I don't want to be demure or respectable.
I was that way, asleep, for years.
Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. Here’s where I convince myself that making lists of things I want to buy is technically still writing, document the little ways seasonal propagation is killing me, and make myself look busy while it’s slow at work.
Today’s headline quote is borrowed from my favorite sentimental bitch, Mary Oliver.
I’m nearly 34 years old now, which means I’m entering my “Everything hurts/I’m falling apart” era.
I had an especially bad case of seasonal allergies at the beginning of this month where I transformed into a hacking, sentient ball of phlegm for nearly a month. The last time I was this sick was when I was a high school junior and my sniffling hay fever turned into a full-blown lung infection.
There was also one time where I was so sick, I couldn’t get out of bed. On that particular day, I was supposed to go to a fried chicken festival with the guy I was seeing at the time, so I called him to express my regrets that my allergies were preventing me from staying upright. His response: “You know, you can just say you don’t want to see me and meet my friends. You don’t have to make things up.” Click. That was the day my allergies and I became friends.
I have more glassware than I have beverages. Why am I so obsessed? Some colorful glassware and accessories made in Mexico. Zara Home has some of the most underrated things, like this footed wine glass.
I’ve been on a reading roll since I got a Kindle Paperwhite. Some highlights:
Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter - A grisly, extremely well-written crime thriller series featuring a severely dyslexic GBI investigator with a dark past. Some scenes are not for the faint of heart, but I love how Slaughter writes unapologetically. That might be a weird thing to say, but I feel like many female writers pull their punches and you can tell. Slaughter is also based in Atlanta and it’s nice to see the city as a supporting character (she’s also a huge supporter of Dekalb County Public Libraries). There’s a TV series on ABC inspired by the books, but it’s underwhelming based on the 2 episodes I’ve watched.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley - This audiobook made me realize I don’t love listening to ones that feature a full cast. Anyways, it’s an acceptable thriller with an ending I didn’t see coming.
Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby - A fictional account of one of Jane Austen’s close friends. A nice departure from serial killers.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell - Historical fiction about a little-known member of the Medici family. It weaves in and out of the present and past in an adept way. I’m glad I kept at it even though the beginning sort of dragged because I really enjoyed the way it ended.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai - That the book is being marketed as part of the Me-too movement is an oversimplification and does a disservice to the whole story. Yes, it’s about power dynamics and sexual harrassment, etc. But it’s also about the complicity of inaction, the stories we tell ourselves and others, and just how messy and complicated relationship dynamics are. The third person limited voice was refreshing, rare, and a powerful literary device. I thought about this one a lot after I finished.
A Star is Bored by Byron Lane - Funny and witty. A fictional account loosely inspired by Lane’s own experience working as Carrie Fisher’s assistant. Fun fact: Lane proposed to his now husband, the author of The Guncle, in the acknowledgements. His husband accepted in the acknowledgements of his book.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - I don’t know if it’s because of a recent breakup, a change in allergy meds, or what but this book had me in my FEELINGS. It’s about two childhood friends who create a gaming company together and it’s so much more. It’s the best story about platonic and romantic love I’ve ever read. If you’re not quite ready to commit to the book, I recommend Zevin’s essay for The Guardian, “What Makes Me Happy Now: My Very Old Dog”. I sobbed.
An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten - Did I pick this book up because of the title? Yes. It speaks for itself. The kind of darkly humorous homicidal content we love the Swedes for.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano - A struggling true crime-romance novelist gets mistaken for a hitwoman. A pretty great concept rife with hilarious hijinks and some accidental deaths. Looking forward to getting my hands on the follow-up.
Counterfeit by Kristin Chen - The concept of getting involved in the world of high quality counterfeit designer luxury goods should be up my alley, but I couldn’t finish this. The writing was bland and predictable. I feel like the author relied on a lot of Asian American tropes and jokes that readers are now too savvy for. I couldn’t even bring myself to rate it on Goodreads, which says a lot.
Hench by Natalie Zina Waschots - Story told by a former temp for baddies, who later becomes an invaluable second-in-command for one of the most famous villains in the world. I thought this was a clever, funny, and refreshing take, especially while our culture continues to be dominated by superhero franchises.
Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho - Two single people decide to have a platonic arrangement to have a child together. No room to catch feelings here, right? Wrong. Well-written, funny, and heartwarming.
“That’s a story you’re telling yourself. The feelings you’re having are real, but the story isn’t true.” - Tara Brach. A needed reminder to myself every now and then.
Heartbroken to discover the Brooklyn Public Library discontinued their out of state card program this year. Thankfully the Queens Public Library is still doing theirs.
Handmade ceramics and candles from Carron in France.
The best way to bake a layer cake is with a sheet pan.
For UK and Canada-based shops that don’t ship to the US, Reship is like a shipping receiver that can consolidate all your items and route them to your US address.
This garden overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar in Tangier.
Trying solid bath bars for my post-swim routine: I got the 100 Senses Body Bar in citrus neroli and the by humankind conditioner bar in eucalyptus. I store them in the Matador soap bags, which are made of a breathable material that allows the bars to dry in the bags and they take up less room. Both bars smell great, clean effectively, and leave my hair feeling touchably soft. So far, so good.
Ever wonder what the hosts at NYC’s most popular restaurants are thinking when someone’s begging for a table? The gatekeepers tell all.
I may have already posted this already, but this is a reminder to read The Metropolitan Diaries in the NY Times to lift your spirits and any low opinion of humanity you might be holding.
Studio Ghibli’s amusement park doesn’t really look like one and that’s the way they like it.
I like the concept behind this hybrid vase, but not sure I like it enough to display it in my house.
How to serve a friend in despair.
Sometimes I do typing tests to prove to myself I’ve still got it.
I haven’t stopped thinking about this Rachel Comey Merz silk dress since I first saw it: the ties! The pockets! The embroidery. I don’t know if I can pull off a buttery yellow with my skin tone, but I’m willing to try (if the price goes down). There’s a blue one as well, but not in my size. Alas.
Instagram keeps showing me ads for bidets and 1080° rotating faucets. What do you think they’re trying to tell me?
Have your snacks, on your mind or your chest or maybe a plate?
I was flipping through the Turkey and the Wolf cookbook and saw their recipe for making over frozen peas:
Mix 1 tablespoon kosher salt (half as much for Morton) and 1-1/2 teaspoons white sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Then add 3 cups (16-oz bag) thawed frozen peas. Stir well. Let them hang out for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge. Drain off any liquid that collects in the bowl. Taste, and if they’re a little too salty for your taste, give them a brief rinse. They keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Thinking of mixing these peas to a bowl of roasted brussels sprouts mixed with bacon/pancetta, Via Carota vinaigrette, and maybe some dollops of ricotta?
The 1996 film That Thing You Do is one of the most delightful and underrated films ever. This oral history with Tom Hanks and the cast and crew is so charming.
This scene in particular is SO good and makes me happy every time I watch it. I love how Liv Tyler just literally shoves Ethan Embry into the door with her excitement, how Embry wipes his feet on the doormat (a seriously considered move, read the oral history), and Steve Zahn period. If you haven’t seen it yet or need a rewatch, it’s streaming on Hulu.
“We have to interrogate how we feel about our heroes.” The ending of The Last of Us S1 was so complicated and ethically meaty. I’ve been told S2 will destroy me.
Things I’ve cooked recently:
Spring asparagus pancetta hash because it’s asparagus season! I like to store mine in the fridge in a glass with water like flowers. They stay fresher for longer that way.
Anytime Orange Muffins were pleasantly light and fluffy, more like cake than any muffin I’ve ever had.
Lee Lee’s Double Chocolate Chunk Brownies are my ideal brownie consistency: soft like cake and chewy, not fudgy. Many thanks to K for sending me the recipe with the best chocolate in the world.
I cannot remember who recommended True Lemon to me — could be a IRL friend or an IG influencer, they’re practically the same to me now — but they really are addicting. Sometimes you just want a taste of lemon in your water or Coke and you don’t want slice up a whole fruit for it (or taste the bitter rind). Each packet of True Lemon powder is equal to 1 wedge of lemon and a sprinkle amazingly tastes natural and fresh. I found mine at Publix in the baking aisle, above vanilla extract and sugar. They also have lime packets available and a list of other ideas to use them.
The house in Sex Education is available to rent.
These bumblebees are the cutest:
Love these irregularly shaped plates. Hate that they’re sold out.
Gasp, a butterfly that camouflages as a dead leaf:
I don’t need these monogrammed cotton oxford pillowcases, but I do WANT them.
I recently discovered Roucha and I’ve decided that this is what I’d like my personal style to be. The Pace Pant is not only stretchy but also available with different inseams. I want the Marigold Daua Poplin dress so badly but it’s sadly sold out.
“There is glorious freedom of saying, and truly meaning, ‘that’s enough’.”
I found your Substack through a comment in Culture Study and I have to say it's a treasure trove. Thanks for all these great recommendations 😀