Hey, y’all!
I’m sending this from Lake Charles, Louisiana, where I’m on a quick two-night getaway with my sister, niece, aunt and their spouses. It’s been exactly what you’d expect: slots, cocktails, fried things and belly laughs. The Crazy Rich Asians slot machine has been particularly good to me! Meanwhile, back in Dallas, Todd and the kids are holding down the fort and wrangling our new puppy.
I’ll be home tomorrow, hopefully slightly richer but definitely needing a nap and some veggies.
|
ADD TO CART
Bug Off!
If you’re in Texas, it’s no secret to you that the mosquito is basically our unofficial state bird. And no matter what you spray, plug in or burn, they still find a way to bite you behind the knee while you’re just trying to grill a burger.
But! We tried something new and I’m a believer. These Fernbliss incense sticks actually made a difference. We lit a few around the pool area, and it kept the bugs at bay AND made the yard smell great! They burn pretty quickly, but the pack comes with 60 and costs like nine bucks. Toss a few in your outdoor planters and enjoy your evening without becoming a buffet.
|
ON THE MENU
Sunday Supper Shortcut!
Last weekend, I made pot roast, but time got away from me, and there was no way I could let it hang out in the slow cooker for eight hours unless we were planning on eating sometime around midnight. Enter: the Instant Pot. I used this recipe from The Pioneer Woman for the first time and, y’all, it was so good.
It only took about two hours start to finish and came out juicy, tender and full of flavor. I paired it with my legendary mashed potatoes (a recipe passed down from my Mamoo, which I’ll share at a later date). Todd and the kids devoured it. Claire even packed up some leftovers to take to a friend, which is probably the highest compliment this house gives.
The Pioneer Woman is still my ride-or-die for no-nonsense, old-school home cooking like casseroles, roasts and anything that screams “bring your appetite and wear stretchy pants.”
|
LET ME KNOW
Selling My Closet Castoffs
The previous model of Cooper Koch wore a different size, so I’ve got some great clothes that deserve a second life. We’re talking Mr. Turk, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Zegna. All stuff that’s been well cared for and barely worn. I’m thinking about selling through Poshmark with a nationwide reach, instead of schlepping it all to a local consignment store, particularly the zany Mr. Turk pants.
If you’ve done it before, tell me everything. Tips, warnings, things to avoid? I’ll share the link to my storefront once I get it up and running.
|
Words To Live By
“The noblest art is that of making others happy.”
– PT Barnum
I was reminded of this quote when Claire and I rewatched The Greatest Showman recently. Say what you will about the historical accuracy, but the soundtrack slaps. If anything I do online — this newsletter, my posts, my chaos — makes y’all smile, then I’m doing my job right.
|
That’s all for now. Hit reply and tell me what you loved (or didn’t). Forward this to someone who also hates mosquitoes. And I promise that if I win big at a slot machine, I will still be sending foolishness your way on the regular!
ICYMI: Here’s where you can read last week’s edition about our new puppy, what I really do to my face and the best time of year to shop for clothes if you live in Texas.
|
|
