Issue #66: March 2025 Favorites
2 great books, March Madness, the best meme generator, and two opposite docu-series
Spring is springing all over the place here in Seattle, and I LOVE it. The first day of spring is the beginning of a new season. Forget the January 1st intentions. Instead, you should enjoy this time of year for new goals. I do not read horoscopes daily, but I love the idea of a new year for the zodiac season. So, if you had NY resolutions that didn’t pan out, this is your signal to start over and embrace this season of new beginnings.
There are so many weird life changes happening in our household. We are embracing the new season and are incredibly grateful. In the last month, we’ve taken advantage of all the rainy days and consumed a whole bunch of TV and books. Let’s dive into some of my March favorites.
Running Point
I loved this show. We watched it in our hotel bed in Whistler, and it was a delight. It feels crazy to celebrate something that Tom Hanks’ wild son has done. The show is loosely based on the Laker’s current president. The show is easy to binge, and it’s lighthearted; plus, who could be mad that Kate Hudson has a TV show?
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
I cannot stop thinking about this book. It’s like the author shares a brain with Margaret Atwood. I was angry and freaked out because it didn’t seem too unrealistic. Imagine Child Protective Services shipping off mothers anytime there’s an issue at home. It’s one of those books that just sticks with you for a while and I just want to talk about it with everyone.
Grab a copy of the book here (or pick up your Amazon copy here.)
The Trial of Karen Read
I mentioned a podcast last summer that discussed a potential coverup by the Boston Police Department. Well, now there’s a whole docuseries about it on Max. We consumed all five episodes on a Monday evening. Karen Read has been accused of homicide, and the story is kind of crazy. I think they did a good job of representing two different sides of the story in this, and I’m a little pissed about the ending, but I’ll let you decide how you feel.
Pudding Shots
Our dear friend celebrated his birthday earlier this month, and White Russians are his favorite cocktail. I made some White Russian pudding shots to bring to his party. They were easy to make and ended up being a big hit. If you need a fun little party trick, here’s the recipe. It’s like Jello shots, but more grown up because you eat them with a spoon.
With Love, Meghan
This was excellent background television. I loved watching her cook, even though it’s weird that she keeps reminding viewers that it isn’t her kitchen. I thought it was interesting to watch her interact with the guests and watch all the fancy creations they came up with. I just don’t understand why so many people want to dislike her.
Low-Stakes Sports Betting
I only watch basketball during March Madness, and even then, I prefer to watch the game's final three minutes. This year, we joined some friends with March Madness brackets, and cheering on random teams has been more fun than usual. We only put $5.00 on the line, so it’s low-stakes, but I’m still invested. It is a bit wild that all four #1 seeds got to the Final Four, so I have no chance of winning, but I’m still having fun.
Not Gonna Lie
Kylie Kelce jumped on the podcast bandwagon, and I’m so happy. She’s a no-bullshit person who calls out the ridiculous rumors she hears about herself and celebrates women in sports every chance. Her guests have been incredible (hello Michelle Obama), and she asks questions you don’t hear from other podcasters. Episodes are released weekly and are under an hour. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
This book was excellent. It’s a story of three generations and how science and genetics can impact relationships. I didn’t know much about it before I picked it up, but I think that was better. Following this family from China to the US, you’ll ride a little roller coaster of opinions and thoughts about each character. There were a few things I wish would have been better explained, but I rated it a 4.5/5 stars. I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote recently and how truly tiny we are in the grand scheme.
“Aren’t we lucky? Our DNA encodes for innumerable possible people, and yet it’s you and I who are here—winners in a stupefying lottery. We came at the exact right moment, a blip in the hundred million centuries of the universe: the Earth inhabitable, not yet engulfed by the sun, but not only molten magma, inhospitable to life. The planet cooled and water formed; it was able to hold an atmosphere. And in this place, on this small blue rock, innumerable miracles: redwoods, computers, stingrays, pianos, you and me.”
Grab a copy of the book here (or pick up your Amazon copy here.)
White Lotus (Memes)
I love the strange worlds that Mike White creates of rich people being horrible people. This season of White Lotus is different, but we still love it. With each episode comes a new collection of memes on my Instagram feed, and those add to the experience. This cast is excellent and I was happy to learn that last night was not the finale, but we get one more week.
Cherry Blossoms
Everything is blooming here and I cannot get enough.
I love Architectural Digest features, and this Walton Goggins feature is stunning. Also, it is perfectly timed with his excellent performance in White Lotus.
This piece about Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song is delightful. I love those two together.
Earlier this month, I shared a letter I wrote myself 10 years ago. Turns out that practice is incredibly helpful and more people should be doing it.
Are you a book snooper? I love seeing what people are reading and browsing bookshelves when I’m at someone’s house.
This lip oil was passed around at Happy Hour recently and the bright red looked incredible on everyone. It’s like some kind of sorcery.
I am 60 pages into this book, and it feels like the perfect poolside read. If you have a spring break trip coming up, grab a copy.
April is going to be a busy month, but the windows are open again, and we made it through the big dark.
Cheers!
Steph