Hello my darlings. It’s been another very heavy week in Los Angeles, so I’m here with some links to brighten your day.
While we grieve the staggering losses from the fires, I’m keeping myself and my kids away from as much of the news in Washington D.C. as I can. These are heavy moments, straining my very cells, the kind of burden you can’t strength train for. And somehow, simultaneously, the pop and fizz of childhood joys continue to bubble up through my precious children: a soccer victory, lollipops from the Trader Joe’s checker, learning to say “app-oh juice,” the hilarity of sneaking a plastic spider into Mom’s shoe. It’s all here.
And now, some links — but first, a quick announcement!
On Friday, you’ll get the first edition of a new Handpicked newsletter. It will be short and sweet! I hope you love it!
today’s bouquet
This is fun: tomorrow my newest painting will be featured in Platonic Love! They’ve put together a piece about little things that make life better. Can’t wait for you to see it!
Surviving my dessert hiatus with this and this.
My mom loves persimmons more than anyone I know, and she kindly saved me a whole bunch of tops so I can make a wreath out of them like Yasmine, my favorite LA florist.
Calling this the most terrific birthday card in the world. (via Claire & Erica)
Charlie Brown in 30 seconds.
Found (finally): my ideal maple syrup vessel.
A few years ago I would have felt the opposite, but I love the last tip in this beauty routine.
Celebrities as your mom, hahaha! (via Mary)
“Should I say anything?” (via Nate)
A year’s worth of bookmarks discovered in returned books at an Oxford library. (via Bethie)
Cooking my way through Love & Lemons’ cookbook for dinner, everything has been absolutely delicious and mercifully easy. I’m calling this book a must for vegetarian moms. Amazon // Bookshop. (via Alyssa B.)
Isn’t this a *perfect* heart charm?! (via Shelley M.)
Grateful someone is talking about Instagram coaches. I definitely got duped by one a few years ago and I’m still embarrassed by it.
Yesterday I chopped my hair shorter than I ever have! I showed my stylist photos from Amy Poehler’s Wikipedia and my sister Lizzy as inspiration. Nate and I can’t decide if I look older or younger. Eleanor said I look like a mom from the movies, haha. Fun to try something new! Please share your short hair tips!
in my basket
Everything in my Anthro basket right now. After working there for four-ish years, I have to say, “nearly spring” is my favorite season in the store!
You had me at hidden gems.
Y’allllllll the platform Vans were ~ridiculous~ on me. I should have taken a photo, I looked like a clown! Returned them immediately and just ordered these with my fingers crossed.
Tempted to get six birthstone earrings!
At Eleanor’s soccer game, one of the other moms was wearing these really gorgeous pavé diamond huggie earrings, and when I asked her where she got them, she got kind of bashful and said, “Well, they’re not real diamonds, they’re like $50 from Kendra Scott!” Naturally I went on a quest to find them (they keep selling out on the KS site), and happily I tracked them down, as well as some terrific similar ones along the way:
Kendra Scott, $55 (the exact ones, in stock)
Kate Spade, $48 (free shipping)
Quince, $399 (real diamonds)
Wolf & Badger, $150 (pink!)
Thank you for shopping and clicking! Each time you purchase through my commissionable links, I make a few dollars and I am so grateful.
last thing
If you’re interested in starting a newsletter/ have q’s about Substack, I’m happy to chat! Email me anytime, alex@alexsteele.co
Most popular link last week: the old new house
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Grateful for you.
Love the hair!
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!!! HAIR!!!!! It looks sooooo good