Links we sent our friends #60

A Supergoop! dupe, an unexpected destination for your next vacation, and guest links from book-lover, Michelle Martin

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Jul 29, 2024

Hi! Aliza here. I didn’t know a political endorsement could make me cry — but last week, this one SURE DID. The kickoff to Harris’ presidential campaign has been a needed bright light the past few days. I’m brimming with hope again!

We’ve got some good links and a great guest this Monday…

Michelle Martin

is a book-loving photographer who lives just up the coast from us in Portland, Maine. Her warm and thoughtfully curated weekly newsletter, Literary Leanings, is one of our favorite sources for book recs — she’s mastered the art of explaining the vibes and appeal of a particular book without giving away the entire plot. And her photos are incredible, too, which is not surprising considering she’s a full-time wedding and couples photographer.

Michelle’s Links:

I went on vacation earlier this month, where the primary activity was relaxing and reading books, and this novel blew me away. I already know it will be my favorite of the summer. The critique of modern-day wedding culture was so interesting, and the characters were some of the best I’ve encountered in a while.
Every week, my husband and I have “Pasta Sunday.” We have some favorites we rotate through but occasionally try new recipes. Last Sunday, we made this twist on a classic summer pasta recipe, and it was delicious. (Aliza: Adding this to the rotation ahead of Taco Tuesday.)
If you have a road trip coming up, add Animal to your queue. I'm picky about my podcasts, but this one — about the creator's relationship with animals — hooked me. It’s tender, beautifully told, funny, and so heartfelt. You will tear up during the first episode, but I promise they will be good tears.
My cousin gave me this bag a couple of years ago, and it turns out it’s the perfect beach bag for two people. It fits two towels, sunscreen, books, a water bottle, and the miscellaneous bag of electronics we always have with us. It also doesn't flop over into the sand once everything is taken out.
Whenever someone asks about my favorite Substacks,
Jess Pan
is always at the top of the list. (Her newest essay affirmed her place in my heart.) If you’ve ever dreamed of living inside a Nora Ephron movie, you will absolutely delight in her essays about living in London and working at a bookshop.

Aliza’s Links:

I’ve been living in (and TBH loving the compliments I get from wearing) this green striped button-down. And it’s now on sale. (Aja: I love this button-down on you!)
Did anyone else resonate with “Why are we so obsessed with friendship?” from the
shit you should care about
team?
I’d heard a rumor that Trader Joe’s daily sunscreen is just as good (if not better) than more expensive (hi, Supergoop) brands. And it is true!!! I’m obsessed — no greasy residue, no icky sunscreen scent1 in the mornings.
My friend Kaylee was in the news (!) for her ingenious mom hack and organization techniques.

Should we plan a vacation around visiting these stunning botanical gardens?

Aja’s Links:

Ooh, this is a fun website for design heads.
The most beautiful botanical gardens in the U.S. (This would make a fun travel list.)
Alex Mill’s co-founder and creative director
somsack sikhounmuong
has written maybe my f avorite food diary of all time… So many good lines, but to give you a taste: “It’s probably been about 15 years since I’ve had Subway, and it is like seeing an old friend and then eating him.”
As flip flops go, I think these are pretty chic. (Aliza: My high school friends can confirm I used to lived in these. Are they back???)
These cookies have, in Sam’s words, “no business being this good.”

Question we asked our friends:

What are the Olympics events you’re most excited to watch??? Or the best you’ve seen so far? I’m solo parenting this week, so I’ll have some time to play catch-up after Jude goes to bed…