Hi, I missed u!

On My Brain

Oooooooooh, Mex-i-co

And just like that, as soon as she started getting comfortable communicating in Spanglish again, it was time to check in for her economy Delta flight home. Ain’t that always the way?

Playa del Carmen was lovely to us, and I’ve said it once I’ll say it again: god, are the people in Mexico friendly. The amount of un-conjugated jabbering and illustrative arm flailing I did with these poor cab drivers was met with nothing but giggles—and for that, I thank them (here in this newsletter but also with pesos).

Some highlights from the bachelorette of my dreams:

We saw these little capybara-like critters in the backyard of the Airbnb and I would die for them. They’re called “agouti” and they look like big guinea pigs with long legs, and they run around on all fours but sit on their butts to eat with their hands. They’re SO CUTE. I was similarly astounded by how adorable nutria were (aquatic rodents that live in the Tiber river in Rome), but then again, I think subway rats are cute.

We had dinner in a cave and saw a BAT! (Another demonized mammal andforwhat.) We took tequila shots before dinner because we were all struggling to maintain a buzz of any sort (mind you, I haven’t drank in like, 3 months purely because it gives me acid reflux and a puffy face) but I think that’s all due to the heat and constant hydrating we were doing. Anyway, it was FUN, and we had silly little drinks, food decorated with edible flowers, and I tried a fried cricket (which mostly tasted like salt and lime).

We went to two different beach clubs (Fragata was our fave) and just ate and drank and swam around until our little fingers were pruned into oblivion and our spray tans were sloughing off at an alarming rate. Originally, we had a catamaran snorkeling tour booked, but the water was too rough so we couldn’t go out. Would I have loved to take my Dramamine-groggy ass out on the open sea? Sure. But I’m just happy I got to splash around in bodies of water—because I’m a pisces, after all.

We went for a little jaunt into town to get tacos and agua frescas from El Fogon (which came recommended by one taxi driver named Wilbur) and even though we didn’t eat it fresh at the restaurant, that might have been the best meal of the trip, tbh. Some other things of note that I/we ate: chicharrones with lime and Tajin as an Airbnb snack, chilaquiles on the beach, birria tacos, bananas foster, caesar salad (which was, after all, invented in Mexico), and breakfast tacos with black beans a la Celeste.

Oh also, re: the sub heading—do you know this James Taylor song? I was singing it in my head and aloud every five minutes because once I get going on a tick I can’t stop. It’s a really good one. Some other ticks I couldn’t let go of during the trip: saying “Oh-KAY?” like Ramona Singer, impersonating Boz from RHOBH a la my guys from Watch What Crappens, and saying “I’m filming you” from Benny’s story about a Karen he encountered on Ride the podcast.

“I’m Just Happy To Be at the Table”

I love to think critically about television shows. I can go for hours dissecting every last detail of an episode (as I have done in this very newsletter), but for some reason, I just wanted to enjoy the White Lotus finale without thinking too much about it. I thought the entire season was a sensorial masterpiece, what with the insect chirping and monkey chittering, the panoramic shots of all the tropical foliage, and the world of the hotel was built so carefully that I swear I can smell the bespoke perfume they pump through the lobby.

Lots of people were disappointed with the finale, but I loved it. I teared up at Laurie’s speech (even though she deserves better friends), I became a Saxon sympathizer against everything I say I stand for, I understood how things ended for Rick and Chelsea, and I don’t care how unrealistic Belinda’s ending was—I’m just pleased for our girl! My prediction was that Gaitok would accidentally shoot Mook while trying to confront the Russian thieves, but I’m glad that little idiot got his promotion.

And re: the boring accusations, no one said it better than Mike White himself, tbh:

In My Cart

I Went Butter Yellow for Summer, Sue Me

Before leaving for Mexico, I went for a last-ditch shopping trip to the shitty Newport mall in Jersey City (IYKYK) and found a couple things at Zara I was considering but didn’t feel passionately enough about to pull the trigger. But wouldn’t you know it, there was a Zara about a 10 minute walk from our Airbnb, so I ended up getting this yellow button down I had already tried on in the US of A. I really like the little drawstring in the back that lets you cinch it if you so choose, and it’s surprisingly soft?

Everything I Put in the Bachelorette Goodie Bags

Listen I don’t think anyone is required to give little party favors, but my girls crossed international borders to come to my bachelorette, and the least I could do was throw them some travel sized sunscreen. They each got: the Havianas slim square dupes from Old Navy, a little mesh pouch from Gap, a bag charm I made with these beads and these keychains, a little Vacation sunscreen (that smells so good), a little tube of aloe, a mini hairbrush, a set of Patchology eye gels, and a Glossier Balm Dotcom.

In My Belly

Spiced Kebabs with Mint Sauce and Pineapple

Okay pineapple and beef is my new fave combo, you heard it here (or on my Insta stories) first. These little sweet and savory guys from Carolina Gelen smacked, and next time I think they might be even better with a Greek yogurt dressing of some sort. I used naan from Trader Joe’s instead of pita because I find Trader Joe’s pita to be seriously lacking, but the naan might have been a bit too bready, so next time I’ll source better pita. I highly recommend this cookbook, though—Carolina has such a unique palette and she’s a great recipe developer.

Minty Lamb Meatballs with Charred Cabbage and Tahini Sauce

Those who have owned and loved Cook This Book by Molly Baz may already be familiar with this recipe, but I just got both of her cookbooks from my Bridal shower because I’ve made lots of her online recipes and loved ‘em. Despite how much her constant cutesy abbreviations make me want to scratch my eyes out, the b*tch knows how to write a recipe, and I’m just like every other white girl: I love a Mediterranean-inspired meal, *Ramona voice* Oh-KAY? Lucky for me, someone else on the internet already wrote this recipe up so I don’t have to type it all out. Here you go xo.

Need a gift suggestion for your mother-in-law’s birthday? Stuck on how to rearrange the furniture in your living room? Want to know what to do with a jar of marinated artichokes? Come to mama. Hit me up with your questions, and I'll answer them in an upcoming letter.