Thursday Night Edition
A belated Sunday Dinner send featuring Missy's quick trip to NYC, sick day favorites,
This is a mid-week update since I failed to get our second edition out. Haha—I could not even get to a two-week streak. I mentioned last week that my word for the year is “consistency.” One of the reasons I fear consistency is that it sets me up for failure when I ultimately miss a deadline. That is why I am sending it mid-week—at least it still got out there!
Sarah’s Plate
What I Watched
I am so excited Summer House is back! I will also watch Southern Hospitality with my best friend, Britt. We like to hang out and have ‘Red Dye 40 night,” where I go over to her place, order a ton of sour candy and takeout, and watch unhinged reality TV.
I also watched a lot of Friends over the weekend because James and I had a hotel reservation for Valentine’s weekend (more on that below) that we could not cancel.
What I Read
I have been having trouble reading because of all the news. Although January usually feels like the longest month, the longest period of time has been from January 20th to now.
This is a great time to bring up that we have a virtual book club and are meeting this coming Tuesday to discuss Democracy in Retrograde, an easy-to-read book on how to improve your life and your community. I read it over the summer, and I am glad I did because it has helped me feel less hopeless for the situation we are in now. 1 Although, I still feel that way whenever I open the news. The book is written by two “demfluencers.” It focuses on how you can make a plan, that community = civics, and small things you can do as a citizen to let your voice be heard - all things that are important to learn regardless of who you vote for. Join our book club here, or pick it up!
What I Ate
I have been sick with a sinus infection since last Thursday. I had a fever on Friday (romantic Valentine’s Day), but the exhaustion started before then. I cannot even remember if I cooked last week. One night, I melted cheese in a pan until it was caramelized and then wrapped it around a pickle—that was good.
One of our favorite date nights is to reserve a room at a hotel downtown (we love Hotel Leveque) and go to an early dinner (around 5pm), hang out and have some drinks, and then go back to the room around 9:30/10 - just in time for second dinner - usually D.P. Dough since it will deliver to the hotel. We had plans to do this on Saturday, but I was sick and did not want to waste money. It was too late to cancel, so we went, ordered room service ( I love the brie fondue) and then ordered dessert on Doordash all while watching Friends reruns on network television. It ended up being a perfect date night.
What I Shopped
Sick Day Stuff
I mainly did a lot of sick day related shopping. Missy has had sinus surgery and is a #sinusgirlie2, so she knows about a stuffed nose. Of course, I have been using my favorite sick day purchase, but I have also been doing this Sinus Rinse set. I was nervous to use it because I am nervous about pre-mixing water3, but this bottle does make it SO easy. I do this before using a nasal steroid spray (like Rhinocort or Nasonex), and it brings so much relief.4 Make sure to use distilled water or bottled water. 5
Sunglasses
The Aire Bellatrix sunglasses that were recommended by Things I Bought and Liked a few years ago are still a staple for me - mainly because they are $40 or cheaper when they are on sale so I have been able to stock up to always have a pair in my purse or car. I also love how they are wide enough for my face, but still narrow enough that I can wear a
My favorite is the black pair, but tried the pink ones because they were on sale (and are on sale here) ,and think they are fun. The tortoise ones (also available at Nordstrom) just came out and I snagged as soon as TIBAL texted me they were back in stock.
Empties
Mainly household empties this week as I have barely left my house and am sick of being sick, so have been washing everything in our house.
I LOVE this laundry detergent and scent booster [SISTER10 for 10% off]
You can always get I like to use it on our sheets, blankets and towels because it fills the room with a luxorious scent. My favorite is Rain Check (more of a crisp, clean aquatic scent), but I also like Old Money (more of a santal forward + Tide smell) and Sweet Ash (Baccarat Rouge 540). I just got the Tart deco to try.
Bought the mega size of my favorite stain remover, a recommendation from Devan Substack. I checked out as fast I could and read how it helped get out a year-old stain on a shirt. I have been through 4 bottles since July6
I also love this laundry stain brush. I keep the stain remover and the brush by the hamper.
Missy’s Plate
Whew what a whirlwind of a week! From being sick to recovering to heading to NYC for a fun-filled Valentine’s Day. Here is what I was up to.
What I am watching:
Still watching Severance, of course, and last week and this week’s episodes have me reeling. I cannot wait to see what is next.
Anders and I watched Dark Waters and then subsequently listened to a podcast on the Dupont Chemical catastrophe DuPont Chemical Cover-Up | For–American Scandal. This story hits close to home because my dad grew up in one of the cities7 impacted significantly by pollution. Sarah and I both went to college 845 minutes from Parkersburg, West Virginia. A sobering story that needs to be told so that those involved can be held accountable and that we can avoid this happening again.
Also, it inspired me to take a look at the cookware I have - some of it older and flaking and probably ridden with PFAOs. I need to find out how to dispose of it properly because I already ordered a new cookware set from Amazon - and so far I love it. Ninja rarely lets me down. Such a great price too.
What I am eating:
I ate a lot of amazing things in the last week. I have been craving eggs (go figure, when they are the hardest to come by.) I have been making my mom’s famous cheese eggs (1.5 slice of American cheese per egg :| + a little milk - trust me) and my favorite over medium fried eggs. 9
I have added a little flair by using a little Baker and Olive Garlic olive oil in the pan. The infusion of a hint of garlic is a 10/10. I seriously have enjoyed every oil I have tried from them and I love olive oil10. So much so, I went on two separate olive oil tours in Spain and one in Italy. Just trust me - spice up your eggs - after all, you need to get your money’s worth in this egg economy.
Of course, I had a ton of great food in the city. Anders and I couldn’t get into my favorite, Rosella, but we wanted to try an affordable omakase experience since we both love Japanese food and Nigiri. We went to Kazumi Omakase in Greenwich Village and had the best time. At $75 per person for 13 courses - it is priced well for the detailed experience you get with high quality food.
My favorite was the kanpachi and the king salmon with miso beans. We also had sake.
Other highlights of the trip:
We went to Monkey Bar on the first night and it was wonderful! Artsy murals, old school vibes, and great food and service. The burger, dirty bleu martini, and Crab Rangoons were standouts. We always go to McSorley’s and this time it was around the corner from our hotel so we went twice. The cheese, mustard, onion, and crackers are a staple with the light and dark beers and the hot dog is actually really good. The oldest bar in the city that could feel like a tourist trap but never does.
My second visit (and Anders’s first visit) to Comedy Cellar was so fun - even though I had reservations for the prior night I exchanged and Aziz Ansari showed up that night! Still such a great Valentine’s date night and we both really enjoyed Chris Turner. We had a fun night out after at Three Sheets in Greenwich, reliving our college glory days by beating everyone in Beer Pong. Seriously, we ran the table for hours.
We stayed at Standard East Village and it was an amazing location with a great view for a great price. A nice bar downstairs and great service - an easy walk to Soho, Greenwich Village, West Village, and the Lower East Side - where most of my favorite bars, shopping, and restaurants are located
What I shopped
Okay, I admit I was served so much mouth tape content in my feed - it slims the face, it helps with dry mouth, it helps with snoring, etc. I tried two types and it just made me feel claustrophobic. Sarah (from thingsIboughtandliked) shared a tape that is open slightly on each side so you can drink from a straw or cough or breathe, if needed, and I thought hmmm maybe I will try that. Long story short, I am not sure about whether my face is slimmer but my breathing regularity while sleeping is better. I forgot it two nights this past week and my Oura ring even picked up on it.
This is the best tape and it is not even close. It is 35% off in our shop. Try it for yourself for under $20 you can wear it horizontally or vertically.
Also I bought these new flats from Sam Edelman while in soho and they are too cute.
Size down at least half a size. I am in the 9.5.
Great work and everything else flats under $100
Downloading 5calls app has made it much less intimidating to call my representatives. I made a goal to do this at least once a week.
I really hope that is not a real trend on TikTok
My whole life is centered around my fear of brain-eating amoeba
A reminder to always ask a pharmacist or a healthcare provider before taking any over the counter medication or supplement. I am not a healthcare professional.
Of course brain eating amoeba get 2 footnotes - that is how much I think about them. They are constant footnote in my life.
I ALWAYS have a stain on my shirt.
Pomeroy, Ohio - Appalachia at its finest
Ohio University Bobcats
I have filmed myself making these cheese eggs for a reel a dozen times, but never post. Nothing tastes like home as much as these cheese eggs. The secret is to keep stirring and cook on medium-low heat.
Ok, ok, you guys (+ TIBAL) convinced me to try the mouth tape! Thanks for the discounts!!