A delicious cake, summer pasta, and Aja's bachelorette recap

Links we sent our friends #107 feat. writer Jennifer Cook

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Jun 30, 2025

Hi, how was your weekend? We had such a special one celebrating Aja’s bachelorette.

Despite our best efforts, we did not meet Michelle Obama… but we did eat/drink all the things on Aja’s wishlist (raw oysters, Aperol spritzes, dirty martinis, and fish tacos), rode bikes along the water, danced until the bars closed, and took naps on the beach. It was, as Aja told me, “the perfect amount of mellow.” (Aja: And a weekend I will treasure for the rest of my life!!)

*Left:* A pitstop for ice cream before our ferry ride home // *Right:* Saturday night on the dance floor

I have a feeling that this week’s guest and I would make really good mom friends.

Jennifer Cook

’s viral essay “how to dress like a brooklyn mom” is one of my Roman empires, and her more recent piece “playground pants” is equally brilliant. Jen writes about the intersection of motherhood and style in a way that's fun, joyful, and completely real. I think you’ll be just as charmed by her perspective as I am — and if you’re not already subscribed to

mom friend

, now’s the time.

Jen’s Links:

I hate how much I love the most recent Alex Mill x Jimmy Fallon P’Jimmies collab. The colors and stripes are just too fun to resist.
I recently read The Snakehead by Patrick Radden Keefe, and I can’t stop recommending it. It’s a fascinating look at the Chinatown underworld in the 80s. (Aliza: He’s an amazing writer — going on the list now!)
You must listen to this conversation between Ezra Klein and Sarah McBride on trans rights. (Gift link.)
No one does the button-up better than Naomi Nomi, and the brand gets bonus points because it’s independent, run by a woman, and made in New York. I’ve been lusting after this classic white shirt. My birthday is at the end of August in case that information is relevant here.
I am always on the hunt for easy baking recipes, and this delicious cake fits the bill.
This video on “the motherhood penalty” made me cry. (Aliza: Me too.) I will never stop thinking about this line: “Children are human beings; they shouldn’t be a luxury good.” (Gift link.)

Aliza’s Links:

Inspired by the bachelorette weekend: What’s the first song that taught you about love? (Gift link.)
Lusting over this flattering summer dress.
A recent read that had me feeling all the feels. Notes of A Little Life… but thankfully, way less dark.
A perfect summer pasta recipe for my fellow shellfish lovers (that won’t break the bank). (Gift link.) Plus, my favorite everyday bowl — for pasta, salads, bowls, etc. — is on sale.
I have the biggest weakness for toddler sneakers.
And because this is a massive sale week… the sandals I mentioned last week are going on sale tomorrow!! (Aja: Forgot to tell you how cute these looked with your mini pink dress on Saturday night!)

Aja’s Links:

I’m addicted to these. It’s hard to explain how satisfying they are; just trust me (and get the variety pack.)
Writer Maris Kreizman shares the pep talks she gives authors. Great reminders whether you’re a writer or not, like: “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that negative feedback sticks with you more stubbornly than the positive. Our challenge is to savor the good.”
For my bachelorette, I turned to ye olde staple… Reformation. These beachy linen pants were comfy and fun for puttering around Martha’s Vineyard. I loved how easy and breezy this top was. And after many (many) unsuccessful attempts, I finally found this dress for our “going out” night. As Aliza pointed out, I could re-wear it for everything from coffee runs to summer dinners.
A compelling case for never talking about work with your friends (I do not follow this rule.) (Aliza: Lol.)
The hook of this song will wriggle inside your brain and stay there all day long…

What are you playing on repeat this summer?? Every January, I (Aliza) start a new Spotify playlist titled simply “1.1.2025” (the year, of course, changes). When I come across a song that speaks to me, I add it to the playlist. New or old, doesn’t matter. I love looking back at previous years’ playlists — they can be shockingly revealing.