A great read I'd been saving for an emergency, the best winter boots, and my favorite chocolates
Plus a great French moisturizer and a chic way to patch a down jacket
This week, as my youngest son turned 7, I found myself thinking about the stories that shaped my understanding of the world. I wrote a short essay about one particular story — of my grandfather’s experience as a POW in WWII — that shaped my childhood and my understanding of our obligations to each other (spoiler: I believe we owe each other a lot!). Given the seriousness of the topic, I’ve posted it separately from this newsletter, but I hope you’ll click over and read it, if you like.
What I Read
For a few months, I’ve been saving The Ministry of Time for that preverbal rainy day when I would yearn to be taken away by a story and immersed in a different reality. Well, this week was that rainy day. And boy, what a novel! I loved it. It’s speculative fiction about an alternative London; there’s time travel, romance, and political commentary. It’s a rare novel that seamlessly combines beautiful prose and immersive action. My guess is many of you have already enjoyed it, but if not, I highly recommend it.
Design Notes
A. These chocolates from Stick With Me are nothing short of revelatory. My sister and her wife gave them to Tim for Christmas, and I can still taste each goregous chocolate flavor clearly. By the way, this is all I want for Valentine’s Day!
B. Polychrome Goods is one of my favorite sites to browse for gifts that will make a friend laugh and feel seen. This hat seems particularly relevant to the current moment, and these downloadable/printable Valentines are so fun.
C. This doorlock decorated with charms would make me smile everyday. You can buy one of your own on Etsy!
Found Objects
D. In early December, a chic friend texted me these boots from Pajar with built-in ice grippers that you can flip down when needed, and I smashed the “add to cart” button so fast and hard. I’ve worn them daily since. I added these shearling inserts so I can slip them on and go!
E. The same friend told me about the site French Pharmacy, which sells all sorts of treasures from, you guessed it, French pharmacies. My favorite souvenirs are always from local pharmacies, and this site is just shy of as good as a trip to France. I bought and have been loving this moisturizer.
F. We’ve reached the point in the winter where everyone’s parkas seem to have sprung a leak simultaneously. I’ve got a selection of these patches in my cart. I love a chic and practical solution!
I hope you have a good week and that some small joys and some great chocolates find their way to you. And, if you need a delightful rabbit hole to go down, click through to read this story about Seed Savers (gift link) and then continue on to read about the individual seeds available to you for the cost of a postage stamp. Bliss!
Sunday Daily Dose of Green
That photo makes me want to weep. I think everything feels so much harder because it’s been freezing cold everywhere since January 20th
Hello! I found my way here from Big Salad and I have to tell you, you're writing my platonic ideal of a substack! Malachite coffee tables, french drugstore face cream, and a daily dose of green? ALL I EVER WANTED FROM THE INTERNET. Thank you!!!!