Things I Like Lately, Vol 1

I was on a podcast yesterday talking to a few other moms. I said, “Listen, I love a good inspirational story with my whole heart. But sometimes I just want you to tell me WHAT exactly you put in your kid’s lunch box.” They laughed. But really. I ask every child who comes to my house this very question. My kids roll their eyes every single time. But hello, mom needs ideas! So, every now and then, I’m going to share some things I’ve bought, read, or listened to that I really like right here — in a post free for all subscribers.

• 👖 J.Crew 4” Stretch Shorts | Shorts can be so difficult. I need them to be loose enough to sit not too high, not too low, tight enough to look tailored and polished, and long enough to be appropriate for chasing kids all over. These shorts are new to me but will be a staple in my closet for years to come, I’m sure. Size up for comfort (this is a personal rule I have for all shorts). On sale $10 off right now.

• 👚 Tecovas Women’s Denim Pearl Snap Top | I am obsessed with this shirt. Bryan bought it for me for Christmas (he loves the brand) and I was so surprised! I think it’s the first time he’s ever bought me an article of clothing as a gift. But he nailed it. I have it in a medium. A lot of you asked about it when I wore it with white jeans in a photoshoot for Simplified recently here. It’s a really beautiful, high quality staple you’ll have forever.

• 📺 Succession | Oh. My. Goodness. Bryan and I have not been this “into” a television series since Mad Men. It’s *so* good. We watch 2-3 episodes a night (there are 34 in total, so a good stretch for binge watching). I’m going to be so sad when it’s over. A few friends have told me it’s hard to get into, which I get, but stick with it. Now I can’t turn it off. It’s on HBO Max. (image from HBO)

• 🎵 What I Have by Kelsea Ballerini | The kids and I sing this song in the car daily. It’s just so beautiful. Go give it a listen. Add it to your everyday-playlist. Her entire album, Subject to Change, is just so good.

• 🍍Barrington x Simplified | To say I’m excited about this new collaboration is an understatement. How did it come to be? Well, the same way a lot of the collaborations we’re doing this year happened — we reached out! We had a goal of partnering with other incredible brands in 2023 to celebrate our 15th anniversary in business. Barrington, as a brand I’ve loved for years (I’ve had one of their St. Anne’s totes forever), was top on my list of hopeful collabs. I was thrilled when they were as excited about the idea as I was! Launching Wednesday, May 3. Join me at 1:30 EDT on IG Live for more details.

• 🥪 Easy, Freezable Lunchbox Sandwiches | Ok, I know you’re all like — ok, Emily, back to the lunchbox thought… well, if I were to write a cookbook, this would be the first recipe to go in it. Hawaiian rolls + ham + mustard + cheese. Freeze them two / bag. In the morning, take them out and put them in the lunch box (in the bag). By lunchtime they’re defrosted and wonderful. We’ve been living off these in lunch boxes since August! Watch my reel here. There. I have changed your life. Please tell me if you’ve tried it! Bagels + cream cheese or PBJ also works the same way!

I can’t believe it’s already almost MAY. If you’re shopping for end-of-school teacher gifts or for Mother’s Day, may I recommend the Mother’s Day collection over at Simplified and our NEW collection! You can also check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide over on LTK.

Happy Wednesday!

Emily

PS: Most posts here on Substack are for paid subscribers (thank you, by the way; your support allows me to carve real time to write these essays!). If you’d like to subscribe, I’d love for you to check out my two most popular posts so far: On Women + Wine and On Medication, Mental Health, and Hope.