The 📖📺🎧🔪🛍️ List
On taking IG breaks, GBBO, cozy soup, and a new fall jacket
It’s been two weeks (sinceyoulookedatmecockedyourheadtothesideandsaidyoureangry) since I’ve sent out the weekly Free Friday letter, and it feels good to be back.
Last week, Zac and I were in Northern California celebrating our first wedding anniversary, some of which you might’ve caught on Instagram. I plan to put together a super detailed letter for paying subscribers recounting the trip in its entirety with links to everything we did, so keep your eyes peeled for that and consider upgrading to paid if you’re interested!
I’m taking an Instagram break through this weekend because I need it. Since the attack on Israel two weeks ago and the subsequent breakout of fighting, it’s been an extremely heavy place to be. The amount of propaganda and hatred I’ve seen spewing from all sides is dizzying in the worst way, and my anxiety around being Jewish is at an all-time high. Because, yes — sometimes being Jewish terrifies me more than it excites me, and that’s just the ugly truth.
It’s a twisted thing to have your culture attacked so openly and regularly, and can create a dichotomy inside you of pride versus shame, and I know ours isn’t the only culture that can relate. With this latest attack, I’ve both wanted to hide and stay quiet while also wanting to be loud, proud, and lean into my culture more.
I’ve talked to my Jewish friends who also happened to marry non-Jews and admitted that “at least our kids and future kids will be hidden behind non-Jewish last names.” Yes — that’s a real conversation I’ve had.
Say what you will about Bari Weiss and her media company, The Free Press, but Bari is a proud Jewish woman whose reporting on the last few weeks has been a small comfort for me. Her podcast, Honestly, has had a few episodes come out since, and I’ve listened to almost all of them.
And I want to make it clear that I am in no way saying you should “choose” a side and aren’t allowed to feel for every single innocent person involved in this conflict. The entire situation is grotesque and disturbing, as is always the case with the loss of innocent lives no matter who you are or what you stand for. There is wrong and right on all sides — I am simply sharing my reality as a Jewish person. Sharing the prejudice I’ve been up against too many times to count, or the countless Jewish jokes non-Jewish people have made when I’m around, laughing it off with “I’m just joking!”
It brings up a lot for me, and it sucks.
Anyway, me writing this fun, light, free letter is my way of escaping the much darker thoughts that have been clouding my mind lately, so I hope you enjoy today’s collection of things I’m watching, reading, eating, etc.!
WATCHING 📺
The Great British Bake Off/Show
Whether you refer to it as GBBO or GBBS, it’s the only reality I watch and love. This new season features a new host alongside seasoned vet Noel, and her name is Alison. Alison is amazing, but the emphasis she puts on consonants is hilarious and very distracting. It’s never “Today’s bake will be eight perfect popovers.” It’s “ToDAY’s BAKE will BE eight PERfect POPovers.” If you’re watching this season, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
Anyway, I wish GBBO was on all year long; our society could really use it daily. Also, did you know you can attempt any of the bakes via their website?!
Spy Game
For some reason, Zac and I watched this early 2000s movie starring Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, and it was TERRIBLE. I mean, what else is there to say? It could’ve been such a good movie, but it was the opposite of that. Not that you were ever going to, but don’t waste your time watching it.
Welcome to Wrexham
Season two dropped a few weeks ago, and we started it before getting rudely interrupted by life and travel. We’ll pick it back up soon, but GAH — it’s just so well done and so good. Even if you know nothing about soccer nor care about it, watching Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney work through owning this team is beyond entertaining and getting to know the small Wales town and every one of its residents is just as amazing.
This is SO random and very specific for curly haired girls, BUT. I “discovered” this gal’s YouTube channel earlier this week while obsessing over my hair (what’s new), and there’s something about her face and overall affect that sucked me in and I can’t look away. She is a professional hairstylist and is a curl expert, and I just like everything she has to say. Check her out if you care to!
LISTENING TO 🎧
I mentioned that I’ve been listening to Honestly, but as for my favorite podcast of all time, Ride is just sublime. I am begging whoever is reading this to start from the top and listen to it all. Benny and Mary Beth are comedic geniuses, and there is no other podcast like theirs. So many inside jokes with their audience, such hilarious banter, ALL THE THINGS! TAIKA!
MAKING 🔪
I’ve barely been cooking at home because we’ve been gone, BUT I did make one of my absolute favorite fall/winter go-tos this week, Unstuffed Cabbage Soup. It’s incredibly easy to make and extremely flavorful, especially if you follow my tip and make your own stock.
SHOPPING 🛍️
The adidas Sambas have been fully restocked (for now), so if you’re been vying for a pair, NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! They are true to size, and I absolutely love mine and wear them constantly.
My Marc Fisher lug sole boots from last year are on clearance at DSW. They don’t have ALL sizes but they have some! They are true to size and are super comfortable and attractive.
I treated myself to this fall jacket from Sèzane and love the color and fit so much. It’s such a cool-girl coat and perfect weight for mild Texas winters. It comes in a bunch of colors and fabrics, too!
I GASPED when I saw this sweater. I refuse to spend the money on it, but am drooling from afar. It’s just so perfect — short sleeved AND flecks of color?! PLEASE.
A local boutique near me had this ABLE sweater and, upon trying it on, I realized what a perfect sweater it is. I decided to pass but looked it up later online and saw it was ON SALE AND STILL IS! I highly recommend this sweater. The medium is perfect for me, if that helps!
This sheer polo sweater from Anthro is just so different, I had to have it. I think with a black lace bra subtly peaking through it could make for a sexy date night look without being too overt.
That’s all she wrote for this week, guys. I hope you have a lovely, joyous, easy weekend, and we’ll talk next week!
— EGM
The Able sweater looks perfect- just bought it.
That sheer Anthro sweater is a LOOK but I feel like you could pull it off.