bending episodes. I lost my step-mom to Alzheimer's this year and I CANNOT stop thinking about the episode on light waves reversing dementia in rats! GAH!
It is on hiatus at the moment but my favorite podcast is Everything Is Alive. It's an interview podcast with objects. I know it sounds weird, but it's oddly touching? Funny too of course. Also Switched on Pop and Everything Happens, but those are more well known so probably not new to you. Another new one is The Happiness Lab. Yale prof basically giving her famous psych class in podcast form. Super interesting research that applies to daily life.
Just a comment on the disciplinary post re: writing essays. My parents made me and my three siblings do this when we got in trouble. I remember the first time they made me do it I was five or six and could barely read/write so my sister had to help me write an essay on why lying was sinful and disrespectful. The essay requirements included referencing scripture as well. It sounds harsh and honestly looking back on it, it definitely was a bit much for a five/six year old but in turn we all became decent writers, good students, and one of my sisters is now an attorney. Technology was not the same as it is now, so the other option was getting grounded- meaning I couldn't go play with my friends. Most of the time my mom would forget I was grounded so it really didn't do much. I feel confident that if I have kids I will make them write essays but I'll probably wait until they can write more than just their name.
Two things to add:
1. Snack Factory's Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzel Crisps. Ate a whole bag for dinner this week.
2. Using a toy rotation for my toddler's toys. I'm in love. It was basically Christmas morning this week when I brought back his cars after putting them up for a few weeks: "THE CARS CAME BACK!"
https://happyyouhappyfamily.com/toy-rotation/?fbclid=IwAR3Ac2cdkNO0ZAAtZkyCxjj96us1yNiwJe03QZ-SDZcg6uBCD7VGWmfoW44
I’m still loving Taylor’s “Lover” album. Did it come out 3 months ago? Yes. Am I still listening to it a (somewhat) concerning amount? Also yes.
You probably already know about this one but Heather Mcmahan's podcast Absolutely Not is one of my top 2. Her podcast and The Popcast make my 3.5 hour drive home seem like 10 minutes.
I know this is a judgment free zone so I feel comfortable sharing my very big feelings for Pete Davidson. This interview/photo shoot with Paper was... incredible. So many layers. PD is someone who gets a lot of grief from a lot of places. This article is the most I’ve seen him coherently share about his true thoughts and feelings and it was honestly beautiful. I encourage you to read and also watch the Imbedded video with Tommy Dorfman (interviewer/photographer).
https://www.papermag.com/break-the-internet-pete-davidson-2641400317.html
If your skin is already drier than the Sahara this fallwinter (like mine, in Oklahoma) you NEED Laneige’s WATER SLEEPING MASK. Thank you and goodbye, I am 21 again.
On a skincare note...I know it's basically a brand for teenagers and their makeup obsessed selves, but I have now become makeup obsessed thanks to Colourpop. It's cheap, it's pretty, and their new pretty fresh skincare line smells like Hawaiian Tropic, which makes me oh so nostalgic for summer. I turned 30 this year and suddenly my skin went bezerk (adult acne whyyy) and that line has made my skin feel young again (just like their branding and their cute packaging) :) PS. It's so fun to read through this thread!
Laura Tremaine recommended the Heavyweight podcast, and I binged it so hard. It's SO GOOD. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Omg, how did I miss the Tupac/Biggie Slow Burn?!
In unrelated news, Pantsuit Politics’ twitter stream during the impeachment hearings has been a lifesaver, and I’m loving the Autumn Jazz playlist on Spotify. 🍁🎶
I'm now starting my list for all the acne products I'm going to purchase. My skin was clear through my 30s, but now that I'm 40 something... it's like my skin thinks it's in middle school again. My daughter (just turned 20, lives at home while going to a local community college) just started dating a new boy, and I have "concerns." So, what's keeping me sane is doing routine things and not watching the impeachment hearings (it's just tew much!) Also, Airborne has some vitamin C gummies that are called "Airborne +Sleep," and they are a revelation! Oh! And, I am making Erin's ginger bacon molasses cookies next week, so I've got that to look forward to!
A couple of weeks ago, on my way out of Target, I spied this package of reusable hot drink cups at the Tarbucks counter. I normally walk RIGHT PAST the paraphernalia at such places (including but not limited to the Dollar Spot at Target), but I grabbed these for some reason. They have SAVED my life. I have four children, age 13-6, all of who loves hot drinks and none of whom seem capable of not spilling them. These cups come with lids, are top rack dishwasher safe, and have cutesy winter sayings on them. We have used them endlessly since I bought them, and it was the best $12.99 I've spent in years. I would share a link but I think you have to randomly wander into a Starbucks to find them.
Where have those magical pimple patches been our whole lives? Seriously the best magical acne worker.
Just finished “on the inside” on spotify. It’s from reply all but I think only available on Spotify. Was a quick binge but interesting especially the last episode where they share how they do their reporting.
Loving the heating pad for the end of my bed. Guess I’m now “looks forward to getting into her warm bed at 8pm” years old now. Recommend adding a heating pad to the no move November protocol.
I think I’ve heard you reference Reply All before but if not add that podcast to your queue. Interesting, funny, informative. Also, Mockingcast is one of my favorites. Three Episcopal priest-ish people talking about the latest in pop culture / think pieces / theology. The guy who wrote Seculosity is one of the hosts. It’s sooo good. Sassy, funny, thought-provoking, and ultimately worried about the gospel above all. I started with the one on Girl wash your face and I was hooked. I’ve laughed and cried listening.
Oh and not a Podcast but a video series you could still listen to while you run, The Next Question, it's about race and justice. Amazing guests and content.
https://www.tnqshow.com/watch
Maybe everyone knew this but me, but I've loved The Dream podcast this fall (it came out last year). It's all about the history and inner workings of MLMs, which I found fascinating.
I'm savoring the Crown because I don't want to get through the whole season and have to wait 2 years for the next one! 😭 I'm also into alternative disciplines i.e. writing 'I will not (enter offense here)' 50 times, going old school. Amidst the depressing shenanigans of the impeachment hearings I found this incredible story about Congresswoman Jackie Speier surviving the Jonestown massacre abed it restores some hope in humans and politics. https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/undaunted-jackie-speier-lecture
Muesli has been keeping me sane (and um...regular). Yep, the cold Swedish breakfast cereal consisting of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, doused in oat milk. I've been eating it for breakfast every day this week, and it's one less decision among the literal THOUSANDS that I make as a teacher. High school seniors are jerks, but at least I don't have to decide what to eat in the morning.
Thank you for reminding me that we get another V-HUD Christmas movie this weekend. I can now get through my Friday.
Loving the Little Treasures, I’ve taken several screenshots already. I’ve been recommending the podcast Scattered to everyone. The host is a comedian, so the podcast is funny and touching. I have laughed and cried throughout it. Good luck on the 5K!
Mary Steenburgen. WHAT THE WHAT?! I have a weird thing where I hear music sometimes...like some people have a theme song.🤷🏻♀️ I’ve had it my whole life, and it never occurred to me that it might be weird until my 30s. But waking up from surgery like that? SO CRAZY. I feel like Mary and I need coffee and a chat.
Slow Burn season 3 is about Tupac and Biggie and it’s great so far. I also love listening to Kate Kennedy’s stream of consciousness deep dives on Be There in Five.
Almond Kringle from Trader Joe’s is one of my all time fave pastries and has residence in my fridge (I like it cold) and my freezer (it’s just responsible to have a back up).