Sunday Scroll #134

On aging well, feeding a family of 5 on $200 a week, women who lift, and links worth lingering over

Good morning, and welcome to Sunday! I hope you’re enjoying some warm spring sunshine today. Tbh I’ve been gearing up for Simplified’s Spring Launch (details below) and enjoying daylight that stretches past 7:00 PM. Taking a few minutes at the end of the day to sit on the porch with a book? It’s such a simple thing, but it’s so nice this time of year.

This week, I did a little shopping (the Amazon Big Spring Sale surprised me… I wasn’t going to cover it, but the products and discounts seem newer and better this time around). I was beginning to feel like those sales were redundant, but found a few really good finds. Linked them all for you here.

Ready for a scroll? Me, too!

1. How defying ageism can help you live longer. “Aging is not a destructive force,” this writer proclaims. I agree — on the whole, I’ve enjoyed every year of my life more than the last. Let’s celebrate our hard-earned years as we get older.

2. The Black soldiers who built America’s national parks. A fascinating piece of history I did not know! I am so happy to learn more about Brigadier General Charles Young and his service to our nation.

3. 23 favorite Instant Pot recipes. Bookmark this if you need a quick weeknight meal! (Hint: I’ve found most recipes in an Instant Pot can translate to a slow cooker using the tried and true cook times: High for 3 to 4 hours, or Low on 6 to 8 hours)

4. I’ve protected my peace so much, I’ve accidentally made myself boring. I’m dropping this link as a reminder for myself: be careful about the boundaries you put up, because you might find that you’ve walled yourself off into isolation.

5. Women who lift. Women (especially strong mothers) stepping into their physical power? A million times YES!

6. 13 years, 6 doctors, and a lawsuit: the road to an endometriosis diagnosis. Oh, my heart. To any of you struggling with endometriosis, I want you to know: I see you. I’m sorry. And I hope you find the support you need.

7. Feeding a family of 5 in Milwaukee on $200 a week. Talking about how real families plan, budget for, and prep their weekly meals? Put it in my veins.

8. 12 women on living alone. I found this so moving. Sometimes I think about the ghost ship essay and wonder: Who would I have been if, in a Sliding Doors kind of way, my life were different? I am so inspired by these women.

9. Making “hearingness” strange. This is a fascinating interview with Rachel Kolb, an author who just wrote a memoir about living with deafness. She invites readers to examine what it means to be a “good” communicator (and who defines what good communication is). You’ll think about this interview for a long time afterward, I promise.

10. Good link of the week. This just made me all 🥹. You know how I am when it comes to dogs.

Spring weather means I have a great excuse to update my wardrobe! I picked up this midi linen dress for warmer days, and this zip-up sweater for when the nights get a little cool. Also, how cute is this cape for dress-up nights??

Also refilled some empties! These eye masks are infused with collagen and are so helpful for de-puffing and tightening. More sun means more skin — which means more facial sunscreen and body spray sunscreen (that don’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all).

The Spring Sale is actually pretty good this time around. I am sorry for talking your ear off about this charging bank, but it fits in your hand and will charge a device to 100% in minutes. It has saved me on road trips with kids (or when I’m feeling lazy) so many times. Our Place cookware is on super sale (it’s all I use at home and at the lake). And I’m starting a petition for Marriott to replace all their mediocre pillows with these from Amazon. 10/10 (and they’re 48% off… cmon Marriott!). We have them on every bed.

Simplified’s Spring Launch is next week, and we’ve got so much fun stuff scheduled for you! Mark your planner for events you’d like to attend — especially Wednesday April 8 at 10:00 AM EDT, when the collection officially drops!

The email that changed everything (and what I've learned since)

The 14 Substacks I pay for

Things that quietly made 42 better than 32

Have a great week!