TV: Gilmore Girls
Yes, I’m at it again. I thought I’d watched every episode of this feel-good, admittedly girly series leading up to the A Year in the Life premiere back in 2016. However, during that time I was only a year into motherhood, blearing-eyed from no sleep, so there are gaps in my memory — like Lorelei’s parents were separated?! How did Rory go from despising Logan to falling for him? These little details dropped due to baby-brain survival mode provide a pleasant amnesia where I can rewatch these chunks in the Gilmore Girl timeline and feel like I’m watching them for the first time.
MUSIC: Prince
No longer do we have to refer to him as “the artist formally known as” since he stubbornly, and rightly shirked his “servitude” over at Warner Bros Music and reclaimed his birth name in 00’ — which makes him a brilliant businessman along with a genius musician.
Prince is another artist my mother adores. I have fond memories of summer days: my mom cleaning the kitchen with the Purple Rain album blasting, my sister and I playing dolls, while the sun seeped through the living room lace curtains. Now and then, we’d pause our make-believe dramas for an impromptu interpretative dance to “I Would Die for You” or the epic titular track.
Later, my mom and I were fortunate to catch Prince live in 2013, just a few years before he passed away. The venue was The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, small and intimate. Backed by his all-girl band, 3rdeyedgirl, Prince delivered an unforgettable performance.
We had general tickets but serendipity smiled upon us when two wise-cracking men snagged a ride in our cab from the hotel to the venue; they spent their stolen ride telling naughty tales about what they did for a living. It turned out they were actually “suits” for the tour and we were rewarded for our good humor with VIP wristbands — plucked out of the peasant line and into the royalty section - just 6 feet away from the legend himself.
Prince exceeded all expectations. He jammed on for hours, seamlessly switching between guitar and piano, reimagining his classics. A highlight was when he performed “How Come You Don’t Call Me” originally written by him, and made famous by Alicia Keyes.
Feeling nostalgic, I’m diving back into the Prince catalogue and listening to his debut, and his most celebrated albums.
BTW, there are so many funny Prince encounters retold online. I enjoyed this one from Jimmy Fallon.
And get this: you can buy “Purple Rain” branded boots and on his official website.
STYLE: Goop Genes
I love this stuff. I put it on the tops of my hands, my neck and all over my face. I use this as my moisturizer every day and it leaves my skin looking super hydrated and glowy.
and Nicolo Sandals
While a bit pricey, I love the versatility of these sandals. I wear them with skirts, dresses, jeans and slacks. They can be dressed up or down - a mix of hippy and coastal chic.
FOOD: Half Baked Harvest’s One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo
Any time I make this easy dish, it pleases all of my boys. I attempt these straightforward one pan/skillet recipes when I want something substantial but relatively quick.
BOOK: Neuromined
Incoming shameless plug for my husband’s book about techno-fascism. If you are for decentralization and anti-technocracy then this book is for you. Here is one sample review from Amazon:
“More than any book in recent memory, this book opened my eyes to the profound dangers we face with globalism and technofascism. The dystopian vision that authors Ashley and Grant propose is beyond dark and disturbing. And yet, they also offer us wonderful solutions to not just fix our world, but to seize this moment as an opportunity to improve it. A must read for sure!”