The April Edit
A simple nettle soup recipe, film noir, flying solo, and a Mother's Day link list.
The Monthly Edits are a casual curation of my consumptions from the past few weeks: eats, reads, finds, sights, and experiences. Buon appetito!
I’ve been home alone for the last week—it’s actually the first time in 4.5 years that I’ve had the house all to myself for any extended period of time. As much as I would love to be with the rest of the gang right now, I am relishing in this personal retreat. The backyard is starting to bloom and I’ve been sneaking little moments throughout my day to sit and enjoy it. Our landlords live next door and do all the landscaping in our yard (such a dream). One day I would love to learn how to maintain a garden like this myself. Until then, I will enjoy the beautiful abundance without the efforts.
Back in January I wrote about selecting the word ‘ease’ to guide my days this year. I will admit, I haven’t been as successful as hoped (yet). The recent stillness in the house reminded me of this intention and helped to point out a few places where I’m missing the mark. They say “it’s about the journey, not the destination” so with that in mind, I will continue trying. Having this outdoor space might just be my secret weapon for approaching ‘ease’. I’ll let you know. Alright, here’s how the month went…
The title of head chef in our household belongs to Scott (which I am grateful for). Having him away this past week sparked an old flame for me though. It’s been really nourishing to reconnect with cooking and get creative in the kitchen again. I took myself to the farmers market to kick off the season last Saturday—made some delicious salads, tacos, and a stinging nettle soup (full recipe below).
The fact that The Tortured Poets Department dropped the same week I had some solo time feels absolutely kismet. I’ve got a few favourites already (2, 5, 6, 8, 26) but need to give it another couple listens before I decide. This round-up of reactions was hilarious. The lavender pirouette skort she wears in her fortnight reel is strongly calling my name. Also, I love that she had Ethan Hawke & Josh Charles (the dead poets) star in the music video. Thoughts on the album?
As you may know, I made myself a mood board this month. It has officially been installed onto my office wall and I am very happy with the outcome. I’ve already switched up a few things—it’s definitely going to be a revolving art piece that morphs with the seasons and inspirations within my orbit. I love the large size (5ft x 3ft) and could honestly go even bigger. Full instructions here if you want to make one yourself.
It was my turn to host our writing group’s co-work session this month! Even though everyone is super friendly and accepting, I psyched myself out and got anxious about it (story of my life). I love this group and if you’re interested in joining, send me a message. We meet digitally on the last Thursday of each month.
Buildings covered in flowers.
Why butter sculptures are everywhere right now.
Seven stories of dramatic career pivots.
A fantastic reminder.
The truth behind the slouching epidemic.
Made me laugh!
Bacopa might be the next trending herb.
Spaces: Retro Japanese bakery in NYC & an Art Nouveau apartment in Barcelona.
Finds: Mother’s Day Edition
Rhubarb in honey, alpaca bed socks, suede slippers, this cookbook, a preorder for this board game, a soothing herbal remedy, this linen tablecloth, cute pickleball paddles & a cheerful meadow print.
This month in reading:
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (1959). I usually have my books picked out ahead of time but this month I wanted something to surprise me. I walked into our local bookstore and this pink Vonnegut novel on the sale table jumped out at me! The richest man on earth is offered a chance to travel through space but of course, there’s a catch. I was unsure whether I would connect with his writing but I was left wanting even more. Deliciously absurd and fun enough to pack for a holiday.
This month in watching:
Ripley (2024). What-a-freaking-vibe! I was blown away by the cinematography of this psychological thriller. At first I thought Italy in black in white would be drab (the colour is so special, why take that away?). But it worked, oh did it work! The acting is fantastic, it had my full undivided attention the whole way through. Great interview with the director and cinematographer here. I’m already looking forward to re-watching the series with Scott when he gets home next week.
Challengers (2024). I love me some Luca Guadagnino. When I heard he was coming out with a tennis film starring Zendaya—I mean... come on! I’m taking myself on a solo date tonight, I hope it’s as good as I imagine it to be.
Apparently nettle soup is a Scandinavian specialty. These leafy greens are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals and help the body detoxify during the Spring season. A lovely lady at the farmers market sent me home with a simple recipe that she uses. I tweaked and customized it to my likings and happily share it with you today—enjoy!
Ingredients: Olive oil, 1 leek, 2 garlic cloves, 2 potatoes, 2 celery stalks, 4 cups broth (I used chicken bone broth + water), 2 cups fresh nettle leaves, salt, white pepper, tarragon, fresh lemon.
Cooking Instructions: Sauté leek and garlic in olive oil until golden. Add potatoes, celery, broth, salt, pepper, and tarragon and bring to a boil. Cook covered until potatoes are soft (15 mins). Carefully add the fresh nettle leaves—use tongs or gloves and cook covered for two minutes. Turn off the stove and let the pot cool, then blend until smooth. Add fresh lemon juice (and additional salt/pepper if needed) to taste. Blend again and serve warm. *Top with sour cream or greek yogurt and dried calendula petals to feel extra fancy.
If you like browsing beautiful Airbnbs or building your next trip around idyllic accommodations, Platonic Love asked nine writers to share one Airbnb from their current wish list. This was a fun assignment that I was grateful to be a part of! There’s something for everyone on this list, including ‘drinking tea from a four-poster bed’ and ‘views so magnificent we decided to forego the bedrooms and sleep outside on the chaise lounges.’
I hope you’ve had a sunny April. Thank you so much for reading and as always, I would love to hear from you!
Do you re-watch shows and movies?
What are you cooking on repeat these days?
Excited for the ‘Garden of Time’ Met Gala?
This is wonderful, Lauren! So many fun ideas! I also appreciate the remind about the mood board because I want to do one and I hadn't put it on my calendar to get some magazines for cutting out pictures. It's now on my plans for today to stop at the used bookstore. Thanks!
I’m so glad that I have now subscribed. You are a breath of fresh air. Thank you.