Good morning you lovelies.
I was reading an interview with Mitski the other day about the inspiration for their song, My Love Mine All Mine and what they said just… phewwww.
“And [love is] mine for as long as I want it. For as long as I don't give it up or let the world take it from me. To love is truly the best and most beautiful thing I ever did ... So I wanted to write a song about how I wish that when I die, I could at least leave all this love behind in the world." - Mitski
Between the heartbreaking state of the world and the looming overwhelm of the holidays - a season that seems to bring a complicated mix of family and joy, lists and expectations, money and time worries - the simplicity of love seems to sometimes feel a bit too raw and tender of a thing to unpack along with your decorations. But this was the reminder I needed.
Because love is all that matters.
When I lost my beautiful friend last year, I was inconsolable - shit, I still am. But, there’s been this… warmth since her passing. It’s new, but steady and sure. And now… I think I’m realizing it’s the love she left behind in this world, the love she had for me and the love I still feel for her.
Because to be truly loved and to understand that you loved truly in return… is why we’re here. I know this next month is going to be a lot and that right now, the world feels heartbreaking - but please…. please remember what’s important.
Remember that you are loved. So. Very. Loved. And the bravest thing you can do is simply love in return.
Each month, I’ll gather:
🤩stuff to watch, read and listen to
🤝great follows on social media
🌈 music to soothe
🥑 good food and great places to eat and drink
🕯calming things
*****
🤩
We’re doing our Re-Igniting Your Creative Spark Workshop again - man oh man, I love this workshop. If you’re interested, here’s a LINK with more information.
I think we all need to watch Brittany Howard’s Tiny Desk again.
I’ve been following the Bricks and Disorder DIY duo for a while , so when they put out their first full length video a few months ago about making their own couch, I was hooked. But, the SECOND video - about redoing their whole living room??? BRILLIANT.
Jung Kook’s debut solo album is SO GOOD. Yes or No is currently my favorite track.
I found Dexter Britain several years ago with THIS song, and he just announced a new album. I find his music perfect for writing, quiet Sunday mornings and just to have on in the background.
I also love lo-fi beats for writing, too - and I found THIS artist recently and it’s truly lovely.
In the mood for a cozy mystery? The second season of Harry Wild is back and it’s a delight. In the mood for ANOTHER cozy mystery? The first season of Mrs. Sidhu Investigates is also a delight.
I also finished the final season of Sex Education and dear god that show is brilliant. Now I’m off to find every single piece of music they played on its soundtrack.
🤝
Follow Jon Kung for delicious food, cute dogs and then go buy his new cookbook.
Follow Johnny Kyunghwo Sheldrick for great recipes, long fermentation experiments and oh yeah, he just got a cute li’l kitten.
(I made the below recipe and it was SO GOOD, and IF I CAN MAKE IT…)
I know I’ve linked to them before, but dear god they just bought a cabin in Maine and are renovating it and it’s everything, so follow Renovation Husbands because omg.
🌈
Nitin Sawhney (feat. I Am Roze) - Definition of Happy ←- this is one of the prettiest songs ever.
🥑
Sadly, I’ve had a cold for the last couple of weeks so the only thing I can attest to “food wise” is that THESE lozenges are good and didn’t wreck my tummy as much as the others.
But, before the cold set in - I had a lovely dinner at Julienne and can attest to any and all food from there being delicious.
Also, for grab and go food? Nowhere is better than HomeState.
🕯
Recently I needed a new pair of 8 o’clock pants and THESE? Are exquisite. They’re super soft, and fit true to size. They’re warm-ISH, because they’re pretty light, but they’ve been a lovely new addition to my 8 o’clocks.
My friend and I discussed the fine line between 8 o’clock pants and straight up pajammies. It comes down to intention, more than time of day. 8 o’clock pants are for after work, weekends, puttering and relaxing - whereas pajammies are what you PUT ON post-8 o’clock pants to delineate that it’s time for bed. In some cases, 8 o’clock pants CAN go outside, but this is a hotly debated issue.
About 10ish years ago, I realized that all of our family’s photos were getting stuck in our phones… so, I started collecting all the photos throughout the year and made calendars for everyone for Christmas. It’s now one of my favorite things to do and I’ve been using THIS company the last 3 years and I’m very satisfied.
One of the worst parts about having a cold, is how dry and raw your nose gets. I’ve been using THESE face masks, and it’s absolutely neutralized the dry, raw nose this go round and I’m so thankful.
These are pretty pricey, but - let’s say it together, I have VERY sensitive skin and these are the only ones that don’t break me out, but if you don’t have the skin of an 18-year-old Standard Poodle, I think any face mask can work to help moisturize a flu-y face.
I bought MINE years ago when my sister and I swam in the morning and needed SOMETHING to tame our wet hair while we changed in the pool locker room, but I legit still use them and I am NEVER going back.
You know how I’m always on the hunt for a good body lotion, well a friend turned me onto THIS one and it’s… it’s SO GOOD. The consistency is runny - which kinda threw me off? - but my skin has never been softer AND - let’s alllllll say it together - it didn’t break me out! #18yearoldstandardpoodle
Now I need those pants. - J