hello everyone. i’m writing to your from absolute heaven-on-earth, Sea Ranch Lodge. i’m here with my mom to celebrate mother’s day. cute, right? we’ve only gotten in like 5 arguments so far <3 i’ll be interviewing my mom for this Sunday’s newsletter, so look forward to that if you’re a paid subscriber. anyway, let’s get into this week’s R&R:
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weekly report
R — i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again: something about Trader Joe’s just doesn’t sit right with me. i still shop there from time to time, treating it like an old lover who i just can’t quit. but i’ve opened one too many rotten melons and am over trying to nurse two day old tulips back to life. their prices are incredible, but at what cost?
E — i feel passionate about good food in the bay area, and The Laundromat SF continues to deliver. we had their rip & dip bagels & cream cheese this weekend—the bagels were warm. the cream cheese flavors were delicious and interesting. highly recommend. it’s also got me thinking about making homemade cream cheese…
P — i’m listening to a new novel, Real Americans, that apparently sparked a 17-way bidding war between publishing houses. so far, so good. i’m only 20% through and i had no idea what it was about when i started, but i’m realizing it’s a coming of age story exploring race, class and circumstance. plus there’s mystery and romance embedded into it!
O — a good pair of jean shorts is crucial and i’ve found the best pair. so many of you have asked about them—i went one size up so they’re baggy. suuuuch a vibe.
R — everyone in my book club told me to start the show 1883, so i did it and i’m hooked. i’m sorry but Tim McGraw is giving a literal Emmy worthy performance alongside… wait for it… his wife, Faith Hill. like what did i do to deserve this magic? also, the Oregon Trail seems like a true nightmare and there’s nothing i’d rather do less. buckle up for some dark shit, cowboys.
T — retail therapy in your 30’s looks like driving to Best Buy with your boyfriend on a monday night and buying a GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker (on sale!!!) — i’ve wanted one of these for so long and we finally took the plunge. just a few days in and i couldn’t be happier about our decision. nugget ice actually makes everything better.
recipe roundup
Spicy Cucumber Margarita
a margarita recipe that tastes just as good without tequila as it does with tequila — your choice!
Ramp Green Goddess Pesto Focaccia
a springtime focaccia that we’re eating as sandwich bread all week. it’s soooo good. recipe will be in your inbox this sunday !!!
Earl Grey Mango Tea Mocktail
if you’re a mocktail beginner, this recipe is for you.
thanks for being here! if you have any hot takes or comments about my weekly report, drop a line below!
also, if you’ve read something recently/have a recommendation or hot tea that you think might ever be worth adding into the next weekly R&R just reply to this email and i’ll check it out!
I am obsessed with Smith Teamakers based in Portland- I have their jasmine tea almost every morning with a spoonful of honey. They also have fun blends!
As a big Trader Joe's fan, it's been frustrating to watch them copy brands and be anti-union. That hasn't stopped me from going there, but I defend them less (I also used to work there and I would call them a good employer, at least 2009-2011). I try to shop more at markets and at local shops.
Anyway, if you get something that's bad, they'll return it, no questions asked. I recently brought home a bag of produce that within a day was *very* expired so I chucked it then called them. The manager was like when you get here next time just tell them you spoke with management and we'll refund it, you don't have to bring it in. When I was working there, someone literally returned a more than 50% eaten cake and I just was like ok returned!
You definitely don't have to shop there and we should think critically about all brands that exist in the capitalism churn of this world, but you can at least return the bad stuff so you don't waste your money.