The Little Things: July

1. To Watch

The Proposal
    In the last newsletter I mentioned that I love to look for lighter content in the summer and can I just say that this movie is PERFECT for that. Ben and I were cracking up the entire time. You can stream it on Starz if you have it!

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
    This one is a little grizzly in parts but Ben and I are OG fans of this one and the third season is not disappointing. It’s heavy though, so proceed with caution. 

New Girl (Netflix)
    I’m sure you’re all already watching this. But if by some chance you aren’t and you need a 20 minute super light comedy to watch before bed, this is it. 

The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
    Have we talked about this yet? I’m sure we have. But just in case...I’m OBSESSED with this show. Totally family friendly and weirdly engrossing. You’ll love it. 

​Guest Recommendation from Ella: Wine Country (Netflix)
    Ella (my sister) loves this one and said she would watch it on repeat. Which would be easy because it’s a Netflix original. I haven’t seen it yet, but we can watch it together this month. 

2. To Listen

Delicious by Ruth Reichl (Audiobook)
    I’m an absolute sucker for a good food book. This novel about a food writer in NYC (loosely based on Ruth Reichl’s experience as a magazine editor) is just as joyful as it can be. 

Pantsuit Politics (Podcast)
    With the democratic debates kicking off this week and politics back on the scene in a big way, I love this podcast to help provide a nuanced way to perceive all the crazy.

Ultimate 1995-2005 Youth Group Playlist 
    If you know, you know. 

Happiness Begins (Album)
    Go ahead and judge me. See if I care. I know every word and the whole thing is a mood. 

3. To Read

Where’d You Go Bernadette (Book)
    Written loosely as an epistolary novel (book of letters, emails, etc.) this book is laugh out loud funny and the quickest beach read. The movie is coming out soon so now is the perfect time to pick this one up!

Waiting for Tom Hanks (Book)
THIS IS IMPORTANT. This book is set in Columbus (which I found totally delightful) and is a rom-com with constant nods to some of my favorite movies (like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail). A total joy to read and a can’t-miss for my Columbus friends.

56 Realistic Disney Portraits (Article)
This stupidly talented artist has created these renderings of Disney characters that are just gorgeous and a joy for 90’s kids everywhere. 
  
Roasting a Chicken like Laurie Colwin
    Again, I’m a FAN of food writing and Laurie Colwin is one of my favorite authors on the subject. Loved this piece about her work and cooking. 

4. To Eat

This month I taught a cooking class so I did A LOT of cooking. Here are the four absolute winners. This month, that’s high praise. 

Baked Challah French Toast
    Ben and I made this for Ella’s half birthday (it’s a thing ok?) and loved it so much we made a huge batch again for our family during beach week. The best french toast I’ve literally ever had AND make-ahead friendly.

Potato Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches

    Speaking of make-ahead friendly, these breakfast sandwiches are perfect for meal prep! Just make a batch and keep them individually wrapped in the freezer. Life changing and also an easy way to bless someone with a fresh breakfast whenever. Relatedly, are you watching Molly Yeh’s cooking show Girl Meets Farm? You should be. 

Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptarts

    One of my dearest friends is a teacher too and just the other day we spent the ENTIRE day baking. These are now our go-to project bake and also pride and joy. I’ve rarely been so proud of anything I’ve created. I don’t have big enough words to express my love. 

Baja Fish Tacos

    We’ve been looking for lighter food for dinner these days and this easy quick dinner is every bit as good as it would be in a restaurant. Try it!

5. To Buy

Easy Summer Make-up Look: 
    During vacation last week, I posted a picture with this make-up look and listen, I don’t know really anything about make-up. But I know this is combo is easy, budget friendly, and glowy for summer. Click the name of each product to buy it!

Tinted Sunscreen
    I reeeeally like a matte texture in the summer and this is perfect for that. Also, compared to what else is out there, this is super affordable and gives me all the coverage I need.

Highlighter Stick
    Summer is the time for highlighter. I put this on my cheekbones and cupids bow and sometimes even on my nose. It’s my dummy's guide to nailing that glowy look. 

Mascara
    These days, if I really want to go for it, I do two layers of mascara. First this one, for fullness and then this one, for length. 

Brow Mascara
    Ok so my friend bought me this brow gel that is more next level and I use that at home a lot, but when I’m on vacation and I just want things to look a little more natural - I grab this.

Rose Spray
    But the thing is, I don’t think anything looks better than skin that is actually healthy. So when you’re about to head out the door, use this to get that dewy hydrated look, set your make-up, and to make you smell good. Win-win-win.