I’m a big fan of pop culture, and although I’m not quite as on trend as I maybe used to be (but then again, maybe not…?), I do like to keep somewhat abreast of the zeitgeist. I’m usually late to the punch, but when I arrive, I like to think I bring the passion! There’s been a few songs and books I’ve enjoyed lately, for various reasons, and I just felt like sharing them today… so here we go:
Too Sweet – Hozier
Hooo boy. This song is hot. And I don’t usually say that about songs! It’s so catchy, and just the perfect vibey listen. Hozier’s voice is both raspy and smooth as silk (hitting that falsetto, ugh) and I just can’t stop listening to it. Of course, I’m late to the party as I just saw it went #1 in the US but… better late than never!
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
I started to enjoy Sabrina Carpenter’s music through “Nonsense”, where I’d get a bunch of Youtube shorts (of her Tiktoks) to the incredibly catchy song. I then got into “Feather”, and while that may be my favourite thus far, her newest song “Espresso” is definitely a certified bop. It’s cool, it’s a vibe and it’s the kind of thing you can just listen to on repeat (ask me how I know). She definitely has something endearing about her, and I’d be keen to listen to more of her music. Plus, her “Nonsense” outros are all ones for the books.
Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
In my journey to become a SAHM and homemaker, I bought Home Comforts — the so-called bible of homemaking. And let me tell you, it is quite the tome! This is basically a reference book containing every possible situation you may find yourself in the home, and how to solve any quandaries: stains, tidying, and basically managing the home. Yes, I have a long way to go in my decluttering journey… but I’m starting!
After Birth by Jessica Hatcher-Moore
Having birthed one baby and about to birth a second (in 3 months… yeeesh is that creeping up on me), I still often rethink my birth experience and what I could’ve changed. That’s what intrusive thoughts will do! I was and am proud of myself for even just popping a kid out, but this time am going to attempt a home birth vs. the hospital experience of my first.
This book After Birth covers this, postpartum and everything in between. I’ve been skimming through it to get to relevant parts (and because I don’t want to scare myself — again), and the way it’s written makes it very palatable and easy to educate yourself on birth and all things baby.
Maisy’s Surprise Birthday Party by Lucy Cousins
Okay, here’s a cute one… it’s a Maisy book. We actually borrowed this from the library, but as the daughter of a very-British mum, I have a soft spot for Maisy. We’ve actually done way more Spot books (mainly Spot Loves Bedtime but also Find Spot at the Hospital) thus far, but since we had a big birthday a month ago (the big 3!), we’ve been very into birthday parties. This is a sweet book for preschoolers who are getting the gist of birthday parties, and the fact it’s a surprise is even more exciting.
I foolishly borrowed Elmer’s Birthday without reading it, wherein (spoiler alert) the animals try to trick Elmer by ignoring his birthday, except it turns out it’s not his birthday… not a great plot, a bit mean and lacking a punchline. And I thought I loved Elmer! Well, rest assured, there’s none of that here. Maisy is all sweetness, cute drawings and happy friends having a bangin’ birthday complete with a “party tea”. So much cuteness in one little paperback.
That’s it for today… what have you been loving recently? Let me know in the comments below!