The Nap Trapped Times, Issue 1
A juicy Substack comment thread, 10 under-the-radar movies, and the low-cost serum that’s earning me high-value compliments.
Welcome to The Nap Trapped Times, a monthly news report of things I’ve been thinking about, scrolling through, and quietly saving while sitting very still and trying not to breathe too loud.
Okay, first things first. Let’s set the mood, shall we?
What I’ve Been Reading
I’ve read 20 books this year, but two recent DNFs knocked me into a reading rut. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I haven’t slept through the night in 8 weeks. Anyways, whenever that happens, picking up a lighthearted page-turner is usually the ticket to get me back on track. Unfortunately, Emily Henry’s latest novel wasn’t doing it for me (sad!), but this book about five friends by Elin (hey-oh!) Hilderbrand is doing the trick.
Let me tell you about my favorite Substack series. I’m obsessed with the Girl Crush interviews from the brilliant (and sweet, stylish, cool) mind of
. Getting a glimpse into the lives of other moms I admire is such a treat. My favorite Q&A so far was this one with because, yes, she’s also my girl crush!BRB, stalking the comment section of this letter from
. (Thanks for leading me there, .) Even though I’ve already made the choice to have (two!) kids, I still find the discourse around deciding whether or not to have them to be totally fascinating. At the very least, you’ll find great life advice in there. One reader wrote in: “I guess my point is that we have to make the best of the life we are given. There's very little we can control in life other than our own thoughts, feelings and actions.” Ain’t that the truth.
Saved for Later
I’m setting aside my “fun money” for this Alex Mill cotton vest. I told myself that I’ll pull the trigger if I’m still obsessed with it at the end of the month. Red is my top choice, but every color is perfect.
Finally, something new to watch. This shortlist of must-see movies curated by a passionate movie watcher is essentially an act of public service. Flirting with Disaster is now on the top of my watchlist as soon as my newborn wraps up her nightly witching hour routine. Thank you,
.Have you tried the IKEA curtain trend? I sometimes like to fantasize about our next home and have so many interior design and DIY posts saved for a future (TBD) date — this is one of them. It’s giving hotel suite.
Someone made these!!! And that someone is named Victoria Savka. Anyways, I just think they’re adorable.
Things I’d Tell You About on a Stroller Walk
This very affordable serum gets me compliments. People started telling me that I was glowing approximately the next day after I started using it. They think it’s a “glow from within” thing after having a new baby, but I know the truth — it’s the serum.
We transitioned from The White Lotus straight to this unhinged show, and I need to talk about it with someone other than my husband! He (Nathan Fielder, but also my husband) has the strangest mind in the biz, but the absurd originality of each episode has me coming back every Sunday. Are you watching?
There’s a new podcast you should be listening to. If you’re a fan of
, general hilarity, and/or enjoy listening to other parents talk about how they’re navigating the chaos of parenthood, try it out.
What I’ve Been Wearing (and Buying)
I started digging out my pre-pregnancy clothing. Maybe a little too early, tbh. While my jeans still don’t fit, my tiered midi skirt from Madewell sure does! It’s no longer available online, but I found lookalikes for you at Doen, Gap, and J.Crew. Let’s match?
Actually, no, I will not stop talking about these pants. My navy pair has been in constant rotation as soon as I learned they could handle frequent washes and still wear like a dream. As someone who is postpartum (read: can only wear stretchy pants) but still wants to feel cute, Donni has really been showing up for me. In fact, “Donni Pointelle” is my #1 search on depop because I’m determined to get the whole collection.
She’s a Supa Phreek, she’s supa phreeky. I found my favorite Crap Eyewear sunnies hiding in the back of a drawer and have been wearing them daily ever since. Sadly, my cream marble pair is no longer available online but they still have ‘em in a few other colors.
Just say yes to bold one pieces! My sweet mom (and #1 Bang Voyage fan, probably) gifted me my favorite jumpsuit in red that I linked in a previous letter. I wore it out on a family outing yesterday morning under a vintage leather jacket and a baby. As soon as I clean the spit up off the collar, I’ll be wearing it again (and again).
My best friend bought a rugby shirt, so I bought a rugby shirt. Despite the fact that we live on opposite sides of the country (she’s in NY, I’m in CA), we’ve always dressed like the sisters we are at heart — that is to say, we wear the same clothes. After making the sliiightly impulsive purchase (it was on sale, okay?), I felt validated by
’s recent piece, You Need a Polo, I Promise, where she writes, “I loooove a rugby shirt. On a woman, on a man, on a kid. It’s a great look.” Exactly. I did need it.I’m a Croc Person™ now. I can explain.
made me buy them when she shared these in a recent newsletter. Like, I didn’t realize they could actually be that cute? I wear them daily. Total convert. SUE ME.
Reflecting on Tiny Wins
We’re fig blessed. Our fig tree in the backyard is growing like a weed. If any of you have recipe recommendations for those who happen to have a thousand figs on hand, please do tell.
I’m sleeping, kind of. My 8-week-old slept for a full five-hour stretch this past week. It only happened once, but I’m convinced she’ll be a better sleeper than our first unless I’ve just jinxed it.
I received the best gift ever. A friend of mine recently gifted me a DoorDash dinner on a day when I was feeling the baby blues. Impeccable timing. Don’t forget, food delivery is the best way to support your postpartum mom friends.
The hard shit really is temporary. I was reminded of this when I finally made it out of the house with two kids on my own. The thought of solo parenting a toddler and a newborn in public sounded impossible a few weeks ago, but now? I think I can do this. (However, adding coffee and another mom friend for support makes it so much easier.)
Your Turn (Group Chat Energy, Please)
I’m doing my best to dodge another reading rut over here, so tell me — what’s on your nightstand that’s keeping you up at night (in a good way)?
Any other recs or thoughts? Comment or reply — I’d love to hear from you!
Until the next nap,
E :)
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So honored to be included in this v important report!! Have also been eyeing the red Alex Mill vest so I think it’s a sign from the universe for us both. Thank you for gracing us with the perfect Sunday read 💕
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