Cotton towels, chickens, & what Jen gave me
Also in here: what do you do with your phone while you run?
Hi! How are you? It’s been a tough week here… frankly, I’m having a hard time getting along with my boys. I don’t know if it’s the moon or the season or if I’m just the wrong person for this job, but we’re all struggling. Way too little sleep, way too many tears… hoping it gets easier soon. If you love someone small and stubborn, please send suggestions. 🩵
today’s bouquet
Seven years ago this week, I lost my sister-in-law Jen to stomach cancer. She was 33, nearly 34, the exact age I am now. She gave bone-crushing hugs, won every card game, and always made me feel like part of the family. Jen was one of the best people in my life, I miss her so much. Here’s my favorite thing she gave me before she left.
I recently/ timidly entered the world of homemade bread (but I’m not ready to talk about it yet, gulp!). Isn’t this terracotta bread warmer so pretty?
Cannot. stop. laughing. The Laura Mercier bit, I CAN’T. (via Nate)
One more: if you don’t know the Savannah Bananas, you’re missing out. (via Nate)
Giving Eleanor and Lucy matching stripey bows for E’s birthday!
Extremely interesting: in this podcast ep about emotional infidelity, a marriage therapist role-plays a wife who caught her husband DMing with another woman.
“Don’t apologize for your home. Light candles, put throws over stained cushions, play the music you love, and own it.” It’s okay to have guests over, even if your house isn’t squeaky clean.
Can’t wait to see what Melinda French Gates does next. Wouldn’t it be cool if she needed a milestone portrait maker to help her out?! 😉
I wear a dress to church every Sunday, so I’ve always got my eye out for a pretty 100% cotton one (because crumbs/ markers/ applesauce).
My sister Lizzy got me hooked on Saie lip gloss. I think it’s even better than Fenty’s Gloss Bomb, gasp!
It’s almost time for jean shorts and straw hats!
That’s Enough. One part of motherhood I was completely unprepared for: the haunting possibility of a school shooting.
running
Capricorn by Vampire Weekend is my current favorite running song. Lose Control by Missy Elliott is, however, the greatest running song of all time.
Trying to get more protein in the morning lately, wondering why I waited so long to acquire one of these magical things. (I like this protein powder.)
Devoured this friendly writeup from the runners at The Strategist!
Seeking your recommendations: Do you have favorite leggings with pockets, OR some stretchy belt/ device for holding a phone? (Tried this pocket belt but it was a flop.) I simply cannot run without my phone in a pocket. How do you contain your phone while you run?
“I am always doing what I can’t do yet in order to learn how to do it.”
— Vincent van Gogh
three photos
last thing
Most popular link last week: the secret Quaker Oats recipe
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Grateful for you.
https://spibelt.com/collections/running-belts The holy grail of running belts.
I dislike a running belt and a phone in pocket. So I've used a Koala clip and LOVE IT. It lays flat on the inside back of my sports bra between my shoulder blades very securely and doesn't flop around. Game changer for me. https://koalaclip.com/