Getting personal

Also in here: shopping for Mexico and six mini book reports

Hello darlings! Lots of fun finds to share with you today! But first, something personal to share:

Usually I don’t talk about politics or religion in Handpicked because this newsletter is truly just for fun, a way to connect with people and share art and other stuff I love (if I don’t share, I’ll explode). Before I quit Instagram, I’d share my political and religious views ALL the time. Now, without social media, I’m very relieved not to be inundated with thousands of posts a week, and I highly recommend quitting lol, but I do miss sharing my beliefs. Maybe Substack Notes is the place for this, I’m not sure.

All of this is to say, this month I’ve been low-key freaking out about the political catastrophe we’re in. You all know I’m a never-Trumper, but I believe anyone can change because anyone can choose. Perhaps naively, I had a shred of hope it wouldn’t get this bad. I feel stupid for being shocked.

Because I’m in important relationships with people who voted for President Trump, I primarily seek political updates from the newsletter Tangle (here’s a recent post, I think it represents the publication well). They report the Right and Left side of current issues. I recommend subscribing, no matter what your political beliefs are.

And then going out and recklessly loving the people close to you.

my precious girls. i hope this photo makes you smile and remember how human we all are.

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today’s bouquet

• Brighten your day with this gorgeous 16-minute documentary about an extreme beachcomber.

• 5 things to know when starting a cut-flower garden. (via Kelli Pease)

• My friend Sue taught me how important it is to keep your hands busy during difficult times. Painting has become such a therapeutic practice for me. If embarking on an art journey feels daunting to you, may I recommend starting with this friendly, easy book about collage from the Eric Carle Museum; the book is made for kids but I’m 34 and I find the projects soothing and fulfilling.

• Mundane but SO HANDY: my sister Emily hunted down the perfect monthly calendar printout.

• Can you believe how beautiful this hillside chicken coop is!

• Hey, LA is a bagel city!

• Sound on.

• Made me smile: modern logos get the 1980’s treatment.

• Nate introduced me to the babies reacting to hibachi trend, oh my gosh it’s so heartbreakingly cute and hilarious.

• Fun: take a quiz to find the next book you’ll fall in love with, and get friends to “set you up.”

• Last week, a whopping 89% of poll takers opted for short book reviews now and then, so here’s a quick recap of some of my recent reads.

  

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in my basket

• We got a new couch (hooray!) (this one in naval blue), and, to Nate’s chagrin, I am on the hunt for new pillows. Isn’t this embroidered blue one fun?! While I’m here, might as well add this and this to my cart :’)

• I am not kidding I would 1000% get married in this.

• Wouldn’t this be pretty for a special occasion? It’d be very flattering for family photos. So would this.

• Hunter Bell does everything bright right!

• Meanwhile, I’m still wearing cardigans and sweatshirts at all times. This striped one is sooo fun!!

• This spring we’re taking an adults-only family trip to Mexico, I can’t wait. My swimsuit collection is down to one (this gem) after a 10-year rollercoaster of pregnancy weight gain and loss, so I’m hunting for another one-piece and a high rise tankini — in the words of my favorite podcaster, my midriff is *none of my business.* Significant butt coverage and bright colors preferred. Lmk if you’ve seen a good one out there! Currently considering this orange tankini, this boring but trusty navy, a wrap situation, and this no-I’m-not-pregnant-friendly one-piece.

• Also beach-related: ordered this striped set from Amazon and dreaming of this perfect date dress.

last time we went to mexico, i was pregnant with eleanor and throwing up approximately every seventeen minutes. // kodak ektar 100 // bronica sq-a // playa del carmen, mexico, november 2013.

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The Handpicked Classified Issue is coming NEXT WEEK!

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last thing

• Most popular link last week: the sweater I always get compliments on

• Readers today: 2,006 (wow!)

• Grateful for you.