An exciting update from Nate!
Also in here: my pie-in-the-sky birthday list
Hi! How are you? I’ve been doing tons of behind-the-scenes work to get an exciting new project off the ground. I can’t wait to show it to you – it’s almost ready. I’ve also got family photos coming up. Friendly reminder to my Southern CA readers (or anyone visiting Disneyland!), I have dates available for family sessions! Just reply to this email to get on my calendar. 📆
nate’s big news 🏈
Big moment in the Steele family this week: Nate started a new job as senior creative director for the NFL! I’m so proud of him. We’ve been whistling the NFL theme music for the last two months throughout the interview process (so happy that’s over) and I am patiently awaiting a lunch invite from Carrie Underwood. I would also accept a seat on set next time she’s shooting a promo. 😉 Here are a couple of my favorite ads Nate has made over the years: Blue Diamond almond carving and Nintendo Switch (if you look extremely closely, you’ll see a little sign that says “Alex” on the bedroom door in the first one – that’s for me! So romantic.)
“One does not ‘find oneself’ by pursuing one’s self, but on the contrary by pursuing something else and learning through some discipline or routine who one is and wants to be.”
–May Sarton
six months 👩🏼🍼
Can it be? Last week Mick tuned six months. We celebrated by returning to the Pacific Ocean, where I labored hours before he was born. The poet in me likes to believe that a few of the same drops of seawater from those painful hours leading up to his birth made their way back to us on his half birthday. My body and I are still getting back to a familiar place, and I’m *yearning* to sleep through the night. But for now, I am utterly inhaling this season of Little Tiny Baby.
today’s bouquet 🌸
Gosh, I wish I could paint like this.
Saving this guide to ice creams in Los Angeles. Charlie and I are taking a field trip to Kansha to try their white peach flavor today.
Found this cool poster from the Smithsonian public collection. My sister Mary says she's going to print one to hang in her window. (via)
A great (small) newsletter. A great (big) newsletter.
This little yellow fondue pot would make a terrific wedding gift.
This pearl + beaded necklace feels so summery.
Summer food is the best food. Yum.
Tonight we're having summer lasagna (no oven required) after the recipe practically jumped off the page of my latest (paper copy!) of Real Simple.
One woman wanted to send a letter to her late mother. So she started a PO Box so others could write to their dead, too.
Sometimes you're just a frog and you just need a sweater.
Real talk: I miss Instagram. It's been three months, and what I miss most right now is posting on my stories. Sharing quick photos and jokes. I miss the conversations I'd have there, especially about important topics like my beliefs and pregnancies. I miss the feeling of being in the know. I miss my favorite accounts, like Amanda Jane Jones, Sharon Says So, Post Secret, and a bunch of others. I’m still glad I decided to delete it (more on that later). But I do miss it.
birthday list 🎈
My birthday is a little less than three weeks away! Here’s my reach-for-the-stars wishlist.
this indigo striped fanny pack
an ocean colored cardigan
dainty never-take-them-out earrings
a California poppy necklace
a sustainable, summery floral print dress
that pair of white Birkenstocks I’ve had my eye on
an overhead projector (yes, I mean the kind from elementary school – don't ask why, I just really want one)
a cheese + fruit spread from Lady & Larder
my favorite hotel shampoo
a funny mug for my collection
permission from my landlord to paint my kitchen. Ha!
from the archives 🗄️
(great place to start if you’re new here)
06/29/22 - Here's what you should bring to the beach
06/30/21 - O'er the land of the #freeBritney
07/01/20 - Alex's favorite month
07/03/19 - This land is your land!
things that came in handy this week ⚒️
Lodge cast iron griddle pan. Last night we had smash burgers for dinner – and I’m still 95% vegetarian, I'm just a sucker for a great cheeseburger – and they were delicious. We don’t have a grill but who cares when you have this pan.
Yoto player. Our family is extremely into reading out loud, and this little screen-free, super kid-friendly read aloud device captivates my chatty children even on long car rides. And who can resist Gwyneth Paltrow reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
last thing 💛
Last week's most popular link: the pink striped tote bag
A little reminder: some of the links in Handpicked I share are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
I can’t tell you how much it means to me when you read, click, and shop the stuff in this newsletter. THANK YOU for participating in this personal archive with me.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
– Mother Teresa
Thank you so, so much for the shoutout!! That means so much!
Also - how was the peach ice cream?