And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. This is where I share my extremely online reading habits, remind you to salt your coffee, and show you some lovely parts of the internet. Sometimes. Occasionally. Rarely.
I ramble, so you might have to expand this email to avoid missing anything. If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please let me know by hitting the heart button or subscribing!
Today’s titular quote is borrowed from the creative’s muse, Maria Rilke, who wrote Letter to a Young Poet: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given to you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
Some context as to why you should consider salting your coffee. [Bon Appetit]
I’m not a birder, but if you are, hot peppering your bird seed is the most reliable way to deter squirrels from bird feeders. Squirrels hate the taste of capsaicin but birds are immune to it and will feast on the seeds no matter what. The Recommendo folks at
suggest starting out with 100% of spicy seeds like Wild Delight Sizzle N Heat Bird Food and then gradually diluting it out with your regular fare. You can also make your own by adding in a cayenne oil like Flaming Squirrel Sauce. Honestly, all the products mentioned remind me of Hot Cheetos and now I’m hungry again.Trust me: Never Having Children Doesn’t Mean You’ll Be Lonely [Vogue]
In which 3 children in WWI-era England write a letter to the Secretary of War, pleading with him to not take their pony for the cause. He responded. [Letters of Note]
These necklaces and rings from Takara and the way the stone is set in this ring by Danika Stamenic.
I’d like this hat. Please and thank you. [Alex Eagles Sporting Club]
Check out this gorgeous Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house in Jamaica Estates, Queens. [Curbed]
The Ripped Bodice is an independent woman & queer-owned bookstore dedicated to romance novels. [Instagram]
I found this great German-made foldaway desk that would be fantastic for a small office or sewing unit. This one’s only available through a UK-only app called Narchie, but it did lead me down the rabbit hole of magic box desks, like this one from 1st Dibs and these on Etsy.
Why on earth am I thinking about sweaters when the asphalt’s hot enough to cook on? Yet when I came across this handsome waffle knit by BeardedGoat in Arkansas, I found myself thinking of chilly nights and the smell of campfires.
If you like the practicality of a Barbour Jacket, but prefer the trench look, I hear all the Danes in Copenhagen are wearing these water resistant coats by AF Agger.
It’s OK to smoke in your kitchen and think about revenge. [Instagram]
This is accurate and no I won’t be taking any questions. [Instagram]
Tillamook ice cream in Caramel Toffee Crunch and Waffle Cone Swirl. I’m usually a small pint/small batch diehard, but now I can’t go back. Somehow Tillamook always remains creamy and the caramel is lusciously soft and swirly. New fan.
Apparently a lot of people are breaking up after watching the Barbie movie. [Huff Post]
Do you know what a bonkbuster is? [Wikipedia]
Treppenwitz is a German word that literally translates to “stairway joke”. It’s the joke or comeback you think of way too late, like on the stairway as your leaving the building.
Workout.lol is a free and open source web app that lets you build a custom exercise program by selecting the equipment you have available and the muscle groups you’d like to focus on. The generated program includes instruction videos and the option to record your weights.
An automatic candle extinguisher from 1841. So simple, so clever!
Another hat for the collection. [Earl of East]
Party in the USA I mean, the UK.
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These very intricate, almost skeletal candles. [Lucky Star Candle]
Pizza Wine is sparkling red wine that pairs well with pizza.
Imprintu is a printer that prints on skin and objects, like shirts, books, etc.
If you’re looking for an Abd el Kader candle dupe, here’s one by Tatine Candles. You’re welcome.
Let’s add sunscreen to the list of things the U.S. is behind other countries (put it behind national health systems, social safety net, and maternal mortality, but before snacks).
wrote a helpful post about why America’s sun protection options are so behind. Sunplay makes one of my favorites that’s also ideal for sensitive skin. Also recommend these hyaluronic acid versions by Isntree in gel and stick forms.I always keep a bag of frozen dumplings on hand for a quick and easy dumpling salad dinner. Here’s Hetty McKinnon’s recipe to get you started. I usually get Ling Ling from Costco and add a little chili crisp to the sauce that’s included to make a salad vinaigrette. [Cup of Jo]
After reading this, I want to try an Italicus spritz, limoncello’s less bitter cousin.
Connections is the new word game from NYTimes where you have to make 4 groups of 4 words. Enjoying it so far!
i just got the Books hat from Pacific last week! i like the green books books books one though....hmmm. and that dumpling salad looks so good. i’ll have to pick up those dumplings from costco and try it out.
Yes to better sunscreen!! Thanks for sharing!