Spring Hopefuls

Not that I’m counting (except I totally am), but this marks my third Mardi Gras season outside of New Orleans, and it remains hilarious to me how this weekend in parades and parties are the only thing happening in Nola, while the rest of the world just goes about its regular March business. Back in Louisiana, today would find me perched at my friend Suzonne’s kitchen island, a Bloody Mary in hand, taste-testing her gumbo and potato salad before we made our way to the parade route (or let’s be honest, her front porch). There’s nothing quite like the rhythm of Mardi Gras Sunday—the buzz of floats rolling, beads flying, and friends packed into the kitchen, reveling in the best kind of chaos.

Meanwhile, in Bellville, my grand festivities include planting a batch of spring hopefuls in the garden and finally—finally—getting the garage painted. Honestly, that might call for a celebration, too. A fresh coat of paint, a little dirt under my nails, and very likely, a bowl of red beans soaking for tomorrow—it’s not a parade, but it’s a beautiful season worth celebrating all the same.

Now, let’s get to the links. There’s good reading, good music, and if you’re looking for a sign to treat yourself to a new purse, obviously I’ve got you covered.

•  My two favorite reads of the week are on parenting and being human in the world.  The writing, as beautiful and honest as it gets.  First, Will Leitch memory, parenting and baseball  and Stacia Brown’s Last Call: on motherhood and alcohol (Substack)

•  Interesting:  Can you really get a buzz without booze? (Savuer Magazine)

•  I love how New Orleans will celebrate even a stray dog with so much heart:  How a Runaway Dog Became a Hero for New Orleans (The New York Times gift article)

•  Speaking of New Orleans, today is a very good day to soak your red beans for tomorrow’s Lundi Gras!  You can have the New Orleans spirit wherever you are, you just have to make it! (Joy the Baker)

•  I know we’ve only reached March, but I’m already brainstorming Easter lunch (Sunday, April 20th if you don’t know).  I (along with the rest of the aesthetic internet) am leaning in a classic, collected, warm, and welcoming Nancy Meyers-style Easter meal.  I already have the lavender on order for a Lavender Honey Cheesecake.  I’m thinking there must be some sort of risotto.  With a Nancy Meyers Aesthetic, it’s bound to come together beautifully and, of course, I’ll share the recipe for the entire menu with you well before Easter.  (Style by Emily Henderson)

•  In our last voicenote catch up, Amy joked about us starting a podcast. Lol.  I told her we already had, it was just relegated to our private text thread.  Podcast of two. Audience of two.  if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times:  Voice Notes Are a Small Act of Love.  (Time)

•  I think we’re collectively taking up clapping onboard planes when they land successfully:  7 Tricks to Manage Anxiety About Flying.  (National Geographic)

•  I’ve joined a book club with, admittedly, zero motivation to actually read the books? Not great. I can do better.  How to get back into reading (Self)

•  I did some spring shopping to refresh the wardrobe.  My shoes and purses were just looking a little…. ratty, and there was just no way around it.  As a girlie with genetically problematic feet, I splurged on a pair of loafers from Calla Shoes and hallelujah!  I’ll also be wearing this Gap Dress everyday I can. It’s so comfortable and a lady at the grocery store came up to me and said “you look so classic”, which is such a solid compliment.  Lastly, I splurged on a Coach purse (I’ll only shop from the Outlet, ha!) and it’s beautifully made. The leather is so thick, I think it will also age gracefully.

•  A profile of Nara Smith whom I find just *fascinating.*  (Harpers Bazaar)

•  On this week’s menu I have our friend Timothy’s Vegan Daahl.  It’s so comforting but not too heavy – and fantastic for leftovers.  (Mississippi Vegan)

•  The sun is shining and this is the playlist of the week. (Spotify)

My love to you, friends.  Make it a great Sunday!

xo Joy