Spicy books, a Notes app discovery, and some exciting news
Links we sent our friends #83 feat. Cameron Oaks Rogers
Hi! We have an exciting announcement…
Aja and I are hosting our first Platonic Love event next month! Join us at Cambridge’s brand-new and very fun romance bookstore, Lovestruck Books, on Friday, February 7th to celebrate reading and romance.
We’ll be chatting and answering questions about three romance titles we think you’ll love (whether you’re currently a romance reader or not) and hanging around after to mingle, drink some wine, and mail galentine’s postcards. Grab your tickets here (it includes a book!) and we can’t wait to meet you.
We’re long-time fans of today’s guest, Cameron Oaks Rogers. Onto the links!
, the New Jersey mom of two, has built an incredible community on Instagram (@freckledfoodie) and via her podcast, Conversations with Cam, where she normalizes the messy parts of adulthood and parenting. She’s undeniably a badass business woman — but I also appreciate Cam’s vulnerability. Last year, she started , a newsletter that feels like catching up with the friend who always has the best recommendations — from good books and great clothes to mental health tips that are effective and realistic. Her links today will give you a good idea…Cam’s Links:
Since moving to the suburbs, I have officially converted into a slipper person. I’m obsessed with this pair — they feel plushy and soft but like I’m actually wearing a shoe, and the elastic band keeps them from falling off (my biggest issue with typical slippers).
As someone who isn’t well versed in pop culture, I’m continuously surprised by the chokehold this relationship has on me. I have so many questions… How did this come about? What is the dynamic? Is Timothée one of those quiet but closet kink/freaks? Cause I kinda see Kylie being into that (here for it). What do they talk about? What does the family think? I need answers!!!
I’m embarrassed by how much I’ve worn this rugby shirt. I feel like it’s too loud for me to wear as often as I do, but I simply can’t stop?
2025 is my “crafty girl era,” and I recently ventured into the paint by numbers land with this paint anywhere kit. It was such an enjoyable and meditative experience. My toddler told me he “doesn’t like it because he doesn’t think it’s beautiful,” but I told him that’s okay because I do and I’m proud of myself (then turned around and cried).
My romance-novel-obsessed self is deep in this Rose Hill series, and while I enjoyed the first one but wouldn’t scream from the rooftops about it, I am deeply in love with the second one, Wild Eyes. (Aja: Cam messaged us a few days later letting us know this one got *spicy* 🤠)
Aliza’s Links:
Appreciated
’s words on the unthinkable loss and devastation in Los Angeles, and the many Substack writers (like and ) sharing lists of GoFundMes (here and here) for neighbors who lost everything.A print with just the right vibe.
The East Coast got really, really cold this week, and this is the most restorative moisturizer. Use code PLATONICLOVE15 for 15% off.
I was today (minus a few) days old when I found out there’s a document scanner built into the Notes app. (You guys, it’s good!! And easy!)
Intrigued by this highly-reviewed bookshelf that doesn’t require assembly.... (Aja: No assembly required is a turn-on, lol.)
Aja’s Links:
I made this creamy beet and tahini dip for a 2025 Bingo card-making session, and it was easy, delicious, and aesthetically pleasing — one of my friends asked whether I’d gotten it from the world-class Middle Eastern deli in Cambridge (!)
Alex Mill’s sale has been suspiciously good lately. How pretty is this sweater?
I knew this Modern Love podcast episode about bad dates would be funny, but I didn’t expect it to be so insightful and touching.
A very visually pleasing way to see how common a name is. (Aliza: Woooah, fun. Looks like Judes, not surprisingly, saw a big boost after the release of “The Holiday”!)
A few weeks ago, Dolce Vita sent us some shoes, and I’m obsessed. Aliza got these amazing knee-high leather boots, and I got these cool pointed-toe booties (both on deep sale.)
Questions we asked our friends:
I (Aliza) just came back from a quick yet special weekend visiting friends in Washington, D.C., which had me thinking about my go-to activities when my friends come to Boston — like take them to my favorite bakeries (Iggy’s or Butternut Bakehouse), have a picnic in one of the area’s many great parks, or visit a great museum (I love the ICA).
What are some of your favorite things to do with out-of-town visitors? Give us inspiration!
In case you missed it:
Aja’s 2024 New Year’s resolutions — and the single resolution she’s setting in 2025 (Aliza’s recap coming on Thursday)
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Honored to be included!!!!
For whatever reason, my friends from LA & NYC hate Boston basely solely on the stereotypes. When they visit (thankfully they like me enough to do that!), I always show them how unique it can be!
Some options:
1) Dinner at Highland Kitchen then Short Path Distillery or Night Shift in Everett (so LA)
2) Hiking in the fells (wow, look how close nature is to the city!) and kayaking on Spot Pond in the summer.
3) Take the ferry to Salem from Boston, take aura photos at Haus Witch, get a tarot reading, and go to Notch Brewing. (historical port cities were crucial to America's success as a country, hate us now?)
4) Beacon Hill Bookstore & martinis, rolls & wedge salads at Moooo
5) Walk along the waterfront from the North End to the Seaport for Barking Crab. (seafood is what everyone wants)
6) We must do ONE "Boston stereotype" thing... therefore it's a game at Fenway and day-drinking at one of those bars, or just ending the night at The Point in Faneuil Hall or The Sail Loft on the waterfront.