What are you up to this weekend? Around here, I’m catching up on my to do list, making lots of good food (okay, Will is the one doing most of the cooking), and reading up a storm. It’s been stormy here and you know what that means: reading weather.
I hope you have something to look forward to these next few days, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
Back in stock
I’m also dodging boxes every time I walk down the hall, because my house has once again transformed into MMD/WSIRN Merch Central. When Will placed our most recent order for tshirts and sweatshirts from our local printer, he decided to stock up. That means right now we have tons of apparel, stickers, tote bags, book darts, and bookplates available that you can get right away. We also stock signed copies of my books (ask for personalization if you want—just leave a note in your order comments); scroll down the page to grab your Summer Reading Guide if you haven’t yet. I try on our new apparel and talk about sizing here.
Click here to peruse the merchandise and place your order. Happy browsing!
My favorite finds from around the web:
Who Are All These 20-Somethings Buying a Kindle? (Wall Street Journal gift link) “Kindle has become the gadget of choice among TikTok’s community of book lovers.”
I unexpectedly found myself in Lexington, Kentucky last weekend and stumbled into a great Draper James sale. Everything is 30% off sitewide and I picked up this adorable pajama set in my favorite color: the fabric is so happy and feels great on. ((I’m 5′ 9″ and a small; this stripe set is also darling.) I also couldn’t resist a grapefruit-scented Apotheke candle on sale. The 30% off is good through July 7.
The books that shaped me: Brigid edition. (MMD) What our team member Brigid has learned about her literary preferences through many 5-star ratings and just as many DNFs. I love this series!
Care packages aren’t just for kids. (Vanderhacks) We sure tapped into the zeitgeist with our summer camp-themed Summer Reading Guide this year! Summer camp EVERYTHING is all the rage. I love this perspective from Laura: who wouldn’t want to get a care package?
We mapped weather forecast accuracy across the U.S. Look up your city. (Washington Post gift link) Fascinating in many ways—I feel validated that yes, the long-term forecasts for our local weather aren’t great. And I didn’t realize how much weather forecasting had improved in recent years.
This Is What a Mid-40s Face Without Any Work Done Looks Like. (SELF) This series has been fascinating.
These blackened chicken breasts were simple and delicious. (NYT Cooking gift link) We used the spice mix and then grilled our chicken, sliced it up, and served it over a creamy garlic lemon pasta. Delicious! (I used half the cayenne to ensure my kids would eat it, but next time I’ll nudge that amount up toward the called-for amount. I had some spice mix left over and can’t wait to use it again soon.)
Who Am I Without My Voice? (New York Times gift link) “When you can’t talk, only half of you is here.” After losing my voice for a long period in early 2023, I read this with interest.
My go-to products for my current minimalist summer makeup routine. (MMD) The products I find myself consistently reaching for when I want to spend five minutes or less on my face.
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Turn 55. (Kirkus Reviews) So great.
How adorable are these crochet slides my sister-in-law wore to a recent family dinner?
How Diane von Furstenberg’s Wrap Dress Became an Icon. (Town & Country) If you’ve ever worn a wrap dress, you have DVF to thank.
Emily Henry on Writing Best-Sellers Without Tours and TikTok. (New York Times gift link) “I started dreaming of writing before social media existed. I didn’t know what any of my favorite writers looked like. I never would have cared or even thought about going to an event for them.”
Eat Like a Cast Member From ‘The Bear‘ at These 12 Chicago Restaurants. (Food & Wine) One more reason to visit Chicago soon.
Don’t miss these posts:
Cool down this summer with these novels set in cold places. Do you need a vicarious escape from the summer heat?
The things that seem to work for everyone else. “When I was growing up, being low-maintenance was a core family value. It’s taken me a long time to accept that there are some areas of my life where I can’t afford to be low-maintenance.”
33 historical fiction books avid readers can’t get enough of. For anyone looking for historical fiction that will transport them to a different time and place.
Have a great weekend!