What’s on your agenda this weekend? I’m heading to a hotel pool for a date (!!) donning my cherished swimsuit. Eeks. Wishing you a great time, and here are some web links worth checking out…
Can you recall and draw all 50 states?
If Gemma advises me to use hydrating lipliner, I’ll definitely use it!
Tiny love stories: “If he doesn’t come, I’ll marry you.” (NYTimes gift link)
Will you catch Steve Carell’s new HBO series, Rooster?
Even amid these gloomy times, Love Is Blind is intensely bleak television. Guys, are you okay? (The Guardian)
On the upside, Alysa Liu is the beacon of joy and hope we all need. xoxo
In Ohio, people are turning their basements and spare rooms into safe shelters for immigrant families evading ICE. (NYTimes gift link)
The boys and I are crafting homemade naan and curried chickpeas this evening.
Primary colors are trending everywhere lately. (Harper’s Bazaar)
An enjoyable homage to Jackie O’s fashion.
My sister, my friend Jason, and I jest about all the Reese’s variations, and this one tops the list for weirdness.
Wow, such a charming seaside hotel.
Reader’s query: “I discovered a thong and condoms in my husband’s suitcase, what’s next?!” Plus the best advice your therapist ever provided? The comments are amazing. (Big Salad; paywalled, thanks for your support! Want to join the list for a free subscription? Just send an email to [email protected] xoxo)
Additionally, four reader contributions:
Says Emily on the new method my kids do chores: “With chores, I frequently appeal to my kid’s identities. It only took a week for my 10-year-old to assume the role of lunch-making CEO. You are the family gardener! You are the car concierge! It seems simpler to identify and handle a task when it feels like your duty and aligns with your identity.”
Says Marina on how long can I refer to my baby as a baby: “When my 52-year-old brother was bidding farewell to our ailing mom, my dad remarked that the absolute love and adoration on her face mirrored the same look she gave my brother on his birth day. Heartbreakingly touching.”
Sarah on what’s the best guidance your therapist ever gave you: “The best advice my therapist imparted: smart individuals ask questions. I’ve grappled with feeling inadequate in intelligence since childhood. So much so that I loathe board games for fear of appearing foolish for not grasping the rules. Her words were a revelation. I want to embroider that quote on a pillow.”
Says Cat on enjoy the weekend: “Living somewhere that feels like a million miles away from nearly all the other women who read this blog, it’s WILD when the first link leads to a cottage on one of your favorite local beaches. Totally stunning! Cup of Jo AAF (always and forever).”
(Photo by Ryan Tuttle/Stocksy.)
**Relish a Wonderful Weekend with Sweet Treats**
Weekends are meant for relaxation, leisure, and enjoying the finer things in life. Elevate your weekend experience by treating yourself and your loved ones to some enticing sweet treats. Whether you enjoy baking or exploring local patisseries, there are endless ways to satisfy your sweet cravings and make your weekend truly special.
**1. Baking at Home: A Relaxing Pursuit**
Creating treats at home can be an incredibly soothing activity. The action of measuring, mixing, and witnessing your creations come to life in the oven can be deeply gratifying. Here are a few suggestions to begin:
– **Timeless Chocolate Chip Cookies:** An evergreen favorite that always delights. The blend of melty chocolate with crisp edges is simply irresistible.
– **Luscious Brownies:** Dense, fudgy brownies are a dream for chocolate enthusiasts. Add a twist with a swirl of peanut butter or a pinch of sea salt.
– **Fruit Tarts:** For a lighter choice, why not create a fruit tart? Use in-season fruits like berries or peaches for a bright and refreshing treat.
**2. Discovering Local Bakeries**
If baking isn’t your forte, or if you’re keen to explore novel flavors, a visit to local bakeries can be a delightful journey. Many offer specialized and artisan treats unique to their locale. What to seek out:
– **Unique Pastries:** Experiment with something different, like a croissant filled with almond paste or a matcha-infused éclair.
– **Cakes and Cupcakes:** Relish beautifully garnished cakes or cupcakes. Seek out rare flavors such as lavender honey or salted caramel.
– **Cultural Desserts:** Try sweet treats from various cultures, including Italian cannoli, French macarons, or Middle Eastern baklava.
**3. Hosting a Dessert Gathering**
Why not extend the joy of sweet treats to friends and family with a dessert gathering? Some pointers to make it memorable:
– **Diversity is Crucial:** Provide a selection of desserts to appeal to assorted preferences. Include items like cookies, cakes, and candies.
– **DIY Dessert Bar:** Arrange a DIY corner where guests can assemble sundaes or decorate cupcakes.
– **Serve with Beverages:** Pair your sweet delights with an array of teas, coffees, or dessert wines.
**4. Healthier Sweet Choices**
For those mindful of health, there’s no need to forgo the sweetness:
– **Fruit-Centric Desserts:** Choose treats that emphasize the innate sweetness of fruits, such as baked apples or berry parfaits.
– **Substitute Ingredients:** Employ options like almond flour, coconut sugar, or Greek yogurt for a healthful take on favorite treats.
– **Control Portions:** Enjoy sweets in moderation. Small, bite-sized servings can suffice.
**Conclusion**
Whether you find joy in baking, exploring bakeries, or hosting a sweet-filled gathering, sweet treats can bring delight to your weekend. They offer a chance to unwind, discover new flavors, and share happiness with others. So, indulge yourself this weekend—you’ve earned it!
