Make way for March
No. 78 New month, new mood!
Good morning!
If you’ve been around for a while, then you know that my website(!) used to feature a section titled “Flavor Buffet,” which was a Friday series filled with recommendations ranging from restaurants to gluten free products to cookbooks to home decor, tv shows, and clothing. That series eventually made its way over here to Substack; this entire newsletter was briefly ‘the Buffet,’ but it just didn’t stick. I’m all for trying new ways to connect with my readers and make this the most positive experience for you. And I am OK with pivoting when something doesn’t work.
Next, I tried adding a section at the bottom of this newsletter, after the personal essay, titled ‘The Sunday Six,’ which worked quite well. A mini buffet if you will, it was a tidy little list of six recommendations, behind the paywall. It was a weekly feature and I was including it each week…until I didn’t. February was a bit of a hurricane so, uh, I left The Sunday Six in the dust while I got myself together.
Now we are welcoming March. Hello, new month! It is a gorgeous, sunny day and it is…freezing! Wowza. The weather has had every mood this past week (same) and this weekend has been beautiful, warm-ish, and very cold, all within 24 hours. Spring, where are you? We are ready. As much as I’d love to shove my winter wardrobe out of sight, it’s simply not possible. Sweaters, I still need you.
Back to my original point. There are some weeks when I really would rather tell you about my new shoes. Or my favorite TV series. Or a restaurant you must visit. Not to say that there isn’t anything else going on, but the ‘popcorn’ part of my brain has decided that’s what would be most meaningful to share with all of you. It’s been a packed year so far, to say the least, so sometimes a break isn’t so bad!
And while I don’t have a carousel of beach photos to share with you, or an elaborate vacation plan off in the distance, I do have a handful of light bites for you to enjoy. Light bites = the least appetizing way to advertise food at an event. In these parts, light bites signify a breezy bunch of recommendations that will hopefully enhance your Sunday.
I constantly debate which part of my writing is worthy of a paywall and I change my mind every week. Some people on here paywall everything after the first paragraph (wow) and some merely say a paid subscription will always be optional. I am torn between the two extremes and cannot decide.
If you would like to support my work through a paid subscription, thank you so much. If your support is that you read this every week and look forward to receiving it, then thank you so much. I appreciate every single one of you.
Find my current suggestions and recommendations, below.
We watched the entire season of ‘Running Point’ on Netflix in 3 days, which is a new record for us. I love this show! Kate Hudson is great and the show is a wonderful mix of light comedy and semi-seriousness. Mindy Kaling and her team do it again. If you have never seen ‘The Mindy Project’ from long ago, then do yourself a favor and watch all of that as well. So many laughs and so many good outfits.
Speaking of TV, we finally finished ‘Younger’ and it was also worth watching all seven seasons. Sure, it got mildly ‘blah’ toward the end, but overall I really liked it and appreciated the general theme. Don’t lie about your age to get a job, but do learn how to get along with, and relate to, those of a different, younger generation. Nothing makes feel closer to 40 (which I am) than discussing weekend activities with the 24-30-year-olds.
Don’t forget to watch The Academy Awards tonight! Conan O’Brien is hosting and I cannot wait. Have I seen any of the nominated films? Nope. Do I mind? Nope! A reminder: they are starting early at 7:00pm EST.
I have been debating the Salomon XT-6 sneakers for over a year. Each time I considered placing an order, my size would be sold out in any of the good colors. However, this past week, I saw a good, neutral color-combo land on Shopbop and added to my cart quickly. I knew they would sell out. Low and behold, they are as good as advertised! Incredibly comfortable and rugged-ish for the terrain (some ice, mostly sidewalks), I would highly recommend ordering a pair. Size-wise, go up. I ordered a Men’s 7 which is a Women’s 8 and they fit very well!
I love a layer. And I love a light jacket. I probably have too many ‘light jackets’ for the seasons requiring one. But I love options and nothing makes my default warm-weather-uniform of jeans and a tee look better and more ‘done’ than adding a functional, but fun light jacket. See image above for the ones currently lingering in my Alex Mill cart. Yes, they are from the men’s section, but here’s a secret: order one size down and it will fit like a dream - slightly oversized but not too much. Still roomy for a mid-weight sweater which is perfect since it’s still cold. You’re welcome.
As much as most people love a dinner out, I dare say going out for lunch feels even more luxurious. Since it’s an activity that doesn’t happen during the week and the weekends often overflow with the ‘must do’ list, the occasional ‘go out for lunch’ plan feels superb. Do yourself a favor and go out for lunch at The Bancroft. The menu has so many delicious, gluten free options and the restaurant is bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the sunshine to pour in during the midday hours. I often order a Caesar topped with grilled shrimp with a side of fries. Or polenta fries with truffle aioli. Too good! Bancroft takes allergies quite seriously. We’ve been dining here for a decade(!) and it is a must-go for anyone that needs gluten free goodies or just loves a great meal. Fantastic experience every single time.
If you’re more in the mood for Thai, then I’d recommend a visit to Love at First Bite in Lexington. Delicious food, great service, and charming environment. While the gluten free options are limited, I do love the overall experience. The fresh rolls are so good and during our most recent visit I ordered the avocado curry which was excellent! I have also had the mango curry (yum) and the chicken satay - highly recommend both. Thai food is always so scrumptious, spicy, and most is gluten free (dairy free, too). Just be sure to order items with rice or rice noodles and alert your server of dietary needs - speak up and trust your gut.
What would this discussion be without a pants or bag suggestion? It wouldn’t be from me! Anyway, you all know that I’m a longtime fan of Clare V. and my current consideration is the above leather tote. Ahh, so sleek! So chic. And you can get it monogrammed. Swoon. Ever since I was little, I have always loved having my name and/or monogram added to my stuff. Yes, I had that classic LL Bean backpack, MRB was proudly stitched in the center. These days, I’m considering this one and having MBD added for a personal touch. :)
Couldn’t help myself with this splash of ocean. We went to Puerto Rico last year for Seth’s work and while I may not rush back to the resort, the ocean view was postcard-worthy. Ahh, the beach. If you pause a moment and shut your eyes, can you hear the waves?
I hope you have a grand Sunday and a supreme week ahead. March has begun!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie