What’s on your weekend agenda? Freddie and I are escaping to a cozy cottage on the North Fork. The forecast is calling for blustery weather, so we’re planning to stay in, play some cards, dive into good books, and maybe let Freddie whip up something delicious in the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about those slow, lazy afternoons when the weather keeps you inside — the perfect time to unwind and recharge.
Speaking of books, over at Big Salad we just shared a list of the 15 best books to cozy up with this summer. It’s a mix that’ll keep you hooked—from a creepy psychological thriller that’ll keep you guessing, to a funny, food-filled memoir that’s like a warm conversation over a home-cooked meal. Definitely some gems to add to your reading list!
What to Wear and Watch This Weekend
If you’re heading out, I’m wearing a simple, easy outfit to the Whitney Museum: just a crisp shirt paired with pants. It’s effortless but polished—the kind of look that feels right whether you’re strolling galleries or grabbing a coffee.
On the screen, have you caught The Studio with Seth Rogen yet? I binged the first two episodes last night and laughed way more than I expected. It’s that kind of smart, silly comedy that makes for perfect weekend viewing.
And if you love quirky glimpses into city life, New York Magazine’s latest lookbook is a real treat—featuring everything from a double dutch competition to dogs decked out for a Mets game. Talk about variety!
Dreaming of Adventure—and Some Wild Finds
Here’s something wild: a woman is raffling off her charming Irish cottage, and tickets start at just $7. Imagine winning a little piece of the Emerald Isle! (Thanks to the NYT gift link for that fun find.)
On a totally different note, I stumbled across a restaurant that looks like a black-and-white sketch come to life. The place is so striking it almost feels like you’ve stepped into an illustration—definitely a must-see for food and art lovers alike.
Also, a beautiful cultural moment caught my eye recently: an Ethiopian-Eritrean bride shared the quiet power of wedding-day braids. She insisted all her bridesmaids get braided too—no excuses. “We’re doing this together,” she said. “We’re honoring something.” There’s something deeply moving about those shared rituals that connect us.
And for the sneaker lovers out there: there are some really cool styles on sale right now. A good excuse to refresh your collection, if you ask me!
Reflections on Mother’s Day and Community
Mother’s Day always carries a special weight. One writer reflected on advice from their therapist—to hold other people’s babies, as a way of living vicariously and sharing in collective joy and longing. It’s a beautiful reminder of how healing and connecting with others’ happiness and pain can be.
Meanwhile, Toby has been having a blast sending out Paperless Post invites for his birthday party. While choosing designs, I discovered the stunning work of Joana Avillez—her invitations are the perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Art, Collages, and a Little Creativity
Have you seen life-sized embroidered portraits? They’re incredible—a real mix of craft and storytelling.
And then there’s this gorgeous collage I came across that made me want to gather some friends and create something together. Sometimes a little creative collaboration is exactly what we need.
The Weight of News: Gaza’s Crisis
On a more serious note, the situation in Gaza has reached what the UN Secretary-General António Guterres called its “cruelest phase.” For nearly 80 days, life-saving aid was blocked, and what little is getting through barely makes a dent in the overwhelming need. The entire population faces the risk of famine, with heartbreaking scenes of women giving birth while starving. If you can, organizations like World Central Kitchen are on the ground providing crucial support.
It’s important to remember that while the Gaza genocide is devastating and governments must be urged to stop funding conflict, no group should face violence for their identity—whether Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli, LGBTQ+, or any community. Sending love to everyone affected and standing against all forms of hate feels more necessary than ever.
Reader Voices: Parenting Wins, Funny Moments, and Book Loves
I always treasure the stories you share. Here are a few highlights:
- Laura J. shares a brilliant parenting hack: hanging framed maps in the kitchen and moving a cut-out head of her traveling husband around the maps with her kids. It became a fun way to learn geography and stay connected.
- Kari tells a hilarious story about a friend who proudly cared for her hanging terrarium, only to discover a year later it was fake. Talk about dedication!
- Rebecca recommends Solito by Javier Zamora, a nonfiction book that tells the true story of a young unaccompanied immigrant. Her work caring for immigrant adolescents makes this a powerful and important read, especially in today’s climate.
- Caitlin put together a handy spreadsheet compiling all the nonfiction book recommendations from a recent post, perfect for those who love organizing their reading list.
Final note: If anything here inspires you—whether it’s a book, a quirky restaurant, or a pair of sneakers—and you decide to buy through the links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely love and hope you will too.
Wishing you a weekend filled with cozy moments, laughter, and connection.
