This is the Friday post, a roundup of everything that’s on my radar this week. Paid subscribers get access to the full post and other perks. Subscribe for $5/month here.

Today’s issue is open to everyone. If this email cuts off, you can read the full version on the web.

Happy Friday! We’re really in it right now. By “it,” I mean the bone-chilling middle of winter. This week was spent staying mostly indoors and warming up with soups and little treats. On Monday, I was in desperate need of a quick and easy pick-me-up, so we decided to make Rice Krispies treats. I hadn’t made these in probably over a decade, and I’d forgotten just how good they are. A chunk of butter, jumbo marshmallows, crispy cereal, and ten minutes later, you’ve got a gooey, sweet treat to enjoy with a side of the Bachelor premiere.

crispy gooey goodness

When I shared this on Instagram, I got sooooo many DM’s from people who shared their favorite Rice Krispies treat varieties like this brown butter version, this chai-spiced version, and this black sesame version. One friend recommended adding Fruity Pebbles as mix-ins. (!!) Who knew that the Rice Krispies treat fandom was so strong?! I guess this is what we all need this winter: easy, nostalgic, no-cook bites. Are there any other variations I should try? —Alisha

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This week’s recs are guest-curated by my very in-the-know friends, Leslie Price and Michelle Curb, who recently teamed up to launch Gloria, “a media brand for adult women.” They both come from an OG-blogging and media background, having worked at places like Lucky Peach and Man Repeller and now regularly cover important topics relevant to women over 40 through Gloria. Their featured essays and reporting touches on subjects that are often overlooked by traditional media outlets, like ageism at work, osteoperosis, and divorce. I think their approach is pretty refreshing, and they’ve got great taste in pretty much everything to boot. Enjoy their recommendations below! -Alisha

• A podcast rec: “This episode of the podcast Mother Culture is a very gentle exploration of a tough topic (birth trauma). It feels like listening in to a kind, positive conversation shepherded by a longtime doula who shares techniques to support people through the birth and postpartum period.” -Leslie

• Two book recs:

  • Njuta: Enjoy, Delight in: The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment - “It’s full of Swedish practices that help you ease into mindfulness, like carving time out for yourself and savoring daily moments. It sounds simple, and it is, but it works.” -Michelle

  • The Bees by Laline Paull - “I’d call this book a nature thriller if that makes sense, chock-full of insane-but-true details of how bees behave. The story follows a female protagonist who transcends her caste and rank, fighting back against corruption within her hive. (It’s been described as The Handmaid’s Tale, but … bees.) I raced through it and now I’m excited to get my hands on her newer book.” -Leslie

• Current winter beauty obsessions: “I am relying on three things to counteract winter dryness right now: Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Rich moisturizer for hands, this cute lip balm, and Act + Acre or Ceremonia’s scalp treatments.” -Michelle

• A few insider shopping tips: “This might be a known tip, but when I find something I like online, I search the product name to see pictures of it on different models and different websites. It lets you get a better sense of the garment. Also, I now check the fabric content of whatever I’m interested in. I’ve been surprised and shocked to see even the most high-end designers embrace low-quality fabrics. When I look at the pieces I have had and worn for years, all of them are made of natural materials – cotton, silk, linen, wool. Also, I like to be aware of trends but don’t always buy into them. I know when they won’t look good on me (long denim skirts, I’m looking at you). I’d rather invest in something that doesn’t feel like it has an expiration date. I do a lot of browsing; the Vestiaire app is particularly dangerous.” -Leslie

• Two snacky hacks:

  • “We had family over recently for a big meal, and I realized that I hadn’t thought about prepping dessert. We did have vanilla ice cream, which I put out, and people proceeded to top it with some salty, crunchy peanuts we had been snacking on. It was instant sundae vibes, even without the chocolate syrup. I never would have thought something so simple would be such a hit. And unlike baking, it’s foolproof.” -Leslie

  • “I'm not sure I will ever go back to using my toaster after trying the technique of toasting your bread in a pan with olive oil. This turns it into a tasty crouton that you can top with whatever you want. My go-to is Good Culture cottage cheese, but would be great with hummus or avocado or both!” -Michelle

• Current favorite social media follow: “I genuinely think that NYT columnist Jamelle Bouie is a must-follow on TikTok (if you’re on TikTok). Instead of hopping on to comment on whatever the issue of the moment is, he focuses very specifically on his areas of study: American politics, policy, government, and history. He’s so good at distilling complicated information into a short clip. Like this one!” -Leslie

Thanks for sharing, Michelle and Leslie! You can sign up for the Gloria newsletter on their website and follow them on Instagram @hellogloria_.

Reads:

• 5 Little Ways to Be a Better Friend When You’re So, So Tired [SELF]
  “Recognize your exhaustion as an opportunity to adjust—not cancel—your plans.” Loved these actionable tips.

• It’s too easy to delete things [Embedded]
  A smart reflection on what it’s like to store memories in our digital age.

• The emotional roller coaster of being a new mom [NPR Life Kit]
  Some great tips in these categories: “Let go of expectations, set up a game plan to ease the pressure, carve out time to connect with your body again, re-center your mind to focus on you.”

• How I Customized My Kindle for the Coziest Reading Sessions of My Life [Wirecutter]
  Some of my friends do swear by the little remote page-turner!

Some fun links:

• The most wholesome Instagram post via our favorite Oscar nominee 🥹

• These painted dutch ovens are pretty.

• “Living life is just knowing how to be where your feet are.”

• I think this might be the answer to my “morning robe” search.

• This hummus brand was put on my radar by a friend, and now I must try it. (Though dill pickle may be pushing it…)

• Miniatures + books = omg.

• This is the best (and most wholesome) prank. 🦆

• Is this your nighttime routine too?

February Book Club Poll!

Which book should we read together? There are so many great options right now; thanks to everyone who submitted your ideas. Let me know in the poll below, and I’ll send a note to paid subscribers. We’ll plan to discuss the last week of February.

*The author’s full name is Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, but the poll has a character count limit. ^

Have a good weekend!

author

Betches Media on Instagram: “Winter Mondays <3 // credit/permission: @ellabodsford”

January 24, 2024