Completely happy Sunday, mates!

This week I did one thing really wild: I picked up the telephone and made the physician’s appointments and mortgage calls I’ve been avoiding since… effectively, let’s simply say longer than I’d wish to admit. Isn’t it humorous how the smallest duties can really feel like climbing a mountain in flip flops? However I swear, there’s one thing about spring — the longer gentle, the inexperienced bursting from each department (I didn’t kill my oak timber!) — issues that shake these tales free, not less than somewhat bit. Those the place I inform myself I don’t have time, or I’ll do it later, or that the particular person on the opposite finish of the telephone goes to suppose I’m a buffoon for asking the query I’ve which… why is that my biggest concern?

However I made the calls, requested the questions (nervously, however out loud!), and nobody laughed or advised me I used to be unqualified to be a grown-up (which remains to be stunning to me).  That is your light nudge from me and my very alive oak timber: make the decision. Ask the factor. Do the tiny job that’s been faucet dancing in your nerves. Then reward your self with a pot of beans, a brand new pair of breezy pants, or an enormous slice of birthday-adjacent cake.

Listed below are this week’s hyperlinks — stuffed with light encouragement, hormonal spirals, and the gentle chaos of figuring all of it out. Let’s get into it.

•  I’m so grateful I grew up effectively earlier than smartphones — again when AIM away messages had been a persona and also you needed to bodily go to a laptop lab to ship an electronic mail. My awkward years are in a photograph album at my mum or dad’s home the place they belong. This piece on Taking Again Childhood from Telephones – Lastly made me wish to hug ever flip telephone I ever owned.  (The Free Press)

•  Is it postpartum? Is it perimenopause? Is it simply Tuesday? This essay in The Lower hit somewhat too near house in probably the most validating approach. Should you’ve had a child in your 40s—or actually simply really feel like your hormones and your to-do listing are each quietly attempting to finish you—this one’s for you. We actually don’t discuss this sufficient.

•  Jenny Vanderburg Shannon shared a phenomenal reflection on the ladies writers who’ve formed her life — those whose books dwell in a particular stack, at all times inside attain. The Moms is a love letter to the authors we return to time and again, in pleasure, grief, and all the things in between. It’s tender, clever, and also you’ll in all probability wish to begin your individual stack by the tip. (Substack)

•  I’ve been that means to make King Arthur’s Recipe of the 12 months all yr (traditional), however this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia may lastly nudge me into motion. It’s giving brunch, it’s giving bake sale, it’s giving “possibly I’ll simply tear off a bit each time I stroll by means of the kitchen.” Actually, it seems like an excellent concept. (King Arthur Baking)

•  Lenny Kravitz does it for the ancestors and really, what a vibe his Paris house is. (YouTube)

•  This week on Instagram, I shared somewhat reel about what it’s meant to dwell in our outdated Victorian home in Bellville for the previous yr. It’s creaky and crooked and full of affection (and plumbing issues). Should you’ve ever dreamed of lace curtains, peeling wallpaper, and a porch full of individuals you like — I believe you’ll really feel this one. I’m plotting somewhat storage bakery subsequent!

•   It’s an excellent week to make a pot of beans — the sort that simmer slowly whilst you putter round in socks (possibly that’s simply me?).  7 Ideas For Making the Greatest Pot of Dried Beans  is your light information, and Rancho Gordo is your bean.  When you’re at it, bake a loaf of bread (the cheddar scallion selection) to go along with. Bread dipped in beany broth is an easy perfection.(Bon Appetit, Pleasure the Baker)

•  Mother requested for this Lowland’s Celery Salad for Mom’s Day which would be the least I can do for her.  She deserves a salad that’s principally cheddar cheese and really a lot extra.  I’m additionally brainstorming some type of chocolate and peanut butter dessert as a result of that’s her favourite.

•  One among my least favourite elements of summer season? Shorts. Particularly, jean shorts.  I can’t bear in mind if I ever thought they had been comfy or I used to be simply extra keen to be uncomfortable however I’m formally accomplished.  I This yr, I’m leaning into these breezy cotton gauze pants and matching units that really feel like pajamas. That is the place I’m at. Meet me right here. (Hole)

•  I used to be firmly within the camp of “there’s no such factor as a superb margarita combine” — like, we’ve all been burned by the bummer of a pretend lime combine. However The Kitchn taste-tested as many mixes as they may discover and there’s apparently a transparent $9 winner.  A 9 greenback hero, y’all. This looks like excellent news. Margarita season: saved.

•  I’ve formally entered Birthday Cake Season (my birthday’s on the finish of the month, so be happy to begin baking now). If I had been again house in California with household, I’d completely be having a Texas Sheet Cake — it’s our default celebration cake. However since I’ll be right here in precise Texas, I’m dreaming up one thing dfferent. I’m leaning Doberge-inspired as a result of… pudding between cake layers as an alternative of frosting is elite. (Pleasure the Baker)

•  Should you’re studying this Sunday submit right here on the location, come on over and be a part of me on Substack too! You’ll get these weekly Sunday posts (hyperlinks, laughs, and the occasional life spiral) delivered straight to your inbox — no social media scroll required. And shortly, we’ll be kicking off Bake Membership-style on-line baking courses for paid subscribers, however the free model is tremendous chill, simple, and chatty — simply how I prefer it. Enroll right here! (Substack)

Have a candy day, mates.

My like to you,

Pleasure