Oh, oh, oh the heat!
My brains are hanging out like a dog’s tongue.
Welcome to The Simple Things, a newsletter inspired by one of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes. This is a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like that first sip of coffee in the morning, perfectly ripe watermelon right out of the fridge, and a summer night on the rooftop with some cold bevvies and friends.
Today’s titular quote is from a letter Dylan Thomas wrote while traveling in Elba during a heatwave. Thomas describes the heat like a vicious villain — out to get you and keep you down. That he was capable of painting such vibrant images of heat is a testament to his mastery of language. While the slightest bead of sweat renders my brain useless. Everyone’s different, I suppose!
I tend to 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!
Some major news broke as I was writing this and if you’re feeling unsure of what to do, want to send a gentle reminder that it’s okay to ROCK THE LOTE. Voting is like taking the bus — it won’t take you exactly where you want to go, but it’ll get you pretty close. Some might argue it’s much safer than hitching a ride with a convicted felon and known sex offender, but what do I know. I’m just a girl with a fun little Substack. [Ann Friedman Weekly]
I really enjoyed reading this interview
did with Brosh McKenna who wrote the screenplay we all know and love for The Devil Wears Prada. Looking forward to what they come up for the sequel!I saw and loved these Miu Miu T-strap rope sandals on Vogue’s Hot List, but couldn’t stomach the $895 price tag 🫠🥴. Thankfully
posted a link to these $100+ Italian rope sandals and I immediately hit the order button. linked to this under $50 option from Amazon, too.
The things we carry, carry us in a way. I found this feature on Japan’s most iconic schoolbag, the randoseru, so interesting. Almost every kid in Japan gets one and while it’s pricier than your standard Jansport (~USD$368), it’s supposed to last the student at least 6 years. I once got a red one as a gift from a relative when I was a kid but definitely didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have. Also recommend this thread about the history of Rimowa suitcases which really kicked off after the wood trunk maker suffered a huge fire that destroyed everything but their aluminum stock. [NY Times, Twitter]
Everyone wants to be a food critic for the access and the meals, but they never talk about the health repercussions. Pete Wells really gets into it as he explains why he’s choosing to step down from his post as food critic for the New York Times after 12 years.
What about a kooky-looking cake for your next celebration? This guy’s face is literally telegraphing: HEY DONCHA WANNA EAT ME.
I wish I could be one of those people who can communicate their anger and frustration through detachment and biting remarks, but I am not built that way. My frustration just always wants to come out through my tear ducts. Guess there’s a reason for that:
What I’ve been watching:
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix - I have a friend who used to be an Atlanta Hawks cheerleader but I had no idea the physical extent and toll the role has on performers’ bodies, especially at the DCC level. Watching this was kind of brutal (one retired cheerleader had to have hip replacement surgery and foot surgery — AT AGE 29!), but still fascinating. It’s amazing what we’re willing to tolerate to pursue something we love.
Presumed Innocent on Apple TV - It’s based on a novel published in 1987 that got turned into a 1990s film starring Harrison Ford, so what’s new? The answer is EVERYTHING. The showrunners manage to remain true to the source material while taking some liberties to keep the audience on their toes. Even though I know how it ends in the book and the movie, I’m completely sucked in and I have no idea who the murderer is. Apparently Apple announced a 2nd season, so there’s even more questions! Are they going to continue with the same characters? Or is it going to be more like an anthology where each season does a different case with a new set of characters and gray moral areas? I hope the latter because that sounds more interesting. Also love this writeup by
PRESENT TENSE: Suspense Fiction and More on book vs movie vs show).
Sunny on Apple TV - Rashida Jones. Japan. A robot named Sunny with a sunny (ha ha) demeanor and a cute digital face. I’ve only seen a couple episodes so far but I love how darkly funny and suspenseful this show is. Why did Suzie’s (Jones) missing husband send her a robot? If her husband wasn’t working in refrigerators, then what was he really doing? Is there a conspiracy going on? Where can I get Suzie’s clothes?
This snippet from an Interview Magazine Q&A with Joan Didion shared by
that’s truly a gem:
I made this one-pot salmon and shiitake mushroom rice in my rice cooker and it was a big hit. Adding XO sauce to the dressing really sent it to another level. [Bon Appetit]
The next time I travel, I think I’m going to try the 5-4-3-2-1 method from
: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layering pieces, 2 shoes, 1 accessory or etc piece (e.g. swimsuit, bag, etc etc)I saw a woman wearing these grippy tube socks in my pilates class that were SO CUTE. Hers are now sold out, but the style comes in 2 other colors, black and tan. I also liked these embroidered daisy ones, these watermelon ones, and this floral pattern. SoulsLA also makes cute pilates socks, too.
You know I love a good sign off, so I’m adding this page to my collection. Some favorites:
If you know what’s good for you,
From the shards of my broken metaphors,
A tulip for your thoughts,
Have the day you deserve,
Looks like it’s built on a system called Are.na that’s described as “Tumblr meets Wikipedia”. Neat! Found via
Live Near Friends is on a mission to make it easier for friends to live near each other and create minihoods. More practical than a commune, but just as supportive. I would love nothing more than to have all my friends live within close walking distance and have them over for Sunday supper every week.
I was delighted to learn some Etsy shops sell inserts you can put into your old Altoid tins to organize meds, paints, and what-have-yous. [via A Thing or Two]
Anyone looking to lease a spot in LA?
linked to this beautiful rental:
I made this date chutney from
last week and have been adding it to poached chicken for a quick dinner. Great for dipping pretzel chips into, too.Some wisdom from Simon Weil:
Attention, taken to its highest degree, is the same thing as prayer. It presupposes faith and love.
Absolutely unmixed attention is prayer.
If we turn our mind toward the good, it is impossible that little by little the whole soul will not be attracted there to in spite of itself.
Anyways,
G
"Voting is like taking the bus — it won’t take you exactly where you want to go, but it’ll get you pretty close. Some might argue it’s much safer than hitching a ride with a convicted felon and known sex offender, but what do I know. I’m just a girl with a fun little Substack."
brb, sending this excerpt to everyone I know.
I love those Italian options!!