The Napped Trapped Times, Issue 2
Back to in-store browsing, books I've been cruising through, a "fun money" update, and more!
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. You can view last month’s issue here.
Editor’s Note: June 29th, 2025
While the name of this series is inspired by a little news publication called The New York Times, what’s not news is that the world is serving hot, flaming dumpster fire energy. In fact, the drama (and literal atmosphere) has reached such notably hot temps that it’s sometimes hard to believe that this is real life and not a simulation for a new dystopian reality series. Like an aspiring hit show designed for maximum eyeballs, it’s impossible to look away — yet I find myself reaching for the remote, desperate to turn the volume way, way down.
If you’ve been in sporadic fits of despair over the last couple weeks and you’re also caring for young children, let me share something my brother-in-law told me the other day. When I mentioned how helpless I feel in making any sort of meaningful difference in the world right now, he told me that raising good humans is the ultimate act of resistance in today’s climate. If that’s all I do, that’s more than enough. His words. Pretty wise for a young man with no kids — I’d like more people in the world like him, please. That said, the least I can do is try to bring up two of them.
Doing my best to nurture kind, intelligent, and thoughtful humans is easier if I’m filling my cup along the way. For me, this means dressing in outfits that make me feel good, focusing on the positives as much as possible, showing up for play dates even when I want to hide at home, and of course — writing my silly little newsletter. So without further ado, I present to you…
As usual, let’s set the mood1.
Style
What I’ve Been Buying, Browsing, and Bookmarking
Most of my shopping is done online these days for convenience, but I recently walked into an Anthropologie and wow, I need to get out more. There’s something about the brand’s distinctive visual merchandising combined with its signature scent that never fails to inspire, even though I used to work there and still have the urge to tidy up every display. I walked around the store in literal circles with my baby strapped to me for so long that she fell asleep and I bumped into an old friend I hadn’t seen in fifteen years. That’s when you know it’s time to go. But before I left, I noted several things to add to my wishlist.
This shirt is my entire personality.
I literally gasped when I saw these.
This sweet bag that looks just like Staud’s Tommy Bag for a third of the price is excellent in person.
I hugged this pillow to my body and regretfully let go.
I was definitely staring at this dress for a minute.
And when I was grabbing those links above, I found this mini dress that I cannot stop thinking about.
Anthropologie installation by Emily Barton. Craftiest visual team in the game. Speaking of IRL shopping, I drove to Uniqlo with the sole mission of buying these socks. I grabbed a few pairs for my toddler, too. It just felt too silly to pay the shipping fee for socks, so we went all-in and rode the mall carousel, picked up See’s Candy, and window shopped while we were at it.
I spotted this skort and immediately saved it for obvious reasons.
I’m convinced that I need a pair of fisherman sandals, especially after reading Notes on a Shoe from
. This pair is at the top of my realistic wishlist and this pair lives in my dreams, but I’m still marinating on all of my options before I pull the trigger.If I were buying a new swimsuit right now, I’d buy one of these. (Congrats
— it’s a perfect collection.)This newly launched capsule by Spilled Milk is the cutest thing ever ever ever.
I know I’m still postpartum, so this take could change, but I’m pretty sure I’ll want to wear this underwear forever. The comfort is unrivaled. It might not be sexy, but being comfortable is.
I’m wearing jeans again!!! My bi-coastal bestie passed them along to me from her closet and they magically fit, a real Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment for ya. They’re Agolde — my favorite.
Finally, an update on last month’s “Fun Money” Finds: I bought the vest!!! It’s just as good as I had hoped. I’ve worn it with soft pants, barrel jeans, denim shorts, boxers, and the skirt below. I think it would be so cute over a dress, too.
Food & Drink
What I’m Eating, Drinking, and Trying To Feed My Children
My toddler decided she doesn’t eat bananas anymore, so we suddenly had five overly ripe bananas taunting me on the counter. I used the banana bread recipe shared in
’s letter last month and found this recipe to make muffins, too. Both were a hit.
They disappeared fast. Every single night, I drink one glass of this and snack on a handful (sometimes more) of chocolate almonds. It’s the perfect pre-bedtime snack. What’s yours?
After reaching out to the lovely people in the
chat for toddler-friendly meal ideas, I picked up several new recipes to try. So far, I’ve made the Lemon Basil Spaghetti and the 30-minute Al Pastor Enchiladas. I enjoyed them both far more than our 2-year-old, but it’s not my fault she only wants to eat cheese.
Because my family still thinks it’s SO0oOoOO funny when I’m in the kitchen.
Books & Stacks
What I’ve Been Reading
THE BOOKS —
My reading slump has ended, and I’m comfortably back in the pages at a pace that feels good. I think it was
’s recommendation, The Wreckage of My Presence, that officially got me in a flow again. Five stars for that alone.I followed up Casey Wilson’s book of essays with a lighthearted rom-com, It’s a Love Story. Annabel Monaghan has yet to disappoint. It was just what I needed!
Crush by Ada Calhoun, a book I picked up as much for its cover as its premise, took me back to Summer ‘24 when I swallowed All Fours in just a few luxurious sittings. Crush had the same vibe if you were into that. I have no desire for an open relationship (no judgment), and yet I’m strangely drawn to these midlife marriage implosion plotlines. Why?! Don’t freak out, Tommy!
Can’t read without chocolate.
I switched gears on a friend's recommendation and swiped through Nemonte Nenquimo’s memoir on my Kindle in less than a week. It’s a gorgeous life story about Nemonte’s fight to save the rainforest and her people — one I’d recommend to anyone looking to both escape and be inspired.
Every once in a while, I pick up a book that feels like it was written just for me at exactly the right time. Everyone but Myself, a memoir by Julie Chavez was that book. It’s essentially about a mom of two navigating the aftermath of a panic attack. I found so much to relate to and appreciated reading about another parent navigating a challenging time from beginning to end. It was also a gentle reminder that I should see a therapist again.
My very favorite type of book is a character driven family drama. If that’s your thing, too, you’ll probably like this book by Rebecca Kauffman. I finished it at 3 a.m. last night (iykyk) and immediately started looking for another book to read of hers.
So, what’s up next? My grandma was in town last week and kindly bought me a book I’d been eagerly awaiting for months. It’s patiently waiting for me on my nightstand, and I’m hopeful I’ll dive into it before the cover starts collecting dust.
ON SUBSTACK —
- just gets me. And she probably gets you, too! She’s amazing at sourcing finds that feel so me, which is no small feat. Wait…is she my personal stylist??
The other night, I was in tears before bed due to THE WORLD and spiraling down a black hole of news updates at 2 a.m. while nursing my baby. It’s been a lot. Thankfully,
came through the next morning with an essay that ended on a positive note and injected some hope straight into my bloodstream.In a similar vein, I’m a new reader of
and sincerely appreciate ’s ongoing ability to deliver news updates with timely doses of comedic relief.I saved
’s What the Girls are Wearing for Summer issue for endless inspiration. It also happens to be one of many places I’ve seen bloomers mentioned recently. Do I need them? TBD.- ’s letter on all things poplin had me taking mental notes, laughing out loud, and adding things to my wishlist all at once. She has a gift, but you already knew that.
This beautiful essay about connection made me want to throw my phone into the ocean, sit around a table with my friends, and play games with the Succession theme song blaring in the background. Thank you for nudging me to lean into community this past month,
.
Music & Media
What I’m watching and listening to
I don’t watch a lot of television, but it’s not really by choice — I’m just time poor! However, when my husband and I have made the effort to watch a show together after the kids are asleep, it’s been Hacks. We’re almost fully caught up after starting the show from season one a few months ago. I love that each episode makes me laugh and cry — a cathartic cry that comes from a heartwarming scene between two fictional characters > the anxious kind that comes from the real-life kickoff to WWIII.
Chills. On a related note, did you hear that Megan Stalter, the supremely talented actress who brings the biggest laughs on Hacks, is about to star in her own Netflix show, Too Much? The British romantic comedy series was co-created by Lena Dunham and is set to release on July 10th. Should we start a watch club?
This song came on while I was midway through a workout and reminded me of the fact that I listened to it while running a half marathon this past October. If I could do that while pregnant, I could do this while sleep deprived. That quick reflection, plus the fact that my daughter was watching, inspired me to ramp up my cycling cadence. Maybe it’ll motivate you, too. If not, at least turn it up for the ‘90s nostalgia. And if you can name the movie it’s from, we should probably be real-life friends.
I’m currently obsessed with hearing from moms navigating the transition from one to two kids, so finding this podcast episode from last year with
and felt like striking gold.
Opinion
Things I’d Tell You About on a Stroller Walk
No, I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m just using these.
I was feeling bad about not walking much lately, but then my mother-in-law sent me this and it turns out that I’m basically an athlete.
Lately I’ve been managing three peloton rides a week by plopping my baby on a swing, turning the bike volume way down, pedaling to nursery songs instead, and hoping for the best. Follow me for more parenting hacks.
Okay, fine. I thought there was just a large influencer campaign at play, but this tinted sunscreen really is that good. I’ve been a loyal user of Ilia’s Super Serum for years now, and this is the first thing I’ve actually considered replacing it with.
I’m wearing this mask again — a splurge from my DINK days. I have to wait until my children are asleep before using it, for fear of traumatizing them, which means I’m often too tired to bother. But even once a week in this thing is progress in the pursuit of self care.
But have I traumatized you?
Btw, the most clicked link from last month’s Times is under $20, has the potential to make your skin look glowy even if your sleep is broken, and I’m still using it every single day.
Your Turn
Group Chat Energy, Please
I’m looking to get more organized with our family planning during the week, especially ahead of the fall when everything is going to get a lot busier for us. What tools or tricks do you use to stay on top of appointments, playdates, etc?
Any other recs or thoughts? Comment or reply — I’d love to hear from you!
Until the next nap,
E
P.S. If you’re still here (hey, thanks) and enjoy reading my work, there are a few ways to show your support:
like, comment, or share this post! ty, ty, ty!
buy me a coffee and support my caffeine addiction, the real lifeline to this newsletter.
or upgrade to a paid subscription, another nice way to buy me a coffee.
P.P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). Thanks for supporting my work.
FYI, I’ll be adding a handful of new tracks to this playlist every month.
Hi, fellow new mom here 👋💕 Thank you for sharing your journey and current reality. I would love to know more about apps to help stay organized with events and playdates too! Please share if you discover something. The main resource I know of *discovering* kid-friendly events is the Mommy Poppins newsletter-- have you heard of it?
I loved every piece of clothing you linked and your outfit pics. Will be re-creating 🫶🏻