What plans do you have for the weekend? The boys and I are off to our neighborhood block party, and I’m excited about Sharon Horgan’s new show debuting on Sunday. Wishing you a great weekend, and here are some fun links from the internet…
Jon Hamm’s upcoming series, American Hostage, seems intriguing.
Chicken au poivre. (NYTimes gift link)
Reader-favorite Old Navy unveiled a new sport activewear line called ON Sport, and it looks fantastic. You could live in this sweatshirt, and this green plaid appears far more expensive than it is.
Revised Jane Austen titles, hahaha. (New Yorker)
What if online dating wasn’t terrible? “In Ramy Youssef’s 2026 HBO comedy special, In Love, he jokes that every guy he knows who should be married is married, and every guy he knows who should be single… is single: ‘None of them got a job, phone always dead, one hoodie.’ Off screen, you can hear the audience laugh along knowing the joke truthfully.”
Seven-year-old chess prodigy Lucie Pichard effortlessly checkmates her opponent.
How to offer good advice? Speak less.
These paintings of water droplets captivate the viewer.
It’s a prime day to stock up your makeup bag: ILIA is offering 20% off site-wide (I swear by their mascara), and Tarte is offering $206 worth of makeup for $62.
I think about this blog post from 2016 every month of my adult life. It should be mandatory reading.
Finally, a huge giveaway for Big Salad’s third anniversary, open to all subscribers (free and paid), as a way to express thanks. xoxo
Additionally, three reader comments:
Says Karin on five pick-me-ups: “Last night, with no context, my 11-year-old started talking about her ‘loose g-string.’ My husband and I exchanged astonished glances…until we realized she was referring to her stand-up bass in orchestra.”
Says Elisabeth on what’s your dream date: “A few months back, our schedules aligned so my husband and I could donate blood together. It was endearing how everyone there went out of their way to get us two beds next to each other. It only took 15 minutes, but we got free sausages afterward and made the most of that.”
Says Peach on five pick-me-ups: “Stephen Colbert once asked Keanu Reeves what happens to us when we die, and he answered, ‘I know that the ones who love us will miss us.’” Adds SanFrannie: “Stephen Colbert’s reflection on his mother’s passing captured my sentiments perfectly: ‘I know it may sound greedy to want more days with a person who lived so long, but the fact that my mother was 92 does not diminish it; it only magnifies the enormity of the room whose door has now quietly shut.’”
(Photo by Kirstin Mckee/Stocksy.)
**Tips for Making the Weekend Relaxing**
In today’s hectic world, weekends provide a valuable chance to relax and recharge. However, truly unwinding can sometimes be tricky. Here are some tips for maximizing your weekends and ensuring they’re as restorative as possible.
1. **Plan in Advance, Yet Stay Adaptable**: Though it might seem counterproductive, a little planning can enhance relaxation. List a few activities you’d like to do, but remain open to impromptu changes. This balance prevents stress from rigid schedules and ensures you don’t waste time figuring out what to do.
2. **Detach from Work**: Establish boundaries by silencing work emails and notifications. If feasible, let colleagues know you’re unavailable on the weekend. This division aids in mentally disconnecting and focusing on personal time.
3. **Participate in Physical Activity**: Exercise is an excellent stress-reliever. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or a leisurely stroll in the park, physical activity increases endorphins and elevates your mood.
4. **Immerse in a Hobby**: Allocate time for activities you enjoy, be it reading, painting, gardening, or cooking. Engaging in hobbies can be therapeutic and offer a sense of achievement.
5. **Spend Time Outdoors**: Nature has a calming influence on the mind. Visit a local park, hike a trail, or simply delight in your backyard. Fresh air and the natural environment help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
6. **Incorporate Mindfulness and Meditation**: Add mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises. These activities center your thoughts and promote relaxation.
7. **Connect with Family and Friends**: Share quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a call, connecting with others provides emotional support and lifts your mood.
8. **Minimize Screen Exposure**: Limit time on electronic devices. Instead, focus on activities that avoid screens, like reading a book or playing a board game.
9. **Ensure Ample Rest**: Make sure you’re getting adequate rest. Utilize the weekend to catch up on sleep and set a consistent sleep schedule to improve your health overall.
10. **Pamper Yourself**: Whether it’s a special meal, a home spa day, or a small indulgence, treat yourself to something that brings happiness. These small joys significantly enhance the weekend experience.
By following these tips, you can transform weekends into a time of rest and rejuvenation, helping you return to the workweek refreshed and prepared to face new challenges.
