11 Things I Consumed This Week
Yes, I stole this listicle format from another Substack writer. Yes, a lot of my list is food.
I have been wracking my brain trying to force an essay out this week…and last week…and the week before…but everything just feels so dark right now, literally and figuratively. (Not only is it dark at 5pm now, but my apartment is also north-facing and therefore a constant dark hole. Time to pop open the vitamin D bottle. Plus, you know…American politics.) I thought about reviewing my first Nuuly package. I thought about reviewing the new A24 movie Heretic. I daydreamed about yelling my political thoughts. Both of the first two ideas I’ll probably return to when I feel up to it. The political idea…I’ll probably ignore forever. Right now, I just need some levity, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you feel the same.
What better time for…drumroll…a LISTICLE. I love a listicle. I am a sucker for anything that says “10 reasons why…” or “10 items you need…” Do I ever buy anything from the list or agree with any of the reasons or whatever else these lists say? No! Probably not even once. I prefer to get my knowledge and products the old-fashioned way: panic-buying random shit and doom-scrolling until I perish. But I love reading lists. So, today I’m going to copy “15 Things I Consumed This Week” from Haley Nahman’s Substack, Maybe Baby. It’s the perfect conceit! I can’t top it. So, I’ll steal it, but with less numbers because I’m chatty and this would be abhorrently long if I went with 15 things. And we’re off!
A chai latte from Village Cafe in Union Market.
There is something about this chai that has me feeling like the best version of myself. If you live in DC and want to try it, let me caveat with the fact that I’m a sugar fiend and I want my drinks to have a lot of sweet flavor. There are too many chai lattes in DC that simply taste like milk—and that’s made me wonder if that’s how the normal person prefers them. So, only get this chai latte if you want to be smacked with flavor. It leans a little pumpkin-y, too!
A copious amount of buttermilk biscuits.
I use a bootlegged copy of Joanna Gaines’ recipe from her cookbook Magnolia Table (as in, an old screenshot my older sister sent me during the depths of the pandemic). This recipe has really never led me astray, and the biscuits are full of flavor and texture. My husband, Jake, topped his with raspberry jam, hot honey from Trader Joe’s, and feta cheese. I can’t always trust his food choices, but this one slapped.
As I mentioned earlier, Heretic.
I’ll write a more in-depth post on this maybe next week to give people more time to see it before I spoil everything. So this is your warning: Go see it now! Today! The premise is a man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant!) traps two Mormon missionaries in his house for “a game of cat and mouse” in which he challenges their beliefs. I have a lot of thoughts. But ultimately, I was underwhelmed.
A free pastry from a man who was in love with me at Open City by the National Cathedral.
It’s my own fault. I wore an absolute fit and showed up without my wedding ring (I had taken it off to knead the aforementioned biscuits). Just kidding. This was really random and basically never happens to me otherwise. There was a really kind man working at Open City, and he complimented my outfit, and I thought he was just being nice. I was working with a friend, so I bought a few things from the cafe since we posted up for so long. When I went back for an almond croissant, this man told me, “You don’t have to pay. Once a day, we can pick someone who doesn’t have to pay. It will be you.” I owe him my life.
A free Olipop from a woman who was in love with me at Open City by the National Cathedral.
Just kidding, the Olipop was from one of my BFFs, Caely. She “was thinking of me” before we got together to work and brought me my favorite flavor, Apple Crisp. I was so loved that day!!
Outer Banks Season 4.
I can’t excuse this one. I stand by season one, but the rest have been soapy trash that I continue to watch regardless. Good memories, though: after watching season one, we actually coincidentally went to the Outer Banks for the first time with my family, and me and my husband joked about being Pogues and Kooks the whole time. And, well, no one except one of my sisters and her husband understood. And thanks to the direction this show went, I can’t in good conscience recommend it. So they never will.
Speaking of Haley Nahman’s Substack Maybe Baby, I read her post on dread, hoping for some relief post-election. Her take about leaning into community reminded me of my argument in my post “On Neighbors.” There is a marked difference for me when I leave my apartment and interact with people. It just takes one tiny conversation to remind myself I’m real and so is the world around me. In these worrisome times, I think community will save me (us).
My new Nuuly order.
It’s fun (and overwhelming) to look through Nuuly’s massive catalog to find items for my next order. I’ve got a trip to Italy coming up, and I’m going to try out a sort of capsule wardrobe so I can get away with bringing a backpack as my sole luggage option. I did it for Spain a couple years ago, so I know it’s possible! I somehow don’t own an LBD, so I’m on the lookout for a good option. I want to try some new pants, and I wouldn’t say no to a good coat. So far, I recommend Nuuly. But I’ll do a deeper dive into the pros and cons soon.
A grain pie made by someone at the writing retreat I’m attending.
It’s true! I’m currently at a writing retreat in the Cacapon Mountains in West Virginia with my job at nonprofit The Inner Loop. The weather is gorgeous (for me that’s high 50s) and it’s really cozy here. One of the retreaters brought a “grain pie” which he claims is an Italian Easter tradition. It was custardy, chewy, and had a slight citrus twist. I mostly loved eating it while chatting with writers around an old wooden table. There’s a mix of ages here, which is something I take for granted in everyday life. Intergenerational friendships can be amazing, and it’s a goal of mine this next year to cultivate more.
Adrenal complex.
I’m definitely not trying to shill products here, but you know I complain about bloating so I might as well touch on this supplement from Just Ingredients. I use their protein powder and really like it, so I decided to try out some of their other products. I’ve long figured my bloating has to do with high levels of cortisol, but when I look up how to lower cortisol levels, it’s all stuff I’m already doing. Getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a balanced diet, getting out into nature. So, I thought, why not try to supplement if I’m doing the “correct” things and still not feeling 100%? The adrenal complex has totally helped. My bloat is very minimal, and my mind feels clearer and more prepared to tackle tasks. I don’t know that it’s a solution for everyone, but I’m happy to finally see some positive results.
Maybe I’m just snooty, but some of the essays in here have made me sit back and think, “This is the best? In all of 2024?” I should have known—I’m never quite as fond of the editions edited by journalists. We just have different styles! That said, my undergrad professor Jennifer Sinor is featured in this one, and her essay was absolutely beautiful, as always.
Okay, so most of that list was food? I stand by it. As a human, I eat many times per day, and there was a lot of fun stuff this week worth mentioning. Anyway, I’ve lingered here long enough! It’s time to work on my damn book while I’m at this glorious writing retreat. Time to create instead of consume! Though, I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit there is a time and place for both.
What’s your favorite thing(s) you’ve consumed this week?
Abi