The May Edit

Repurposing jewelry, literary tourism, a great soundtrack, and my new favourite sun hat.

May 30, 2025

The Monthly Edits are a casual curation of my consumptions from the past few weeks including: books I read, delicious eats, fun finds, and personal meanderings. Buon appetito!

should smell like dirt.” — Margaret Atwood. I can’t say that I end my days smelling very earthy, but I have been trying to spend my un-working hours outdoors. The backyard is once again my favourite spot of the house, and walks through the neighbourhood are a daily delight.

May is always a month packed with many emotions for me—and this time around was no different. I took things a little slower, gave myself space (hence this newsletter coming to you a week late), and connected with good friends. I also made myself a little jewelry set, baked a birthday cake, and read a few mediocre books (it happens). Thankfully I picked up a copy of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest, Atmosphere, today that should make June’s bookshelf a little more exciting.

My husband also started a new job this month, so I’ve taken on the role of head chef throughout the week. There have been a lot of repeat meals (chicken fajitas with market peppers and spinach), but I’m slowly getting into the groove and turning this culinary challenge into a creative pastime. I shared a few of my go-to recipes below, but feel free to share what you’ve been cooking midweek lately!

Alright, let’s get to it…

I’ve been listening to the soundtrack of Bonjour Tristesse on repeat. Especially good when driving. After reading the book and waiting to watch the film adaptation this summer, it’s been the perfect way to get in the mood for a heat wave.
After repeatedly burning the back of my neck, I finally got a wide brimmed bucket hat. This one is 100% cotton and makes me feel like Martha Stewart every time I wear it. I’m very much in love and would even consider picking up another colour (probably next year).

Favourite Garry Oak meadow + market veg is starting to get really good!

Last year’s Boring Girl Summer article has resurfaced again. It seems many of you out there are still enjoying the thought of keeping the next few months somewhat unplanned. For a list of joys and luxuries found in the simplicity and quiet moments of long summer days, have a read.

Saffron butter pasta with asparagus tips & lemon zest.
Loving these sneakers + these earrings.
The funniest video ever.
Art history nods from the White Lotus finale.
Alivia’s shop Canadian guide has the best brands.
Nice to see Jenkins Reid on the cover.
Speaking of… Serena Williams is set to produce Carrie Soto is Back!
A magical English cottage.
Dainty tree art (via Alex).
What makes you happy?
Toothbrush with a UV disinfectant case—yes please.
No travel this summer? Try literary tourism.
Hailey Bieber sells for a billion after just three years!

May’s Bookshelf:

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. “A story of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives.” As with most Reese’s Book Club picks, this plot came with a brilliant twist, some good love triangle tension, and engaging characters. So who killed the farmer? A romantic mystery set in the English countryside that had me invested, but also felt a tad slow. Although this wasn’t my favourite mystery, I would still recommend.
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan. This was a great read for May. A quick dip (only 100 pages) into the sun soaked days of summer. Translated from French and originally written in 1954. This classic is a bittersweet tale narrated by Cecile, a seventeen-year-old girl on the brink of womanhood, who meddles with her father's love life. I’m looking forward to watching the new film adaptation (major call me by your name vibes) and already listening to the soundtrack on repeat in the car.
I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by Glynnis MacNicol. A memoir from 2021 about one woman’s journey through Paris while the city of lights is void of tourists yet still very alive with pleasure. I had a vision for what I ~~thought~~ wished this book was going to be like: the European version of ‘All Fours’ of course. I was very wrong. To be fair, I found MacNicol’s references to other literary works very interesting, the cover art totally sold me, and I had a few good laughs—but overall, too much talk about Covid restrictions (don’t need to relive that yet) and not the right fit.

Turning a dated heirloom into a fresh set that I love!

Anyone else gravitating more towards silver jewelry right now? I’ve been a golden-only gal forever, but lately I find myself reaching for the one pair of silver earrings I own each morning. I wanted a simple pearl bracelet and anklet to go with my silver earrings—so I decided to make myself a set! I had some mini fresh water pearls on a necklace that my Grandma passed down to me. I restrung them (using the original clasp) to make myself a dainty little combo. What do you think?
My friend and I also made matching evil eye bracelets for a little pop of colour! I might attempt a necklace or keychain next—we’ll see. Here’s some inspo for what I’m envisioning…

In other garment news, I connected with a local seamstress and we’ve been chatting about getting some poplin scandi shorts and a pair of duped Donni pants made next month. I also found a $2 pair of leather slides at my neighbours garage sale that I will be rocking all summer. The slow-closet refresh has been going really well, I’ll continue to keep you in the loop as this project unfurls! 🌀

Blackberry devil’s food cake + our backyard bursting with colour (and hummingbirds).

On The Menu: In addition to the chicken fajitas I mentioned earlier, I’ve also been making this easy thai green curry recipe on repeat. I’ll throw in the weekly market haul of vegetables and either shredded chicken breast or fried tofu for protein. This earl grey oatmeal was creamy and citrusy—a real treat for breakfast. Fresh pesto on pasta with prawns has been another staple that takes minimal effort. Then pesto with salmon the next night. But my finest kitchen creation this month was a devil’s food cake with blackberry jam (no I didn’t make the jam!) and cream cheese frosting. An early combined birthday celebration for both my husband and my Dad.

On The Screen: We finished Your Friends & Neighbours and enjoyed it (would watch a second season). I just started The Better Sister (new suspense series with Jessica Biel—looks promising). Wes Anderson has a new movie coming out: The Phoenician Scheme. To be honest, I haven’t loved his last couple movies, but I will still give this one a go. And of course, The Materialists, a new movie starring Dakota Johnson as a professional matchmaker in NYC (directed by Celine Song)—can’t wait.