Sunday Collection 6.26.24
A smattering of interesting reads, current favorites, and musings from the last few weeks.
I started experiencing my first moments of “oh my goodness this is my last summer with Theo as an only child and he is so cute and how will I manage to give him enough attention and will I miss having just one buddy to tote around and how is he getting this big and why am I crying in this Target parking lot?” It’s inevitable, moving from one to two kids—and pregnancy hormones don’t help. On the other side of the big emotional wave I’m riding is sheer joy and adoration for this 2.5 year old who keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh every single day. To summarize: what a wild ride.
This week’s random little collection of links, courtesy of checking out from my feelings via lots of internet scrolling, includes book stuff, summer stuff, podcast stuff, and more.
I’m fascinated by this piece on fairytale retellings in the age of Romantasy. “The shift from fairy tale to satisfying story requires deft authorial footwork, and typically authors approach it by asking one of three questions: what if, what for, or what about?” I have more to say on the fairytale to Romantasy pipeline in an upcoming episode of the SSR Podcast with
. Pop it in your podcast feed so you get updated on new episodes!An unexpected source to consider for your summer reading: 7 books from university presses.
- compiled a bunch of summer reading guides in her recent newsletter, which helps readers like me (prone to overwhelm) to browse in just one sitting.
If you’re looking for romance reads, check out my 35 most anticipated romance novels for May-June and 27 most anticipated for July-August—or revisit last year’s Recipe for a Summer Romance and the February Romance Collection.
Someday, I will have a cut flower garden, and every few days over summer, when everything has bloomed, I’ll make bouquets and put them in thrifted jars to deliver to my friends. Until then, I’m collecting articles like: 18 flowers that self-seed.
A couple of days ago, I recommended Megababe Bust Dust Sweat-Absorbing Powder (talc-free, no aerosol) to a fellow busty friend and remembered just how much of a lifesaver it is in the sweaty, sweaty, summertime.
Another lifesaver: my summer uniform. Fortunately, last year’s uniform works great for maternity-wear, so we’re sticking with it. Bike shorts, tanks, and breezy button downs make me feel sporty, stylish, and as sweat-proof as possible.
I’m adding a new accessory to this season’s wardrobe: a neck fan my mom got me for mother’s day in preparation for a very pregnant summer. (Perfect for my perimenopausal pals or fellow outdoor readers, too.)
Wrapping this up with a few of Theo’s favorite library books this week:
I always love seeing your current favorite books, items, or entertainment in the comments, so please drop a note.
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To find out more about my current reads, favorite things, and life updates follow me on Instagram. If you’re interested in reading classic literature with accessible guidance and a cozy community, check out the Novel Pairings podcast and Patreon.
P.S. In case you missed it:
Chelsey, those button downs look AMAZING and are just what I've been searching for to wear to work over jumpsuits, dresses, leggings, etc - and the colors are wonderful! BUYING NOW :-) And I'm happy my listing of SRG's was helpful ~ there is such a bounty of them that it's nice to have them all in one place!