Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. This is where I list the shiny things that distract me from the reality that we have massive shootings every other day but ~*~wE cAn’T dO aNyThInG aBoUt iT~*~ , and we’re operating under the rule of a minority that says women do not have autonomy over their bodies because ~*~iT’s nOt iN tHe cOnStItUtIoN~*~ but if there’s a baby formula shortage, ~*~gOoD lUcK & pRay~*~.
Fuck, I’m pissed. But here are the things that brought me some respite.
Books I recently read and loved: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & the Six, both by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I love her writing so much, I’ve decided to read everything she’s written this summer. Also Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus. Don’t be fooled by the beach read/chick lit cover. This was an extremely well-written, witty book that was equal parts charming and heartbreaking.
Yes, the fragile fabric of society may be falling apart, but that doesn’t mean your stuff has to. This to That is a guide to gluing things to other things.
I got an incredible birthday gift of Conserva goodies from SC. The highlight was this black garlic molasses, which I will most certainly repurchase. I add it to my eggs and pretty much anything that needs a little sweetness and umami.
Tired: Skincare routines. Wired: Dishwashing routines. I love washing dishes. I have a deep, stainless steel farmhouse style sink that is such a workhorse. Sometimes I just need to soak a few items, so I use this wash and rain dish tub that’s also great for whetstone sharpening. I have a little plate from Target that holds my hand soap, skillet cleaning brush, stainless steel bar for neutralizing odors from my hands, steel chain mail, and dish soap. On the other side of the sink is a towel stand that holds my umma-approved dishwashing gloves, hand towel, and cleaning brush. Plus there’s a dish towel for drying hand-washed dishes and a towel for wiping up drips and cleaning the counter hanging on a cabinet door. I know, you wish you were me.
Got this electric tire inflator to add air to my tires when I can’t get to a QT and inflate basketballs for my nephew. They make a pretty sexy kitchen scale, too. Delivery requires a bit of patience since they ship directly from their manufacturers in China.
I don’t need a new pair of glasses, but I do like knowing these specs by Cubitts are also compatible with clip on shades.
The secret to getting clusters in my olive oil and maple syrup granola is to not touch or turn the mixture that much. But I like that Food52 has other tips as well.
Summer means tomato sandwiches and ice cold drinks. May I suggest this jar opener or this bottle opener and resealer to make your life a little easier? Or this tiny spatula to help you get every last bit?
This farmhouse in Gloucestershire is goals.
Atelier 7 is an Atlanta-based company specializing in using shipping containers and modular systems for custom, retail, office, and residential projects. They’re currently working on creating new retail spaces for black-owned businesses along the Beltline.
202-TOO-HIGH is Gossamer’s new hotline to call if you’re too high. Please let me know if you end up calling them!
A wonderful guide on how to show up for Abortion Access. If there’s a similar thing for gun control, I’d love to see it.
The audacity of this reader to write in and attempt to school a columnist on language is infuriating, but I’m thankful for the dummy because we were graced with the writer’s response. (Thanks CS for the share!)
How to turn your Kikkoman soy sauce bottles into hummingbird feeders.
Caity Weaver is one of my favorite writers. Her piece on van living for the NYTimes (gift link) is no exception.
Love this equestrian belt. This citrus blouse. This tank and this one, too. This dress (with pockets!!!). This dress that I bought in both colors on my trip to NYC with an open back that I have no business wearing.
This maxi dress from Amazon made me do a double take. If I could pull off strapless and cut out, I’d get this dress. This one shoulder is a good alternative (POCKETS!)
Please exclude me from your tee time and your doubles game. I’ll be on the patio in this dress, sunning myself and drinking an iced tea.
These sandals are so cute and I love the color.
This fascinating piece on Asian Americans in old Hollywood.
Recently ordered these self-cleaning travel wash cloths by Lunatec which reminds me of the Asian-style exfoliating wash cloths I use at home but are too cumbersome to bring on the road. Will definitely be taking these with me to the aquatic center and trips.
Slow Horses on Apple TV was a refreshing take on the broody MI6 archetype. Plus watching Gary Oldman rip out farts in front of Kristen Scott Thompson is hilarious no matter how you slice it. Hacks on HBO is back, and not a moment too soon!
“The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting” - Milan Kundera. Don’t forget that people who strive to oppress want you to forget. Never forget the millions who died from COVID, gun massacres, and climate-related disasters. It’s our job to bear witness.
I wish you a gentle day and hope the rest of your week is on an upswing.