No. 138: What to Eat, Read, Wear and Watch in May
And the April Favorites
May always feels like it’s sprinkled with sunlight and magic. The kids finish school next week, we settle into a Summer routine just in time for Mother’s Day, O and I celebrate our anniversary on the twenty-first and then Zeameh turns five three days later. It’s a month where there’s something to look forward to and somewhere to be every minute and yet somehow, it’s restful. It feels like swimming in a small pool—you’re treading water by choice but you can always stand up when you need to, the shallow end is only a few inches away.
Every month of this year has been a groundhogs day of sorts. Preparing, waiting, growing, losing. April was a different type of loss. A realization that what I thought was a one off may be a pattern, a grieving. February was different, I couldn’t wait to leave the month behind to race to let new securities act as bandages for the wound. The bandage didn’t come, and somehow that acceptance made April a friend of mine. Acceptance over avoidance always works that way.
I’m ready for May. I’m ready for the sprinklers and s’mores, the bubble machines and birthday parties, the track meets and tall grass. May is the best friend you wish you could see all the time, but you always pick up right where you left off. I’m so glad to be with her again.
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How the Bible Came to Be. Hair Serum. Oura Ring. Rugby Polo. Vitamin C + E. Beach Tent. Sunglasses. One Shoulder Swimsuit. Phone Wristlet. 5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse.
What to Read.
I have quite a rotation of books on hands right now, but most of them are Bible Study related. I feel so recharged and fueled by working through the books listed above, re-reading The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller and implementing a new Melisa Kruger study.
The book I’ve wanted to read since hearing about it earlier this year is The Favorites. They had me at the Daisy Jones and the Six comparison and I’m here for it. I’m also in the mood for another mystery as always but I don’t want to share the titles until I finish them because we all know those books can go south quickly.
What to Watch.
As far as new things releasing, Thunderbolts is high on my list for obvious reasons. The Better Sister with Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel has my attention simply because they’re in it, but I’ve done about three seconds of research so we’ll see. When it comes to forever favorites, s it unfair that Nancy Meyers films always feel appropriate to watch each month? Specifically, though, The Parent Trap (though the 1961 version is also a perfect choice) and Father of the Bride 1 & 2. Bride Wars is also a very May movie along with re-watching old Disney Channel Original Movies with your kids. Smart House, Get a Clue, The Thirteenth Year, Zenon and Luck of the Irish have been the favorites for my kids thus far. Of course High School Musical and Camp Rock stand in a league of their own and my kids essentially view those movies as directorial brilliance.
It should be noted that my kids have been a show and movie break for the forseeable future so we won’t be partaking. When it feels right, though I think I’m going to have to introduce Johnny Tsunami.
Do you have any movies or shows that feel decidedly May? I know there are some that belong here.
What to Eat.
I’m counting calories for the first time in my entire life this month. Before my Hashimoto’s diagnosis, I was an athlete through and through. I was no stranger to food restrictions and lived disciplined in every area. Two a day workouts? No problem. New Squat PR back to back? Absolutely. I was working on getting enough calories at all times and the lean muscle just happened. After my Hashimoto’s diagnosis, I struggled to get enough calories in with my new strict protocol. After last year’s 300 days of the tightest restrictions I’ve ever experienced, I’ve been living in “freedom” that turned against me. Since December, I’ve been indulging in refined sugars that are dangerous for my autoimmune gut and for the first time in seven years reintroduced grains in the form of rice flour and oats. This doesn’t sound like much, but I feel it in my bones that it’s time to tighten the reins again.
Pregnancy causes many autoimmune diseases to go into remission and I have so many more allowances, but I’ve had those pregnancy hormones surge and leave me twice this year and it’s time for a factory reset. If anyone else is eating a strict Paleo diet this month with a focus on a calorie deficit, these recipes are for you.
These Paleo Lettuce Wraps are a fan favorite and would work just as well with a flour tortilla or served over rice if that’s your thing. I love a simple Tuna Salad on cucumber slices as a quick lunch, but I’m also super intrigued by these Crunchy Paleo Tuna Wraps as another option. Years ago, my nutritionist told me that Skipjack Tuna has significantly less mercury than Albacore and I haven’t eaten Albacore since, just as a little fun fact. You know I’ll also be throwing my friend’s Curry Chicken Salad into the meal prep mix for a more exciting option as well as grilling chicken ahead of time for this Paleo Greek Salad with Chicken. A version of this Salmon Meal Prep minus the quinoa will be on repeat, too.
Sauteed Apples and Pears with Coconut Butter is a recipe I’ve known by heart since 2017. I love this as an easy, healthy treat. This Paleo Protein Chia Pudding also makes a regular appearance in my fridge. The key is to use a hand blender to mix the protein into the milk or else it will all just settle to the top.
What to Wear.
Firstly, I have to mention the Credo non-toxic makeup and skincare Sale currently going on. I rounded up all the products I’ve used for years here since this Sale is when I do my own repurchasing and pick up the products I’ve been curious about. As for clothing, next week’s newsletter is the Late Spring, Early Summer Momiform guide so just know that I heard the requests and it’s that time again. Until then, let’s tackle event dressing.
May is full of events that require the same dress code. Normalize rotating a couple dresses you’ve owned and loved forever, but based on my DMs many of you are lookin’ to step out in something new. Whether you have a bridal shower, a graduation party, a wedding, an event to host, a baby shower or any other event that requires a little something extra, these are for you.
That’s it for today’s letter, friends. I’m so ready for this month of endings and beginnings. If you’re also in a fitness state of mind, let me know and we can do chase goals together. As always, I’d love to know what you loved this month. Let me know what I need to read (especially if it’s a mystery.) I hope you have a beautiful month, friends. If you find yourself needing a styling session for an upcoming trip or a wardrobe reset, you can schedule that here. If you need interior design consulting for Summer projects, you can book that there, too. I can’t wait to work with you.
A book recommendation: wild dark shore. A mystery that, imo, was unique and so good.
omg that Reformation rugby shirt is delightful, I would have never considered it for myself if I hadn't seen you looking so cute in it! xoxo
ya girl is looking forward to watching the new Amy Sherman Palladino ballet show on Amazon, thanks to you bringing it in my orbit! I hope it can be my "wind down" show this month ;)